Brad

A disgrace. Hopefully not. There is something about the Orange that is special.

Voted for Hank.

Yes, England for sure, maybe even Holland

The coverage in the Times was pretty good, no complaints. I used to like their former principal writer, Hughes. They were definitely unlucky. When the French want to play, they’re heads above most teams. 2020 might be the last chance for Croatia as Modric and Mandzukic will be around 34-35, not to mention teams like Belgium, Germany, Spain, etc. will be better and France will want to make their mark.

Wonderful date!

Maybe the Pogba one. I'm not sure I agree about the others. I read this article yesterday, France, a World Champion that Stood Above It All Normally, I like his writing but what was he watching? As you pointed out, Croatia handed them two goals, they were unimpressive against Belgium and they played an undermanned Uruguay team. I haven't even mentioned the group stage. Yesterday, they had a good 15-20 stretch but that was it. Perhaps if it's 1-1 at half, it's a more interesting match.

I can't agree about the keeper. If it hadn't been for him, they might not have won those shootouts. I can't recall seeing this before but I was impressed with the Croatian president congratulating the French (as well as the Croatian) players. Maybe you're right about Griezemann but Modric deserved something for the Cup he had. Moving on, I see Chelsea has said Hazard is not for sale and Mbappe says he wants to stay at PSG. Madrid could be in real trouble.

Goya’s Ghosts. Forman’s last film. Unfortunately, not very good. I’d avoid it.

Feliz Cumpleaños!

It was a lot of fun, watching the matches and discussing them. When I lived in Trinidad (when I was 10) I used to play cricket but darned if I can remember anything about it. However, I do know it’s extremely popular, almost as much as football.

Then Mike Mussina should get in. He received 63% this year so maybe he's only a couple of years away.

I agree about the 15 minutes; they really turned it in and showed their brilliance. After that they seemed to lose their edge. La Vanguardia in Barcelona called their victory an “efficient thrashing.” What a shame this WC is over but all good things must come to an end. Congrats, Brownie

You are seeing real quality now. Croatia is no match for them. Deschamps must have lit into them at halftime.

France have started to play and when they do, they are the best team. They are causing a lot of havoc.

Possibly borderline.

Has France shown up yet? They are being outplayed, out hustled, etc. Were it not for Croatian mistakes, they would be in trouble. Come what may, with the quality gap between nations closing, this WC has to encourage smaller nations. The big ones are not as imposing as they used to be.

Shades of Pique. That one was easy to call. Croatia has literally handed France the lead.

Being behind is a situation that doesn't seem to bother Croatia. Hopefully, we will see more goals. I'd hate to see a final decided on a OG.

I will go the other way: Idemo Hrvatska!

At least they are leading the Tour de France, so far.

I wonder what country or sports team has not been accused of arrogance? Very few, I think.

As a non European, I don’t understand this negativity about England. People were excited because it looked like a team that had something, especially when you look at past history. What’s wrong with a little exuberance and passion for your country. Nothing as far as I can see. I know a lot of countries would have been thrilled to get as far as they did.

Was Russia 2018 the best World Cup ever? And other reflections on the state of the sport.

I think England did have a good WC. They were a young team and this will only help them in the Euros and the 2022 WC.

Glad to see Kerber won. Of course, this match paled in comparison to the Nadal Djokovic match.