Brad

Messi never seems to enjoy himself with the national team. His demeanor during the playing of the national anthem was a tip off. Perhaps he should retire from the team. In a way, he’s not really Argentine in that he grew up in Spain and spends a considerable amount of time there. Maybe he should become a Spanish citizen.

Are they just copying the original albums on these releases?

I'm getting mine tomorrow as well.

What a terrible performance. Croatia well deserved the seeming victory. I’m happy for Modric. RM 1 Barca 0

What an unbelievable mistake from Caballero. What was he thinking. Not much I suppose. They are in serious trouble. If they don’t make it out of the group stage he better not go home.

I can’t say I completely disagree with you but then we’d never see some of these countries. Anyway, I hope for the best for Peru. I can’t see them winning but maybe they can get a point.

This is a terrific cd.

The sports are not really comparable but every few years there’s the Baseball Classic in Spring Training and there are strong teams and weak teams. I’m happy to see teams like Panama and Iran, who still have a shot to move on. We in the New World see things differently

Yes, but I think there should be more African and Asian teams and less European teams, although you too probably disagree. This problem will be ameliorated in 2026 although I think 48 teams is a bit too many. South America has 10 countries (not counting Surinam, etc.) and five qualified. I would have liked to see one more, probably Chile. The World Cup extends to Siberia although it isn't an easy reach

I'm afraid you lost me on that one. Every team, no matter the team, tries to assemble the best team. Looking at the composition of the Spanish 23 man squad, there are 10 players from Real Madrid (6) and Barcelona (4) together, three from Athletico Madrid, four from other Spanish teams and six who play for teams outside of Spain. That seems like an even distribution.

They definitely parked the bus. I was vociferously complaining to my son. As the game was nearing its conclusion, he told me if I didn’t calm down, I was going to have a heart attack

Gracias a Dios.

España is making me very stressed, especially deGea

Great stories Michael. Thanks for sharing them.

Good beginning for Uruguay, one of the countries I root for. I lived there as a kid.

I thought Morocco played very well but Portugal made a lot of good saves. Pepe is such an actor. He’s never changed.

This is an outstanding track.

I don't think I'm going out on a limb to say CR is on fire. He's playing on a level higher than at Madrid. They have to be viewed as a serious contender for the Cup.

Here's a great remembrance of Lorraine Gordon by Ethan Iverson. Lorraine Gordon 1922-2018

Maybe he can apply for US citizenship!

Agreed, too good to pass up.

Egypt is screwed. An almost certain Uruguay victory will put them out. Now, they’re really screwed at 3-0.

I hope to pick up mine at the Jazz Bash in NJ this Friday.

Started to listen to this last night.