If you have read this blog for any time, you know that Cristiano Ronaldo is far from my favorite player. That’s been true for a long time, and when you consider some of the companies he has these days, it’s even more so.
So when he did a Harry Kane last night during Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay, I wasn’t surprised one bit. Running away to claim a goal when he didn’t touch the ball is typical. I guess some would say that’s what goal-obsessed people do, that they’ll take any opportunity to add to their tally, but replays showed he made no contact and still ran off celebrating like he did.
I guess in the grand scheme of things it’s not the biggest problem facing the world today. Obviously there are many more important things. But still, what a spoofer. What makes it worse, however, is that the goal went to Bruno Fernandes, a man whose face is so irritating it should come with a government health warning.
As for Portugal’s second goal, it was a ridiculous penalty. We’ve talked a lot about offside during this tournament, but surely the handball rule also needs some work. Where is the guy supposed to put his hands when he slides in to try and block a shot? It’s not like he’s diving first into fists like an Olympic diver.
That is NOT a sanction and it is literally in the IFAB directory of what IS NOT a sanction.
It can only be a sanction if it is a deliberate act.
This image is from the IFAB. pic.twitter.com/LSGTzkinzq
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) November 28, 2022
It came after Uruguay released Luis Suárez to add some punch to their attack, and they had a period where they pressured Portugal. They hit the post with the goalkeeper hit, and Suárez was unable to move his foot around the ball enough to shoot at the near post after the ball broke amiably. So ending up with that kind of penalty decision must be frustrating.
There was also a brief interruption – not that we were allowed to watch it on TV – from a protester wearing a T-shirt with ‘Save Ukraine’ on the front and ‘Respect Iranian women on the back’, while holding a flag. of the rainbow . Even in the middle of soccer, you’re never too far from trouble off the pitch. I wonder how that guy is doing this morning.
I enjoyed this analysis of the Uruguayan outlet ‘El Observador’ (I’m not sure what it means in English). ‘Uruguay in a state of regression: primitive football played by drowning.
‘Diego Alonso [manager] … put on the precautionary suit…’, while Edinson Cavani was one of the few Uruguay players to speak afterwards, to say briefly: “Ask Alonso about the plan, he can explain it to you.”
I like the idea of ​​the caution suit. I suppose football managers carry this around in their cowardly cars where, of course, the handbrake is always on.
Uruguay can still qualify, but Ghana’s 3-2 win over South Korea puts them in a strong position when the two teams meet in the final game. It was a highly entertaining victory for Thomas Partey’s side, up 2-0, then went back to 2-2 with a couple of very good headers, only for the impressive Mohammed Kudus to score the winner. He has been one of the standout players in this tournament for me.
Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland were beaten 1-0 by Brazil, who probably deserved to beat them. The Swiss were very well organized and obviously had a plan to make life difficult for the opposition, but a very aesthetically pleasing winner that grazed the butt of a defender was enough for the three points. The other game yesterday was the entertaining 3-3 between Serbia and Cameroon, which had goalkeeping drama before the match to add to the occasion.
Today, the groups are decided. We know that the hosts Qatar are out, so we’ll see who from the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador go through later. The Dutch play against Qatar, so it is likely that there will be a direct shootout between the other two. The evening games are looking a bit tastier with Wales taking on England and the USA taking on Iran. There’s plenty to do on the pitch, and some interesting sidebars off it.
I saw reports that Ben White missed England training due to illness. Having had heatstroke once before, during which I hallucinated a plethora of David Bowies dancing in my hotel room, I wish him all the best.
For more on the World Cup, join me and Dan from @HLTCO on Patreon a bit later this morning for one of our crossover podcasts, more here tomorrow.
Until then, take it easy.
