I really don't know who I want to win. If France wins, we will get hundreds of articles about how we should copy the French youth model (ironically USSF Coaching/MLS already have a working relationship with the FFF and some teams have former French Academy coaches on staff). This comes four years after hundreds of articles about copying the German system and eight years after hundreds of articles about copying the Spanish system. If Croatia wins, we will get articles about how important going to Champions League clubs are, Ignoring the fact that players have to get offers to join Champions League clubs to go there. I just want a good game. The real winner is Putin, but that's a topic for another forum.
Gaul vs. Hrvatska France seem to have the advantage, but frankly, they've only had one game where they looked dominant to me (vs. Argentina). Croatia will have to dig deep once again to pull off the upset. It would be foolish to automatically count them out, but fatigue, not to mention nerves could factor into the outcome. I read an article about the troubles facing Croatia and its FA. Charges and counter-charges about corruption have tied both the football association and government officials together, and the nation is divided as to whether or not winning the World Cup would be a big deal to boost everyone's spirits and lead to a more open and transparent environment for soccer management. Pretty sad, really. It was definitely a factor in Croatia's fan behavior during Euro 2016. So far in Russia, no similar problems have been reported. Regardless of which team wins, I hope the final is less of a borefest that World Cup finals have a tendency to become.
It's time for the #WorldCupFinal! Who do you think will win, #CRO or #FRA?Remember, have a special World Cup-themed game of @hqsports during halftime for a $10,000 grand prize 🤑https://t.co/BO0wmgD0FS— HQ Trivia (@hqtrivia) July 15, 2018
It wouldn't be World Cup coverage without Former Fifa Match Commissioner Doctor Joe Machnik, Our Rules Expert.
Finished catching up on the mini Hell of the North to Roubaix just 4 minutes befoer kickoff, perfect timing.
I got distracted by the Croatian jiggling and wobbling and almost forgot there's a match on the field. Come on camera guy, I'm sure showing gorgeous women is fun but there's an actual game being played.