Gab Marcotti's Best XI of World Cup group stage: M...
Key takeaways
- It's almost as if a whole other World Cup starts up now, one with as many participants as the sort of World Cups many of us have had for most of our lifetime.
- Some will say it's absurd to play 70% of the games to get rid of just one third of the teams.
- And we've had upsets and surprises, from Cape Verde, DR Congo and South Africa getting through to Uruguay, South Korea and Türkiye going home early.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
It's almost as if a whole other World Cup starts up now, one with as many participants as the sort of World Cups many of us have had for most of our lifetime. The difference, of course, is that it's now mano a mano, win or go home from here, with no room for error.
Some will say it's absurd to play 70% of the games to get rid of just one third of the teams. Me? I like football, so I enjoyed it.
We've had quality to go with the quantity, we've had drama, we've had intensity (so much for those who feared that the long and congested club season would mean tired and weary players) and, of course, with a few exception, we've had good vibes just about everywhere. And we've had upsets and surprises, from Cape Verde, DR Congo and South Africa getting through to Uruguay, South Korea and Türkiye going home early.