The Much That Is More for the Usual Suspects

The parallel might be the only one, but just as Brazil used Haiti to boost morale, Spain also had a 'friendly' second round against Saudi Arabia to recover from their poor debut against Cape Verde. While Don Carletto certainly aided his attack by swapping Igor Thiago for Matheus Cunha, the Caribbean side couldn't hide the pre-tournament notion that, even with last-minute reinforcements, they were one of the weakest teams ever to grace a World Cup stage.

It won't be the thrashing or Lamine Yamal's 'arrival' at the Americas tournament with his first goal that restored the 'Roja's' favorite status. They already were, and it was easy for them to get back on track.

This theory was contradicted by a Belgium side burning the last fuel of their Golden Generation, failing to overcome a hostile Iran in a tournament that should have been an example of hospitality for those who, on the pitch, earned their right to be there. They'll have one last chance against New Zealand. And Portugal faces Uzbekistan.

That's also the consequence of having 48 teams in a World Cup that has ceased to be a stage for the gods, now aiming to include mortals born with a talent or two that makes them eligible. More teams, more fans, more money. Surprises in the first phase are eliminated, leading to better teams in the most important matches, thus more interest and money.

The democratization of the World Cup is, in reality, based on rankings, merely (for some) a guarantee of a visa and a life experience. For some, a better one than for others. Let Cape Verde enjoy it! The same can be said for the often unnecessary, long hydration breaks, designed for sponsorships rather than athletes, catering to the American public, much like in the NBA.

El Loco Bielsa, a football philosopher and Uruguay's coach, perfectly summarized the issue: "Playing four periods instead of two alters the cultural conception of football and how we interpret it." Touché!