Reflecting on Soccer's Past and Present
Before moving on to current topics, a brief nod to the past: I distinctly recall following the World Cup on my small TV in a Wilmington, N.C. apartment, where the newspaper staff tolerated my deep passion for all things soccer.
For those who don’t remember the era before constant online connectivity, consider exploring a then-and-now feature to appreciate how much has changed.
Although I lack photographic evidence, the individual seated behind Gianni Infantino and to his left (our right) during the Spain-Austria match bore an uncanny resemblance to Weird Al Yankovic. I’d like to think Al would secure better seats than that.
As for celebrities at this match, perhaps we might spot Nelly Furtado, born to Portuguese parents from the Azores who emigrated to Canada. Or maybe ER star Goran Visnjic will make an appearance. (Yes, I did mention I’m old.)
Team Lineups and Formations
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Mendes, Veiga, Dias, Cancelo; Vitinha, João Neves; Leão, Fernandes, Neto; that guy
Croatia: Livakovic; Perisic, Pongracic, Sutalo, Stanisic; Kovacic, Modric; Baturina, Sucic, Vlasic; Budimir
Both teams are estimated by some agencies to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, though others may argue for a 4-4-2 or even a 3-6-1 setup.
Pre-Match Commentary and Fan Perspectives
“Hi Beau! So, Modric vs Ronaldo. There’s going to be a lot of old men jokes tonight, huh? Hopefully some of them won’t be inappropriate. Can we respectfully agree that this qualifies as Clash of the Titans, then? (Because, in the actual myths, the Titans *are* older than Zeus). Sorry, couldn’t resist.” – Vlado
Reflecting on my journey from Troy back to Ithaca (as depicted in the movie), I once advised on creating the ideal soccer player. Unfortunately, they did not heed my counsel, and Messi emerged in Argentina, which is quite distant from Ithaca. Portugal is relatively closer, at least.
“On Saturday we are off on holiday to Spain and Portugal for three weeks, and will be in Portugal for the semifinal and final. I can’t bear the thought of having that insufferable …. (I can think of any number of words to insert here, but poseur is probably the only one which would meet ’s editorial guidelines) Ronaldo thrust down my throat day and night. So to be on the safe side Portugal had better go out as soon as possible, i.e., tonight. Besides which they need to be punished for leaving Fulham legend Palhinha out of the squad.” – Richard Hirst
Match Significance and Tournament Context
This match will answer a crucial question:
Who gets the honor of losing to Spain?
In the 48-team World Cup format, 12 of the 16 Round of 32 matches feature a team that won their group. This is not one of those matches.
Portugal impressively defeated Uzbekistan 5-0, sandwiched between draws with Colombia and a DR Congo side that now appears more formidable in hindsight. Croatia lost to England, who later overcame DR Congo, then narrowly advanced past Panama and defeated Ghana 2-1.
Both squads are star-studded, though not in the sense that the players are ancient. To clarify a question about 1 March 2006, I was planning my 36th birthday party then, so these players seem young to me.
This match offers a welcome distraction for U.S. audiences, where social media is dominated by two prevailing opinions today:
- It’s unfortunate, but according to the Laws of the Game, Folarin Balogun had to be sent off.
- That was the worst officiating call in history, even worse than the 1972 Olympic basketball final. (I did say I was old, though I don’t recall that game firsthand.)
Please send your comments, diet tips, and Medicare advice, and I will address as many as possible.
Beau will join shortly. Meanwhile, here is more on today’s matchup:
Historical Context and Player Milestones
Can you recall what you were doing on 1 March 2006? Perhaps you were at Anfield, watching England defeat Uruguay 2-1. Or maybe you saw Switzerland score three goals against Scotland at Hampden Park.
That same evening, Luka Modric made his debut for Croatia in a 3-2 victory over Argentina, with Lionel Messi scoring his first international goal. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-0 Portugal win against Saudi Arabia, likely dreaming of the day he would live and work in Portugal.
While Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football discussions since then, Modric has remained a constant presence at the highest level. His style is more methodical and less flashy, focusing on passing rather than scoring.
These three players belong to an elite group of four men who have earned at least 200 international caps. Bonus points if you can name the fourth.
