World Cup Update
Start writing a post
Sports

World Cup 2018–The Semifinals are upon us

If you haven't started watching yet, you need to start now.

93
World Cup 2018–The Semifinals are upon us
https://www.pexels.com/photo/fans-stadium-field-sport-17598/

As the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup comes to a close, things are just as exciting as we'd all hoped they'd be. None of the teams that are favorites to win the tournament have looked very convincing, and many of the smaller teams that nobody expected to accomplish anything have made life very difficult for the bigger teams.


At the beginning of the tournament, most teams that were expected to make it out of the group stage had done so, but not a single one had gotten through without doubts as to whether they would do so. Argentina, for example, a team that is rich in talented players and a country that has soccer deep in its blood, has struggled so much that up until 10 minutes remained in the final game they were destined to make a very early World Cup exit. Out of context, the scenes from after their win could have been mistaken for them winning the whole tournament.


Of course, Argentina isn't the only ones who have struggled, and they certainly aren't the only ones who have celebrated a victory in the group stages so much. Brazil's second match ended with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica, a team that is widely regarded to be strong, but no match for Brazil. After the final whistle in a tense match, Brazil's headlining talent, Neymar was seen in tears from the relief of the victory. With their comfortable victory over Serbia, Brazil would have been many viewers' favorite to win it all if it wasn't for their loss in the quarterfinals to the up and coming, exciting Belgian national team.

Perhaps the most shocking outcome of the group stages is Germany's early exit. With just a single win out of the three games, a hapless German squad lost to the Korean Republic 2-0 as they find themselves booking an early flight home to try to work out what went so wrong in their approach to the tournament. Germany is a team that is known for its grit and consistent dominance on the international stage. An exit like this is sure to raise questions about the team's management personnel.


At the time of writing, just three matches remain in the World Cup. The young and exciting England team will play in their first semifinal in 28 years against Croatia who will be playing in their second ever semifinal since becoming an independent nation. The second semifinal will feature Belgium playing the powerhouse French national team. The overall favorite to win at the moment is the winner of the France Belgium matchup, but with the way this tournament has gone, I wouldn't count anyone out.

For those of you who haven't started watching yet and fear that it is too late to start, I'm here to alleviate those fears. Even if you don't know anything about soccer, make your way to a sports bar or a soccer-fanatic friend's house to watch rest of the games in the tournament because, given all of the drama that has already occurred, this World Cup is shaping up to be one of the best. For the biggest sporting event in the world, it would be a shame if you missed out on that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55356
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35671
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957713
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

185488
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments