www.Go To The Mountain - Musings of a Potential Guru

How quickly the 2018 version of the World Cup is coming to an end. One of the things why the World Cup is special is that you can only plot your revenge only four years later and you need to continuously plan your assault immediately. Before this World Cup started, France was slated as fourth favourite by the bookmakers while Croatia was way behind, even behind England. Belgium was rated better than England and rightly so due to their Golden Generation but we know not all Golden Generation have won their Cup.  We know all about Brazil, Germany, Spain and Portugal but I knew France was the most talented squad with the greatest strength in depth with my only doubt being Didier Deschamps' indoctrination of his team. I never doubted Croatia's talent. They will always be one of the better teams and they have some great individuals as well despite having only a population of 4.16 million. England should do reasonably well not because of what they are but rather what they are not. G...

There are still many doubters over England and some even singled goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to be a burden but England the team and Pickford the young goalie have shown they are made of sterner stuff. Take a look at his save against Colombia first which I think is the save of the tournament: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zMAJUQimQE (Pickford Save) He rescued England with that penalty save which was crucial as they have just missed a penalty. He seemed to be going one way and switched direction to make that save. One save from a Swedish header up close another diving low to his right and finally palming one over the top. Kieran Trippier pumped in crosses and from corners and set pieces like a seasoned pro and then Harry, Maguire (not Kane) scored with an unstoppable header. These three were not even playing during qualification and here they are bringing England into the semi-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup setting up a clash against Croatia. Even those die-hard England fan...

Italy and the Netherlands did not even make it here. Champions Germany, a powerhouse of so many World Cup, a winning machine have gone home to review their future just like a couple of friends who after a few drinks would ask me the same thing - what are you going to do with your future? Former Champions Spain kept the ball so well passing it all over the pitch they have gone home to play and keep the ball. Another great, Argentina even with the mesmeric Lionel Messi went packing. European Champions Portugal with the great Ronaldo went straight to the airport.  From Group stage, almost all the usual suspects went through except Group F and H. Asia has done well especially the Japanese who unfortunately led a strong Belgium and lost 2-3. Korea achieved a great 2-0 win over Germany. Has any team or player light up this World Cup yet? Not really. There were flashes. Group stage soccer can have upsets but it is merely separating the wheat from the chaff. Sometimes, there would be ...