Fresh Air

This World Cup is unlike any other.

2002 was my first. I was in my fourth grade, and it was in Korea-Japan. Most matches happened during or after I finished dinner and homework. It was pleasant.

2006 was during my eight grade. Junior high. It was held in Germany, so most matches happened during Indonesian bedtime. Plus, it was school break so I had to enjoy almost all matches. It was wonderful.

2010 was in between my high school graduation and university preparation. Of course I had all the time to follow each and every single one of the match. It was probably the best World Cup for me.

2014 was long after I graduated college, during my freelance era. It was half the world away in Brazil but we were in the middle of Ramadan. Most matches were aired during Suhoor so I couldn't complain the beautiful timing!

Now 2018... is "fresh air" to me.

I'm in the middle of my career start. My work is crazy demanding, my side job is budding rapidly before my very own eyes, and my traveling lust is bursting out of control. I just returned from Bali in March, Macao in April, and Korea in May, an ambitious travel series I never had before, and my company never encountered before, so now, when I'm currently in Jakarta, they don't let me breathe.

So watching the World Cup seems like a literal fresh air to me.

It distracts me from my work, although just for a while because afterwards I'll be back to my desktop. It gives me and my colleges something else to talk about besides works. It brings us together in fresh new ways, be it from sleepover at our big sis coworker, to a nobar at the office meeting room.

If you compare this World Cup with the last two, where I acted like a real football critic and posted tons of pretentious blogposts, this one's a big real downfall. I was so busy with works, and with preps of my upcoming trips, that I missed on a lot of football talks with my blog.

Thank God at least the World Cup itself is so fun to watch, and the atmosphere to enjoy it with my coworkers wasn't that bad either.

Also, thank God because the final match itself was somewhat another fresh air too.

Thanks, World Cup 2018.
You gave me an escape
To breathe

End of Group B: Fvck

Sorry.

I just don't know what other word to say.
Because that's what I kept saying during the games.

End of Group B

POR vs IRN | ESP vs MOR

Pic's from here and here.

You know when it's the last match day of a group stage, both games between four contenders are aired at the same time. It's meant to keep all teams from losing their will to fight, but to me, it means the drama gets doubled. And of course to feel that, I have to watch both. So enter the week where I turn on two screens at a time. Yes, I'm that freaky.

So, Group B. It's been a hell of a journey for all of them, eh? Two giants, one Asian star, and one underdog whom apparently powerful despite having no luck in winning the first two matches. The last match day of this group saw an opportunity still opened for both the European giants, and Iran. And that's why this ending would become really dramatic.

And it was a real SPOT-ON decision.
Despite the twice-more screening-hassle.

Honestly, I wanted Iran to proceed. Be it with Portugal or Spain, I don't care. I hate both so it's no use to pick who I'd like to fail anyway. And my fellow Asians did play good, too! They got robbed first by the end of first half -I’m so mad but it was a good goal by Quaresma so... yea- but that’s all! Overall they did good defense that Portugal made no other goal, good attack too that Portugal found it difficult to finish as the winner.

Then the craziest thing happened at the second half. Ronaldo, as usual, pulled his “OMG I’m fouled” trick -this is what I really hate from him. He is a good player, really, but I just can’t stand his drama. Between him and Messi, whom I hate too by the way, I prefer the latter because he’s damn clean! The referee decided to review it on VAR, and congrats Portugal, it was a penalty. Of course Ronaldo took the chance. He hit the ball, and... NO GOAL OMG FUCK I SCREAMED SO LOUD REALIZING THAT THE BITCH’S DIRTY GAME FAILED ALLAH KNEW BETTER WHO TO HELP! An Iranian GK, named Ali Beiranvand, whom apparently a runaway kid from Tehran, blocked a freaking PENALTY KICK FROM THAT RENOWNED CRISTIANO RONALDO! Swallow your pride, star, you’re a Messi—you remember the opening match of Argentina against Iceland right??? It felt the same, ONLY MILLION TIMES BETTER BECAUSE THE STAKES WERE HIGHER! Phew, okay let’s move on... to the other match.

The phenomenal block! I swear I never screamed so loud before. Pic's from here.

Morocco, surprisingly, played freaking awesome too. Well, not surprisingly, because it was quiet obvious from the beginning. They were only unfortunate by conceding an OG when against Iran, and lost against Portugal -which score was only 1-0 anyway, so it was still really good! Facing Spain, they were like beasts, and they scored the first goal! And guess what made this feel even better? Because it happened thanks to Ramos’ error. It was the first, it was nicely executed, and it was taken from Ramos feet and scored in front of his face! SUCK IT YOU FOOL!

The moment I believed Ramos began to get the karma he deserved. Pic's from here.

It wasn’t long until Spain made a comeback. Moroccan meddled defense was taken advantage by Isco, and there’s the goal for Spain. HOWEVER, Morocco made another comeback! Oh God, why did they just show their power when they were already unqualified??? After a series of attacks, they scored one more goal through En-Nesyri’s header and BOOM, gone are Spain’s hopes.

But you know I wouldn’t highlight these matches if it just ended like that right?

With this situation, Portugal and Spain would go through because they originally just needed a draw. But entering stoppage time, Iran were rewarded a penalty due to Portugal’s handball. Fuck. I didn’t see this coming man, IT WAS STOPPAGE TIME FOR GOD’S SAKE! Some guy named Karim Ansarivard took the chance, looking so nervous, AND I WAS TOO OH GOD THEY’RE MY FELLOW ASIANS AND MUSLIMS! It was really a knee-shaking experience, because the odds were obviously against Iran but PRAISE ALLAH ALMIGHTY THE PENALTY WAS CONVERTED! Iran was now the group’s runner up, sharing the same points with Spain but less conceded goals!

An unexpected comeback from Iran. I swear I never once felt so enjoyed
watching a match full of penalties before. Pic's from here.

HOWEVER.

As Iran were preparing for the penalty, Spain -I don’t know what kind of a lucky charm had Ramos been using for the team- made another goal through Iago Aspas... HOWEVER, as the Spaniards were celebrating, the linesman was apparently raising his flag—yes, baby, IT WAS A FREAKING OFFIDE! Oh my God I swear my heart just popped out of my ass and now it’s back. Iran just scored their penalty I couldn’t imagine unimagining them on the next—HOWEVER!!! YES ITS STILL ON NOW YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I FIND THESE GAMES CRAZY RIGHT?! Spain couldn’t just accept it they convinced the referee to review the VAR and so he did, and... oh God I swear it was only two seconds but it felt forever.

The goal was given.

And that’s how I lost my faith in rooting too much for a team. Within seconds, Iran’s chance was gone... Oh, Allah. Seriously, why? They would proceed if Spain's goal remained declined. Their successful penalty and the decision of Spain's goal happening on the very same time, just because both relying on VAR, IT WAS CRAZY TREMBLING! But frankly, it really was entertaining. Not a fan of the result, especially looking at those Iranian players in tears oh God sometimes I hate watching football because of this... but again, it's the match that matters. The whole games were unbelievably unexpected!

And this was just the second group.
There are other big teams on other groups,
Waiting to show some fvcking good dramas.

FVCK, I CANT WAIT!

Tickets to Fight For

So, Matchday Two just ended.

We saw some teams actually made it through the next round: Russia, Uruguay from Group A, France from Group C, Croatia from Group D, Mexico from F and England along with Belgium from G.

And that’s all.

I know. Shocking, right?

So where are the other big teams?

Well that’s the beauty of World Cup. Especially THIS World Cup, because so far, YOU SIMPLY CANNOT GUESS WHAT WOULD BE HAPPENING?! We expected Germany, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, and some other names shining on 2014 to at least secure 6pts at this point of competition. What really happens is, the big fights are still resuming on at least 5 groups, in which mostly have those big names in it.

Let’s start with Group B, where Spain and Portugal, both with 4pts, need to beat Morocco and Iran respectively on the next matchday. Morocco is definitely out of the cup, along with Group A’s Saudi Arabia and -fuck you, Ramos- Egypt. Iran, surprisingly, are still in the running for the Round of 16 with 3pts. A win against Portugal, or at least a draw with a note that Spain lose the game, will send Iran to the next round. Odd chance, but one cannot predict.

Argentina on Group D, shockingly, are on bottom two with only 1pt. They will have to fight with Nigeria, who possess 3pts, as both has the same big chance to go through. However, newcomer Iceland, also 1pt, are still in the running too—because if Nigeria lose, and Iceland score big against Croatia, the tiny nation will end up in the group’s second place.

In Group E, Brazil may be on top, but they haven’t secured their spot in the next round with only 4pts. They will battle Serbia, whose 3pts still can make them proceed. Other contender is Switzerland, who are also having 4pts. They need to win over Costa Rica and whatever the result is on the other match, they’ll go anyway.

Now Group F. This is my favorite odd. Both Germany and Sweden have 3pts. They only need to at least have a draw (with the note that the other lose the match), to go on. BUT. South Korea, eventhough they have NO POINTS, still have a chance too, IF, they win super big against Germany, AND, Sweden lose against Mexico with lots of goals conceded. Tough one for Korea, but it is an actual opportunity that many don’t realize.

Last but DEFINITELY not the least, Group H. Oh my favorite group. No so-big-team here, but they’re all equally strong, open, and entertaining! Either Japan (4pts), Senegal (4pts), and Colombia (3pts) still really can make it through, so both matches will be like a battlefield for all four teams. Yea, four, because Poland, despite already kicked out, will of course do whatever they can to save their faces from going home humiliated.

For God’s sake, this is only the Group Stage. It’s not even finished but IT IS SO FREAKING MINDBLOWING!!!

OH MY GOD WHY IS WORLD CUP ONLY HAPPENING ONCE IN FOUR YEARS???

OH I KNOW—BECAUSE IF IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR, MY BLOG WILL BE ALL SHITTED BY MY POOR FOOTBALL TRASH TALKING!

Alright, chill.

Let’s enjoy the cup!

Here come the last matches

Of the Group Stage!

Match Thirty One: Who's Bigger Now?

You know when you're not the best team,

You tend to play more relaxed, loose, and easy.

Serious, of course, but not much under-pressure.

That's what I felt for

Japan vs Senegal

Group H, again

Pic's from here.

Probably one of the most entertaining matches yet.

I told you, this group is apparently more appealing than others. The bigger ones were to Colombia and Poland, though they're not as big as Brazil nor France. The smaller ones of the group, Japan and Senegal, whom at first may not be the preferred spotlights, turned out to be crazy fantastic. On each of their first games, they were remarkable enough to each kick the "bigger" teams' asses 2-1. Now with such confident, they're scheduled to meet each other,

And it was a kickass match!

Senegal scored first, through Mane. It wasn't of a quality goal, but it was Mane -YNWA!- so I kinda enjoyed it. Japan then made a counterattack through Takashi Inui, and this time it was a quiet beautiful goal. It was a 1-1 tie now, and gotta say, I felt satisfied already if the match were to end that way. But I might not want to post about them if it actually ended there.

The game got crazier from there onward. Japan, especially, through stars Inui and Osako, attacked like they were not Asians -I'm so proud of their performances!!! But that doesn't mean that Senegal just stood still. 19-year old Wague made it 2-1 and brought the team up in the air for a while. Yes, for a while, because only 8 mins later, the newly-in Keisuke Honda made it back to a tie, scoring his 4th World Cup goal, which completed his record of always scoring in each World Cup he entered -twice in 2010, once in both 2014 and 2018, making himself the World Cup Asian top scorer.

It really was an enjoyable match. Both were strong and aggressive, neither played dirty, and the supporters! There was this viral video showing two Japanese and Senegalese supporters were singing together in joy after the match, so friendly and merry, and guess what they were singing! Once Piece theme!!! Lol wait let me check... ah, here it is!

FREAKING HEARTWARMING!

The two of them once again left the pitch unbeaten, and they deserve it. Next on the last matchday of the group, they'll each once again meet the so-called bigger teams.

And maybe it's THE time to show,

Who the bigger ones are

Match Twenty Four: The Last Man Standing

Have you ever watched a movie, a survival/apocalypse-type one,

Where there's this protagonist so possible to make it to the end,

Because he's the strongest, and most dependable of the group,

Yet has to die of sacrificing himself?

Yes that's what I exactly saw,

When I watched this match

Brazil vs Keylor Navas

Group E

Seen inside the picture, one of the best player in the world, and oh
that's Neymar the crybaby on the right. Pic's from here.

I'm not exaggerating. It's literally the whole squad of one-of-world's-best football team, against Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas. If you ask me how many saves and punches and tackles and other forms of goalkeeping that he did, I can't answer because it was literally that many. Brazil was on their ultimate attack mode and they really did countless of shots and sieges. But those attempts turned up to be mere shit because Keylor Navas, one of the best goalkeeper I saw with my very own eyes rising in Brazil 2014, flushed those Brazilian poos away.

It's not until minute 90+1 -yes, it was entering stoppage time already- when Navas finally started losing his grip, and Brazil broke the crazy goalkeeper's walls through Philippe Coutinho. Then Neymar -ewh- showed his capability by adding to Brazil's victory on minute 90+7 -really unfair to me, honestly, because it was past the stoppage time. But then again, it's only nature for Brazil to score both goals because Neymar is a human. He has his limit.

Anyway, it's a fortunate comeback from Neymar to save his own ass from embarrassment, given the fact that he hadn't made any goal while Coutinho had scored twice. Plus, as ever, Neymar had been a complete asshole throughout the game with all his stupid acts, exaggerating non-sense injury, imbecile complains, and on top of all, an ultimate super-obvious diving that almost rewarded Brazil an unfair penalty. The stupid referee had actually decided it was a penalty, but thanks to VAR -in which Costa Rican players need to convince him so hard to check on the screen, it was cancelled and ALL THE SHAME WAS ON YOU, YOU FUCKING DRAMA QUEEN BRAZILIAN TRASH BIN!

But okay, I'm not here to talk about that brat Neymar.

Let that bitch be, he got all the embarrassment he deserved.

This post is dedicated to Keylor Navas.

Obviously the man of the match, to everybody who really watched the game. FIFA decided it was Coutinho who got the title but screw that shit. It's close to rare that goalkeepers got the title although they defend their goal much better than the whole squad try to score goals.

If only, IF ONLY, Costa Rica did more offense, try to rely on attacking, buying time for their goalkeeper to take his time and breathe, and actually score goals rather than defending and counting on Navas, or, IF ONLY, Navas' stamina is unlimited, well, I don't see why Costa Rica can win or at least make it a draw. I didn't think Brazil is on their best shape because, hello, it took them almost the whole match to finally score goals, remember?

Ahh well, Navas...

You may be the last man to be considered hero,

But you were definitely the first one in my mind

For the title "Best Player"

Match Twenty Three: Bloodbath

After one failed to impress on the first match,
And the other one was the only winner of the group,
Plus, both teams are actually considered big ones,
Everyone was looking forward to their meeting.

Argentina vs Croatia

Group D

Pic's from here.

You know how Argentina was embarrassingly got tied by newcomer Iceland on their opening match. It was really a shock. Jorge Sampaoli would of course play mercilessly against their next opponent Croatia on the group's second matchday, especially knowing that the latter won their first match against Nigeria--giving them a one-step-further chance to get into the next round.

So indeed, it was a tight-ass match. At first. The earlier half was too stiff it was almost boring -you know, some 'stiff' match sometimes could be a fun one too, when both teams are attacking like hungry beasts, but not this one. So let's skip to the second half, where all the crazy shit happened.

And by 'crazy', I really meant it.

Because when you thought that the team you thought would dominate the game, you thought it wrong.

Yes, it was Croatia who owned the game. Not just owned, they scored goals, didn't concede any, and eventually won what I considered the best game yet so far. And Argentina, were once again strip-naked. Only this time, it was much worse.

The Argentinian nightmare began when Caballero made a very, VERY deadly blunder by passing the ball casually despite Croatia's presence around. He did it once on the first half, but it was still manageable. He did it again on the second half, and you know luck seldom comes twice: Ante Rebić took benefit of the goalkeeper's weak pass, really beautifully, and there you go. The first goal, that led Argentina to the verge of the abyss.

They didn't just stand by and gave in though, and they kept attacking. But it was a mess. There were no great assisting, no pattern, there even seemed to be no strategy. So came their second hit of the night. This time it was by the team's star Luka Modrić. A stunning, skillful kick done outside the penalty area, flying smoothly far the reach of the disappointed Caballero's left hand, to land on the goal. Undoubtedly one of the best goal I've seen so far in the tournament, and one of the heartbreaking moment in football history. Especially for Argentina.

And I swear that was the point where I saw Argentina started losing hope. They didn't seem to bother when Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Rakitić came by to meddle with their defense No fight, no battle, many Argentinian players were there -even Messi too!- but it looked like they were just watching the Croatian guys to dribble the ball, easily strike through and BAM, third goal happened. Sending Sampaoli inside the locker room right away in anger after the final whistle blew, without even shaking hands with Croatia's coach.

CRAZY MATCH! Crazy entertaining second half to be exact -it finished at 3AM my time, but I could finally sleep at 4-ish because I was so excited to read all the tweets and highlights of what I just  technically saw! and maybe the most nerve-wrecking half so far because, HOW COULD IT BE SO DRASTICALLY CHANGING!? Hats off to Croatia, and I must say I'm sad for Argentina too... the heartbroken spectators, the pissed off coach, the speechless Aguero... this is what I actually can't have from a competition...

If one expected Argentina to lose, I bet he wouldn't dare thinking a mind-blowing 3-0. And Messi was there, Aguero was there, Higuain was there too to substitute Aguero, but it was useless. I think they were so burdened by the shame they felt against Iceland that they put too much pressure on themselves.

Especially Messi, of course. I can tell how he's so depressed. It can be clearly seen by how he lost all his focus, frowned all match long, and seen giving a massage to his head during their national anthem! As much as I hate him, it's such a waste to see him go without even see him once doing something we all know Messi would do.

Not the way I wanted him to fail... pic's from here though.

Crazy match, for f's sake.

Who would've thought that
It's Croatia who'd be bathing in
Argentina's bleeding?

End of Matchday One: Rise of the Underdogs

So all 32 teams had played.

So far quiet entertaining, as some of the big teams struggled to prove that they really ARE the big teams -some struggled because they didn't want to lose face, and some smaller ones start to show that they worth the spot in the tournament.

Some smaller ones.

These are what I've been waiting for.

And reaching the end of matchday one,

They appeared in three, consecutive matches.

Colombia vs Japan

Group H

Pic's from here.

Everybody remembers how Colombia blasted to be one of the sweet surprises in Brazil, and James Rodriguez earned the spotlight that earned him the fame he has now. The only one that stopped their moves were the host, which defeated them at Quarter Final round. It's only nature to predict them winning this game against Japan, a World Cup regulars, actually, but somewhat taken for granted.

Apparently, the strategy to start the opening game by keeping Rodriguez benched instead of including him on the starting IX brought karma to Colombia. Only 3 minutes after the kick-off, defender Carlos Sanchez was red-carded for touching the ball, and Japan was rewarded a successful penalty. Colombia could score one before half time, but Japan showed their real self by dominating the second half, kept pushing Arsenal's David Ospina until he gave in to Yuya Osako's header that led to Japan's winning goal. The offensive approach then suddenly switched to fabulous defensive mechanism, where Japan several times successfully blocked Colombia's attack frenzy -one of the remarkable saves was surprisingly committed by Osako!

This quickly became one big, important victory not only for Japan, but for us Asians, because it was the very first Asian victory over a South American team, that happened in 70 years!

Poland vs Senegal

Group H 

Pic's from here.

Yep, who would've thought that this group is apparently a death one too?

Now. Poland may not be the biggest team. But they had Lewandoski, and Pizczek, and many other quiet notable players while Senegal, aside of Mane, I don't think many know much of them. HOWEVER, one shouldn't underestimate the energy of Senegal. They depicted warriors from epic movies. Physically amazing, and their speed... I'm not sure which word to use here. Their goals weren't the best though, one was an OG from Thiago Cionek, and their second goal by Mbaye Niang was of Polish defenders' errors -moreover, Poland's counter header-goal by Grzegorz Krichowiak showed more quality to me than all Senegale's goals- but all and all, those are the rewards for Senegal from being such strong and effective team.

While their fellow continental nations struggled really hard in Russia, they won over Poland, recording the first African win at 2018 World Cup. I can't tell how happy I am for Mane. Yet on the same time I had to feel broken too, because the same joyous moment didn't come to his Liverpool teammate.

Russia vs Egypt

Group A

Pic's from here.

I marked this as the worst of World Cup Russia 2018 so far. For Egyptians, for Liverpudlians, for Mohamed Salah. I'm planning to talk about him on a separate post, because he deserves it, so let's just go with the outer layer and how the host broke free to be one of this World Cup's rising stars.

It's been a smooth journey for them so far. They took benefit of their home supports really well, that they converted it to such incredible power. A 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia clearly proved it all. Then they won 3-1 against Egypt. It wasn't all their power though -since their first goal was of Egypt's own mistake, that eventually ruined their pace and led them to defeat, and both of their opponents were actually not ones considered big teams but, it was enough for them to lift their own confidence in facing Uruguay on Group A's Matchday Three.

The game between Russia and Egypt marked the start of Matchday Two. Lots of other big matches are waiting to be played, and I'm so eager to see each one of them!

And by "them", of course,

I meant the underdogs

Match Ten: King Down

Another big match I kinda waited.
Because it's between the reigning champ,
And one of the rising stars from Brazil 2014.

Germany vs Mexico

Group F

Pic's from here.

I have no particular interest in either team. Well, I tend to be more on Mexico's side though, because, again, back in 2014, they showed that they were a team worth considered about. While Germany, duh, they're the champion from the last World Cup. It's obvious that they're technically above Mexico, so why bother having one more support from an insignificant Indonesian guy? Haha.

But the goalkeepers from both teams are the main reasons why I was looking forward to this game.  Remember how the quality of goalkeepers were surprisingly amazing and entertaining four years ago? Yes, Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa were among them and they were actually the first that came to my mind when I discovered that Germany will be facing Mexico on the opening match of Group F.

And I was right. Of course, I was right. Strikers from both teams attacked like wild dogs, that both Neuer and Ochoa were pushed like crazy to their edges. But unfortunate to my big brother -Neuer, because we ridiculously share the same birthday, he got robbed while Mexico was counter-attacking and Hirving Lozano assisted by Chicharito claimed the only goal that sent Mexico winning. Germany tried to get back, but Ochoa being Ochoa, showing that he still got what he had from Brazil, the attempt led to nothing.

Two reasons why I was looking forward to this match. Pic's from here.

Though it was only an opening match, and only one goal ahead -well, not only, one goal is a big struggle why did you say 'only' you nonsense rascal?? it felt like winning the cup for Mexico when the final whistle blew. They flooded the pitch in joy, applauding like there were no other matches to do left. Well, it's worth celebrating of course, giving the fact that it is THE champion that they took down.

It's like, when playing the chess.

And you finally take the queen away.

You're not the winner yet, but at least soon

The king will be bowing down

Match Six: The Whiz and The Apprentice

Believe it or not,

I was eager to see this game more than the last one.

It's not the biggest match, but I somehow knew that

It'd be really, really entertaining.

Argentina vs Iceland

Group D

This is phenomenal on so many levels. Pic's from here.

No, it's not because of Argentina. Together with Portugal and Brazil, those three are my least favorite teams I kinda wish they don't do well -thanks to Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar who have been on my hatred list since 2014 and even 2010. So leave them be, because I'm here to talk about the other team.

I think it's not only me.

The whole world was blown away by Iceland and their performance for Euro 2016. During the cup, the underdog's underdog played solid unexpected games that no one would ever imagine they'd finish in the quarter final stage. The uproar may be gone after Euro ended, but the talk over the team remained hot, and exciting -it became a big deal when they came to Indonesia to have a friendly match with our national team, that when they secured their spot in Russia, despite it being their first World Cup ever, no one dared to underestimate them.

This match was like, their moment of truth. I saw it as a proof of their quality. And it's not something to take for granted. I couldn't imagine how hard they trained for this, because, it's their very first match, it's their first time to show what they got in France 2016 wasn't just mere luck, and, it's against Argentina, for God's sake. I somehow knew, that it'd be really really interesting, I told you, and it turned out to be.

Let's start by how solid their defense was. Throughout the game, it was solid as a rock -there was a meme saying that even wi-fi can't make it through their defense. The defender, the goalkeeper oh don't get me started with the goalkeeper, he omitted quiet a number of crucial saves! It's expected though, because dude, Iceland is facing Argentina. Of course the latter will be attacking, with Messi, with Aguero, di Maria, it's their nature. So Iceland need to think wise, and play safe instead. Surprisingly, it wasn't boring. It was outstanding instead, to see them so firm, so neat that attacks of Argentina's level couldn't break their walls.

Aguero eventually made a goal, though. And it was a beautiful one, I must admit. BUT. It was only a matter of minutes before Iceland made a comeback! Not that typical world-class fabulous type of goal, but smart enough because they took benefit of Argentina's uncertain defense. And again, it's a goal through Argentina, so no matter how ugly it could be, IT IS A BIG DEAL.

But the best highlight is not of those. It was when Argentina was awarded a penalty kick. From  a fallen Messi, who else... And it was him who'd execute the shootout, who else... Everybody else was pretty sure that it'd be it. Argentina's second goal, that would eventually lead to Iceland's defeat on their pilot performance in World Cup. Even I believed that's what would be happening. But I don't know, I'm not trying to make this superstitious nor am I trying to make it up but... something inside of me told me that it's not going to happen, and my fingers were crossed without me realizing it and

IT WAS FUCKING TRUE! THE PENALTY WAS A FAILURE! A shootout from Lionel Messi, the five Ballon d'Or winner, the best player in the world, and of all time, was blocked by a debut goalkeeper from a nation so far away, whose main job is not even a football player, whose name just emerged after he successfully gloved away Messi's famous death penalty kick!

OH MY GOD FUCK IT I SWEAR I'M STILL CRINGING REMEMBERING THOSE MOMENTS! I was watching it outside at a somewhat sports cafe, so crowded, with everyone else supporting Argentina while I was there sitting on the back, screaming every time the squad of Sons made a move to mess around with Messi's team, and I swear I was the one who screamed the loudest when Alfreð Finnbogason scored, AND I SWEAR I SCREAMED EVEN LOUDER WHEN HANNES HALLDÓRSSON BLOCKED MESSI'S PENALTY KICK FUCK FUCK FUCK!

Best match so far. And you know what, I can't hold it. I'm gonna post the official highlight video from FIFA itself.

It's just so nice to support an underdog.
Because you won't be expecting much at first.

Yet when they did good,
Especially these certain noobs,
Could kick the proud asses of pros
It's like stealing the jackpot

Match Four: Equally Strong

It's only the tournament's second day.

And the fourth match of World Cup 2018.

But a big battle already took place in Russia.

Portugal vs Spain

Group B

Two men that stole my attention that night. Pic's from here.

While others are debating over who will win this match, I'm arguing with myself over who should lose instead. Yea, it's the battle of personal emotion to me. Because it's between Portugal, the nation whose main hero is my all-time loathed guy, and Spain, the team whose captain played really dirty against Liverpool's dearest treasure in this year's crucial Champions League final.

However.

I'm trying to be professional here. All emotions aside, I think it was a game well done. Especially on Portugal's end. Or should I say, Cristiano Ronaldo's end? Because darn, it's quiet obvious that the team is still putting all the responsibilities on his shoulder only. It's good that he was on fire that night. Can you imagine if he wasn't? If Portugal's constant god of un-luck came around to shower his misfortune over the team? Not only will Portugal lose to Diego Costa's dominance, but the blame will be on Ronaldo. It's a pretty risky situation for the guy, actually. He wins, he wins it all, he loses, he loses it all. Nothing in between.

And I guess it's pretty unfair. Portugal needs to learn to survive without the icon. It's his fourth World Cup, for God's sakes, and if they're lucky enough, he'll still be around for Qatar but I think that's all. No more for 2026. Portugal has to find a way.

Now about Spain. Well, I don't have much to say for them. I think they're not in their best shape. Because to only get a tie with 10 men against one Cristiano Ronaldo? They could've done better. But they can't be blamed. They just had a shocking coach replacement only two days before the kick-off, so... it's quiet clear that the adaptation played a major role to the team's performance. Plus, at the end of the day, it's statistic speaking. 3-3 only meant that both teams are on the same level.

Also, I didn't quiet mind for Ronaldo taking the highlight and praises after the match. Because he was that good -and I'm tired of hating him, duh, 2010, 2014, I should grow up. As a matter of fact, it's quiet nice to see Sergio Ramos being pissed. My hatred towards him is still fresh that even though eight years ago I was one of his supporters, this year I desire to see him in grief -and if God allows, it'll be by Mo Salah.

Well it's proven.

My hatred for Ronaldo,

And for Sergio Ramos now,

Is equally strong

World Cup 2018: The Prologue

Let me start the hype.

But before I rambled too much about details of each match like the last World Cup -big matches are lining up the first four days of this tournament already!, I'll first explain some introduction to the World Cup 2018. No, it's not for your information.

You guys must've already known all about what I'm going to spill in about 2 minutes from now. I'm actually doing this so the future me will still have clear vision about what was going on in Russia this year, that it eventually turned to be one of the best World Cup he'd be seeing so far.

Well.

To begin with, I think, the Russia World Cup 2018 is probably going to be one of the quirkiest one I'd witness. I'm talking about the participants.

The Absence of Big Teams

Believe it or not, there are literally not only one or two, but MANY big names that failed to qualify for Russia. The most shocking of all, of course, would be 4-time champions Italy, and other European giant Netherlands. I mean, wow, it was unbelievable especially for Italy. I remembered when I woke up that morning, to hear that Gli Azzuri didn't make it to Russia. Kinda heartbroken too, because it was supposed to be the last ever for the iconic Gianluigi Buffon and several other notable veterans.

Just when I thought that Russia would be less fun without those two, I discovered that the US didn't make it either to its rival-nation. This is somewhat a waste, remembering that they were so remarkable in Brazil 4 years ago -I won't ever forget how Tim Howard made me feel like I had a football-orgasm every time he played. But the bigger waste came from Africa, where Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, South Africa, and 2014 rising star Algeria, all trembled and failed to fly to Russia. In exchange of these big teams, many unusual names filled the spots.

Interesting Newcomers

When you don't see some names, it's because there are new ones coming in, right? It's really refreshing to see teams you don't usually see in at least the last two World Cup finals like Poland, Sweden, Peru, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia -and I can't say I'm not excited for those four Islamic nations! Learning from 2014, where lots of underdogs shockingly sky-rocketed themselves throughout the cup, I'm really looking forward to see these teams playing! Especially Egypt, since the world is really waiting to see the magic of Mo Salah.

Though those teams aren't always qualify for World Cup, they had tasted the euphoria of the world's biggest sporting event before. Unlike these two, whom are totally new in World Cup: Panama, and Iceland. It's quiet surprising to see Panama appear in the groups of Russia 2018. They are usually only known as one of the best in beauty pageant competitions but now, they're about to show the beauty in football! And Iceland, well, Iceland. It's their first time in World Cup, yes, but one wouldn't doubt it after their fantastic performance and shocking Quarter Final finish in Euro 2016. Of all the contestants -though my support is with England, it's actually Iceland that I'm psyched to see the most!

Mediocres Ready to Blow

It's the World Cup. Each team strives to be the best, and it's not a guarantee that big teams can proceed easily to later stages. Belgium with Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, as well as Costa Rica with Bryan Ruiz and Keylor Navas, bringing their confidence from Brazil 2014 Quarter Final finish, will definitely bring awesome fights to Germany and the rest of those big teams. Not to mention Colombia and James Rodriguez who reached the same stage 4 years ago.

Then we'll have Switzerland and Xerdan Shaqiri, along with Nigeria and John Obi Mikel which reached the second round in Brazil, and then Poland, Croatia, Australia, South Korea, and host Russia, of course, ALL, I'm sure, ALL OF THEM, will unleash their crazy selves!

Well, well... only by writing this already makes me uber excited for all the 64 matches of the cup. Some had finished, and it successfully forced me to start writing again for the sake of enshrining the euphoria of Russia World Cup 2018 in this blog! Although I'm sure, I'm pretty sure, this time I won't be as active as I was 4 years ago.

Zabivaka says hi to us all! Pic's from here.

But enough about the prologue.

Let's get it really started!

Поехали! Here We Go!

Russia.

I bet that name is the most mentioned nation throughout this half year. And last year. And all the years back to the day when Russia received the honor, to be yet the next host of the world's biggest, most-celebrated sporting event.

Yea, the

World Cup 2018.

Pic's from here.

Damn. It's been 4 years already!? I remembered World Cup 2014 when I was all so vocal about football, acting like I know the sport more than anybody else haha. I re-read all those post as I needed to find some reference to start this one though, and got to say, it seems like I really enjoyed Brazil 2014. I'm surprised by how I could make such analysis match to match, from the very group stages all the way to the finals. And I must say, I envied my 4-year-ago self for having the euphoria and all the time to do that!

Honestly, if I can be frank, and of course I can be frank because this is my blog: I really didn't feel the euphoria of this one. Well I claimed the same shit on the last World Cup, but when I tracked back to 4 years ago, my very first post about the tournament, and my claim about oh this World Cup, I didn't feel it yet was posted right before the opening ceremony.

Look at this post now.

Kick-off were kicked off. Russia had opened the tournament with a big win 5-0 against newcomer Saudi Arabia -which most people joked they lost because they skipped celebrating Eid night and play the game instead. Several other games were played, and here I am with the very first post.

But I don't blame myself.

I was busy from all the works, I was still recovering from the emotional roller-coaster caused by the Champions League final, and I knew eventually I'd be on the track and follow all the things happening in Russia, even without me trying hard to do it.

Plus, I knew who to support. Unlike the clueless 10-year-old me, the imbecile 14-year-old me, and  the not-yet-mature-but-acting-like-a-mature 18-year-old me, the 26-year-old me is quiet firm about whose side I'll be cheering upon, thanks to the awesome 22-year-old me. It saved my time from all the warming-up, pointless deliberation posts leading up to the kick-off, so I got to write straight on the D-day instead--which is, this post.

So yea, I said it.

No warming up rambles,

No pointless deliberation talks,

I'm here to say I'm ready for

Yet another awesome World Cup!

Poyekhali, Rossiya!