Heartbroken and barely healing.
The Bible advocates not to trust man, but most of us trusted in this France ‘Superteam’. A mention of the French Superteam brings to mind their viral World Cup song acclaiming their ace players:
Dembélé Cherki Olise Imbattables (Unbeatable or Unstoppable)
Dembélé Dembélé
Cherki, Olise! Imbattables
BARcoLA, DoUé, MbaPPé, KonaTE, KoUnde, SaLiBa, Aurelien (Tchouameni)…
So far these guys had proven to me beyond all reasonable doubt that they deserved all the hype (they still do!). They always delivered…
Until…
So what in the Spanish La Liga happened last night?
Lastnight, Spain outplayed France, and really stopped the Unstoppables. France looked like infants playing against adults? Possession was lost often and easily. Some have argued why Didier Deschamps started Digne. Why Ngolo Kanté is always benched. We don’t understand it but Didier Deschamps usually pulled through with magic every single time, during prior games. To France’s credit, that first tackle which resulted in the penalty for Spain, was so unprovoked and unintentional, and yet it was a foul in the penalty area. What could we do? Mbappé had that minor injury from the Quarters match with Morocco. Our Saliba could not continue due to injury. The team always pulled through and this is what we all expected would happen. We all kept waiting for a Kylian-Mbappé’s burst of speed to equalize somehow, just like in the 2022 final with Argentina, even after those two goals.
Unfortunately most of us got the heartbreak 💔 of the tournament. Our formidable French side! And yet they could not make it count this time. I was reminded again why I don’t usually follow football ⚽️; it is a beautiful game which can sometimes produce heartbreaking and cruel results.
This match made it all the more obvious the sterling performance of Cabo Verde, who against all odds held the Spanish side to a goalless draw during their Group ‘H’ Opener.
When this World Cup started, I was super-convinced that France, my Dream Team, the Champions, would take it. But now, much as I hate to say or admit it, I must reecho to England to bring it home ! (if they can)
