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Liverpool vs. Norwich City

IT’S BACK!!!! The Premier League is back with new teams, new players, new things to prove, but the same beautiful game! What better way to kick off the season than with a newly promoted team and last season’s runners up? I am super excited to see what this season brings, and I cannot wait to see who ends up on the top of the table come the end of the season!

This game was everything I expected it to be. Liverpool dominated and won 4-1. I can’t say that it was surprising because that is what I was expecting. Arguably the best team in Europe going up against a team that has just been promoted. Although the game was predictable, I think there were some positives and negatives for each team to work off with going into the season.

Liverpool played like Liverpool play. For the first half, it looked like the Liverpool of last season were back. They looked as if they have been together for the whole off-season. It’s crazy the amount of chemistry that this team brings to the game. They get along so well, and it shows on the pitch. Firmino and Salah were their creative selves. Henderson was dominating the midfield. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson were getting high and putting dangerous balls into the box. Van Dijk was controlling the defense and scoring on a set piece. With Mane on the bench, Origi stepped up and played incredibly. It was almost flawless. I would like to point out that their defense was a bit shaky at times. Norwich were able to break them down a few times. They created chances that Liverpool don’t normally give up. Liverpool were even sloppy enough to give away a goal. It was not the strong defense that I am used to seeing from Liverpool. I believe part of that is just getting back in form. Reestablishing the glue that held the back line together so well last season. I think in a few weeks, it will be fixed, and Liverpool will be nearly unstoppable.

Norwich City played pretty well. They were unlucky to start the game with the own goal, and their defense was a bit open at times. But what did you expect? They were playing Liverpool for God sake! This was never going to be a game they expected to win. It was a game for them to come into this new league and show that they are ready for the challenge. I think that they did that with today’s performance. Especially when they were able to get on the attack. They looked like they could break through at any moment. After being down 4-0 at half, there were two options. Either sit back and avoid embarrassment, or risk getting scored on more to try and get one or two back. I love that they chose the attacking option. They came out and played their hearts out. They looked like they could break down the Liverpool side, and eventually, they did. A brilliant build up, fantastic pass by Buendia, and a great run and finish by Pukki. It was exactly what they needed, and a great statement. I had my doubts about Norwich, but now I think they might just manage to stay above that relegation zone. It will be interesting to see where they are when March and April come around.

There couldn’t have been a better way to start the season. The newcomers verse the European Champions. It ended up pretty much how most people expected it to end. Just a really entertain game. But the main thing to take away is that it is back! The game that we all love, the players that put smiles on our faces every weekend, the league that never ceases to amaze is back!!!!

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USA vs. Netherlands

The World Cup Final! 

Both teams deserved to be here. They both proved that they were two of the best teams in the world, and it was a hard fought game for both teams. USA came out victorious 2-0, and they held up their fourth World Cup trophy. Netherlands fought hard, and they walked away proud of their accomplishment. Both the US and the Netherlands played outstanding football, and they will both be proud of the work they did in the last month!

Netherlands came into this tournament as reigning champions of Europe, and they showed their dominance throughout the tournament. They made it through the group with 3 wins, and they kept the winning streak going into the knockout rounds. They made their way past last tournament’s runners up, Japan before sliding past Italy in the Quarterfinals. They then had a tough task in Sweden. A game that needed extra time to settle who would be in the final, but the Dutch found the back of the net and a spot in the Final. 

In the Final, the Netherlands played very well. They looked to defend and use the counter attack. This is the plan of many teams that face the United States, but the Dutch executed very well in the first half. They were compact defensively which forced the US to go with the long ball, and they were prepared to deal with that too. Although their back line was strong, they needed help. Van Veenendaal, the Dutch goalkeeper came up big in the first half. She saved 4 shots that could have easily been goals had any other keeper been there. She was a wall in the first half, and she actually played really well in the second half despite having 2 goals scored against her. She was outstanding, and one of the main reasons that USA didn’t score more. I love the way Van De Donk was able to start some counter attacks by running at the defenders and playing a few through the middle to Beerensteyn. It almost work a few times, but in the end, they were unable to get the final touch. I loved the way  that the Netherlands played both in this game and in the other six games of the tournament. They should be proud of their second place finish. I know that their entire country is proud of what these women were able to accomplish.

USA had one of the toughest paths to the final ever. They were matched up against Sweden in the group stages, but managed to make it out with 3 wins. They they took on a relentless Spanish side, who gave them a bit of a scare. After USA slipped past Spain, they then had to face the home side, France. This was a game that could have been the final, but things worked out to meet in the Quarterfinals. It was hard to see France exit the tournament so early, but USA was moving on to face another dominant team, England. Again, this US team was given a scare, and thanks to VAR, they were able to make into the Final to defend their title. 

During the final, USA looked incredible. They played better than I have seen them play all tournament. Everything was working for them. Sauerbrunn and Dahlkemper were able to strengthen up the middle of the defense which has been the weak point of this team all tournament. Crystal Dunn was outstanding again. The game plan was simple. PRESS. They pushed so high up the field on defense that the Netherlands were able to counter, and it almost cost the US on a number of occasion. The US did well to produce opportunities in the first half, but the Dutch keeper wasn’t going to be beat easily. When the team came out for the second half, they were determined to put the ball in the back of the net. They started attacking with more urgency, and eventually, Alex Morgan won a penalty kick. Who else but Megan Rapinoe. This woman has been amazing, and she slots the ball into the net. USA went up 1-0, but they didn’t sit back after that.. Roughly 10 minutes later, Dunn wins a tackle in the middle of the field, and Sammy Mewis finds Rose Lavelle in acres of space. She drives at the defense, does a quick stepover, and fires from 18 yards out. The ball goes across the keeper and into the bottom left corner of the goal. An amazing strike that would secure the victory for the US. The USA were once again World Cup Champions! These women are incredible!

This was a fantastic World Cup Final! I was super excited to see these two face off. The reigning world champs versus Europe’s best. It was set up to be a great game, and it didn’t disappoint. I am sad to see the Women’s World Cup come to a close after such an amazing month of football, but I cannot wait to see what happens in 4 years! Netherlands, enjoy your second place finish. Be proud of what you have done and start preparing for the next tournament! USA, cherish this victory like you have never done it before! You were faced with a mountain to climb, and you did it! Congratulations!

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USA vs. England

The US put to the test again in the semi-finals of the tournament, but they manage to hold off a strong England side. With a 2-1 win, USA will play the winner of Netherlands vs. Sweden in the final. This game was fun to watch. The two teams have been dominant throughout the tournament, and it was only right that they had the chance to play each other. I enjoyed stressing over the game and screaming at my television over this game, and I cannot wait to see what will happen in the final.

England played pretty well. They surprised me by not starting Fran Kirby, but they still managed to have a strong midfield. Jill  Scott was dominating in there, and she had the help of Keira Walsh, who also played fantastic. They were winning the ball, moving it around, finding the right passes, and doing everything right. The two of them worked extremely well together. Lucy Bronze played her part in both the offense and defense. She made runs forward, looked for penetrating passes, defended well, led the team, and made very few mistakes. Another player that stood out to me was Ellen White. She has had an incredible tournament, and that wasn’t going to change against the United States. She managed to find gaps in the defense that could be used for crosses or through balls. We saw both of those. The cross that found White in between the center backs was put away quite nicely. Then Scott played the perfect through ball to White who again found a pocket between the defenders. Unfortunately, White was just inches offside, and the goal was disallowed. This English side saw the weakness of the US team, and they did their best to exploit the middle of the field. England played a really good game, and they should be proud of themselves. I look forward to seeing them in the 3rd place match on Saturday.

USA did what they do best, find ways to win. With Rapinoe unable to play due to an injury, it was up to the rest of the team to pick up the slack. I think that Christen Press was outstanding. I think a lot of people were overlooking her because she is not Rapinoe, but she went out there to prove that she is also a world class player. Her headed goal was fantastic. The ball from Kelly O’Hara was inch perfect, and Press did her job to put the ball in the back of the net. It was an outstanding goal from the build up to the finish. Alex Morgan celebrated her birthday with a goal that was well done again. A perfect ball into the box by Lindsey Horan that Morgan was able to head just out of the reach of the keeper and into the net. Morgan played well as usual. She finds areas of the field where she can draw fouls that help to get everyone forward into the attack. She just has a brilliant game. The midfield was solid. I think that Rose Lavelle played really well coming off of a not so great game against France. I also think that Lindsey Horan played well. She was winning the ball in the air and on the ground. She was running around and creating attacks. The two of them were incredible, and a big reason why USA came out on top. Although the attack and midfield was great, the US struggled defensively. Crystal Dunn and Kelly O’Hara had decent games, but they did make a few questionable decision that need to be cleaned up before the final. The two players that really need to figure out what they are doing is Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dahlkemper. They were leaving gaps everywhere. They weren’t shifting together. They weren’t putting a body on Ellen White. They didn’t seem like they were communicating. I hope to see them play better on Sunday. In the end, a few big save, including a penalty save from Alyssa Naeher was enough to see USA through to the final, but there are a few things, especially defensively, that need to be cleaned up. 

Honestly, this game could have gone either way. England played really well and just got unlucky with VAR disallowing a goal and the saved penalty. USA fought hard and pulled out the victory. I loved watching this game, and I wish England luck in the 3rd place game as well as USA in the final. 

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USA vs. France

A match that was worthy of a final. Such a good game from the start. It is sad to see France end their World Cup because they are probably one of the top three teams in the world, but unfortunately, they had to play another top three team. USA played their hearts out. They were confident, excited, and composed all at once. I am so happy that I had to opportunity to watch such an incredible game!

France just got unlucky. I loved the way they were able to control possession for the entire game. I loved how they tested the back line of the USA. I loved everything about their game today. Just like the rest of the tournament, they looked to attack the weaknesses of the opposition. They saw two weak spots in USA’s defense. The first one being their openness. The USA get spread apart really easily because they focus so much on what they will do when they had the ball. So, France wanted to play the long ball to try and catch USA off guard. Unfortunately, for France, USA was very composed at the back line. The second weakness that France wanted to exploit was Crystal Dunn. She made a few poor decision when USA faced Spain, but today, she was on her game. It was hard for Diani to beat Dunn on the flank, and that just led to France having to recycle the ball through the back line. France did everything they could to get the goal. They pushed forward well in the second half, and it almost worked for them. Renard was able to head in a lovely cross and get a goal back. After that, USA really did well to eat up the last 10 minutes on the clock. On another day, France may have come away with a victory, but it just wasn’t to be today. They should walk away from this tournament proud of how they played and start to build for the next World Cup in four years. 

USA were outstanding from the very beginning. They were able to get a shot on goal within the first minute, which really put France on their heels. This lead to USA attacking hard until the first goal in the 5th minute. Megan Rapinoe took a lovely free kick from the left side of the box that trickled through traffic and past the keeper. It was exactly the start that USA needed. They needed to establish their dominance early, and they did that. After the goal, USA started to step back. It looked like they were happy to let France have the ball which was entirely unexpected, but it worked. They were able to play really solid defense with the story being Crystal Dunn. This woman had herself a game tonight. All the people that were questioning her decision making were shut up by this game. She was outstanding in shutting down Diani, who has been brilliant all tournament long. Dunn showed that she really has the ability to play on the defensive line. When USA won the ball back, they were quick to find the feet of either Alex Morgan or Megan Rapinoe. These two did really well to attack and get France back on their own side. They held off France for the first half and came prepared for the second half. After what I would consider a quite game for Tobin Heath, she showed me and the world why she is one of the first names on the team sheet every match. She can be quiet all game, but then, she shows her magic. Alex Morgan plays Heath through, and Heath runs down the right side. She cuts toward the goal to draw a defender, and just when you think she should do one thing, she does something else. With a runner on the front post, she somehow manages to slip the ball to the back post where a wide open Rapinoe was waiting to slot in the second goal. Heath had been quiet for 64 minutes, but she came up big by finding the player  that nobody else saw. This gave USA a little room for error, which they needed. Some poor defending on a set piece led to France pulling one back, and that maybe woke up USA. They needed to close out the last 10 minutes now, and they knew how to do that. Textbook time wasting by taking the ball to the corner flag. It was beautiful to watch. Honestly, this was the best performance by USA all tournament, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they went on to win the entire tournament. 

Overall, this was the best game of the Women’s World Cup. The two teams played their hearts out. It was a match worthy of a final, but only one team could move on. France should hold their heads high knowing that they played really well all tournament. USA should go get some rest and be ready to play a strong English side. 

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England vs. Argentina

What a game! England got the 1-0 win over an extremely defensive Argentina. I did not expect to see such a close scoreline in this game. I expected England to dominate the score sheet, but Argentina's defensive resilience kept it close.  

Although I expected England to score more than 1 goal, I was still impressed with them. They dominated possession. They had good ball movement. They were creative on set pieces. They were everything that I wanted them to be. They do need to work a little bit on that final pass and finish. There were a couple of times that they could have had better opportunities if the pass had just been a little better or the shot a little more precise. I think that Fran Kirby, Jill Scott, and Beth Mead were stand out players in this game. Fran Kirby and Jill Scott controlled the midfield. They were winning ball and starting the attacks. It was very rare to see an English attack that the ball didn’t end up at either Kirby or Scott’s feet. They were absolutely key to breaking down the defense. And then they had Mead on the outside. She was outstanding at stretching a very compact defense. She was willing to take them on which was working. She even had that beautiful one touch assist to the game winning goal. Outstanding performance from this English side. I don’t want to see any doubt in them just because they only scored one goal. They completely dominated the game and managed to do what the last runners up couldn’t against Argentina.

I’m very impressed with this Argentinian side. They have received very little funding and support in the last few years, but they have come out to the World Cup to make a name for women’s sports. They have shown that they are very committed to organization. They are the perfect example of what a great defensive team looks like. I was excited to see them play again, and they didn’t disappoint. They took on a completely different attacking them than Japan and proved that they could handle this creative English side. Correa was outstanding between the sticks. She was not going to be beat easily, and she worked her tail off. She had several big saves including a penalty. They organized and led the defense. She didn’t come to mess around. I do want to see a little more attack in their next game. I understand having to take a more defensive approach against England and Japan, but I feel like they can open up a little more against Scotland. I would like to see more support for Sole Jaimes. She is a great hold up striker, but she needs help. I expect to see support for her in the next game. I loved watching this Argentinian side today, and I hope that they have helped shed light on the women’s game in their country.

Overall, this was a great game. We saw some extremely creative attack that was held off by an extremely organized and committed defense. We saw some hard challenges. A saved penalty. A well worked goal. Just an all around good game to watch. Good luck to both of these teams in their last match of the group stages.

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VAR

VAR is an absolute disgrace to the game! I was never a big fan of it, but after today’s game between France and Norway, I am done with this system! It has not helped the game, but in fact, it has made football a completely different game. There was a time that a player could defend properly, but not anymore.

 You now have to defend without your arms. As a defender, I can tell you that the arms are extremely important to balance. You take the arms away from defenders, and the attackers can have their way. Defenders used to be able to play normally, and the law for handling used to be that if the arm was in an unnatural position, then it is illegal. The law hasn’t changed, but VAR has changed. Now, referees are seeing that if the arm is anywhere away from the body, no matter how natural it is to defend like that, it is seen as handling the ball. This is stupid! And the fact that the referee can now go back and look in slow motion if bull crap! I don’t understand how they expect defenders to earn their paycheck anymore. 

As well as having your arms next to your body all the time, you also aren’t allow to make a challenge? Like what even is this? In the game today, the Norwegian player stepped in to kick the ball away, and she did. Now what is going to happen? The foot is going to follow through! The defender cannot just stop her foot from following through! It just happened to be a French player that got the slightest cleat from the defender who did her job! How does the referee see it any differently? Especially when there was no call in the first place! Of course it looks worse in slow motion, but that doesn’t mean its a foul. You can clearly see that the defender kicks the ball away. You can also see that she had no intention of kicking the French player. Why was it call a penalty? This was the call that won France the game. Because a defender was not allowed to do her job, France got a penalty. I mean, what was she supposed to do? Not kick the ball away and give France an easy goal? It is basic defending. If you can, kick the ball! Apparently you are not allowed to do that anymore! I’m pissed, and I need to see this change! 

There are so many things wrong with VAR! I understand the idea, but it’s not working! I have so many more opinions on this system, but I will spare you the curse words and rambling. I really hope to see VAR looked at thoroughly because it is causing some major problems.

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France vs. Norway

The home team that many favorite to win the tournament had to fight hard against Norway. France did come out with 2-1 win, but not without a scare and a controversial decision. Norway played really well, and they stuck with France through the entire game. France were a little disappointing, but they still got the job done.

Norway were outstanding! They hung with this powerhouse of a team. They played really well defensively. They were quick in their attack. They possessed the ball really well. It was all great play. It was hard to even give them a chance against this French team, but they proved that they will not go down easily. They went down a goal, but they were able to come back to make it 1-1. Unfortunately, they were on the wrong side of a horrible VAR decision. I am honestly infuriated by this call and many other calls that VAR has made, and I will most likely be writing about VAR in the near future. I give a ton of credit to Norway for hanging in with this incredible France side. They should walk away  holding their heads high and looking forward to their next match. 

France did the job. It may not have been extremely pretty or dominant, but it was enough. I did expect more from them. They just haven’t been the side that I thought they might be. However, I was extremely impressed with the play from both Diani and Majri. They were outstanding today, and I do not think that France would have pulled out the win without these two. Diani was almost unstoppable in the first half. She took on her defenders with ease. I think it was just unlucky that there was never anyone to finish off her crosses. Majri was outstanding both defensively and on the attack. She is exactly what any team wants in a Left Back. She defends and attacks. She ended up setting up the first French goal with a lovely cross into the box. I was just extremely impressed with her. They were unlucky on the own goal, but that happens to even the best of players. I just hope Renard can forget about it and move on. They did however get the goal back on a VAR decision. They were extremely lucky to receive this call, but Le Sommer made no mistake in burying it. A decent performance by France, but they will need to do better if they plan on winning the Trophy.

I enjoyed watching this game, but I am walking away extremely angry at VAR! This call was ridiculous! I don’t understand the decision. Other than that stupid decision, the game was fun, and I can’t wait to see how both teams perform in the rest of the tournament.

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Spain vs. Germany

I loved every minute of that game! It was well played by both teams. They each had opportunities to score, and Germany capitalized with the 1-0 win. As a big Spain fan, it was hard to watch them lose, but they have no one to blame except themselves. Germany did what needed to be done, and they walk away with the 3 points. 

Germany played different than I expected. I have always seen the German side as dominant team. A team that will have possession for most of the game. A team that will score 2 or 3 times. A team that has the ability to destroy anyone they face. Today, I was completely wrong. They didn’t have the majority of possession. They only scored once. They didn’t even look like the better side. I think they got a little lucky to be honest. I think that Spain deserved to win, but they couldn’t finish their chances. Germany are suffering the lose of one of their best players, Marozsan who broke her toe and will be out for the remainder of the tournament. It is a hard lose for the German team because she controlled the midfield for them. She left some big shoes to fill, and today, I do not think that anyone filled her position. Huth had a great game, and I would award her the woman of the match award because of her ability to start the attack and deliver balls into the box. Popp was able to put a couple of those crosses on frame, and one of them bounced around for her Dabritz to put into the net. I expected a lot more from this German side, but they still ended up with the 3 points. They will need to improve if they want to go far in this tournament.

Spain was the dominant force in this game, but they couldn’t finish. They had their chances, but they just couldn’t produce the goal. They surprised me with keeping as much possession as they did, and I really enjoyed watching that. They broke free a few time with Nahikari Garcia leading the way. Her pace got her behind the German defense a couple of time, but her finishing let her down. She had a great game other than the fact that she couldn’t finish. I loved the change of moving Hermoso into her preferred attacking midfield position. She absolutely dominated that part of the field. I thought that Lucia Garcia should have been starting the game. She proved her worth in the game against South Africa when she provided the spark that led to Spain winning that game. I thought that she earned herself a staring place, but she was a substitute. Even as a substitute, she came into the game too late for me. She was outstanding again, and if she had more time, I imagine that she would have been able to score of assist. I think that Spain played really well, but if they don’t figure out how to get the ball into the goal, they will not go much farther. 

This was a great game for me because it was pure. Spain played good possession football, and Germany played solid counter attacking and defending football. I love seeing these low scores because I love seeing all the work put into the different formations and tactics. I look forward to seeing both of these team play in their last game of the group stages! 

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USA vs. Thailand

OMG! The biggest win in World Cup History! 13-0! That is insane! It is hard to even analyze a game like this. A game that was so overpowered by one team. I honestly do not think that Thailand is that terrible of a team. I just think that USA is that good! The reigning World Champions showed why they should be feared.

The first half for the US was not as great as it could have been. I know that the score was 4-0 going into the half, but there were several things that could have been better. I thought that the US were too focused on scoring and going forward. This isn’t a horrible thing, but it can have a few down sides. The ball was forced too often. I saw Rapinoe cross the ball into a crowed box, and just completely wiff a few crosses because she was in a hurry to score. Tobin Heath had only one thing in mind, and that was how she is going to beat her defender or four. It would have been better to just pull the ball out and reset than try to take on the entire defense. Other than just being in a hurry, it was an okay first half, but against a stronger side, such as France or England, I don’t think it will be enough. 

The second half was the just a slaughter. The US scored a couple, and Thailand just stopped playing. They were exhausted from chasing the game for the entire first half, and that showed in the second half when the US scored 9 goals. This was the US that I am used to seeing. Moving the ball quickly, attacking through the middle and outsides, outstanding strikes, and just an all around fun tempo. That is why I believe that the first half wasn’t that great. It showed that the US tire teams out with their pace and passing. The goals will come eventually for a team like the US, so there is no need to force it like they did in the first half. 

This game helped the confidence of the US going forward in the tournament, and I can’t wait to see how they improve their play. There is a lot of tournament left, but the US are off to a strong start. Any team facing them should be worried. It will be interesting to see if any team is strong enough to take this team down, or if the USA will lift that trophy again. 

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France vs. Korea

IT HAS BEGUN! The Woman’s World Cup kicked off today with the host nation, France, taking on Korea. France is thought to be one of the best teams in the world, and many favorite them to win the entire tournament. They look to follow up the men’s side who took home the trophy last year in Russia. 

Going into the game, France were the heavy favorites, and that is pretty much how the game turned out. France came out firing with a goal from Le Sommer. They went up 1-0 and kept the pressure. A few moments later, a goal was canceled by VAR, but that didn’t keep them down. They won a corner, and they knew exactly what to do. With the tallest player in the entire tournament on their side, they launched a ball in the air toward her, and Renard put it in the back of the net. Their was nothing the Korean side could have done to stop the header. When France had another corner, they thought that they should do the same thing, and it worked. Renard headed home her second goal of the day, and France went into the locker room at half with a 3-0 advantage. They came out the second half a little lackadaisical. They still dominated, but there were a few little errors that led to the Korean side having a few opportunities. Perhaps in a closer game against a better opponent, they would have conceded. They had a few opportunities and couldn’t make it 4 until the last ten minutes of the game. Le Sommer found the feet of the captain Henry, and she fired a rocket into the far side of the goal. Overall, a solid performance to start off their run at the title. 

Korea did not play horribly. They did their best, but it wasn’t enough against the powerful French side. I believe that Korea will make it out of their group with the hardest team out of the way, they can focus on getting crucial wins against Nigeria and Norway later in the tournament. I think they looked really good at times. They showed that they have the ability to hit you hard on the break and dominate the midfield, but it just wasn’t going to happen today. I look forward to seeing what Korea can do in their next two games. 

This was a great way to start of the Women’s World Cup. The football was beautiful, fast, and exciting. The home team showed that they are serious contenders for the title. The atmosphere was incredible with a sold out crowd. It was everything that a game should be. Anyone that was watching the game wishing it was men will be walking away with a new mindset. Women’s football is on the rise. It is time to show these professionals the respect that they deserve. They work hard everyday to make it to this stage, and it is our responsibility as fans to watch, respect, and enjoy this World Cup! 

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Atletico vs. Juventus

In Atletico Madrid’s last 100 games, they conceded either 0,1, or 2 goals. They did not conceded more than 2 goals in the past 100 games, until today. Who else was going to do it but one of the best to ever play the game, Cristiano Ronaldo? The answer is no one. He absolutely took over today, and he did what he had to do to see Juventus through to the quarter finals of the Champions League.

I am honored to be able to say that I watched this game today. I will also be the first one to tell you that I did not expect Juventus to advance. I love Atletico, and I have seen my fair share of them. I expected to see Atletico do exactly what they nomally do, and that is protect their advantage. I did, however, fail to realize one thing, that Cristiano Ronaldo was on the other team. I love Ronaldo! I love him for this reason. He can do anything. The man will not only play for one of the best teams in the world, but he will carry that team on his back. This is exactly why Juventus bought him. He can take this powerhouse of a team from Italian Champions to Champions League Champions. Cristiano deserves to celebrate this victory, and I am sure he will.

While Ronaldo was the undisputed best player on the pitch tonight, he had the help of a couple other Juventus players. The whole team played outstanding, but two names stick out to me, Chiellini and Bernardeschi. These two were amazing. Chiellini was more than a defender tonight. He was everything. He played his defensive role, but he was also the one to pick up the ball in the midfield and find a pass or a through ball. In my opinion, he should have had that first goal, but the ref called it back. He should have had an assist, but it was put wide. He did everything tonight. Bernardeschi was also a stand out. A man that I questioned when I saw his name on the team sheet. I was wondering why he was starting instead of several other people, but he shut me up. He was exciting to watch. He provided an assist to Ronaldo’s first goal. He won the ball in the midfield. He beat players left and right. He had one of the best runs in the entire game when he got the penalty. The power and speed and skill that he showed in that one run summed up his entire game. He was absolutely incredible tonight. Ronaldo, Chiellini and Bernardeschi were the biggest reasons that Juventus are advancing. 

I loved every second of this game, and I cannot wait to see more Champions League action for Juventus. It is hard to see Atletico go home, but they don’t deserve to move on after their performance. Ronaldo impressed me today, as he normally does. Juventus just came to not only play, but to comeback from what many believed to be too big of a gap. They were outstanding!

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Congrats on amazing international career Rooney!

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Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Just when you thought that Chelsea had gotten the back to back wins over Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge came onto the pitch. Nobody thought he would be the one to win it, especially from 25 yards out. It was a fantastic strike that went exactly where it needed to go. In the top right corner, just out of the reach of the Chelsea goalkeeper. Liverpool tie the game with Chelsea, and they each walk away with a point.

Just an absolutely fantastic game. Both teams played their hearts out. It was hard to watch when Sturridge struck goal because I am a Chelsea fan, but I couldn’t help but admire the strike. I believe that a tie was what the game deserved. Neither team played better than the other.

Liverpool did what they do. They pressed, and they didn’t. It is hard for any player to get the ball and have nobody pressure, but the next time they get it, they are pressed by two or three defenders. Klopp managed it to perfection. The place that Liverpool won was out wide. They did not have much of a presence in the middle of the pitch. Even when Milner had the ball, he was on the right or the left. They would push both their outside defenders up the field when they had possession. I was disappointed with Salah, as I have been all season. He just hasn’t hit his form yet. I don’t know if that is because defenses are paying more attention to him, or if he can’t handle the pressure of being the go to man, or even if he is just a little rusty. I’m waiting for him to come alive. People seemed to be upset when he got substituted, but it was the right mover because he wasn’t doing anything. Overall, Liverpool played really well, but I want to see more from Salah.

Chelsea were fantastic, but scary. It was hard for me, a Chelsea fan, to see them play with the ball so much in the back. I just kept thinking that we were gonna give the ball away and Liverpool would capitalize. Luckily, we didn’t. It actually worked really well. We drew in their attack and a couple midfielders, which left space in the middle of the field. That is the area that Chelsea dominated. Kante was amazing in keeping possession, and he seems to be adjusting well to his new role. Kovacic played incredibly well. He pressed high. He won tackles. He passed the ball well, and he got the assist. Jorginho  just did what he has done all season. Absolutely fantastic with his distribution. Thanks to those three players, Chelsea were able to get the point. The goal was amazing. I could talk about Hazard all day. He has shown a fire this season that I have never seen before. He is consistently the best player on the field. He is absolutely thriving, and it showed with his wonderful goal. Chelsea only failed in one area. We failed to realize that Sturridge is a threat. Someone should have pressed him on that pass. Chelsea lost concentration for one second, and in the Premier League, that is all it takes. I am happy to walk away with the point, but it could have been three. 

Overall, it was a fantastic match. I haven’t been able to watch much football over the last couple of weeks due to university, but I am glad that I was able to watch this one. It will be a game I talk about for a while because it was just so good. I hope that you all had a chance to catch the match, and if you didn’t, then you should look up the highlights. 

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Man U vs. Leicester

Thank God It’s Back!!! Ever since Man City held the trophy last season, I have been looking forward to this day!! I can’t wait until Chelsea kick off their season tomorrow, but until then, I can write about the Man United vs. Leicester game. 

It was a fantastic game! I thought that Leicester played better, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. Man U had a pretty terrible game in my opinion. I just thought everything could have been better for them. I definitely enjoyed watching today’s game, and it got me looking forward to the next 9 months!

I have picked Manchester United to win the title, but after today’s performance, I am rethinking that. They got lucky in the first couple minutes with their penalty. Well done to Pogba for stepping up and putting the ball out of the keeper’s reach. Their second goal was a classic counter attack in the last ten minutes of the game. Leicester had to push up for a comeback, which left them vulnerable.in the back. Without the first mistake by Leicester for the penalty call, then I don’t think that United comes away with 3 points. I was disappointed with Alexis Sanches. He didn’t perform well. He never really ran at players. His passes were almost always late. He never spotted Rashford’s runs in time. I am hoping that he finds his form soon. I was also disappointed in Pogba. Sure, he got a goal, but I think that was the only time he was ever in the attacking third of the field. I thought that after such a wonderful World Cup, Mourinho would let him move further up the field, but he seem to be in the same possition that he played last season. I am hoping to see more creativity from him, which I think will only come if he is allowed to get further up the field. Fred made a much anticipated debute today, and he didn’t really do anything to make him stand out. He played mediocre. I thought he would be like Pogba and get a little higher up the field. I know that Mourinho likes to get that goal advantage and sit back, but both Fred and Pogba sat way too far back for my liking. I am hoping for more attacking roles for both of them as the season moves forward. The only player that I thought played extremely well today was Eric Bailly. He was absolutely eating up everything. He shut down Iheanacho for the whole game. He was making strong tackles. He was doing everything right today. He wins man of the match for me. Despite how poorly I believe Manchester United played today, they are still walking away with 3 points. 

Leicester played incredible today! They deserved to come away with at least a point, but it just wasn’t to be for them. I thought they held possession really well. They didn’t seem to force the ball forward, despite going down a goal early. They were patient. It was great to watch. They were doing well by winning free kicks in dangerous areas of the field, but unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize. One thing that surprised me was starting Iheanacho over Vardy. I know that Vardy has just gotten back from the World Cup, but does he really have to prove himself? He has been one of the top strikes in the premiere League for the past 3 seasons. When he was subbed on, I thought VaLeicester looked a lot more dangerous. They were putting crosses into the box. They were throwing more men forward. They just looked especially good while he was in. He ended up putting in a rebound to help him get on the score sheet and to kick off his season. I am hoping that this was just a one game thing, and that Vardy will be in the starting line up for most of the remaining 37 games. That was really the only thing that I would change for Leicester. They played a really good game and were just unlucky to come away with nothing. I think that if Leicester continue to play like they did today, then they will end up in the top 6 or 7 by the end of the season. 

Today’s game was a great way to kick off the Premier League season, and I cannot wait until tomorrow morning! Happy Premier League and best of luck to whoever you support! 

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Ronaldo to Juventus

I know I should have said something about this transfer when it happened, but I was having a hard time figuring out how I felt about it. I absolutely love Cristiano Ronaldo! I am a firm believer that he is the best player in the world! So, it was hard for me to process the best player in the world leaving the best club in the world. 

At first, I didn’t think it was a good move at all. Ronaldo has been at Real Madrid for 9 years, and during his time there, he has won almost everything. He has helped the team become champions of Europe 3 times in a row. He has won the Ballon d'Or 4 times while he was in Madrid. I just hated that he would leave a team that he has meant so much to and that has meant so much to him.

After the initial shock of the transfer, I started to look at all the reasons that this move actually made sense for everyone. It is obviously a great thing for Juventus because they are getting the best player in the world. They are hoping that Ronaldo can be the missing piece to winning the Champions League. Honestly, it is just an incredible thing for Juventus to sign such a fantastic player. Then I looked at Real Madrid, and I was trying to figure out how this helps them. You may think I am crazy, but I believe that Ronaldo leaving was the best thing for the club. Sure, they are losing the best player in the world. Sure, he has done amazing things for the club. There are many reasons to keep him, but if you take a closer look at the roster, you will notice that Madrid has several talented young players waiting for an opportunity to shine. Players like Isco, Bale, Asensio, Vazquez, and several more. These players need a chance to play, and with Ronaldo on the team, there was no way they were going to see the minutes that they deserve. We have seen Isco and Bale get frustrated with the role that they have been playing for the last couple of years, and now they will have their chance to prove themselves. These players are the future of Real Madrid, and with Ronaldo gone, they can focus on the development of their young talent. 

The last thing I looked was Ronaldo. I was asking how this made sense for him. Someone who has been on the top of the world for as long as he has been at Madrid leaving? I was having a hard time seeing how this would actually help him. The one thing that kept popping up in my head is his age. Ronaldo is 33 years old. That is pretty much the line for soccer players. Once they hit that age, they are looking for an easier challenge. They look for something that will allow them to rest a little and prolong their career. They look at clubs in the MLS, Japan, or China. But Ronaldo is not like other players. He is moving from a top team to a top team. I honestly think it is going to be more difficult for him at Juventus than it would have been at Madrid. He will have to work on a new formation, a new system, new teammates, a new language, and an entirely new culture. Ronaldo had to have thought all of this out before making the move. I think he did, and he was ready for the challenge. He wants to separate himself from everyone. Ronaldo has proved that he is the best in Portugal. He proved he was the best in the Premier League. He proved he was the best in Spain. He wants one more chance to prove himself in Italy. It all finally started to make sense to me. 

I know this has been a long post, but it was not something that I could write about in a couple cute sentences. I have thought deep and hard about this transfer. I think that it just makes sense for everyone. It is good for Juventus obviously. It is good for Real Madrid so they can grow their youth. It is good for Ronaldo because he can prove one more time that he is the best player in the world. I cannot wait to see Cristiano Ronaldo in a Juventus jersey! I wish him all the best!

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IT IS TIME

This is it!!! The day I have been waiting for for 4 years! Ever since Gotze scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup Final! After 4 years of preparation, France and Croatia meet to decide who will be World Champions!! They have spent the last 4 years preparing for this one game. They have gone through qualifying. They have played many friendly games to help prepare. They have fought hard through their 6 games at this World Cup just for this one game! They have watched film, trained, and given everything to be where they are today. Whatever happens today, both France and Croatia should be proud of the way they have represented their nation. They have played with pride for their country, and I know that they have made their country proud. Both teams deserve to be crowned champions, but only one will will hold up the most coveted trophy in all of sports!! Only one can win the World Cup! LET’S GET IT!!!!!!!

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Croatia vs England

Wow!!! I can’t get enough of this World Cup!!! Both teams played to win!! I am extremely happy that Croatia won because I am a big Modric fan, but I am also sad because I love England! I could not have asked for a better game.

Croatia were incredible!!! They looked a little slow to start, but after England’s goal, they came alive. They were putting loads of pressure on everyone that had the ball. They were trying to play quick. They looked solid defensively. It was just so much fun to watch!! In my honest opinion Perisic was the man of the match. England did a good job of shutting down the passing lanes to Modric, so someone had to come alive. I believe that Perisic answered the call. He was chasing the ball down. He was winning the ball in dangerous areas. He was putting balls into the box. And to finish it off, he scored the equalizing goal.

England played really well, but it wasn’t enough today. They were playing like they wanted football to come home. They were doing a great job defensively, until the goal. They lost sight of Perisic, and they paid the price. England also played well in the attack. Sterling was the first one to almost every ball they played forward, but he couldn’t do anything with it. I would have much rather seen Rashford the whole game. They should be proud to have made it this far, and they should focus on the 3rd place game.

I enjoyed every minute of the game today! I am glad it went into extra time because neither team deserved to lose. But that’s football for you. Congratulations to Croatia for advancing to the World Cup Final!!!!