Gritty Little Belgium

You have to hand it to the Belgian side- they gave mighty Spain quite a tussle. If Belgium had been fully healthy with all players available, they would still have been an underdog to the formidable and deep Spanish, but they were far from one hundred percent yet gave a tournament favorite all they could handle. If the Spanish do bot smooth out the rough edges against the French, France will thrash them, which is my prediction- the French side will advance. 

Never Casualty Averse

Those supporting Ukraine frequently mention the large number of Russian deaths in the war against Kyiv. They have to know and remember that in the World Wars Moscow's soldiers fell by the millions, stacked like cordwood across the Motherland. In the First World War, the Czar did not seem to care how many conscripted serfs died, and Stalin never was particularly troubled by widespread carnage in World War II or any other time in his evil reign. So suddenly Putin is going to be dismayed that his troops are being sacrificed? No, while Russian soldiers as individuals do not want to die, just like any sane person would not, their leaders have never cared. 

Finish Iran's Tyrants

America does not need boots on the ground to take out the mad mullahs. It just needs to train and arm the freedom-seeking Iranian People. They are more than happy to do the hard part. 

Trump's Character Flaw

Our President is like the giddy schoolgirl who swoons the instant the football captain asks her to the prom. Qatar gives Trump a jet, so they must be a trusted ally. Erdogan describes his respect for and friendship with Trump, so Turkey must share the interests of the United States. Neither country has values in common with America; nor do our aims coincide. Flatter our current leader or give the US something really nice for his use like a 747, and Trump loses his caginess and New York street smarts. He has become a pussycat with these two Muslim countries who in no way, shape, or form wish to see an American victory over the theocratic fanatics that hold the Iranian People hostage. 

A Huge Disappointment

Americans want the United States to be a soccer power. At the moment, we are not among the world's best at this particular sport. When you are outclassed and over-matched by little Belgium, you have much work still to do. I think Spain with drub the Belgians after a solid performance beating Portugal, but as a patriot, I want to see those representing my nation prevail at everything. If someone is representing the Red, White, and Blue at tiddlywinks, I want that American to be the best on the globe. I want the USA to win at everything from Albania to Zanzibar. If the French hold an escargot eating contest with competitors representing different countries, I want my compatriot to devour more than any individual from any other place, just don't expect me to be the one guzzling the snails, as I could not do my nation proud on that one. 

No Soccer Hooligans

For too long, England was thought of less about excellence in sport and more about violent fans among that nation's supporters, especially when their side played abroad. I did not hear any mention of criminality among English fans as their stars vie for this World Cup. Good on you Three Lions on the pitch and off! 

Really Bush League

Paraguay played dirty against France. They could have injured a French player, maybe hurting one of the all-time greats Mbappe. The Latin Americans lost and were eliminated but should face some additional sanction from FIFA for the tactics they used which brought dishonor to the "beautiful game".