Well, when you’ve got England against Norway and Argentina versus Switzerland, it becomes an affair of three European giants and one Latino wizard.
World Cup is now at a stage when every clash is worth the candle.
Let sleep be damned, prepare a cauldron of coffee!
But as we move to these two delicious games, the rather sour taste of a festering debate surrounding the Argentina-Egypt match refuses to dissipate.
The Pharaohs almost took it away from the Albiceleste but there was always the sting in the tail.
A raft of conspiracy theories is also emerging.
Some trying to find links to ongoing middle-eastern tensions.
Sadly, a person in Bangladesh has died after a post-match altercation between supporters of two sides turned ugly.
Really!
World Cup is here to unite the globe, communities through the beautiful game and not create anarchy or mayhem.
Let’s keep that in mind, check our emotions and then, please remember, with all respect to the sides which are now still in contention, Bangladesh is not one of them.
Enjoy, feel a little down when your team has lost and then, rejoice with the supporters of the winning team – the tournament is aimed to minimise, at least for more than a month, the discord, division and animosity plaguing life across the world.
Losing does not mean the end of the world for us!
Right, the Vikings are here to face Captain Kane and his merry men.
England won the World Cup at a time many people travelled overseas by ship and unless you are touching 80, chances are, you do not have much recollection of the Three Lions taking the trophy in 1966.
England comes, makes a splash and when they are agonisingly close, everything unravels.
There is a prevalent belief that Three Lions will be there among the top eight or four but whether they will go to the final is a doubt.
Haaland in top form, Norway has no intention to halt the Viking onslaught.
In fact, he appeared calm, composed and assured while answering questions from BBC on the upcoming match,
Still, for some peculiar/inexplicable reason, one part of the brain whispers: England, England!
Argentina has never faced so much flak before as they did following the Egypt match and the profound observations of the Egyptian captain after the game touched millions.
Yet, the result has to be accepted and for the Albiceleste, redemption means a clean win against Switzerland.
But wait a minute, these guys from the Alps are not here to offer chocolates, mend your watches or, to entice anyone with discreet bank lockers or anonymous accounts.
Switzerland played quarter finals in both 1934 and 1938, repeating the feat in 1954.
So, be careful, that Toblerone smile topped with humility is a but a veneer.
They won a very physical match against Colombia in penalties and have already got a taste of Latino flair (and fouls).
The match against Egypt clearly exposed Argentina’s weakness at the back and, luck will not always be on their side.
Therefore, the stress created from missing a penalty should not be brushed aside in the euphoria of winning.
Again, the feeling is, Messi and the lot may go through.
However, if this goes to penalties, should Messi be allowed to take a shot?
You tell me!
Whatever the case, they will have the prayers of millions from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries.
