Letter Twenty-one | 12/10 | Russ
Cape Town
Dear Lack,
When I look back at this project over the next few years, what will I think about first? The matches? The guest letters? The attempt to balance exuberance and tragedy (as in the case of Grant Wahl’s death)?
I’m not familiar with Wahl’s work. But, from what I’ve read online and the discourse I’ve seen on Discord, he was a prominent journalist in the US soccer space. I too am upset about his passing. As you’ve mentioned, it brings up the sickening memory of Christian Eriksen’s collapse at the Euros. That remains the worst thing I’ve seen on live television. I’ll never forget sitting in Zach’s living room wondering if I’d just seen someone die. The image of his limp body and blank stare is burned into my mind. Even now, I find it difficult to type these words.
Eriksen ended up being ok. That won’t be the case with Wahl. It’s tragic. I have nothing more to say about it.
It feels strange to discuss the matches from today and yesterday in this context. I guess that’s the trickiness of the balancing act we’re trying to achieve.
Getting straight to it: I think the Argentina/Netherlands match from yesterday was the best match of soccer I’ve ever seen. We’ve talked a lot about language; only fragments seem to suffice here. That pass. Argentina’s lead. Wout Weghorst. Otamendi’s blunder. That set piece. Wout Weghorst again. Argentina’s relentless attack in extra time. Penalties (I was hosting five people, one of whom has familial ties to Argentina, in my one-bedroom apartment, and so I realized that hiding would’ve been pointless. You’ll be happy to know I was forced to watch). Argentina win (congrats Mia!).
I cannot wait for their match against Croatia. Can you imagine being a Croatian supporter? Advancing through to the semi-finals on two penalty shootouts! No one needs that. Brazil’s exit is tricky. They are brilliant to watch. Neymar’s goal yesterday was spectacular. His ability to control his body and the ball in tight spaces is astounding. It’s a shame his politics are so horrendous (this is the case for much of the Brazilian men’s team—except for former Evertonian and universal good boy Richarlison). I heard someone say on a podcast that “Everything bad for Neymar is good for the world.” Which is hilarious and also probably true. Anyway—pleased that Croatia is able to make another deep run through the World Cup.
How about that Moroccan team though? The absolute top dogs of the Iberian Peninsula! Thank you for declaring for them. You were brilliant. But seriously—the first African team to qualify for the semi-finals of a World Cup! What a story!
Portugal were relentless in attack and controlled much of the possession. Spain were the same. But Morocco’s play is a testament to organization and one of my soccer tenets: getting the fuck back on defense. Did you know that Morocco haven’t let an opponent score all tournament? In fact, the last player to score against Morocco was South African Lyle Foster on June 9th. They’ve played nine matches since then. Amazing. I am so happy.
France/England kick off in less than an hour. Like you, I don’t really mind who wins. It’s all Morocco right now. People are singing in the streets outside a restaurant called French Tacos. It’s surreal.
My best,
Russ