World Cup

Spain, the side many elevated to the status of favorites after landing Russia in the Round of 16 followed by a quarterfinal against either Croatia or Denmark, is out. We said it before, and we’ll say it again: if you look ahead at the 2018 World Cup then you’re already dead.

Also, if you complete 1,006 passes in one match you’re dead as well. That’s another thing we learned today. 

The first four minutes of Croatia versus Denmark was the most lit beginning to any knockout stage match ever. I can factually say that because it was the first match in knockout history to feature two goals in the opening four minutes of play.

Denmark’s opener in the first minute was due to an error by Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic (remember the name). That was the last error he'd ever make. It was a dream start for the underdogs. 

Can Mexico reach the quinto partido? They will have to beat a staked Brazil team to get there but this World Cup has shown that anything is possible. Beligum will try to keep their hot form against Japan.

Following Argentina’s elimination to France at the 2018 World Cup, one question immediately began to trend around the planet: would Messi retire from international soccer? What we now know for certain is that there’ll be no repeat of 2016’s events, when Argentina lost the Copa America final and Messi announced his premature retirement in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.

Spain controlled nearly 80 percent of possession, out-passed Russia 1,005 to 191 and attempted 24 shots compared to Russia’s seven, but all those stats are so entirely meaningless in the face of what’s transpired today: Russia has stunned Spain on penalties thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Russia, with 80,000 countrymen cheering them on in Moscow, were stone cold in the shootout, burying all four kicks form the spot. Spain, on the other hand, saw Rodrigo’s shot saved before Akinfeev denied Iago Aspas with a wonder stop.

You don’t grapple with Sergio Ramos. Unless you want to damage your shoulder ligaments or score a disastrous own goal in front of 80,000 of your countrymen, just stay away from the guy. He’s always a threat on set pieces — especially when the clock reads 92:48 — but he’s also a major threat with his understanding of judo.  

At one point today, Gabriel Mercado’s strike was going to send Argentina through to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. There was also a point when Pepe’s header was probably going to see Portugal win on penalties. Pepe.

These were insane situations in time — brief instances that demonstrated the chaos of life and sport.

Because let’s be honest, Portugal and Argentina are pretty trash. Ronaldo and Messi should get replica trophies for dragging them this far.

Cristiano Ronaldo lasted just a few more hours than Lionel Messi at the World Cup, the world’s best No. 7 following the world’s best No. 10 out of Russia. Edinson Cavani scored two goals for Uruguay vs Portugal as La Celeste held on late for a 2-1 victory on Saturday in Sochi, Russia.