Of the 100+ games that make up the World Cup, the most forgettable game is usually the third place play-off. Two teams that would much rather forget a harrowing semi-final loss by getting slizzard in an Ibiza club. Instead, you have to spend another week prepping for an essentially meaningless game. Grim.
This year was different. France and England decided to just go for it; full gas, no breaks. When both teams commit to entertainment, fun, and scoring over defense, pragmatism, and processes.
The result, a six goals to four extravaganza, was one for the record books. I watched the 25 minute highlights this evening, and know that the 70k people who got to see it live would have seen something they’ll never forgets