I BOARDED a flight during the Holland versus Morocco round of 32 game in the happy knowledge that the airline had a channel showing the World Cup live on board.
The Dutch took the lead as fellow passengers sought luggage space in the overhead bins, a task similar to trying to find a parking space at a mall on a public holiday in Malaysia.
The safety instruction video then interrupted the broadcast (do people really need that level of guidance to operate a seatbelt on a plane?) and by the time we returned to live TV, Morocco had secured a deserved last-minute equaliser.
Both managers seemed on the verge of adopting the brace position during a nervy and turbulent extra time. There was tension galore but no more goals and with most of the screens displaying the football, we settled into cruising altitude and a penalty shootout.
In principle, there is no shame in missing a penalty in such high-stakes circumstances. In practice, some of the spot kicks were truly woeful.
An instruction video on penalty taking would surely now point to the dangers of the stutter run-up, a bizarre modern invention that introduces more risk than rhythm.
Technique-wise, striking a penalty shouldn’t be unduly more complicated than fastening a plane seatbelt, but many continue to make it so.
We certainly live in strange penalty times when even the Germans experience a collective stutter. They lost to Paraguay in a result that was a surprise but, based on Germany’s form in the group stage, not entirely a shock.
France are looking more and more like the team to beat in the tournament.
They swept Sweden aside with breathtaking ease, and the Swedes didn’t even play that badly. Kylian Mbappe continued his scoring streak but it’s Michael Olise who is sending defenders into spinning confused retreat.
He is the best player in the world on current form. The tie of the round (on paper) saw Brazil overcome a spirited, energetic, and disciplined Japan side.
The Brazilian performance didn’t exactly exude samba style and flair, but Gabriel Martinelli’s winner was a goal of beautifully worked, precise simplicity.
I said before the tournament that the biggest factor in Brazil’s favour is sat on the bench. I’m referring of course to Carlo Ancelotti rather than Neymar. The Italian is even cooler than the air conditioning on planes.
A more direct approach in the second half showcased Brazilian flexibility more than flamboyance.
The other first-class tie of the round sees Portugal taking on Croatia. The timing of this column makes it a preview piece, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric vie to be victorious veterans.
After a shaky start against England, the Croatian playmaker is once again reminding us all of what an exceptional talent he is. Portugal probably start as slight favourites, but Croatia are the definition of a tournament team when it comes to World Cups.
For one of Ronaldo or Modric, this will be their last World Cup match. A final call that is not to be missed.
Elsewhere, Scotland have already packed their bags and flown home.Manager Steve Clarke resigned in the aftermath of another dismal tournament campaign.
If elimination is the source of sadness among Scotland fans, then it’s the timid and inept nature of it that turns sad tributaries into a rather more raging sea of anger. Scotland have never struggled to locate the nearest exit.
Norway though are flying, after defeating Ivory Coast and navigating safely into the next round.
Erling Haaland continues to lead their thunderous charge, as their fans row them on in the stands.
Also through are co-hosts Canada, but their 1-0 win against South Africa isn’t likely to feature prominently in the end of tournament highlights reel.
FIFA’s technical study group meanwhile, released their report on the group stages, highlighting the striking scoring impact of substitutes, the evolving role of goalkeepers to become even more influential with their feet, and the success of rule changes brought in to minimise time wasting and diving.
Absolutely one of the most refreshing aspects of this World Cup has been a refereeing approach that has encouraged the game to flow.
Players tumbling at the slightest nudge or contact have been surprised to watch the game carry on as they look up pleadingly from the floor.
Most hearteningly, it is changing player behaviour for the better.
VAR also seems slightly less interventionist, which is a great thing, but it continues to provoke controversy. The Germans have a very legitimate complaint that VAR cost them more dearly than their penalty shortcomings in the game against Paraguay. With VAR sensibly being used more sparingly, the hardest working machine at the tournament is Gianni Infantino’s jet.
Soon we’ll know who’s packing the World Cup trophy in their carry-on luggage. Right now, it looks bound for Paris.
