Just landed at the Dulles International Airport to realise that all 4 World Cup games yesterday ended in a draw. This has to be record. I will check on OptaJoe later on X.

The beauty of football is that it can be unpredictable. Who would have predicted that Spain would be unable to score an African team? Cape Verde held their own and could have taken the lead late in the game. That game ended goalless with the Cape Verde goalkeeper and defensive tactics winning prizes.

In the other game, Belgium needed a Lukaku equaliser to cancel out an Egyptian opener. Egypt led at half time for the first time in the World Cup. Uruguay also come from behind to play 1-1 against Saudi Arabia. Remember the Saudis defeated Argentina in their opening game at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Do they like to play South Americans?

The final game of the day ended 2 goals each between Iran and New Zealand. Elijah Just hot a brace for the Oceania side with Chris Wood providing both assists.

Today, the 2022 finalists will play their first matches. France will play African Champions, Senegal in New Jersey, while Argentina will play Algeria in Kansas City. Would Senegal upset France again like the 2002 World Cup opener? Will Argentina have a stuttering start like in Qatar? Is this Messi’s last dance? Adidas have made a special edition boots for him.

Iraq will play Norway while Austria will play Jordan at midnight.

My predictions: France 2-1 Senegal: Olise is a game changer. Iraq 0-2 Norway: Haaland to score. Argentina 2-1 Algeria; Austria 1-0 Jordan. I don’t think there will be an upset today.

Ok, time to leave Dulles Airport. I need to connect to Toronto and I have some Panama fans with me. I was glad to meet a Brazilian travelling to Vancouver to watch his first ever World Cup game. This is why I love the game.