Cupset Tuesday
By Mark Daniell
20/06/2018
Well, I think we can safely call yesterday Cupset Tuesday (don’t worry, cupset’s a legit word, like chillax or peepoo). Senegal take advantage of an own goal and a ludicrous backpass to beat Poland; Japan make the most of 87 minutes against 10 man Colombia to be the first Asian country to beat a team from South America in a World Cup; and with not even a week gone, Egypt are out. Egypt, runners up in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, out.
But that’s Cupset Tuesday! so let’s see how the kids’ predictions did:
Who’s going to win? Poland or Senegal?
3 year old: Polegal
Half right!
Who’s going to win? Russia or Egypt?
7 year old: Egypt
Nope, but in fairness, Russia have now scored 8 in two, having previously scored only 2 in all 4 games of 2018 and not won since last October.
But that’s Cupset Tuesday!
Now, in a new feature where the Mouse responds to subjects brought up in the comments below that aren’t just from sexy spambots (although that doesn't mean you should stop your sexy spamming you sexy spambots) we’re exploring the curious dress code of the VAR refs:
As Matthew (if that is your real name, you sexy spambot) rightly pointed out, even though they’re hidden in their Secret VARden, the VARdians are fully kitted out in matching referee uniforms. But why? we can't see you down there, surely you should be dressed like that old oil tanker guy in Waterworld. Don’t worry, the Mouse has theories:
Theory 1: they have to be ready in case there’s an injury to the onfield ref and they need to slip in with minimum fuss. Obviously that wouldn't really required all four of them to be in uniform, but what if the next ref is injured too? So they're all kitted out, you know, like batsmen in the pavilion.
Theory 2: they want to create a unified image where no one ref is more important than the other: they stand together, the uniform symbolising solidarity, unity of spirit and an unchallengeable belief in the system, you know, like a cult.
Theory 3: three of them are phoneys dressed up to look like referees but who are actually just there to draw the assassins’ bullets of disgruntled fans, you know, like the fake Stalins.
Theory 4: none of them really exist, they’re just a repeated holographic projection designed to give the impression that VAR is a real thing rather than a Russian computer programme able to conjure up 8 goals in 2 games, you know, like what’s happening.
Name of the day:
Ahmed Fathi
As in: Hey man, how come you’re tilting on your chair like that? Who me? Ahmed Fathi.
(I’m aware that unless you pronounce Ahmed Fathi in the same way the BBC pronounces Ahmed Fathi, that won’t make much sense…)
Goal of the day:
Juan Quintero’s free kick to draw level with Japan. We’ve seen the under-the-wall free kick a few times, but usually from slap in front of goal, this was a cheeky effort from way out and to the side that just crept in the post. Sneaky!
Kit of the day:
Japan have one of the most distinctive flags in the world: White flag, Red sun. But they rock a dark blue shirt, shorts and socks combo. Why? Because it’s damned smart, that's why. Also they call it the Samurai Blue. (that might be wrong, I've just googled that and quoted the first answer, could be way off.)
Moment of the day:
Aliou Cissé eyes the camera, triple fist pumps and holds the pose as Senegal snaffle a second against Poland. But the best part is his Puma suit. That’s not a Puma suit. That’s just a Puma pin he’s stuck in there to be part of the team. Triple Fist Pump eyeball to you Aliou!
Today’s kidictions:
Who’s going to win? Portugal or Morocco?
3 year old: Morocco
Who’s going to win? Uruguay or Saudi Arabia?
7 year old: Uruguay
Off we go!