As some of you may recall, in last Wednesday’s edition of Freedom Kicks, the published article honed in on the abuses and cruelties of US entry approval that occurred. They are no less painful, mean spirited, or unnecessary. However, there’s something that nobody could apparently stop, and that’s the beauty of the world cup.

So, we all expected the fans to be here. Like the Brazilians.

Or the Dutch

Or the Germans

You gotta remember the South Africans

The Cape Verdeans showed out, as well

The Bosnians

The Norwegians

And the Scots

Perhaps you didn’t hear me, I said the Scots

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Scots

And they’re going to Baseball games

And doing improvised musical collaborations that would have given King George III an aneurysm

Mexico is also experiencing some cultural exchange. And South Korean fans here for the games are, well, take a look

There are also opportunities for pranks

And the coming together of peoples that the world didn’t think could find an instantaneous, but no less deep, common bond

So, before I got to some actual article links, I wanted to expose the readers to how incredible and unifying this experience can be, against all odds and larger institutional intentions and failings.

The people of the world are here for the game, and, in the process, are discovering each other.

Anyway, here’s some relevant news:

Kylian Mbappé scores stunner, breaks France goal record in Senegal win– ESPN

Yesterday started out with a tremendous game between France and Senegal. If you haven’t checked out the highlights, certainly worth a viewing.

Norway’s Erling Haaland punishes Iraq with double on World Cup debut– The Guardian

Iraq are a famously stalwart and stubborn collective unit out of possession. Even when Erling Haaland brutally opened his scoring account at a World Cup for the first time, Iraq found an equalizer.

But Haaland is a panzer that the Iraqi backline and goalkeeper could not have fully understood until it was too late.

Messi dazzles to equal World Cup scoring record as Argentina breeze past Algeria– The Guardian

Not to be outdone, (which, now that I think about it, would be THE PERFECT words to put on his future tombstone), Lionel Messi reminded both Mbappe and Haaland that their competition for Best Player on Earth status might not start for another month or so. A great hattrick for the GOAT.

Austria 3-1 Jordan: Arnautovic penalty seals win in thriller – as it happened– ESPN

The games already kicked off today with a promising start for Austria against Jordan.

World Cup predictions: England vs Croatia, Portugal vs DR Congo and rest of matchday 7– The Athletic

The games continue later today with:

Portugal vs. DR Congo at 1 PM Eastern on FOX

England vs. Croatia at 4 PM Eastern on FOX

Ghana vs Panama at 7 PM Eastern on FS1

and

Uzbekistan vs. Colombia at 10 PM Eastern on FS1

D.C. United Announce Friendly Against Bundesliga Side SC Paderborn 07 in September at Audi Field– DC United

There’s still some DC United news to note, as September features an exhibition against Bundesliga side, SC Paderborn 07.

Anyway, take us home, Norwegian fans

That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!