At this precise moment, I am unable to conjure up a ton of words concerning today’s World Cup fixtures. Such are my nerves on this match day. However, I will steel myself and sally forth to write a District Press USMNT Match Thread Preview in the coming hours, as we tick toward the scheduled execution of my sense of calm. Will post the link to that match thread in the comments when completed, stay tuned.

On to the news!

There’s not a ton of local soccer club news, but there is this:

The Washington Spirit securing Tamara Bolt is a solid depth move. The Women’s AFCON tournament swiftly approaches, and Bolt is likely to feature more heavily in the absence of Gift Monday and Rose Kouassi. Bolt is a real talent, so I will look forward to seeing more of the recently contract extended attacker on the field.

Also, this intrepid reporter representing a little known, but increasingly relevant online sports publication had this scoop:

Looking to hear more from this source in the future.

To cover yesterday’s action, I’m going to provide a recap article, here:

World Cup Daily: Mexico, Norway, France all ease into R16– ESPN

And then exemplify that, not only is the game not played on paper, but it also cannot be summed up in print.

To wit, here are some videos:

This would be Norway’s first goal against Ivory Coast:

Which was answered by Amad Diallo in the second half

Haaland did of course finish off the scoring to send Norway through in regular time, but the goals have been jaw dropping this tournament.

Speaking of which:

It really requires astute study to understand the precision of the dribbling and the quality and timing of the finish.

Sweden were no match.

It is also checking out the extended highlights of Mexico vs. Ecuador, but perhaps nothing captures what happened better than this simultaneous footage:

It was a huge Round of 32 Match Day. Today’s is no less impactful. Let’s get into it.

Riding high at a World Cup on home soil, the time is now for the USMNT– ESPN

Yep, it’s today.

Ream says USMNT is ready for extra time vs. Bosnia if necessary– Yahoo (Video)

Ream promises that the squad is ready for an extra time scenario, and I’m here to say, please don’t. Put them away.

To Make World Cup History, the USMNT First Has to Overcome It– Sports Illustrated

More content.

How USMNT prepare for World Cup penalty drama: confidence, composure and consultants– The Guardian

Lights, camera, consultants. As for penalties, please don’t. Put them away.

‘There are holes in England’: DR Congo ready to produce World Cup shock– The Guardian

England take on DR Congo, and it’s going to be a big deal.

Belgium vs. Senegal—World Cup: Preview, Predictions and Lineups– Sports Illustrated

Belgium take on Senegal, and it’s going to be a big deal.

Today’s World Cup Matches are:

England vs DR Congo at 12 PM Eastern on FOX

Belgium vs Senegal at 4 PM Eastern on FS1

USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina at 8 PM Eastern on FOX (and likely replaying through my dreaming mind for eternity)

EXPLAINER How KFA mismanagement led to Korea’s worst World Cup result– The Korea Times

District Press contributor, Blasian, was kind enough to find us this article from his current perch in South Korea, where fans are not happy. I personally was unaware that the last two World Cups saw the men’s team pelted with thrown missiles upon their return, albeit from some of the more misguided members of the public.

Sadly, the anger seems to be a bit more universal this time. I hope the Korean FA can figure it out, and regain trust. Regardless, I don’t think any group of players deserves this.

Some fun banter bits to end on:

Dzeko had a reply that just shows he is (understandably) locked in

And, to the nerds at The Onion, we thank you for the wry dig, but this plane isn’t landing. It’s taking off.

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