Messi vs Mbappe, and more

The quarter-finals saw two teams who didn't give up, didn't show fear, didn't panic go all the way to the semis. Croatia and Morocco bested former world and European champions like Brazil, Spain and Portugal along the way. 

In a way, the inclusive sub-plot that ran through the world cup with giant upsets created by the likes of Saudi Arabia, Japan and South Korea in the group stages continued. 

Hard work however takes a toll on the bodies. By the time these team reached the semis, the players have played 6 matches, some for 120 minutes with penalty shootout to boot. 

There is only a finite capacity in the muscles and even the great Luka Modric or Saiss petered out in the semis. Saiss literally had to be replaced early in the match against France and Modric a pale shadow of the playmaker he was in the earlier 5 matches.

Then there is always a tinge of controversy... well, it is the world cup after all. An early penalty awarded to Argentina didn't seem deserved. Morocco also seem to have been denied not one but perhaps two penalties in their game against France. 

It's never easy officiating these matches where some players can run as fast as Olympic athletes and the ball can travel upwards of a 100kmh. 

But what that meant is we have two of the finest players in the world today in opposing teams in the final. One plating in perhaps his second last world cup tournament and the other only in his second. There are teammates in the same Clun (Paris St Germain, where the older striker is mentoring the junior). PSG is now owned by the Qataris, a purchase that happened shortly after Michel Platini cast France FA'S vote in favour of Qatar hosting this world cup. Intriguing indeed, one that only FIFA can script. 

There is of course that juicy Netflix documentary, FIFA uncovered, aired just before the tournament. I watched that with an open mind but came away feeling that the filmaker is as guilty of bigotry (against the instititional capabilities of Africa and the middle east as much as FIFA is guilty of corruption. Plus, the poor economic business case aside, the impact it will have on Qatari society will be largely a positive one. So much for the human rights defenders who cannot even keep their own country safe.

But sticking to football. 

So, here we are, 10 hours before the final game of this world cup. It will be another 4 years before another champion is crowned. Tonight, we will know if Messi can finally match Maradona in carrying his team to a world cup winners podium or is it the more universally balanced French team with a lightning fast Mbappe as the tip of the spear that will emerge victorious for the second consecutive tournament. 

Meanwhile, for the neutral spectator, this promises to be a good game at so many levels. North vs South. Mentee vs mentor. And not to mention, another entertaining match in this awesome world cup tournament.