This past Friday, American soccer journalist Grant Wahl passed away while covering the World Cup games. At 48 years old, Wahl suddenly collapsed at the Netherlands vs. Argentina game. Wahl had worn a rainbow shirt to a match in Qatar and was kicked out of a game at the World Cup by Qatari officials. The day before his passing he wrote on his Substack, “They just don't care. Qatari World Cup organizers don't even hide their apathy over migrant worker deaths, including the most recent one.” He had apparently been dealing with bronchitis and wasn’t sleeping well, but the timing of all of this has obviously led to a ton of speculation on the cause of death. Wahl was a soccer analyst for CBS Sports, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, and a correspondent for Fox Sports who always championed US soccer.
Argentina vs. Croatia
Tuesday, 12/13 at 2 PM ET on FOX
Argentina
Nahuel Molina (right-back for Atlético Madrid) was the player who the bench full of Dutch charged at after Leandro Paredes (defensive midfielder for Juventus) kicked the ball right at them. This will be Lionel Messi’s 2nd time in the World Cup Semi-Finals, he lost to Germany in the 2014 Final in Brazil. Messi scored 4 goals in Qatar, which brings his World Cup goal tracker to 10 in 24 games. Argentinian goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez (who plays for Aston Villa), faces a possible semi-final ban for his verbal blast at the ref in the previous match. (Source: Irish Sun)
Croatia
A friendly in 2006 between Argentina and Croatia featured the first time Lionel Messi (18 at the time) scored an international goal and Luka Modrić (20 at the time) made his international debut. These two nations met in the group stage last World Cup when Croatia defeated Argentina soundly, 3-0. Bruno Petković’s first World Cup goal could not have come at a more opportune time. Croatia is seeking to join the exclusive club of West Germany and the Netherlands. They are the only two countries that have ever made it back to a World Cup final after losing in the final 4 years previous (West Germany in 1990/1986 and the Netherlands in 1978).
France vs. Morocco
Wednesday, 12/14 at 2 PM ET on FOX
France
This French team is the first defending World Cup Champion to reach the semi-finals since the 1998 Brazil team that lost to France 3-0 in the final. Going back to the 2014 World Cup, France has won every game they have played where they scored at least once. This obscure stat includes 13 wins, 2 Nil Nil draws, and 2 losses where they were shut out.
Morocco
1st African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Youssef En-Nesyri's head was 9’1” up in the air on his header that ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. They have made it this far (5 games) without giving up a goal from an opposing player. This is not the first time Morocco has taken on France. Back in 732, Morocco conquered the Iberian Peninsula and was prepared to battle France. 1,290 years later the Battle of Tours recommences. (Source: viral Tweet from @jazayerli)
#BoobyTrapChallenge
@NewReaders: I am pairing two rivals in their respective industries against one another for donations to charities. I understand many will think it is a waste of time and overly ambitious to think the corporations would ever check out the @You_The_Reader account’s stories but if I hound the rivals every day in their DMs you never know. It only takes me a few clicks, maybe 15 mins a day to do this, I don’t mention a monetary figure amount (whatever the corporation deems necessary which I’m sure they would just claim to be a tax write-off), and I want nothing to do with how money is exchanged.
This Week’s #BoobyTrapChallenge: Häagen-Dazs vs Ben & Jerry’s
@YouTheReaders do you have any local charities of choice that may appreciate some corporate cash for good use? Last week’s Orbit vs. Trident and these two rivals of Ice Cream are up for grabs, so if you have a charity or organization in mind, send them my way via text, DM @You_The_Reader, or email at WeekToWeekNotes@gmail.com.
Reddit Exchanges
@JesperTV on r/creativewriting
@YouTheReader dare me to do the same thing this Friday? Someone, please tell @JesperTV on the Creative Writing subreddit: Petty with the Pen ain’t scared of writing creatively and getting banned for the bit.
Trends Change, Rumors Fly (0:08)
Still waiting on the response from the World Wide Leader in Sports on ESPN Customer Care Ticket #: 2234117…
These are urgent matters that need to be addressed by next Monday Night in our two-week playoff format.
His or Her Words, Not Mine
@YouTheReader’s Weekly Debate: Are Candy Canes a Festive Treat (Underrated) or an Absolute Liability (Overrated)?
Tune into this Sunday’s Weekly Debate poll on @You_The_Reader with a question involving SantaCon…
Is it a fun festive gathering or an absolute liability?
This Week’s “Thematic Concept Song”
Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Frank Sinatra & Dorothy Kirsten
For the small faction of @YouTheReaders who might be into a sneak peek at the song for Friday… Last ride on the Pascack Valley train home I jotted down the songs of ‘23 all the way up to Friday, March 17… (I know most of you don’t care, but thanks for scrolling to the bottom anyway)…
Taking a Field Trip to the Hoboken Museum. Working on the World Cup Final, NFL, CFB Bowl Games, and MLB’s Scorching Furnace. See ya Friday.