What I Wrote This Week (7/10)

I guess it’s a sign of growth, right? We’re no longer saying that “If Madison Bumgarner played soccer, the USMNT would be in the quarterfinals”. Instead, the accepted line has become: “If soccer wasn’t so expensive, the USMNT would be in the quarterfinals”. That’s not true, but it’s truer than the other thing.

Here’s what I’ve written this week:

-The loss to Belgium should officially put an end to the idea that a manager is going to save the USMNT.

-I picked out the eight most important players ahead of the quarterfinals.

-I continued to grade every team that’s been eliminated from the tournament. Morocco’s review should be up shortly.

Bonus: here’s what I’ve said this week:

-I was on NPR’s Morning Edition this morning to chat with Steve Inskeep about Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi.

And one thing I watched this week:

-Jackass: Best and Last. Among the new bits: four late-middle-age men chug extra-strength laxatives and then play Twister with their pants off. There’s also a humanoid robot who gives Steve-O a prostate exam. I mean this completely sincerely: these people are geniuses.

Enjoy the soccer!