France has reached the semifinals – and my gut feeling took a severe hit. Additionally, there’s news about our Swiss intern, who had to face the announced personnel meeting after his legendary Basel party night. And of course, we look ahead: Can Belgium upset the next favorite, or will Spain secure the dream semifinal against France? Answers, tips, and of course a fresh edition of Potti’s World Cup Stack are available as usual in today’s issue.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
The scheduled personnel meeting has since taken place. Our Swiss intern appeared a bit late in the video call – sunglasses, hoodie, and a coffee cup that was more the size of a small flower pot. When asked if he was fully operational again, he replied briefly: “Sure. 80 percent.”At least he showed some insight. He apologized for his late-night singing performance but emphasized that “Hopp Schwiiz!” was, in his opinion, not a disturbance, but patriotic public relations. The sung “We Are the Champions” was certainly not arrogant, but merely forward-thinking tournament planning. Yeah, right. Sure 🫣After a brief but intense exchange, a termination was put on hold for now. Instead, the colleague received a final probationary chance – combined with the clear requirement to produce the next Potti’s Playoff Compass sober, on time, and without Swiss cowbells. He accepted the conditions and swore an oath to present himself more professionally in the future. However, five minutes after the call ended, he already sent the first draft. Above the Swiss flag, it read in large golden letters: “ROAD TO THE FINAL”. The probation period is running.
Yesterday’s Game:
Quarterfinal: France vs. Morocco 2:0
Well, my gut feeling might need to book an appointment with the team doctor soon. After some hits in the last few days, I got this one completely wrong. Instead of a back-and-forth exchange, the Atlas Lions surprisingly displayed little courage and allowed France to control the game for nearly the entire match.The French played smartly, controlled both ball and opponent, and never gave any serious doubts about their advancement to the semifinals. Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty at first but quickly redeemed himself with a stunning goal. Ousmane Dembélé followed shortly after with the second goal, sealing the deal early on. Morocco, on the other hand, barely showed offensively and did not seriously threaten France’s defense at any point. All in all, the 2:0 victory for the Equipe Tricolore was fully deserved – and could have even been higher.I must be honest: I expected a lot more courage from Morocco. Anyone who marches to the quarterfinals should not focus almost exclusively on defending for 90 minutes. My gut feeling deserves a solid six for this prediction. Now it’s time to let reason take over again.
Friday, July 10 – Today’s MatchQuarterfinal: Spain vs. Belgium – 9 PM
At first glance, the favorites seem clear. Spain has been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, eliminating Austria and Portugal on their way to the quarterfinals – two opponents that certainly were not the easiest to face. Especially their possession game looks nearly perfectly coordinated. Hardly any team controls the pace and rhythm of a match as confidently as the Spaniards right now.Belgium, on the other hand, had to work hard to reach the last eight. Against Senegal, the Red Devils only saved themselves into extra time with a spectacular comeback before winning. In the round of 16 against the USA, Belgium showed its strongest performance of the tournament so far, giving the host hardly a chance. Since that display, it has been clear to everyone: Belgium is a contender for the title.That’s what makes this quarterfinal so intriguing. Spain will try to dictate the game with their possession and control. Belgium, however, will rely on their exceptional quality in transition play. The Red Devils are physically robust and possess enough individual skill to decide a match with just a few actions. If they can disrupt Spain’s passing game early and create dangerous counterattacks, this duel could be much closer than many expect.Still, I see slight advantages for Spain. The team appears more cohesive, defensively more stable, and has shown more control throughout the tournament thus far. I anticipate an intense quarterfinal, where Belgium holds their ground for a while, but Spain’s playing class ultimately prevails narrowly.My tip: Spain wins 2:1 and secures the dream semifinal against France.
Yesterday’s Game:
Quarterfinal: France vs. Morocco 2:0
Well, my gut feeling might need to book an appointment with the team doctor soon. After some hits in the last few days, I got this one completely wrong. Instead of a back-and-forth exchange, the Atlas Lions surprisingly displayed little courage and allowed France to control the game for nearly the entire match.The French played smartly, controlled both ball and opponent, and never gave any serious doubts about their advancement to the semifinals. Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty at first but quickly redeemed himself with a stunning goal. Ousmane Dembélé followed shortly after with the second goal, sealing the deal early on. Morocco, on the other hand, barely showed offensively and did not seriously threaten France’s defense at any point. All in all, the 2:0 victory for the Equipe Tricolore was fully deserved – and could have even been higher.I must be honest: I expected a lot more courage from Morocco. Anyone who marches to the quarterfinals should not focus almost exclusively on defending for 90 minutes. My gut feeling deserves a solid six for this prediction. Now it’s time to let reason take over again.
Friday, July 10 – Today’s MatchQuarterfinal: Spain vs. Belgium – 9 PM
At first glance, the favorites seem clear. Spain has been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, eliminating Austria and Portugal on their way to the quarterfinals – two opponents that certainly were not the easiest to face. Especially their possession game looks nearly perfectly coordinated. Hardly any team controls the pace and rhythm of a match as confidently as the Spaniards right now.Belgium, on the other hand, had to work hard to reach the last eight. Against Senegal, the Red Devils only saved themselves into extra time with a spectacular comeback before winning. In the round of 16 against the USA, Belgium showed its strongest performance of the tournament so far, giving the host hardly a chance. Since that display, it has been clear to everyone: Belgium is a contender for the title.That’s what makes this quarterfinal so intriguing. Spain will try to dictate the game with their possession and control. Belgium, however, will rely on their exceptional quality in transition play. The Red Devils are physically robust and possess enough individual skill to decide a match with just a few actions. If they can disrupt Spain’s passing game early and create dangerous counterattacks, this duel could be much closer than many expect.Still, I see slight advantages for Spain. The team appears more cohesive, defensively more stable, and has shown more control throughout the tournament thus far. I anticipate an intense quarterfinal, where Belgium holds their ground for a while, but Spain’s playing class ultimately prevails narrowly.My tip: Spain wins 2:1 and secures the dream semifinal against France.