On today’s National Holiday, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, France is in a state of athletic emergency. In the evening, the much-anticipated World Cup semi-final against Spain takes place in Dallas. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, the peloton battles through a brutal mountain stage in the Tour de France, featuring multiple climbs of the highest category and nearly 4,000 meters of elevation gain. More France, more sports, and more emotions in a single day is hard to imagine.
Of course, we’ll take an intense look at the football blockbuster in Dallas. Additionally, our former Swiss intern surprisingly contacted me – with a request for a reference letter. I will naturally comply with this request as well.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
There is no new playoff compass today. Instead, this morning, an email from our former Swiss intern landed in my inbox.
Subject: “Reference Letter”
He has since applied for “new challenges” and urgently needs a qualified reference. After careful consideration, I, of course, complied with this request.
Reference Letter
Mr. ⬛⬛ worked as an intern during the World Cup in the project Potti’s World Diary.
His tasks included, in particular:
- Decorating the office with Swiss national flags and the unsolicited distribution of Toblerone to all colleagues.
- Loudly and persistently cheering for the Swiss national team with the battle cry “Hopp Schwiiz!”.
- Creating all tournament brackets and creatively adjusting them in favor of the Swiss – unless the sports action did that itself.
- Regular professional discussions about the supposedly best chocolate, the best cheese, and the most beautiful mountains in Europe.
He exhibited remarkable perseverance. Even after several personnel discussions, a written reprimand, and a temporary multi-day stay in Zurich, he remained committed to his mission.
His approach to work hours was creative. Mr. ⬛⬛ understood presence more as a non-binding recommendation than as a mandatory aspect of an employment relationship.
His ability to celebrate even the smallest successes of the Swiss national team like national holidays is particularly noteworthy. On appropriate occasions, Mr. ⬛⬛ also displayed a pronounced sociability and was always open to both the culinary and liquid Swiss culture.
After Switzerland was eliminated from the World Cup, Mr. ⬛⬛ voluntarily ended his work, leaving behind a tidy workspace, 27 Swiss flags, 14 Toblerone wrappers, and a handwritten note that read:
“Mission accomplished. Hopp Schwiiz.”
We thank Mr. ⬛⬛ for his tireless commitment to the service of the Swiss Confederation and wish him all the best for his future professional and sports endeavors. We particularly recommend him to companies based between Basel and St. Gallen, as well as organizations whose corporate identity includes the colors red and white.
Tuesday, July 14 – Semi-Final: France vs. Spain – 9 PM
Finally, it’s time. The first World Cup semi-final promises exactly what football fans have been waiting for weeks. France against Spain – two absolute heavyweights of world football, with two completely different philosophies, and for me, it’s the pre-final of this World Cup.
France appears in this tournament like an experienced poker player at the final table. No unnecessary risks, no superfluous tricks – just maximum efficiency. The Équipe Tricolore hasn’t needed to shine brightly to eliminate its opponents. Instead, the team defends extremely disciplined, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike coldly. This combination currently makes France perhaps the most uncomfortable team in the entire tournament.
On the other side stands Spain. The Iberians play a football that occasionally reminds one of the great Tiki-Taka era. They control the ball, dictate the pace, and often leave the opponent chasing for minutes. Their incredible streak is especially impressive: they have been unbeaten in the last 36 international matches. With another success today, the team could even set a historical record. Just that shows with what confidence the Spaniards enter this semi-final.
For this reason, I expect a fascinating duel of contrasts today. Spain will try to take control of the game, but France is unlikely to be easily impressed. The French feel almost comfortable relinquishing the ball to their opponent. Only a few teams transition as quickly and purposefully after regaining possession. Thus, any errant pass in the Spanish buildup could be punished immediately.
The midfield will be crucial for me. If Spain can maintain control there, chances will inevitably arise. However, if France wins the important second balls and keeps the center compact, the type of game Didier Deschamps prefers could develop: long patience, few chances – and one lethal attack.
I initially expect a rather cautious opening phase. Both coaches know that a mistake at this level often means elimination. Only when the energy wanes in the second half and the spaces enlarge should the match really pick up speed.
Nonetheless, my gut feeling tells me that France will narrowly come out on top in the end. Not because the French play the more attractive football, but because they currently seem incredibly mature and nearly do everything right in knockout games. Spain will likely have more ball possession, perhaps even create more chances – but France possesses that extraordinary ability to strike precisely at the right moment.
My prediction: France wins 2-1 after extra time and advances to the World Cup final.