[ad_1]
The year 1998 is a remarkable year in the space-time continuum of football. A star of the World Cup has been made. A star of the World Cup was born. Both continued to do exactly the same thing.
In 1998, Michael Owen ran across an Argentine defense, all by himself, as he slipped on hidden roller skates. He was still a teenager.
In 2018, Kylian Mbappe went through an Argentine defense, all by himself, as he followed Owen's footsteps. He was still a teenager
| URUGUAY | FRANCE |
In 1998, France won the World Cup in July and Mbappe was born in December.
If Les Bleus win this World Cup "
The strange similarities between Owen's and Mbappe's international breakthroughs are not only fascinating, they also serve as bookends.
Mbappe is truly the first of its kind since Owen, an impudent, fearless child who relies on raw speed, early talent and the glorious gift of youthful innocence. He lives in the moment, focusing only on the next race, dribbles and shoots.
Being the first teenager to score multiple goals in a knockout game since Pele in 1958, comparisons are inevitable, but not unjustified. and Mbappe – and Owen from elsewhere – share an obvious characteristic. As children, they seemed to score every time the ball came to them.
Thanks to the ubiquitous nature of the football news cycle, Mbappe has not had the shock of Owen and Pele. Everyone knew his rhythm. Everyone knew his potential. We were just waiting for the alchemy. The potential was to be transformed into a pedigree.
Finally, the 19-year-old found the right formula against Argentina, scoring twice.
As coach Didier Deschamps ironically emphasized: "You need patience." [19659002] Five of France's starters in their opening match had never played in the World Cup before. Mbappe was one of them. As he left the Argentineans in his wake, he sounded almost like a beep as he passed his pursuers.
He is the endearing and colorful Road Runner that this World Cup needs. And, just to add to the caricatural flavor of the tournament, he faces the Wile E. Coyote defense.
BOUNTY HUNTER
Diego Godin went around the block and again, hunting, shooting and kicking opponents who dared to defy his territory.
The Uruguayan is so relentless that he plays practically with his tongue. Mbappe's thinking leaving the center-back behind him in a dusty cloud offends his professionalism.
Godin built a career by catching the "uncatchable". He is a bounty hunter in the box, especially at this World Cup.
Uruguay conceded just one goal to Russia 2018 and it was against Portugal in the round of 16 and, no, it was not the tanned god of Instagram
When the Final whistle broke, Godin allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the pocket of Uruguayan to return to the airport
Most defenders watch Mbappe and see a brutal headline heading towards them. Godin sees the breakfast. He has been eating gunshots since Mbappe switched to solid food.
Godin made his professional debut when Mbappe was five years old. He is more than ready for his quarterfinal tonight.
But something must give in this captivating scenario. Uruguay only cashed once, but France scored seven goals.
Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann found their attacking pace, with strong support from N & # 39; Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.
Griezmann plays for Atletico Madrid, with Godin and his Uruguayan teammate Jose Maria Gimenez. They are club brothers. Godin also happens to be the godfather of Griezmann's daughter. You could not write this thing.
The best of friends today can become the best of enemies tonight. Dreams and relationships may be broken.
But Griezmann was not really the source of the pain of Argentina. It was Mbappe. He terrified the team with too many old men.
Fortunately, Godin finds himself surrounded by young parents. These are not selfie sharing tweenies, but Gimenez, 23, Diego Laxalt, 25, Martin Caceres, 31, and the excellent midfielder, Lucas Torreira, 22, are mostly good side of history
. Godin is the oldest on the back for Uruguay. Mbappe is the youngest in front for France. He will chase this space between Godin and Laxalt
The old coyote tracked the best of them, but he has never faced a road racer as arrogant and fast as Mbappe.
Their characters may seem caricatural, but their race promises to be a classic.
[ad_2]
Source link
