… to the tune of “The Queen Is Dead” by The Smiths: “The Bit is dead, boys…”

I’m retiring the jersey curse. I’ve worn three jerseys this tournament. I wore the Portugal jersey on the occasion of Ronaldo’s incredible performance, earning a draw. I wore my Croatia jersey for their win against Nigeria. And today, I wore my new England jersey for a last minute win that was so wonderfully out of character for the England team and the Spurs players playing on it. I have cursed no one.

It was a fun bit for a while for a handful of Facebook friends and me but I think I’m ready to admit that my clothing does not dictate fate. I’m starting to force it, so, it’s time to let it go.

Let’s talk games.

Sweden vs. South Korea

I got into work early this morning and didn’t see much of this game but I did manage to catch the penalty awarded via VAR. I think that’s the third one this tournament? Some people applaud the accuracy of decisions. I prefer the referee on the field setting the tone. It is at his discretion to make sure the game doesn’t get out of hand.

The presence and absence of VAR both have their merits. But more penalties are getting awarded with it and we have to recognize how a penalty can break a deadlocked game. It’s a huge advantage (and, yeah, I know Messi missed his, but 90% of the time, if they’re awarded during open play and not a shoot out, they’re converted).

Sweden won. Who knows if they would have without that penalty.

Belgium vs. Panama

Belgium looked to be a disappointment in the first half. This may be Panama’s first tournament but they qualified for the World Cup, so, you can never count them out. Belgium seemed to be a bunch of skilled individuals on the field, all of whom couldn’t quite get it together to score.

Then the second half happened and Martens scored his volley. The de Bruyne had that chip with the outside of his foot that Lukaku headed home. Then Hazard set up Lukaku again for a great chip over the keeper that he made look routine. Belgium is good. I knew there was a reason I’ve been following them.

England vs. Tunisia

I watched this game at work, with my jersey on which isn’t exactly a professional move but so be it. I took my laptop to the big screen and continued email development while watching this game unfold. I was a mess. I had the sinking feeling that it was all happening again, another disappointment.

And then Harry Kane happened.

My friend and fellow Spurs fan James reminded me that it was only four or five years ago that Harry Kane was on the outskirts of Tottenham. He seemed to be a guy who would probably never make the first team, kept going out on loan. I forgot about that phase of Harry Kane’s career, where I would think to myself, “Who’s that dude who looks like Haley Joel Osment fucked Ryan Gosling who only comes on in games that don’t matter?”

A few incredible seasons later and he’s the captain of England, scoring both goals of their opening match for the win (the first opening win in a World Cup since 2006). England doesn’t score in the ninetieth minute when it matters. Or, at least, the didn’t. They do now.* Harry Kane’s the real deal.

* I can’t count on that all the time. It just feels nice to say.

I also want to talk about Ruben Loftus-Cheek. I found this article when I googled him (yeah, I had to google him because he plays for Palace, I also had to google Maguire and Pickford). I guess Danny Higginbotham of the Sun knows what he’s talking about. Loftus-Cheek injected an energy to the game when he came on that had been missing.

Raheem Sterling is a phenomenal talent, as are Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford but they all seemed a little immature to me in today’s game. There were some whiffs in front of goal and some ill advised heel passes. At one point, Rashford, in the box, let the ball go for Lingard, who was marked, when he should have taken a shot himself. Be selfish and cut the crap. Loftus-Cheek just seemed to be out there to get it done.

I would also like to take a moment to admire Gareth Southgate’s three piece suit on the sideline. According to The New Yorker, he’s quite the sensible manager. In two games, he could be hung out to dry if the games don’t go well but for now I’m a fan.

For all of my hand wringing during the game, I didn’t even cheer at Kane’s goal or the win. I was more relieved. (I was eventually happy.) Tunisia is not the kind of team we should be losing to if we want to do anything this World Cup. Well, we didn’t. Panama in on Sunday.