Hey everyone. So last week I said that there may be one final World Cup article to wrap up the whole tournament. And you can believe me when I say, it’s here. The ninth and final World Cup article for this year. Basically, we’re just going to be cycling through some of the highlights, some of the moments that made history, and more. So let’s get right to it.

In General: This year’s World Cup was definitely one to remember. From the moment it opened, to the first match, to the upsets, the thrills, the spills, the technology, the knockout rounds, the history, the Final. Everything about this World Cup was unique. Each game was exciting in its own way, and so many goals were scored. There were two new teams. The English had so much hope. The hosts, Russia, played better than anyone thought they ever would. Belgium brought their A-game. The Champions curse reigned supreme once again and Germany found themselves crashing out. Croatia made so much history. And France proved to do just enough every time to win their matches, ultimately taking the Final and the Cup. What a tournament it was.

The Highlights: There were so many highlights at this World Cup, and so here’s a few of the best ones:

⁃ Croatia’s rise to the top, winning every match they played apart from the Final. For a team that had never made it to the Final in World Cup History, this was a victory in itself for them.

⁃ Belgium’s brilliant play. Of particular note was the comeback from 2-0 down against Japan in the Round of 16. The header from Vertonghen was spectacular, and the last minute play for a third and final match winning goal was just pure class.

⁃ The somewhat stunning rise of England. Some would say they got lucky, playing against easier teams, but there was a lot of class there from the English, and it was great to see the fans lapping it up, especially with the classic line ‘It’s Coming Home!’

⁃ Seeing Australia actually play a decent World Cup was great. They were unlucky not to draw with France, and unlucky not to get a win against Denmark, but it all seemed to fall apart with Peru. However, they did play well, and it was nice to see them with a chance this year going into their third Group Stage match.

⁃ Senegal’s head coach Aliou Cisse was brilliant. The youngest and the only black head coach at the World Cup, he was refreshing, and almost coached his side to the knockout rounds. Senegal were a great team and played brilliant football, and were unlucky not to progress from their Group, especially due to the Fair Play rule. But well done to them, and Cisse will be remembered for his celebrations for sure.

⁃ Russia’s big 5-0 win at the beginning of the tournament against Saudi Arabia was something to behold. It was unexpected, but entertaining.

⁃ Speaking of big wins and high scoring games, England’s 6-1 win against Panama and Belgium’s 5-2 win against Tunisia were both brilliant matches, and ones that definitely provided entertainment.

⁃ France taking out their second World Cup victory in 20 years was great to see, and it was particularly a wonder to see 19 year old Kylian Mbappe making such a great impact on the tournament, and scoring a goal in the Final.

These are just a few of the highlights. There were so many more.

The Controversies: This World Cup was one that saw a lot of controversy added into the game. With the addition of technology, there was bound to be some questionable decisions. Let’s have a look at a few of the controversial moments of this World Cup:

⁃ The VAR: The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was something which changed the game dramatically this year. Intervening when it shouldn’t be, and not intervening when it should, it was questionable as to whether this technology should be included in the world of football. There were some decisions reviewed and changed or held that made the VAR appear to be working. But then there were all the times it wasn’t working in the right ways, and these were the moments that had a major impact on the game. So the real question is: should it be allowed to stay in football? If you ask me, technology has no place in football. But some may disagree with this. It’s definitely something to think about before the next World Cup.

⁃ The Fair Play Rule: This year was the first time in the history of the World Cup that the Fair Play Rule was used in order to separate two teams in one Group that were tied on both points and goal difference at the end of the Group Stage. The Rule, which determines the successful team by means of number of yellow and red cards, was implemented to separate Senegal and Japan, and Japan took advantage of it by killing off their match against Poland, in which they had already conceded one goal, in order to progress ahead of Senegal. This was controversial, and it brought into question the integrity of this so called ‘Fair Play Rule’. The Rule was to be reviewed after the conclusion of the World Cup. Realistically, it should be eradicated and replaced with a different means of separating the two teams.

⁃ The Pitch Invaders: In the World Cup Final between France and Croatia, the match had to be brought to a halt in the second half due to something that interrupted the state of play. For the first time in World Cup History, pitch invaders had successfully infiltrated the pitch, with four members of an activist group managing to sneak past security and run rampant. This resulted in the match being paused until security had managed to escort the pitch invaders from the field, and then the match was allowed to continue. The four pitch invaders, three females and one male, have since been jailed for 15 days and banned from attending sporting events for three years.

The Upsets: This World Cup saw so many upsets, with some of the favourites finding themselves falling to teams which rose to the challenge and played to the best of their abilities. Here are some of the upsets from this year’s World Cup:

⁃ Argentina’s draw with Iceland. The Argentines started strong and should have been able to win the match, but Iceland struck back, and their keeper Hannes Halldorsson will go down in history as one of the keepers to save a penalty against Lionel Messi.

⁃ Mexico’s win against Germany. Mexico showed themselves to be a great team in the match, putting a lot of pressure on the Germans, especially in their counter attacks, which ultimately won them the match.

⁃ Japan’s win against Colombia, the Asian team becoming the first to claim a victory against a South American team.

⁃ Senegal’s win against Poland, proving the Africans can get it done, and showing some top class in the process.

⁃ Croatia’s 3-0 demolition of Argentina. This was probably the greatest upset of the tournament. The Argentines had one of the worst days at the World Cup, and the Croatians went on a scoring spree, netting three magnificent goals, with Luka Modric’s goal being something else, and leaving the Argentines in tatters.

⁃ Morocco’s draw with Spain. Spain played somewhat poorly in this match, and realistically, they were lucky to come out with a draw. The Moroccans should have one the match, but due to a goal that should have been offside and a VAR decision that went against them, they were just unlucky.

⁃ Portugal’s draw with Iran. Again, the Iranians should have one this match, and were unlucky not to, again with decisions not going their way. Portugal only just escaped with a draw and progressed.

⁃ South Korea’s win over Germany. This was brilliant, with the Koreans going on a last minute scoring blitz, netting two and putting the Germans out of the tournament in the Group Stage for the first time in World Cup History, as well as making them the first Asian side to beat the Germans.

⁃ Spain’s loss to host nation Russia was a sight to behold. Spain could have won the game if it wasn’t for a costly mistake by defender Gerard Pique, with a handball in the box just before the end of the first half gifting Russia a penalty which they converted with ease. And so, a penalty shootout saw Spain eliminated by the Russians.

⁃ The English knocking the Colombians out of the tournament was also somewhat of an upset. England proved to be a renewed force in the Cup, and after winning the penalty shootout against Colombia, they broke free of their World Cup penalty curse, and kept their dream alive.

⁃ Belgium’s 2-1 win against Brazil in the Quarter Finals was somewhat of an upset, although the Belgians has already proven that they could beat the bigger teams.

And that’s it for the upsets. Definitely an exciting World Cup this year.

The History: There was a lot of history made at this year’s World Cup. Let’s take a look at some of it:

⁃ Croatia made their first ever World Cup Final.

⁃ The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was used for the first time in the World Cup, and was also used for the first time in a World Cup Final.

⁃ Iceland and Panama participated in their first ever World Cup tournament after qualifying for the first time. Both teams also scored their first ever goals at the World Cup.

⁃ Germany were knocked out in the Group Stage for the first time.

⁃ Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic scored the first ever own goal in a World Cup Final.

⁃ France’s 19 year old Kylian Mbappe became just the second teenager to score in a World Cup Final, only after Pele scored two in the 1958 World Cup Final.

⁃ Pitch invaders infiltrated the pitch in the World Cup Final for the first time.

⁃ The Final was only the second World Cup Final to attain a scoreline of 4-2, with 6 goals in total, equal with that of the highest scoring Final, that being the 1966 World Cup Final in which England won 4-2 in extra time against West Germany.

⁃ The Fair Play Rule was used for the first time to separate Senegal and Japan in Group H at the end of the Group Stage.

⁃ Japan became the first Asian team to win a match against a South American team after edging Colombia 2-1.

⁃ South Korea became the first Asian team to beat Germany, after two late goals saw them win 2-0 against the Germans.

⁃ There were a total of 12 own goals scored at this year’s World Cup, the previous record being 6 at the 1998 World Cup in France.

⁃ Senegalese Head Coach Aliou Cisse was the only black coach at the World Cup, and was also the youngest this year. He said he would like to see more coaches of colour coaching their teams in the World Cup.

⁃ Tim Cahill became the first Australian to play at four consecutive World Cups. Mark Milligan was also in the squad for four consecutive World Cups but only played at 2.

⁃ This was the most expensive World Cup, with a cost estimated at over $14.2 billion.

There’s probably a few more things that I haven’t included, but this is what I have. Lots of history there.

The Awards: Now at the end of the tournament, there are a number of awards given out to some of the most outstanding players at the World Cup. This year’s winners were:

⁃ Golden Ball (for most outstanding player): Luka Modric (Croatia)

⁃ Golden Boot (for most goals): Harry Kane – 6 goals (England)

⁃ Golden Glove (for most outstanding goalkeeper): Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

⁃ FIFA Young Player Award (for most outstanding young player): Kylian Mbappe – 19 years old (France)

⁃ FIFA Fair Play Award (for the fairest team – least amount of cards): Spain

Well done to all these players and team for winning these awards. Some top talent at this year’s World Cup.

To Wrap Up: The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was one of the best I’ve personally seen. It was a really high quality, highly entertaining tournament, with some of the greatest matches you’ll ever see. It was filled with some of the greatest footballing talent in the world, and some of the world’s best teams. And it was exciting, thrilling. The amount of history created in this World Cup alone was amazing, something to marvel at. And I’m sure we’ll all look forward to the next World Cup in 2022, which will be held in the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar. That tournament will also make history, being the first ever World Cup to be played in the winter in many parts of the world, and summer here in Australia. It will be played between the 21st of November and the 18th of December, and will mark the first time in which leagues around the world will have to be paused for the tournament. It will also be the first time Qatar will actually be featured in a World Cup, having never previously qualified. It will be an interesting one to say the least, and one to look forward to. But for now, it’s goodbye from me for this World Cup. I’ll see you in four years for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Bye for now.

JJ

Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog. This time, I’m doing something a little different to the usual. As you can probably see by the title of the article, I’m covering an ice hockey match. That’s right, we’re delving into a different world of sport this time. Get excited for this.

So early last week, the Mascot Jets played the Trash Pandas in the coveted Beerginners League at Ice Zoo in Alexandria. Both teams had played each other the week before, with the Pandas emerging victorious from that game. The Jets went into this match 2nd on the ladder, with 14 points, only separated from 1st by goal difference. The Pandas meanwhile were sitting at 3rd on 12 points. So it was do or die for both teams in this match, the Semi Final, with the winning team having the opportunity to progress to the Final next week.

The Jets were back at strength in their defence this week, and had Captain Ash Moore back in action after a week off in the previous week. Now for those of you reading this who aren’t all that familiar with the rules around ice hockey, the thing you need to know is this: The match is played in 3 periods of 15 minutes. In these periods, there are 6 players on the ice for each team, consisting of a Centre, 2 Wingers, 2 Defenders, and a Goalkeeper. If the match is tied at the end of the third period of regular time, a 3 minute period of extra time is added on, and only 3 players plus the keeper are on the rink for each team. If this fails to resolve the score, the match goes to a shootout. I’ll analyse and recap the match by going through each period.

Period 1: The Jets got off to a strong start in the first period of regular time, keeping most of the play in the Opposition half. The Pandas began to make some quick breaks, getting up into the Jets half and taking a number of fairly good shots on goal, however the Jets keeper Girdo managed to make some top quality saves, keeping the puck out of the goal. The Jets made sure to make the most of their opportunities on goal in the first period, with a relatively early goal coming just 3 minutes and 36 seconds in, with 11:24 on the clock. The Jets had a fairly solid defence, keeping the Pandas at bay, particularly after the first goal was scored. To wrap up this period in a few words, both teams took a multitude of shots and had a number of opportunities to score, however, the Jets managed to capitalise on their attempts on goal a little more than the Pandas, which ultimately put them in the lead.

Period 2: The Jets were 1-0 up in the match, and they weren’t going to let the Pandas come back and take the lead from them too easily. The Pandas made a good quick start to the second period, however, the Jets kept up their defence, holding their opposition off from getting forward and scoring any goals to level the scores. The Jets pressured their opponents well, spending a lot of time in the opposition end of the rink, and created many opportunities to score, particularly in the first 5 minutes of the period. However, the Pandas keeper made some great saves, and managed to keep the Jets from scoring again and taking even more of the lead. This period was one where both teams were on the defence, and both just held each other off from getting in on goal. There were chances to score for each side, but neither team could capitalise. All in all, a tight fifteen minutes. The scores remained at 1-0 to the Jets.

Period 3: The final period of the match. This was where each team had to give their all, and had to make it count. The Jets just had to hold the lead. The Pandas had to score at least one goal to take the game into extra time and give themselves a chance to win the match. The Jets started the period off well, taking some good shots early on in the last fifteen minutes, but were unable to put any in. They held their opponents well for the first few minutes of the third period, but, 5 minutes and 33 seconds into the period, the Pandas scored to put themselves level with the Jets at 1-1. Both teams now needed to score a goal to win the match outright in regular time. And whilst both had some great shots on goal, neither side managed to score, and remained level for the rest of the game. This meant only one thing: extra time.

Extra Time: The Jets and the Pandas were both level at 1-1 at the end of the third period of regular time. And so the game would ensue, progressing to a 3 minute period of extra time. The number of players on the field for each side was now reduced from 6 to 4, with three outfield players plus the keeper. Both teams played valiantly, with each of the two taking every shot they could get, and falling back quickly to defend their own goals. And as the clock began to wind down, it looked more and more like this game would be decided by a shootout. But then, with just 6 seconds remaining, the Jets were outdone when the Pandas scored, and it was all over. The Jets has lost 2-1 in extra time, ultimately putting them into a third place playoff match with the Hounds, while the Pandas went through to the Final against the Drunks.

So, what a game. It was a really close one, almost too close to call. The Jets almost had it, and they almost made it to the Final. But the Pandas just made it all happen right at the end, and talk about last minute goals. The Jets played a great match overall, and were unlucky not to win it. But in the end, it was a highly entertaining match. Best of luck to the Jets for their remaining match, and for the next season.

JJ

Hey everyone, welcome back to Short Story Sunday. I’ve got a bit of a fun one for you today. Mind, it is a little undercooked as I’ve been a little preoccupied with some other articles and other things lately, so just something to keep in mind as you read. Enjoy!

A Very Hot Day

It was morning in the Henley household. And a beautiful, bright morning at that. The sun was shining brighter than ever, the heat radiating from the golden orb of fire immense. The house featured a few bedrooms, a couple of bathrooms, a neat living room, an exquisite dining room, and of particular note was the highly pristine kitchen. And it was in this kitchen where we found Tate.

Tate was hanging around the kitchen, just letting the day flow by. He did this most days, it wasn’t really new for him. He was just taking it easy, having a nice day in, out of the summer heat. Tate liked to spend his days just keeping it simple, and sometimes he had a few friends to chat with. They’d entertain themselves by having a chat, by joking with each other, doing whatever really to keep themselves busy and happy. It was a genuinely simple yet good life to live.

On this particular day, Tate had a few friends with him to keep him company. It was good company at that too. Tom was one of these. Tate and Tom were really good mates, the best of friends. They’d known each other for so long, it felt like they’d never been apart. They’d always hang out together, do everything together. They were truely best mates. Tom was looking a little red today. Tate spoke up, and asked him why.

‘Hey Tom, you’re lookin’ a bit on the red side today mate. You alright? You get burnt or something in the sun?’

‘No, I’m fine’, Tom replied, ‘Just my usual self, you know how it is.’

Tate looked at him, ‘Yeah, well, I guess I do.’

Tom wasn’t the only one with Tate today. Annie was also with the guys today. Annie Yen was a fun one to talk to. And she had some great stories to tell. But some of them were so deep or just so hilarious, they actually brought tears to your eyes. Only she could do that, it was just purely amazing. The stories also kept the others highly entertained, and they all really enjoyed hearing these tales of humour or of woe. Tate for one was really excited to have Annie there today.

‘Hey Annie, you got a good one for us today?’

‘Yeah Tate, it’s a real tragic one too. I’m sure you’ll all love it’, Annie replied.

‘Sounds delectable’, said Tate.

There was one more friend with the three today. This was none other than Peter. Peter was a small guy, quite short in fact. He was a fun little guy. He had a really big family too. Tate was sure he’d heard Peter tell them how many family members he had once. Although he couldn’t quite remember the number. But he knew it was a lot. In fact, he thought he’d ask again just to make sure.

‘Hey Peter.’

‘Yeah Tate?’

‘How many did you say were in your family?’

‘Oh, about a hundred and ninety-six I think. Actually, make that one ninety-seven. We had another join the family a few days ago.’

‘Wow, that’s a lot.’

‘Yeah how is your family that big?’ said Tom.

‘I’ve got a lot of cousins.’

‘Really?’ Annie inquired.

‘Yeah. Some have slightly odd names too. Like Snow, Sugar, Sweetie, Peaches. And then there’s Peta. Lots of cousins. The family gatherings can get immense.’

‘I’d imagine so’, said Tate.

The four friends were all together in the kitchen. All were having a chat, happily discussing what they had each been up to and what their plans were for the coming days. Annie was right in the middle of telling her tragic story when something happened. Something sharp and silver was laid down next to them. Annie kept telling her story despite the minor disruption, but Tate noticed something different about her. Her skin was peeling slightly.

‘Hey Annie, sorry to interrupt, but your skin looks a little out of sorts. Like it’s peeling.’

‘Oh, yeah, I don’t know why it’s doing that. Probably the sun or something, you know?’ Annie replied.

‘Ah, yeah, that’s probably it,’ said Tate.

Annie went back to her storytelling just as Tate noticed that the sharp object next to them had disappeared. He was just thinking how strange that was when that object came down and struck Annie. The others started shouting and screaming, freaking out at the stabbing that was occurring in front of them.

‘Argh, I’ve been stabbed!’ Annie shouted, sounding highly alarmed.

‘What’s going on?!’ Tate yelled.

‘Arrrrrghhhh!’ Tom screamed at the top of his voice.

‘Oh my gosh!’ Peter chimed in.

After the initial stabbing, the knife came down again and stabbed Annie a few more times.

‘Oh golly, it’s killing her!’ said Tate.

After Annie had been sliced up, the knife came down again, this time heading for Tom. Tate looked up and saw it coming.

‘Tom! Watch out!’

Tom tried to move out of the way.

‘I can’t move! I can’t move!’ Tom shouted.

The knife came down and stabbed Tom.

‘Arggggggghhhhh!’ Tom screamed loudly.

‘Tom! No!’ screamed Tate.

‘Get out of here while you still can!’ Tom shouted.

The knife came down a few more times, slicing up Tom, and then it cut off his head.

‘Oh my, what in the..?’ Tate questioned, taken aback by the situation playing out in front of his very eyes. Just as he was doing this, he was sliced in half.

Peter meanwhile had survived the carnage. He sat there, somewhat disheartened that his friends were gone. He was content however, as he had been spared, and could live on with his family and his numerous cousins. He was just sitting there, thinking this to himself, when he noticed that he was floating. He was then hovering over something, and it was hot, really hot. He could see bubbles in there though, so that could be alright. Then he started falling. It was at this point that he had a mid-air revelation, and he realised he hadn’t been floating, he’d been lifted up. And now here he was, falling, falling, descending into a hot, bubbly spring. He could see something below, a sea of green. He realised something about it. It wasn’t just a sea of green, it was his family, and all his cousins were in attendance. Well, except for Pyotr, but he was always late to these events. Then he hit the water and started boiling. It was at this point he realised this was the end of the line for not only him, but for his whole family. Because he was in a kitchen, and he was in a pot filled with boiling water. And he was being served with the roast for lunch in about ten minutes. Why? Because, if you haven’t already worked this out, Peter was a pea. And who else was in the pot with him? None other than a chopped up Tate, the potato. And in the tray next to them were Tom the tomato, and Annie Yen, the onion. Because this was no simple story about some friends having a chat and then ending up stabbed. No, this was a story about four vegetables, each being served for lunch with a beautiful roast lamb for the Henley family.

There you go. Hope you enjoyed it. More to come on the blog soon. Keep an eye out for upcoming articles. Have a good one!

JJ

Hey everyone, welcome back to another Flashback Friday, the segment where we wrap up the week that was. So as always, let’s get right into it.

We’ll start with the World Cup once again. The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia has come to a close, with France defeating Croatia 4-2 in the Final to become Champions Of The World. Both teams played a great match, however the French were just too good for the Croatians, with even 19 year old Kylian Mbappe making an impact and securing the fourth and final goal for his side. The Closing Ceremony was also a highlight, with Nicky Jam, Era Istrefi and Will Smith headlining the colourful spectacular, with a rendition of this year’s Official World Cup Song, Live It Up. The Final was also interrupted, with four members of a protest rock group invading the pitch in the second half, resulting in the match being halted while they were escorted off the pitch by security. The four, three females and one male, have since been jailed for 15 days, and have all been banned from attending sporting events in Russia for the next three years. The World Cup has now officially ended, and France reign as Champions for just the second time in their history, whilst Croatia Place second, Belgium third, and England fourth. The next World Cup will be in Qatar, and will run from November 21 to December 18, which will be in the Winter in Qatar. This will be the first time in history that leagues around the world will have to be paused for the World Cup, and will then resume after the 2022 World Cup concludes.

In some good news this week, the Thai boys who were trapped in a cave in Chiang Rai have been released from hospital this week, fronting a press conference after their release. They have all been given a clean bill of health, and spoke of their trials and tribulations in the cave. They will return to playing football again soon, however they will first be entering the monkhood in order to commemorate the memory of Thai Navy SEAL Saman Gunan. They will enter as novices and dedicate their entry to the Navy SEAL who tragically died after running out of oxygen when returning to the outside of the cave. This is considered to be one of the highest honours for an individual in the monkhood. Part of the boys survival was thanks to meditation that was taught to them by their coach Ekapol Chanthawong, who is himself a Buddhist monk. The boys told of how they survived their ordeal, but also how they have learnt and grown from the experience, and have come out the other side more resilient and more courageous than ever. This was a life-changing experience for them, and they have become even closer as a result. They are now all back in their own homes with their families, who couldn’t be happier.

In a bit of world news now, and US President Donald Trump has made headlines more than once this week, with visits to both the UK and Russia. He first met with British Prime Minister Theresa May, who he allegedly told to ‘sue the European Union’ rather than negotiate with them. May has since made it clear she has disregarded the advice given to her by the US President, stating that the UK will be ‘going into negotiations with them’. Trump then moved on to meet with the Queen, arriving late to have tea with her, before breaking royal protocol by wondering aimlessly in front of her when the two of them were walking between the Royal Guard, blocking the Queen from view. Also of note, the Queen was wearing a particular brooch when meeting the President of the United Stats, specifically one that former US President Barack Obama had given her upon meeting her. There was also a minor error in the photo taken of the Queen with Trump and the First Lady, with a dog bowl noticeable in the bottom right hand corner of the image, something that should have been taken away from the area but was mistakenly left behind. After Trump’s meeting with the Queen, he moved on to Russia, flying to Helsinki to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The meeting was a highly anticipated one, with many expecting him to condemn Putin and Russia for meddling in the 2016 US Presidential Election. However, he was quite friendly with the Russian President, and failed to directly confront him about the issue. After the meeting and after arriving back in the US, he tweeted out saying it had been successful. After a Cabinet meeting, when asked if the Russians were still involved with targeting the US, Trump denied they were, which contradicted a warning given by National Intelligence Director Dan Coats that Russia was still engaged in ‘ongoing, pervasive efforts’ to interfere with US Elections. Later on spokeswoman Sarah Sanders clarified Trump’s earlier ‘no’ meant he didn’t want to answer questions from the press, and that they believed the threat still existed. Trump then told CBS News that he holds Putin personally responsible for Russian interference in the US Election, claiming to have told Putin that the US was no longer going to allow for this to happen. However, many are still not convinced, and are uncertain as to just where Trump stands on this issue and where his relationship with Putin is at.

And in some entertainment news, the first trailer for the new series of Doctor Who has been released this week. The trailer shows the new Doctor in action alongside three new companions. For the first time in the show’s history, the Doctor is now female, with Jodie Whittaker taking on the role under new showrunner Chris Chibnall. The new companions include Yaz, played by Mandip Gill, Ryan, played by Tosin Cole, and Graham, played by Bradley Walsh, who may be more familiar to some people. The new sonic screwdriver has also made its debut, being shown off by Whittaker at San Diego Comic Con during the Doctor Who panel this week. The cast and crew are all very excited about the direction the show is taking, and all have seen just how well Jodie is taking on the role of the Doctor. Whittaker and Chibnall worked together previously on the BBC show Broadchurch, with highly acclaimed and one of the most well known Doctors of the modern era, Tenth Doctor David Tennant. The new season will most likely not begin airing until Autumn in the US, which begins in late September.

And that’s it for another Flashback Friday. Hope you enjoyed it, and stay tuned for more in the coming days. Have a good one!

JJ

Hello my faithful readers. For those of you who have been keeping up with the blog of late, you’ll know what time it is. For those who haven’t, well, you’ll still know what time it is. That’s right, World Cup Wednesday is back again, but this time it’s the 2018 Season Finale. Yes, you heard me right, or rather, read correctly, this is it, the Final Edition of World Cup Wednesday for this year, and in reality, for just over four years. The World Cup has finished, the final two matches have been played. And here we are, at the very end of the 2018 tournament, just over a month since the first edition of World Cup Wednesday, with the eighth and final edition of World Cup Wednesday. So, as always, let’s get into the matches.

Belgium v England: The Third Place Playoff. In all honesty, this game is realistically unnecessary, as it’s really just determining who the bigger loser of these two losing teams is. But that aside, Belgium wrapped this game up very quickly, and very easily. With a goal inside the first four minutes of the match, it was all too easy for Belgium to take the win from their position. Belgium strengthened their defence, even going so far as to bring on another defender for an attacker. And England flailed. They got desperate, trying whatever they could to net just one goal. But after changing a decent number of personnel in their starting eleven, and with Harry Kane struggling to make an impact, most likely due to an injury he picked up against Colombia in the Round Of 16, England just couldn’t break the Belgian defence. And after another goal late in the match, it was all over. Belgium took third place, a historical milestone for them, and England went home fourth, which still wasn’t all too bad for them, a stellar World Cup for both teams.

France v Croatia: The Final. The most spectacular match of football you will see in the world. This is the moment that everyone waits for, that every team in the World Cup so desperately wants to get to. It’s what each country works so hard for in the tournament, and it always provides top quality entertainment. This year was no different in that aspect. But it was so much more than so many of the World Cup Finals before it. France. Croatia. Both of these teams were fighting that hardest they ever had for their country. It was France’s first World Cup Final in 12 years, after losing their last one against Italy back in 2006. And France were the favourites, having won the Cup once before back in 1998. But for Croatia, this was a historical moment which they would never forget. Their first World Cup Final in 88 years of World Cup History. It was just monumental that they reached the Final, however, the occasion would become all the greater if they had won. And the match was a brilliant one. The Closing Ceremony was well put together, headlined by Nicky Jam, Era Istrefi, and the one and only Will Smith. After a good quality performance of the World Cup Song Live It Up, the Closing Ceremony was over, and the match began. Both teams were strong, but Croatia looked stronger at the start of the Final. However, after the first own goal in a World Cup Final was scored by Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, France picked up their game. A controversial penalty decision made by the VAR 20 minutes later gave the French side a 2-1 lead, after Ivan Perisic had scored for the Croatians 10 minutes before. And the scores were left that way at half time. The second half saw even more history created. French midfielder Paul Pogba put France 3-1 up in the 59th, with a goal from 19 year old Kylian Mbappe making it 4-1 just 6 minutes later, making him the youngest player to score in a World Cup Final since Pele in 1958. Croatian striker Mandzukic managed to put another one in for Croatia in the 69th, but it wasn’t enough, with France winning the World Cup Final 4-2, the highest scoring game since England edged West Germany 4-2 back in the 1966 World Cup Final. After a World Cup Final filled with drama, including the game being halted after four pitch invaders ran rampant on the pitch, France reigned victorious, and took the glory of the World Cup home with them. Croatia should still be very proud of themselves as a team and as a nation, after their best World Cup tournament in history. The Final was really a true marvel, and a congratulations to both nations for their efforts.

Highlight Of The Final Two Matches: The highlight was most definitely the Final. The match was a thriller, and a high scoring one at that. Seeing both teams do everything they could to win this, the most coveted match in the world, is something that is absolutely brilliant to watch. It was filled with historical moments, moments of pure class, goals that were just spectacular, and some of the most talented players in the world. It was truly a wondrous match, a marvel to watch, and there is really nothing else quite like it.

History Made: There was a fair bit of history made in the World Cup Final this year. Croatia created history after by playing their first ever World Cup Final. Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic created history after scoring the first ever own goal in World Cup History. The VAR was used to award France a penalty for the first time in a Final. This was also the first World Cup Final in which pitch invaders made their way onto the pitch during play, disrupting the match and forcing it to be brought to a halt. Kylian Mbappe was the youngest player, at 19 years of age, to score at a World Cup Final since Pele, who scored 2 goals in the World Cup Final in 1958 at the same age. It was also the first time in decades that a goal was scored in a final from outside the box, in this case the scorer being French midfielder Paul Pogba. And finally, this was the highest scoring Final since the 1966 World Cup Final in England, which England won 4-2 after edging West Germany as they were then in extra time, with the score for this year’s World Cup Final being 4-2 to France, who did it in regular time. A World Cup Final for the history books for sure.

So that’s it. The World Cup is over. The Final is complete, and France have taken home the coveted World Cup, and the titles that go with it. It’s been a great one, but that’s the end of World Cup Wednesday for this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup. Little hint though: there may be a World Cup Wrap-Up in the works for release next Wednesday to finish it up. But as for World Cup Wednesday, it’s goodbye for now, and see you all in just over four years in the nation of Qatar, when the World Cup will be making history once again by being played in Winter (Summer here in Australia), in November and December. But for now, France are your 2018 FIFA World Cup Champions. So for the final time for this year, this has been World Cup Wednesday, signing off. Hope you enjoyed the World Cup!

JJ