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

Hey there everyone, welcome back to Mystery Monday. This blog is sure keeping me busy. So for today’s Mystery Monday, you all get another poem, this one being one I wrote last year. Thought it would be good to share though, so enjoy it!

The Potato

There was once a potato,
Who was nice and round,
He was large for his size,
And he lay on the ground.

He minded his own business,
And kept it at that,
But this potato was different,
Cause he wore a hat.

But that was not all,
Because as was his root,
This classy potato,
Well, he wore a suit.

That was not it though,
Cause this little guy,
Wore on his suit,
A little red tie.

And yet there was more,
What else might you ask?
Well this little potato,
Had a little moustache.

Yet that was not all,
Cause as was his type,
This little potato,
Smoked a little brown pipe.

But see this potato,
He needed carrying space,
And so carried with him,
A small black suitcase.

And within this suitcase,
We’re not business tips,
Surprisingly instead,
There was a bag of potato chips.

That little potato,
What an odd little guy,
He was once my friend,
But now, he’s a French fry.

And there you have it. Another Mystery Monday. If you want Part 2 of the potato story (because there is a Part 2), like the post, give the blog a follow and leave a comment. Hope you enjoyed this one!

JJ

Hey everyone, you know what time it is. That’s right, World Cup Wednesday is back again. We’ve had a number of editions of this, everyone’s favourite segment. In fact, I lost count, although I’ve made sure and this is the seventh edition. Wow, isn’t that just amazing? (If you didn’t say yes, then I don’t know why.) This just continues to break records doesn’t

it? Anyway, the World Cup Semi Finals have been completed, and we now move on to the Third Place Play Off, and the coveted World Cup Final. But first, a review of the Semis.

France v Belgium: The Semis were always going to be close, and so was this match. Belgium had played a stellar World Cup, and France were proving to be a tough opponent to beat. Both teams hadn’t lost a single match thus far. In fact, Belgium had actually won all their matches, and this opportunity was everything for them. It was their first World Cup Semi Final in 32 years. But despite their efforts, it wasn’t to be, with France taking the win from a single goal scored by defender Samuel Umtiti in the 51st minute. This puts them through to their first World Cup Final since 2006, 12 years ago. Unfortunately for Belgium, the dream for this year at least, is over. Although they will get a chance to play for third in the Third Place Playoff against England.

Croatia v England: The scene was set for England. The English fans were elated that their team had made it this far at this year’s World Cup. The dream was alive, and they were going to do everything possible to get to their first World Cup Final since 1966, when they won the Cup. The English were so hopeful, and their hopes rose dramatically when Kieran Trippier scored in the 5th minute of the match. The English held the 1-0 lead for the rest of the first half, and them kept it going in the second. But it all started to spiral for them when Croatia’s Ivan Perisic put one in the back of the net in the 68th. The two sides couldn’t be separated for the rest of the match, and so extra time ensued. And whilst the scores were level at the end of the first half of extra time, it all went wrong for England early in the second, when Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic scored the winning goal in the 108th. It was just too much for England, who had players that had sustained some injuries, including striker Harry Kane. But after all that happened, England were sent to the Third Place Playoff against Belgium, and Croatia made World Cup History, making their first ever World Cup Final, and will play France in one of the toughest matches they will probably ever play.

Highlight Of The Semi Finals: The highlight of the Semis, although not really what many people wanted to see, particularly the English supporters, was Croatia making the World Cup Final. This is the first time in World Cup History that Croatia has made the Final, and their supporters are quite obviously going crazy about it. They have quite a challenge to face now in France.

Controversy: In the Croatia v England match, the standard of refereeing seemed to fall short of what it should have been for a World Cup Semi Final. Of particular notice was when the ball went out of play but play continued on as the referee did not recognise it as out of play, and in all reality, this should have been picked up by the linesman. This occurred a couple of times in the match, and throw ins should have been given, but were not. The other blatant error in refereeing was when, towards the end of the second half of extra time, England were denied a corner even though the ball clearly came off the head of one of the Croatian players and went out of play. Croatia were given a goal kick by the referee, however, it was a clear corner, and the decision wasn’t even reviewed by the VAR, therefore showing it is, once again, being misused. These errors change games, and you never know if England would have equalised from the corner they were denied. Hopefully the refereeing is up to high quality standards in the World Cup Final.

What To Expect From The Third Place Playoff And The World Cup Final: Well, here we are. The final two matches of this year’s World Cup. It’s been a brilliant one this year, and now we are coming to its end. The Third Place Playoff. The World Cup Final. One match which, realistically, determines who is the bigger loser, and the other which determines who the Champions Of The World are. The Third Place Playoff will be an interesting one, all things considered. Both teams are playing for pride. England will be attempting to edge Belgium for the second time this World Cup, although it was debatable whether or not they were actually trying to win against them in their Group Stage match. Belgium will be looking to at least gain third place in a World Cup that has been almost perfect for them. Both teams are in some ways level, and so it will be quite interesting to see who will come out on top. And then there’s the World Cup Final. It’s going to be crazy. France in a World Cup Final for the first time since 2006. Croatia in their first ever World Cup Final in World Cup History. France are obviously the favourites to win the match, having won the World Cup once before back in 1998 in their own country, winning over Brazil 3-0. Croatia, however, will do everything they can to secure that precious World Cup, and the titles to go with it, and make history for their country with a first ever World Cup victory. Both teams have not lost a single match, Croatia having won every single one of their six matches so far, France having won five and drawn one in their six matches. Both teams have a shot at this Final, and both will be fighting harder than they ever have before to win, and be crowned Champions Of The World. Enjoy the Final!

JJ

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

We’ll start once again with the World Cup. The 2018 FIFA World Cup is now coming to a close, with the Final just around the corner. The Quarters and the Semis are all over, and unfortunately for England, it’s not coming home. They’ve had a great run this year, but fell short right towards the end, and so did Belgium for that matter. Both teams had played so well in this year’s World Cup, and after 28 and 32 years respectively of waiting to play in a Semi Final, both teams made the Semis, but just fell short of the Final. Croatia will play in their first ever World Cup Final against France, making history for their country. England and Belgium will play for third place before them.

In some world news, and the 12 boys and their coach that had been trapped in a Thai cave for around two weeks have all been rescued and freed. The rescue operation was carried out earlier this week, with four boys being rescued each day over the space of three days. The coach was freed with the final four boys on Tuesday. The divers and the rest of the rescue team, inclusive of Australian doctor Richard Harris who continually assessed the boys health and decided which ones should be taken first, as well as being the one who decided to sedate them in order to keep them from panicking whilst they were rescued, were congratulated and should be highly commended for their efforts. Dr Richard Harris however came out of the cave to the tragic news that his father had passed away while the rescue was taking place. Our hearts go out to the good doctor at this time. He is credited with saving lives, and the boys and their coach would certainly appreciate what he has done for them, as well as their families and all those that were watching around the world. Without him, the boys may have not made it out. He was considered to be essential to the rescue operation due to his thirty years of cave diving experience, and his skills as a medical retrieval expert and anaesthetist. Labor Leader Bill Shorten has since spoken out praising him and backing him to receive a bravery award for his efforts. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke to the doctor directly over the phone, also praising him for his efforts in the rescue operation.

In more local news, One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson has enlisted the assistance of former Labor and Opposition Leader Mark Latham in order to further her party’s campaign in the upcoming by-election in the seat of Longman. Latham has aided the One Nation campaign by lending his voice to a robocall, in which he encourages voters to vote for One Nation and the minor parties in the upcoming by-election. In the call, he also reprimands current Opposition Leader and Leader of the Labor Party Bill Shorten, referring to him as a liar, and telling the voters not to put their trust in him by voting for the Labor Party in the by-election. The robocall has gained a fair amount of attention, with opinions being divided. The seat of Longman is a key seat in the Super Saturday by-elections, with Labor holding the seat by less than one percent, and with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation having previously secured ten percent of the primary vote in the 2016 Federal Election. The by-elections will be held on Saturday the 28th of July, two weeks from tomorrow (Saturday the 14th of July).

And in some other news, the Japanese psychic octopus known as Rabio, who correctly predicted all three of Japan’s Group Stage matches at the World Cup this year, is no longer with us. The mollusc was caught by Japanese fisherman Kimio Abe, and was part of a paddling pool experiment in which he predicted Japan’s win against Colombia, their draw with Senegal, and their loss to Poland, although he wasn’t around to see his final prophecy come true. The giant Pacific octopus was, unfortunately, sent to market before his third and final prediction was brought to fruition, and ended up on a Sushi Train as Sashimi soon after. Rabio was not the first psychic octopus to correctly predict World Cup matches for their country however, with a German octopus named Paul correctly predicting all seven of Germany’s World Cup matches as well as correctly predicting Spain would win the Final back in 2010 in the South African World Cup. Paul unfortunately died in his aquarium in Germany later that year in late October. He was two and a half years old when he died, a normal lifespan for his species.

And that’s it for another week. I’ll be back with more in the coming days. Have a good one!

JJ