Nearly 18 million people tuned in to watch England muddle past Norway on ITV over the weekend, so it's a safe bet that tonight's World Cup semi-final with Argentina will comfortably top 20 million viewers on the BBC.
Some will be watching this World Cup for the first time. Some might be new to following England in tournaments. If that's you, welcome. You're not too late. The World Cup is a book that can be opened at any page, each chapter a distinct challenge, a new puzzle to solve. You don't need to have watched England toil against Ghana to appreciate this intense showdown with Argentina.
Perhaps you're 10 years old watching your first World Cup, in which case absorb it, it will forever be your favourite. Perhaps you don't usually watch football but the algorithm served up reels of Wonderwall singalongs, Harry's Kane's high-pitched interview, John Stones' party shoulder, and you thought, I need a bit of whatever this is.
Come on in. This is where we keep the memories. Mind your step, the floor is littered with trauma. That faded picture on the back wall? That's Bobby Moore on a throne of shoulders. The dusty statuette in the corner? That's the old World Cup trophy. Ah, yes, the rake you just stepped on is the physical manifestation of Diego Maradona's left hand. And the handle that just hit you in the face is his left foot.
Because – and it's only fair to give some warning here – it hurts to support your team in knockout football, pain spawned from a specific kind of angst that churns your insides whenever the ball goes near the goal. When Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland rushed behind England's defence on Saturday night, and Norway were effectively one pass from the semi-finals, you may have experienced side effects such as swearing repeatedly or forgetting to breathe. Don't panic, this is all normal.
Some will be watching this World Cup for the first time. Some might be new to following England in tournaments. If that's you, welcome. You're not too late. The World Cup is a book that can be opened at any page, each chapter a distinct challenge, a new puzzle to solve. You don't need to have watched England toil against Ghana to appreciate this intense showdown with Argentina.
Perhaps you're 10 years old watching your first World Cup, in which case absorb it, it will forever be your favourite. Perhaps you don't usually watch football but the algorithm served up reels of Wonderwall singalongs, Harry's Kane's high-pitched interview, John Stones' party shoulder, and you thought, I need a bit of whatever this is.
Come on in. This is where we keep the memories. Mind your step, the floor is littered with trauma. That faded picture on the back wall? That's Bobby Moore on a throne of shoulders. The dusty statuette in the corner? That's the old World Cup trophy. Ah, yes, the rake you just stepped on is the physical manifestation of Diego Maradona's left hand. And the handle that just hit you in the face is his left foot.
Because – and it's only fair to give some warning here – it hurts to support your team in knockout football, pain spawned from a specific kind of angst that churns your insides whenever the ball goes near the goal. When Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland rushed behind England's defence on Saturday night, and Norway were effectively one pass from the semi-finals, you may have experienced side effects such as swearing repeatedly or forgetting to breathe. Don't panic, this is all normal.
4 months ago
