Grey Whitebloom | Associate Editor, SI FC

MORE BY GREY WHITEBLOOM

Mauricio Pochettino watched a team start fast, press high and work in harmony—unfortunately, it was playing against the U.S.

Stars from a number of sports and even one aging rocker were in attendance at Lumen Field on Monday.

A bonkers affair at the Estadio Azteca demonstrated the extremes of Thomas Tuchel’s style of management (or lack thereof).

FIFA had attempted to take steps to avoid this issue only to be shouted down by both national teams.

England broke the spell of the iconic Estadio Azteca to advance to the quarterfinals.

There were three broad reactions to Balogun’s surprise availability for the U.S. against Belgium.

There was some rare tactical insight from Argentina’s captain after an almighty World Cup scare.

Some of the pre-tournament favorites have seen their chances take a hit ahead of the round of 16.

Conspiracy theories, broadcasting influence and a threat which continues to linger all hang over Sunday’s round of 16 tie.

Any chance to see Messi in action is readily snapped up by soccer fans with any level of fame.

Yamal teased and taunted Austria’s rearguard in a performance which gave Spain hope of a deep run this summer.

There were layers to the USMNT’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina which exposed how deep Pochettino’s influence on this team goes.

Balogun’s red card did not prevent the USMNT from punching a ticket to the round of 16.

The stars on show got to see Mauricio Pochettino’s side advance to the round of 16.

The decision to hand Balogun a red card was a hotly controversial one.

Canada became the first team into the round of 16 with a performance which tried to shift the spotlight off Alphonso Davies.

Bellingham once again rode to the rescue for a deeply misunderstood side.

Very few nations have managed to come through a brilliant if bruising group stage campaign entirely unscathed.

Victory would be enough to send either side through to the knockout stages.

The former Liverpool icon is a fitness doubt ahead of a crucial round of 32 tie against Australia.