Monday Morning Halfback: With the underdogs gone, the World Cup spotlight turns to its leading lights
The Globe and Mail sports columnists discuss the ongoing World Cup, reflecting on the elimination of underdogs and the performance of star players like Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. The piece also touches on the intersection of sports and political figures.
Why it matters
Major sporting events serve as significant cultural events that often blend athletic competition with broader social and political commentary.
Jude Bellingham, left, and Harry Kane celebrate after England qualified for the World Cup semi-final with a 2-1 win over Norway on Saturday. Paul Childs/Reuters
Jamie Ross is the Sports editor at the Globe and Mail; Cathal Kelly is the national sports columnist
Jamie: Cathal, I’m not sure I want to watch a World Cup without Erling Haaland in it. Convince me it’s still worth tuning in for the semis.
Cathal: Jamie, he’s not the first tourist to go wild in America and hit a wall in Miami. Saturday morning, you’d have said no one was having a better World Cup - maybe a better year - than Haaland. Then he was a bust against England.
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