Post by Michael Smith

When the tactical, analytic strait-jacket of modern football is removed. When the bus is not parked, but is taking you on holiday. When players are given the permission to play with a freedom remembered from their youth days. Then, you get a game like this. Yes, it was an essentially a low-stakes exhibition match.  Yes, the French side played the first half in protest against the need to play. But once they had decided to play for their own dignity and for the colour of their shirt, allez-allez! we had a real match, and were reminded of why we call it "the beautiful game." #worldcup #freedom #beauty