The FIFA World Cup 2018 has reached its climax with the first of two semi-finals today, Tuesday, between France and Belgium, followed on Wednesday by England against Croatia. The two losers will meet in the third-place match on Saturday and the winners in the grand final on Sunday.
It’s been an exciting tournament full of surprise results so far, despite concerns about controversies surrounding the government of host nation Russia. The inaugural use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system also proved an asset, despite a few teething problems.
Since three-time finalist the Netherlands failed to qualify this time, many in the European part of the kingdom started backing the “Red Devils” of neighbouring Belgium, but some would rather not see them win the global title first out of the two lowland countries. With various other local favourites such as Brazil now out, soccer fans in St. Maarten are having to choose among the four remaining teams.
The situation is quite clear on the French side, where “Le Bleus” obviously have massive support. Considering that it regards one territory shared by two nations, it would be nice if more persons on the Dutch side also rooted for France at this stage.
And if they do end up lifting the cup for a second time, the celebration should be island-wide.
