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Doug Klein

Zionist’s Guide to the World Cup–Day 15

In 2018, the Zionist’s Guide to the World Cup (ZGWC) named Australia as its number one hope for World Cup glory.  In 2022,  the ZGWC tapped the USA for a similar destiny.  Unfortunately, football is a cruel sport, and they both crashed in flames within hours of each other today.  While neither was considered a pre-match favorite against their more distinguished opponents, it was still painful to see them lose.  The Dutch took out the Yanks, 3-1, and the Argentines dispatched the Socceroos, 2-1.

For the USA team, they had put in an uncharacteristically strong World Cup performance until they were outcoached and outclassed by the Orange.  The team is young, and they will hopefully grow from this experience and pose a threat for a deeper run when the US co-hosts the 2026 edition.

The second day of the knockout round features two matches:  England versus Senegal and France versus Poland.

In the original ZGWC endorsements, England received a thumbs down (from the Scotsman) and Senegal received a thumbs up.  However, last week there was a United Nations General Assembly vote to officially commemorate the Nakbah.  Senegal turned out to be one of the sponsors of the resolution.  As such, the ZGWC does not feel particularly charitable to the Lions of Teranga at the present time.  The United Kingdom opposed that resolution.  Accordingly, for tomorrow’s match, we will pull for England.  I know, this may represent some degree of recency bias, but–cheer up–we can always root against England on another day.

France and Poland both own complicated, problematic histories with the Jewish people and with Israel.  Anti-Semitism is prevalent in both countries.  Looking to the past, we can find copious reasons to cheer against both.  However, we are forced to choose.  The French electorate recently opted to re-elect Emmanuel Macron for a second term as president.  In doing so, he defeated the far left and the far right.  Macron has proved himself to be a moderate who has maintained cordial relations with Israel.  For this reason, we will cheer for  Les Bleus and their deep and highly talented squad.

Vive la France.  I suppose.

About the Author
Doug Klein is an attorney in Chicago and the wrestling coach at Ida Crown Jewish Academy.
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