Some could argue the spectacle Sunday was merely an elaborate showpiece meant as a passing of the torch. From Lionel Messi to Kylian Mbappe, teammates at Paris Saint-Germain, a French superclub bankrolled by the Qataris. One great to the next. Though, we’d be remiss not to note that Mbappe was already a World Cup winner–having won his first four years ago in Russia.

The match was at best a momentary salve, a reminder that whatever baggage I thought it could help carry, it would, in fact, only carry so far, if at all.

Thirty-two years later, I find myself unable to get excited about the world’s biggest sporting event. The crown jewel in any four-year sporting cycle. Bigger than March Madness. Bigger than the Olympics. Bigger than the Super Bowl. Bigger than the Champions League Final. But, the context surrounding this edition of the World Cup seems to have seeped into a sporting event meant as a temporary salve for society’s troubles.

If we’re truly interested in building on the foundations that came before us, we’ll find ways to compromise. I know, it’s a dirty word in American politics. But that’s what it’ll take to move us forward. And I’m not talking about paying the idea lipservice, I’m talking about tough conversations over giving up some of the things we want to get some of the things we need.

If Liverpool walk away victors after hosting Southampton on Saturday afternoon, fans will be riding high into the six-week World Cup break. Four wins on the trot - something the club hasn’t been able to do all season.

The third installment of my weekly contribution to the LFC Jury at the Liverpool Echo.

The second installment of my weekly contribution to the LFC Jury at the Liverpool Echo.

The first installment of my weekly contribution to the LFC Jury at the Liverpool Echo.

Fans, like myself, looking for a response, saw one. The Mighty Reds looked to have done a complete 180 from the performance against Brighton—and much of the rest of the season as well. They were competent, confident, and all-conquering.

At best, the squad was disjointed. At worst, shambolic. If not for the match against Napoli, it could compete for the worst 90 minutes of football in the Klopp era.

Last night’s version of Liverpool was a revelation. They looked more like the side we’ve come to expect. Energetic, intense, dangerous. Are they back? Fans sure hope so.

What’s the point of fandom if you’re only on board when it’s easy? Liverpool’s rough start to the season certainly engenders some despair, but if we were honest, we saw this coming last season.

A brief walk through Washington, DC’s Rock Creek Park gets my creative juices flowing. After last week’s hike and publishing a photo gallery, I tried my hands at shooting some video clips. Suffice it to say, I’ve got a lot to learn. LOL.

Nostalgia can often hit in the moments when you least expect it. Last week, I was hit with waves as I cooked up this soup for the first time.

Team Melli punches their ticket to Qatar.

When defenders go to ground, they know there are only three outcomes. A foul, the attacker gets by, or they win the ball. In the match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool this past Sunday, the match official got it right.

The US and Iran are at an impasse, but it didn’t have to be this way. Years of mismanagement of tensions and delusions of grandeur have brought us to this point. Diplomacy remains the only path forward. Both countries will be better for it, but does either side have the political capital to do so.

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