We were settling down for what looked like a quiet Sunday before the FIFA madness began. Instead, another layer of drama appeared, draped over the lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden and the funeral of the Ayatollah we helped execute in Tehran.

Then there was that Red Card business hanging over the U.S. Men’s National Team. There had been plenty of concern that star Folarin Balogun would miss tonight’s match against Belgium because of the suspension. The controversy swirled, and since we don’t pretend to understand all the finer points of the game here at Socotra House, we simply enjoyed the latest twist. By afternoon, the story was that President Trump had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to complain about the suspension—and just like that, it was gone.

So, another layer of drama atop all the others. The tournament doesn’t conclude until 19 July, which gives us the distinct impression there is still plenty more excitement to come.
Some of it may begin in Seattle this afternoon. Yea Hah!

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