As the excitement builds for the World Cup clash between Mexico and England, a thunderstorm looms over the Azteca Stadium. Currently, there are no indications that the match’s kick-off will be postponed, although play cannot commence until at least 30 minutes after lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius.
Samuel Dodson humorously reflected on the situation, stating, “Perhaps the Carpenters had it right when they wrote Rainy Days and Mondays,” noting the match’s scheduled start time coinciding with the beginning of the workweek for many in the UK. He added, “given the scheduled start time of this match is supposed to be the way those of us in the UK kick off the working week – but all this talk of thunder and lightning is, to quote Queen, very very frightening. What are the chances this storm pulls a Barbra Streisand and rains on our parades and postpones the match? “And if it is postponed, what advice do you have for those brave enough to venture to the pub in the early hours who may be faced twiddling their thumbs – other than, of course, brainstorming inevitable weather-based football pun headlines? (Although here’s hoping a Hurri-kane force blows this Mexico team away).”
Dodson also offered some light-hearted advice for those venturing to pubs during the early hours, suggesting they may need to brainstorm weather-themed football puns while waiting for the match to kick off. However, he cautioned that a delayed start could result in pubs closing just as extra time begins, as they are permitted to serve until 5 AM BST.
In another development, Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as the head coach of Ghana following their exit from the World Cup in the last 32. Queiroz, who previously led Iran in the last World Cup, expressed pride in his time with the team but also a “I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more.” for not achieving more.
He emphasized the importance of the future for the Black Stars, stating, “The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch.” Queiroz, who was appointed in April after Otto Addo’s dismissal, called for a focus on creating an optimal environment for nurturing Ghana’s football talent.
Meanwhile, in the ongoing World Cup matches, opportunities are being squandered, with no goals scored so far in the Brazil versus Norway game, where Tom Lutz is providing coverage.
For England, Jarell Quansah is set to start at right-back after recovering from an ankle injury. Djed Spence is dealing with a calf issue and is not ready to begin, but is expected to be part of the squad. Reece James has missed the last two matches due to a hamstring problem, making the right-back position a significant concern for coach Thomas Tuchel. The likely choices on the wings are Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, who are anticipated to be selected.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, but the weather could pose a challenge. David Hytner, reporting from the scene, noted:
The first incredibly loud claps of thunder were heard here at the Azteca at 2:40 PM local time – so a little over three hours before the scheduled kick-off time of 6 PM. And it is now absolutely hosing it down with rain. This was very much forecast; hence, the farcical too and froing on Friday afternoon about bringing forward the kick-off by six hours, which ultimately proved impossible. Journalists and photographers have just been told to stay indoors at the stadium media centre. Maybe it is good that the storm has started slightly earlier than advertised, giving it more time to clear before 6 PM. Then again, I really do not know whether this is true!
With the match time approaching, fans will be hoping for a timely resolution to the weather concerns, allowing for an uninterrupted viewing experience.
