France match, and other World Cup observations

Key Points:

• FIFA faced criticism for allowing matches like France-Norway to have an exhibition-like atmosphere, suggesting the organization should schedule premier matchups earlier in the group stage to ensure competitive play.
• Norway's coach Solbakken rested nearly all starters against France, seemingly to avoid facing Sweden in the knockout round, which raised questions about sportsmanship and competitive integrity.
• Controversial VAR decisions, including a marginal offside call negating Colombia's potential winning goal, have eroded fan trust in video review technology, with experts noting instant replay sometimes creates more issues than it solves.
• Czechia struggled in the tournament, partly attributed to their lack of high-altitude training compared to other Group A teams, leading to poor second-half performances and a 0-3 record.
• The tournament highlighted contrasting approaches to veteran players, with legends like Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa and Brazil's Neymar receiving limited but respectful playing time, unlike some American sports' treatment of aging stars.