Altitude this, altitude that, . . . the way analysts were talking ahead of this game you'd think England was going up against Martians on the Moon, not Mexicans in Mexico City.
Mexico is a fine team. They played with a lot of spirit. But at this level of competition, at this stage of the tournament, it's about who has the superstars. England has two. Mexico has zero. Sure, football is a team sport, and tactics matter, but, as we saw yesterday, superstars matter more. And this has been the World Cup of superstars.
One is all you need.
In the Norway-Brazil game there was only one. Brazil for the first time in its history has zero superstars. They're just another Mexico now. They're not to be feared. And Norway played with no fear.
Norway has overachieved. Defeating England next weekend will be a step too far. Defensively they're not solid. England will finish their chances against them. If Brazil had been more clinical that game would have played out differently. Brazil played like they were down a man in the second half.
Of the teams remaining the clear favourites are France and Argentina, with England having an outside chance. Portugal's superstar is too old and Spain's is too young. They will be major threats to win when they host the World Cup in 2030.