Call it an age, an epoch or a season, the build-up has witnessed wisdom overwhelmed by foolishness (a lack of jeopardy in the group stage). It has seen belief stretched to the point of incredulity (ticket prices). And it has light descending into darkness (Fifa joining the scalpers and being subpoenaed for ticketing practices by two US states).
It could be the best of World Cups, it could be the worst of them. A ceasefire in the Gulf is just about holding; the kick-off is upon us and like the best matches, the whole 39-day extravaganza in Mexico City could go either way.
It could be magical, or it could be an overblown, expensive, disastrous monster. With apologies to Charles Dickens, it is a tale of three countries (the US, Canada and Mexico), 48 teams and 104 matches. And it is a major — and perhaps much-needed — distraction in these difficult times.
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