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Deadspin | Phillies beat Giants in 10 to sweep doubleheader and 3-game set  Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) hits a sacrifice fly against the San Francisco Giants in the tenth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images   Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly plated automatic runner Adolis Garcia in the 10th inning Thursday night, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-5 victory over the visiting San Francisco Giants and their second walk-off win of a day-night doubleheader that ended about nine hours after it started.  The Phillies scored twice in the ninth inning to pull out a 3-2 win in the opener.  The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Wednesday night. The clubs also sat out a brief storm that prompted a 24-minute delay in the top of the sixth of the Thursday nightcap.  After the Giants stranded runners at first and third in the top of the 10th inning, the Phillies went the fundamental route to give new manager Don Mattingly his third straight win. Bryson Stott sacrificed Garcia to third, setting up Bohm’s fly to medium-deep center field.  Chase Shugart (2-0), who escaped the jam in the top of the 10th, was credited with the win — his second of the day. He is the first major league pitcher to win both games of a doubleheader since 2013 and the first Philadelphia pitcher to do so since Terry Adams in 2002.  Matt Gage (2-1), who entered the game to start the last of the 10th, took the loss.  Each team scored a two-out run in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI single gave the Giants a 5-4 lead in the top of the inning before the Phillies got even on a Kyle Schwarber run-scoring double.  Down to his final strike, Schwarber capped a 4-for-4 game with the clutch hit. In the doubleheader, he went 5-for-6, drove in three runs, scored three times and collected two home runs, two doubles and three walks.   After blowing a lead in the opener, the Giants rallied from behind in the second game, twice erasing two-run deficits. A two-out, two-run single by Luis Arraez in the sixth created the 4-4 tie that stood until the ninth.  Philadelphia’s first two-run lead was the product of back-to-back solo home runs by Trea Turner, his fourth, and Schwarber, his 11th, to begin the bottom of the first. Turner connected on Adrian Houser’s first pitch, Schwarber on his fifth.  Houser was pulled after 5 2/3 innings, charged with three runs on four hits. He struck out two and walked two.  The Phillies used Tim Mayza as an opener. He threw two shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk. He struck out two.  Turner, who had two hits, and Schwarber scored twice apiece, while Garcia had a two-RBI single.  Drew Gilbert piled up three hits while Lee, Arraez and Casey Schmitt had two apiece for the Giants, who were swept in the three-game series despite out-hitting the hosts 13-9 in the finale.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Phillies #beat #Giants #sweep #doubleheader #3game #set

Deadspin | Phillies beat Giants in 10 to sweep doubleheader and 3-game set
Deadspin | Phillies beat Giants in 10 to sweep doubleheader and 3-game set  Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) hits a sacrifice fly against the San Francisco Giants in the tenth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images   Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly plated automatic runner Adolis Garcia in the 10th inning Thursday night, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-5 victory over the visiting San Francisco Giants and their second walk-off win of a day-night doubleheader that ended about nine hours after it started.  The Phillies scored twice in the ninth inning to pull out a 3-2 win in the opener.  The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Wednesday night. The clubs also sat out a brief storm that prompted a 24-minute delay in the top of the sixth of the Thursday nightcap.  After the Giants stranded runners at first and third in the top of the 10th inning, the Phillies went the fundamental route to give new manager Don Mattingly his third straight win. Bryson Stott sacrificed Garcia to third, setting up Bohm’s fly to medium-deep center field.  Chase Shugart (2-0), who escaped the jam in the top of the 10th, was credited with the win — his second of the day. He is the first major league pitcher to win both games of a doubleheader since 2013 and the first Philadelphia pitcher to do so since Terry Adams in 2002.  Matt Gage (2-1), who entered the game to start the last of the 10th, took the loss.  Each team scored a two-out run in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI single gave the Giants a 5-4 lead in the top of the inning before the Phillies got even on a Kyle Schwarber run-scoring double.  Down to his final strike, Schwarber capped a 4-for-4 game with the clutch hit. In the doubleheader, he went 5-for-6, drove in three runs, scored three times and collected two home runs, two doubles and three walks.   After blowing a lead in the opener, the Giants rallied from behind in the second game, twice erasing two-run deficits. A two-out, two-run single by Luis Arraez in the sixth created the 4-4 tie that stood until the ninth.  Philadelphia’s first two-run lead was the product of back-to-back solo home runs by Trea Turner, his fourth, and Schwarber, his 11th, to begin the bottom of the first. Turner connected on Adrian Houser’s first pitch, Schwarber on his fifth.  Houser was pulled after 5 2/3 innings, charged with three runs on four hits. He struck out two and walked two.  The Phillies used Tim Mayza as an opener. He threw two shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk. He struck out two.  Turner, who had two hits, and Schwarber scored twice apiece, while Garcia had a two-RBI single.  Drew Gilbert piled up three hits while Lee, Arraez and Casey Schmitt had two apiece for the Giants, who were swept in the three-game series despite out-hitting the hosts 13-9 in the finale.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Phillies #beat #Giants #sweep #doubleheader #3game #setApr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) hits a sacrifice fly against the San Francisco Giants in the tenth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly plated automatic runner Adolis Garcia in the 10th inning Thursday night, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-5 victory over the visiting San Francisco Giants and their second walk-off win of a day-night doubleheader that ended about nine hours after it started.

The Phillies scored twice in the ninth inning to pull out a 3-2 win in the opener.

The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Wednesday night. The clubs also sat out a brief storm that prompted a 24-minute delay in the top of the sixth of the Thursday nightcap.

After the Giants stranded runners at first and third in the top of the 10th inning, the Phillies went the fundamental route to give new manager Don Mattingly his third straight win. Bryson Stott sacrificed Garcia to third, setting up Bohm’s fly to medium-deep center field.

Chase Shugart (2-0), who escaped the jam in the top of the 10th, was credited with the win — his second of the day. He is the first major league pitcher to win both games of a doubleheader since 2013 and the first Philadelphia pitcher to do so since Terry Adams in 2002.

Matt Gage (2-1), who entered the game to start the last of the 10th, took the loss.

Each team scored a two-out run in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI single gave the Giants a 5-4 lead in the top of the inning before the Phillies got even on a Kyle Schwarber run-scoring double.


Down to his final strike, Schwarber capped a 4-for-4 game with the clutch hit. In the doubleheader, he went 5-for-6, drove in three runs, scored three times and collected two home runs, two doubles and three walks.

After blowing a lead in the opener, the Giants rallied from behind in the second game, twice erasing two-run deficits. A two-out, two-run single by Luis Arraez in the sixth created the 4-4 tie that stood until the ninth.

Philadelphia’s first two-run lead was the product of back-to-back solo home runs by Trea Turner, his fourth, and Schwarber, his 11th, to begin the bottom of the first. Turner connected on Adrian Houser’s first pitch, Schwarber on his fifth.

Houser was pulled after 5 2/3 innings, charged with three runs on four hits. He struck out two and walked two.

The Phillies used Tim Mayza as an opener. He threw two shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk. He struck out two.

Turner, who had two hits, and Schwarber scored twice apiece, while Garcia had a two-RBI single.

Drew Gilbert piled up three hits while Lee, Arraez and Casey Schmitt had two apiece for the Giants, who were swept in the three-game series despite out-hitting the hosts 13-9 in the finale.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #beat #Giants #sweep #doubleheader #3game #set

Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) hits a sacrifice fly against the San Francisco Giants in the tenth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Alec Bohm’s sacrifice fly plated automatic runner Adolis Garcia in the 10th inning Thursday night, giving the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-5 victory over the visiting San Francisco Giants and their second walk-off win of a day-night doubleheader that ended about nine hours after it started.

The Phillies scored twice in the ninth inning to pull out a 3-2 win in the opener.

The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Wednesday night. The clubs also sat out a brief storm that prompted a 24-minute delay in the top of the sixth of the Thursday nightcap.

After the Giants stranded runners at first and third in the top of the 10th inning, the Phillies went the fundamental route to give new manager Don Mattingly his third straight win. Bryson Stott sacrificed Garcia to third, setting up Bohm’s fly to medium-deep center field.

Chase Shugart (2-0), who escaped the jam in the top of the 10th, was credited with the win — his second of the day. He is the first major league pitcher to win both games of a doubleheader since 2013 and the first Philadelphia pitcher to do so since Terry Adams in 2002.

Matt Gage (2-1), who entered the game to start the last of the 10th, took the loss.

Each team scored a two-out run in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI single gave the Giants a 5-4 lead in the top of the inning before the Phillies got even on a Kyle Schwarber run-scoring double.

Down to his final strike, Schwarber capped a 4-for-4 game with the clutch hit. In the doubleheader, he went 5-for-6, drove in three runs, scored three times and collected two home runs, two doubles and three walks.

After blowing a lead in the opener, the Giants rallied from behind in the second game, twice erasing two-run deficits. A two-out, two-run single by Luis Arraez in the sixth created the 4-4 tie that stood until the ninth.

Philadelphia’s first two-run lead was the product of back-to-back solo home runs by Trea Turner, his fourth, and Schwarber, his 11th, to begin the bottom of the first. Turner connected on Adrian Houser’s first pitch, Schwarber on his fifth.

Houser was pulled after 5 2/3 innings, charged with three runs on four hits. He struck out two and walked two.

The Phillies used Tim Mayza as an opener. He threw two shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk. He struck out two.

Turner, who had two hits, and Schwarber scored twice apiece, while Garcia had a two-RBI single.

Drew Gilbert piled up three hits while Lee, Arraez and Casey Schmitt had two apiece for the Giants, who were swept in the three-game series despite out-hitting the hosts 13-9 in the finale.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Phillies #beat #Giants #sweep #doubleheader #3game #set

Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.

The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.

The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.

Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.

Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history.

Player Ratings

Paraguay

Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0)

Australia

Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4)

Published on Jun 26, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Australia #qualifies #knockouts #Paraguay #stalemate #Complete #player #ratings">FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia qualifies for knockouts after Paraguay stalemate – Complete player ratings  Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history.
Player Ratings
Paraguay
Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0)
Australia
Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4)
Published on Jun 26, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Australia #qualifies #knockouts #Paraguay #stalemate #Complete #player #ratings

Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.

By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.

This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com">Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Headline a New Era of World Cup Scoring | Deadspin.com   Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.   #Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com

symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com">Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Headline a New Era of World Cup Scoring | Deadspin.com

Earlier this week, Argentina’s Lionel Messi added the new title of World Cup Goals King to his CV.

By the end of the tournament, it could be Kylian Mbappe holding that honor. Down the line, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are young enough to get in the mix. And if everything goes right, the teenage Lamine Yamal has the time and talent to obliterate them all.

This is an amazing era for elite international goal-scorers. But maybe even more exciting, the convergence of those talents could be symbolic of a World Cup that is ushering in a new era of international competition, one that comes closer to the increasingly attack-oriented model that defines the modern club game.

Under the influence of rapidly improving data, modern soccer at the highest levels has become predicated on pressure and transition.

For sure, it’s not the aesthetic preference of every soccer critic.

Listen closely enough, and you’ll hear the cries of someone in Brazil whining that Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao rejected the Jogo Bonito in favor of a modern devotion to backpressing that proved critical in their emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

But for the average neutral, it’s hard to deny how much more compelling the club game has become as a result of data that shows the benefits of a higher octane approach.

You can see this in the UEFA Champions League, where goals per game have risen from 2.65 in 2015-16 to 3.45 in 2025-26.

Or you can see it in which teams are and aren’t succeeding at the international level.

Arguably, no side has fallen further than Italy, a nation whose footballing identity is most irrationally opposed to the ongoing tactical revolution.

Similarly, teams like Ecuador and Paraguay, who rode cynical tactics to success in South American qualifying, have so far been exposed by teams with more time to build attacking chemistry.

Yes, some teams have still succeeded out of a low block. But the Ghanas and Cape Verdes of the world have only done so when they could muster at least some threat of a vertical counterattack.

And now, with many of the same managers who orchestrated that rise in attacking play now coaching at this World Cup, goals are up here as well. If the rate of roughly 3.0 goals per game continues, it would be the highest scoring edition since 17-year-old Pele and Brazil dazzled their way to their first championship in Sweden in 1958.

The greatest attacking players are also staying great longer.

At 41, Ronaldo may come with baggage, but he’s still the best finisher on his Portugal team. At 32, Harry Kane’s career is only middle-aged when it would’ve been considered in its twilight era a generation ago.

And the engrossing all-time scoring chase is only possible because Messi is still playing at age 39, and arguably better at a World Cup than he ever has before.

There’s still a lot of time for this World Cup to go sideways. The knockout stages have a way of bringing out the worst conservative instincts in coaches. Oppressive summer weather could become more of a factor as June turns to July, and as more of the kickoffs fall before sunset to appease European TV audiences.

And there’s always the danger for off-the-field controversies to grow louder once the competitive field shrinks.

But on the evidence so far, this tournament has shown that the future of the game on the field is arguably the brightest it’s ever been. And whether it’s Messi or Mbappe who finishes on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart this summer, you get the sense neither one will stay there for all that long.

#Lionel #Messi #Kylian #Mbappe #Headline #Era #World #Cup #Scoring #Deadspin.com

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