Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here.
The last Friday of a World Cup is always a bit strange. It sort of feels like a down day, cut adrift from all the action, color and drama of the tournament.
But fear not, this is just the calm before the storm.
Both Argentina and Spain are busy behind the scenes putting the finishing touches to their tactics, as fans around the world finalize their plans for how they’ll be watching Sunday’s final (Spanish editor’s note: Unfortunately for me, it will be in front of a computer and not at the pub).
And while it’s a bit rubbish having to wait another two days for the match, it does give us a chance to reflect on the last few weeks across North America.
