Just Couldn't Help Himself...
Just The Sides #4
Man, man, man. Whether or not you’re a football fan, a fan of spectacle, or just needed a quick and easy conversation topic over the past six weeks, the 2026 World Cup delivered. And the best part is, it wasn’t the only thing happening in the world of sports over the past week or so. It’s time for another roundup, or what I like to call, “Just The Sides.”
Aw dang, the President of the United States Thinks He’s on The Team.
You know that meme of the guy who pretends to stop a train? (Don’t worry, click here if you forgot). Well, it felt like Donald J. Trump was doing that this entire World Cup. Whether it was getting a red card reversed or “demanding” that the World Cup return to the USA soon (It will; there’s a reason why FIFA is burning through so many other locations; and USA fans are already used to paying high prices for tickets), Trump is doing whatever he can to earn his “Peace Prize.” Nothing can top what he did at the World Cup Final, however. Spain, after winning a battle against a really underhanded Argentina side, was all set to lift the Cup. But the WWE Hall of Famer himself couldn’t get out of the shot.
Whoops, wrong video:
Ah yeah, that’s the stuff. I bet the Mexican President and Canadian Prime Minister (you know, the other host heads of state) were laughing their asses off.
Oh Yeah, Resize It!
There were a bunch of stories from the World Cup I actually liked. Whether it was the rise of Vozinha, or the fact the world fell in love with Erling (Braut) Haaland (Come on, City!), there was one campaign I really loved. It involved the Colombian national team and Cerveza Aguila. A marketing campaign for the ages, Aguila helped subsidize the cost of expensive soccer jerseys if fans were willing to have the front chest sponsor logo as large as they could stand it.
Oddly, the big logo actually slaps.
Kick Back With A Cold One, and a WNBA Game
Despite the fact that conservatives have latched on to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham as the prototypical Great White Hope against the ‘thugs’ of normal competition, the WNBA is as hot as ever. And when you’re hot, what better way to cool down than with a brewski? Former player Tina Charles launched her own beer from her 78 Brewing Company this week. From Brewhound:
Crafted for anyone who has ever strived to reach their personal best, the 78-0 Hazy IPA carries a bright, citrus-forward flavor with notes of tropical fruit. Brewed at East Rock Brewing Company with Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe hops, at a full-bodied 6.5% ABV, it offers a smooth finish, just like the moments it was created to celebrate. - Brewhound
I’ll have to try this.
The Sports World Plays On
And lastly, if you’re all about seeing the world continue to jockey for athletic dominance, it’s both the Central American and Caribbean Games as well as the Commonwealth Games times. And if you’re like me, and have ties to a Caribbean nation that was at one point a part of the Commonwealth, you’re ready to pull double duty. Can we talk about the mascot for the Commonwealth Games though? She’s adorable!
Take that, GEORGE!