The biggest football event of the sporting calendar is here! For some of us, it is the most important event in our lives this year (surpassing weddings, birthdays and anniversaries in one fell swoop). For others, it’s not exactly the hot topic of the century. However, if you are someone whose partner lives and dies for football it may pay to learn a few key things to get you through the next month; if only to make sure you’re not banished from your own living room until mid-July.
We’re here to give you the low down on the lingo (no idea what a ‘barnstorming finish’ is? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered), the top teams in the running for the final, and (most importantly) the hottest frames you can find to watch each teams’ triumph and defeats.
After all, if you’re going to be watching football for a month, you may as well make it worthwhile.
The lingo
Box-to-Box Player: A midfielder who is good at both the defensive and offensive parts of the role.
Barnstorming Finish: Where a team scores a winning goal in the last few minutes of the game and so brings it to a very exciting close.
What a beauty: When a footballer does something (usually score a goal) that is totally unexpected and causes the fans and players alike to go wild.
The wall did its job: when the players all line up to block a free kick it’s called a wall. If they deflect the kick away from their goal, they ‘did their job’.
Are you blind ref?: The standard response to any call made by the ref that you don’t agree with. Especially if it results in something that favours the opposition.
The Favourites
Brazil
One of the all-time favourites, Brazil is a team who rarely disappoints. They have won the competition five times, and could possibly do so again this year. Be sure to mention Philippe Coutinho’s goal against Costa Rica that broke the deadlock in the 91st minute. It was a great goal, and displays top footballing knowledge.
Full of colour and fun, Brazil’s tropical good time feel needs equally tropical glasses to match. Try these Superdry Kobe shades in green and black with green mirrored lenses. They’re loud, fun, and affordable.
If you’re more into eyeglasses than sunnies, then these Ray-Ban round fleck glasses are a great option. Funky enough to make you stand out in a crowd, whilst still retaining that sophisticated feel. You won’t miss a moment of Brazil’s (possible!) march to victory.
Spain
Spain has won the competition once before in South Africa, in 2010, although they have got through to the quarter-finals four times. The scandal this year is that the coach, Julen Lopetegui, was fired the day before the tournament started due to his intentions to accept the head coaching role at Real Madrid (don’t ask us why that’s such a big deal, just drop it into the conversation).
More importantly, make sure you get your hands on some spanking new glasses that really reflect the spirit of the Spanish team’s vivacity and passion.
These red Last Lolita shades are perfect for adding a little zing to the proceedings. Their exaggerated cat eye shape gives a sultry feminine feel and the striking colour perfectly complements the dominant colour of the Spanish flag. There will be no doubt over who you support!
Buy Ralph by Ralph Lauren for £64.95
The patterned details on these Ralph by Ralph Lauren eyeglasses add a measure of playfulness to these otherwise serious glasses. Just what you need when you are supporting the country that is known for music, sun, and sangria. This competition is an opportunity for festivity after all; let your fun side shine through.
Argentina
Two time winners, in both ’86 and ’78, Argentina had a shaky start when they lost 3-0 to Croatia. However, we expect great things form them as they sail into the next round. Be sure to mention Lionel Messi (no. 10) and how flipping great he is at everything football. People will nod sagely in agreement, trust us.
Want to be taken seriously as a ‘Team Argentina’ aficionado? Then these Ray-Ban Clubmasters are what you need. Their black and gold tones echo the Latin American cool, and their sleek design will make you look like you mean serious football business.
A Dolce & Gabanna favourite for the Argentinian team here. These Lifestyle frames are square and slightly bookish; demanding to be taken seriously, just like the team. The colour obviously echoes the blues of the Argentinian flag, and these frames will suit squared face shapes. So if that’s you then grab your own pair and dress to impress.
So, now you’re armed with your new football knowledge, are able to speak the language, and have some suitably matched eyewear, go in there and own the room. Your partner won’t know what’s hit them.
