Controversial refereeing decisions dogged the later stages of the last couple of World Cups. Little wonder that teams are doing their homework on officials like never before.
As President Obama writes his thank you notes to Democrats in Congress who helped him pass the accord, he better not forget about his European partners.
French and African presidents have, in the past, entertained close relationships outside official channels. These often included illegitimate exchanges. But there are signs that this is changing.
Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa and Assistant Professor in the History of International Relations, Utrecht University
Professeure de management stratégique, directrice des programmes du MSc Arts & Creative Industries Management à Paris et de la partie française de l'Institut Franco-Chinois de Management des Arts et du Design à Shanghai, Kedge Business School