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Approaching the business end of the groups

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Croatia's crushing of Argentina last night announced the impending endgame for the group stages. They blasted a lack-lustre Argentina apart and earned their own passage into the round of 16. Messi was anonymous and I have to say that I am now preparing myself (possibly prematurely, given how it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Argentina still somehow progress) to sway into the 'Ronaldo is the best' camp forever.

Messi, unlike his nemesis, is playing purely as an individual, with no influence or impact on his teammates. During the anthem he was in his own personal bubble, head in hands, contemplating - and it is a bubble he didn't break out of all game. Ronaldo in contrast, whether he's banging in hat-tricks or not, is a presence and an energy that fuels himself and the team mates around him. We'll see how it goes, but certainly an Iceland win today against Nigeria puts Argentina in greatest peril.

Since I was last on, I watched future ex-Villa player Jedinak continue to be Australia's new Cahill (that one is for you Stevie!); with an angry-bearded display of heroism. A shame that Auz couldn't convert the win that would have really livened up Group C. Nonetheless, Australia could still qualify with a good win against unlucky Peru.

Peru - oh my. I think the most entertaining team I've seen not progress in a World Cup (and the only one managed by Iggy Pop). What they'd give for a striker, any striker. They  were so good, and dominated France for much of the game (as they did to Denmark too) but just couldn't make it count.

What else has gone on? Suarez, despite dying several times during the match with Saudi Arabia, bagged a goal for a 1-0 win, (on 1-0 Wednesday; where Portugal and Spain also prevailed)

Today I have a glorious day off, and the prospect of genuine, live footy again this pm. Iceland and Nigeria play, to establish exactly how much trouble Argentina are in. I've a funny feeling that Nigeria will turn up and thus set up an incredible climax to Group D. Before that game is Brazil vs Costa Rica. I think this could see a glut of goals. And, also in Group E, Serbia vs Switzerland - one of the least tempting games on paper (I really detest Switzerland as a spectacle). A Serbia win there is likely to kill the group off, but a Swiss win will keep things tasty into the final round.

Its been a great first week of World Cup. Still no nil-nils. Lots of media huff and puff about VAR - but I would say a general reduction in injustices. One more week of super intensity and then we can have a day off from it (next Friday)....

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