Weekend Highlights

Well the highlight will depend in what team you support of course so for me it is a trip (yes, a trip, no sitting in front of the box all weekend for me, just part of it) to see Celtic at Kilmarnock. The delights of Rugby Park and their excellent pies await.

But for those of you not lucky enough to be making the glamorous pilgrimage to Ayrshire, there are the usual shed-load of matches to watch on TV. These are the pick (excluding Eleven Sports as that is too much of a faff):

Friday 21^st

Not the most scintillating fare, I would opt for Stuttgart vs Fortuna Dusseldorf. Mainly because I like saying Fortuna Dusseldorf. It’s at 7.30 on BT Sport. Donkey Shite and all that.

Saturday 22^nd

Again not a vintage day, but you can check on Spurs’ attempts to win again, away at Brighton at 5.30pm on BT Sport. As an alternative, you could try Llandudno vs Connah’s Quay on S4C at 7.30pm just for the hell of it.

Sunday 23^rd

Apart from the Mighty Celts, there is Arsenal vs Everton at 4pm on Sky, or Lyon vs Marseille on BT at 8pm. But this will clash with the last episode of Bodyguard so maybe just the first half.

A Nations League Once Again

The UEFA Nations League gets underway this week, with virtually all of the games available to view on Sky starting on Thursday and going through until Tuesday, with some tasty looking matches such as Germany vs France and Wales vs Ireland - but what exactly is it?

The Nations League Concept

On one level, the idea behind it is simply a more competitive series of matches (although Scotland vs Belgium on Friday is just an old-school friendly, even if the prices don’t reflect that), but it also serves as a path to the European Championships in 2020. Only four of the 55 nations competing though will get through via that method (see below).

There are actually four separate leagues, based on UEFA coefficients (not FIFA ranking) which throws up some quirks like the Netherlands (who haven’t qualified for the last two major tournaments) in League A and Serbia (in the last World Cup) in League C. There are four groups within each league consisting of either three or four teams who play each other home and away.

The Nations League Format

Group matches last until November 20^th. The winner of each group is “promoted” to the league above and the bottom team “relegated” for the next round of matches in two years’ time. The winners of the four groups in League A qualify directly for a pretty pointless Nations League play-off in June 2019. There may or may not be a trophy involved.

European Championships Qualifying

“Normal” qualifying for the Euros will begin in March 2019 with ten groups of five or six teams, drawn after the Nations League groups are complete with seeding based on the ranking from these. The top two from each of these will qualify. As there is no host nation (the finals matches are spread over 13 different countries) then no team qualifies automatically.

Now for the interesting bit (especially for the – ahem – lesser nations): the four groups winners in each Nations League will play-off in semi-finals and a final for the right to qualify directly for the 2020 tournament. Yes, one team from the each of the leagues including the lowest-ranked one is guaranteed to qualify. Azerbaijan will be the favourites for this honour. If any of the Nations League winners have already qualified through the traditional method, then the next best placed team will go through to the play-off. Which may not even be the runners-up if they have also qualified, which may well be the case in League A. In fact, all of League A could qualify in which case League B teams would “move up” for play-off purposes.

The leagues and groups are as follows, remember one team from each league will qualify. Scotland, for example, assuming they don’t make it through the main qualifying and finish above Israel and Iceland in Group 1 in League C, would play-off against the other three group1 winners eg Greece, Slovenia and Romania. Even McLeish must have a chance of that surely? Well, unless the tax man jails him first.

League A

Group 1: Germany, France, Netherlands

Group 2: Belgium, Switzerland, Iceland

Group 3: Portugal, Italy, Poland

Group 4: Spain, England, Croatia

League B

Group 1: Slovakia, Ukraine, Czech Republic

Group 2: Russia, Sweden, Turkey

Group 3: Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Northern Ireland

Group 4: Wales, Republic of Ireland, Denmark

League C

Group 1: Scotland, Albania, Israel

Group 2: Hungary, Greece, Finland, Estonia

Group 3: Slovenia, Norway, Bulgaria, Cyprus

Group 4: Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania

League D

Group 1: Georgia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Andorra

Group 2: Belarus, Luxembourg, Moldova, San Marino

Group 3: Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands, Malta, Kosovo

Group 4: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar

Coming to a TV Near You

It’s the weekend again, and a three-day one for some of us. Here is the suggested football menu for you if you have nothing better to do. I have a full diary and probably won’t see any of this due to my hectic and varied social life. Cough.

Friday

Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim 19:30 BT

The Bundesliga returns with sure-to-be-champions Bayern in action right away. Should be plenty of goals.

Lyon vs Strasbourg 19:30 BT

Ligue 1 already at their third game and PSG already top. This is 10^th vs 7^th.

Middlesbrough vs West Brom. 19:45 Sky

The English championship looking like an exciting and unpredictable contest this season so there should be lots of games with unpredictable outcomes like this one, although you would expect ‘Boro to win with home advantage

Saturday

Wolves vs Manchester City 12:30 Sky

City continue their bid to win every game this season and it is hard to see anyone stop them. Certainly not Wolves.

Prestwich Heys vs Radcliffe Borough 12:30 BBC Red Button

Early chance for the BBC to patronise wee teams in “the greatest cup competition in the world”, not that you would agree if you watch this. That's the FA Cup incidentally, if you didn't know.

Nottingham Forest vs Birmingham City 17:30 Sky

Forest one of the candidates for a ply-off place if not the title, and a City side struggling already.

Liverpool vs Brighton 17:30 BT

Liverpool surely continuing their good start here as two watchable matches are pitted against each other.

Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen 17:30 BT

And a third game on at the same time as another big name (ha) starts the season.

Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon 19:00 Freesports

Really think Freesports should be blowing their own trumpet a bit more as their coverage of the Portuguese league continues. Could pick up a few viewers missing the Spanish and Italian leagues.

Sunday

Motherwell vs Rangers 2012 12:15 BT

If Motherwell are up for this (and their captain’s recent comments make it sound like they are) they should be more than capable of getting a point or more here.

Watford vs Crystal Palace 13:30 Sky

Going to be a lot of glamour games like this in the Premier League this season

Lille v Guingamp 14:00 BT

More French action (why does that sound rude?)

Mainz v VFB Stuttgart 14:30 BT

Bundesliga bound again.

Newcastle United v Chelsea 16:00 Sky

The big one, as Sky will call it.

Bordeaux v Monaco 16:00 BT

From France. But you knew that.

Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig 17:00 BT

Back to Germany for another mighty tussle

Marseille v Rennes 20:00 BT

Rounding off the evening with a French encore.

Monday

Hamburg v Arminia Bielefeld 19:30 BT

Budesliga 2, if that floats your boat

Man Utd v Tottenham Hotspur 20:00 Sky

Now this is a big one for a Monday night. Could even be Jose's last game.

You’ll notice I have not included any Spanish, Dutch or Italian games as they are now shown on Eleven Sports, a subscription only online channel where the viewing figures must be tiny. Although you can also see them on the William Hill website if you have an account with them. You can thank me later.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

It’s the big one tonight, all eyes will be on BT Sport 2 for the clash between St. Pauli and Darmstadt in Bundesliga 2 at 7.30pm. Or you may prefer the return of the English Premiership as Manchester United face Leicester. If Jose Mourinho can muster up enough interest to pick a team that is. It’s on Sky at 8pm. Freesports has Portuguese action at 8.30pm as Benfica face Vitoria Guimaraes.

Hearts take on champions Celtic on Sunday at 12.30pm on Sky deep in the Tynecastle Pampas. Celtic of course in complete disarray, with hopes of an eighth consecutive title fading fast in the face of a resurgent Gerrard-led Rangers 2012, who incredibly only trail by 2 points. (Must stop reading the Evening Times).

If you are so disgusted at the failure to sign John McGinn for that vital spot on the bench that you have chucked it, you could instead watch Newcastle vs Tottenham, also on Sky (nice to see them give the Scottish game a boost by scheduling an English match at the same time.) Derby vs Leeds could be tasty at 5.30pm, or there is Wolves vs Everton over on BT. Porto vs Chaves rounds the day off on Freesports at 9.

You can have a lie-in on Sunday before watching Liverpool vs West Ham at 1.30pm, then find out just how far ahead of the rest Manchester City are as they visit Arsenal at 4. The German Super Cup is at 7.30 as Bayern Munich play Eintracht Frankfurt on BT, and the Spanish equivalent at 9 with Barcelona playing Sevilla (the last Spanish game on Sky for a while as the rights for La Liga have gone to Eleven Sports who apparently will be broadcasting on Facebook. Oh dear).

No Flagging

Celtic unveil their seventh consecutive league flag tomorrow (bored yet? No, me neither) before they face newly-promoted Livingston, led by Kenny Miller, who has previously played for Rangers 1872, Celtic and Rangers 2012.

The flag will be raised by Daniel Fergus McGrain, one of my all-time heroes as he is for every Celtic fan of a certain age, an undisputed world class player in his heyday – world class in the true sense in that he would be named in a world 11 of the time.

Another big European game in midweek may mean that anyone with even a niggle will be rested so we may not see Tierney, Forrest or Brown (apart from the flag-raising), but that could mean outings for Lustig, Rogic, Hayes, Griffiths and Boyata, at least in part. Our easiest game of the campaign on paper, but it’s important to get off to a good start and lay down a marker for the season ahead.

The English Championship also starts tonight, with Reading vs Derby (many people’s tips for the title after making some promising signings, although they do have a rookie manager who is expected to do well just because he was a decent player despite no real experience) on Sky Sports at 8pm. Sky also have Sunderland vs Charlton on Saturday (in League One, which doesn’t sound right) at 12:30 and Sheffield United vs Swansea at 5:30.

Sunday sees Aberdeen vs Rangers 2012 at 1pm, also on Sky, then BT spring into life with the Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea at 3pm. Leeds vs Stoke at 4.30 on Sky rounds things off (apart from the usual friendlies and MLS matches).

If you don't fancy any of that you could always watch cyclists endlessly circling a track. Each to their own.

Halfway to Paradise

Celtic play they their fourth (of eight – hopefully) Champions League qualifier tonight in Trondheim, facing Rosenborg with a 3-1 advantage from last week.

Everything points to Celtic’s progression, but nobody is taking anything for granted. Management, players and fans all know the job is only half done, and no mistakes can be countenanced.

This is probably the team which will be entrusted with the task:

Gordon;

Tierney, Ajer, Hendry, Gamboa;

Brown, Ntcham;

Forrest, McGregor, Sinclair;

Edouard

Subs: Bain, Lustig, Rogic, Christie, Allan, Kouassi, Johnston

Brendan may be tempted to start Rogic in place of Sinclair for an extra bit of defensive solidity – especially if he is planning to change his away mindset a bit this season – but that would be something of a risk as the Aussie powerhouse is not up to full match fitness yet. Not much in terms of experienced attacking players in reserve, let’s hope they are not needed.

The game kicks 0ff at 19:45 cpt, and is on Premier Sports 2 (although they have a friendly scheduled for 21:05 on the same channel) as well as eir Sport 1 in Ireland and Eurosport in Scandinavia. Strange that it can be shown in all these countries on these channels, but not on Celtic TV. Seems like a raw deal for subscribers.

Wasted Weekend

Another weekend with no football to go to even though it feels like the season has started.

On Friday night (or Saturday morning to be exact) we are back to the MLS on Sky (Orlando City vs New York City at 1am followed by Los Angeles FC vs LA Galaxy at 3.30).

Saturday’s “highlight” is Clyde vs Motherwell in the League Cup at 3pm on BT Sport, which you can warm up for by watching Jiangsu Suning v Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Superleague on Sky. Toronto FC vs Chicago fire is on midnight.

Sunday has Guangzhou Evergrande v Chongqing Lifan then Hearts vs Inverness.

I’m going out.

Unless the Celtic under-23 team taking part in the South Shields FC International Tournament (along with the hosts, Southampton and Marseille, who Celtic play on Friday at 7.30pm) reach the final, which is on Freesports on Sunday at 5pm. Come to think of it, the 3rd-4th place playoff is also on 1pm. Jack Aitchison will be hoping to score a few as he faces the daunting prospect of muscling past Edouard, Dembele and Griffiths in the striker queue. Good luck there.

I’m staying in.

Celtic 3 Rosenberg 1

A much better result than the 0-0 a year ago so Celtic in a good place. Three goals, several times hitting the woodwork, and a very good penalty shout turned down. Next week will see the return of Simunovic, maybe Boyata and Lustig, and a fitter Rogic. Complacency seems to be the major enemy now.

Rosenborg looked the fitter side at the start, and so they should, being halfway through their season but once Brendan Rodgers corrected his faux pas of playing James Forrest behind Odsonne Edouard and moved him back out wide, pushing McGregor a bit further forward instead, everything clicked into place. And that is maybe Rodgers’ greatest attribute, his ability and willingness to make changes as soon as he realises they aren’t working rather than waiting for an hour or more to try and prove a point.

Hard to think of a recent game with three finer goals, Odsonne’s calm finish for the first, Ntcham’s glorious strike for the second (which would only have been bettered by the thunderblaster which hit the bar), and then Eddie’s second, the only word for which is (and I really tried to avoid using it but failed) Larsson-esque.

Gamboa was entertaining to watch in an Izaguirre fashion, popping up in the Rosenborg box in the first couple of minutes, and is surely an able deputy for Lustig this season, while Ajer is going to be fun too with those “Feed the Bear” style marauds forward. More of those please.

Another thrilling night in Paradise, let’s finish the job next week in Norway.

PS – please lay off Jack Hendry. Not that there was as much criticism of him from the stands as some are making out, but he is a young lad trying to raise his game so give him a break. Remember he is fourth-choice centre-back, and in normal circumstances wouldn’t be playing at this level yet. He is doing his best and played his part.

Celtic 3 Alashkert 0 (Agg 6-0)

No couch-potatoing here, but the first competitive game of the season at Celtic Park as the first of four Champions League qualifiers was safely negotiated.

The game was won in the opening twenty minutes as Dembele shrugged aside several defenders to score from the edge of the box, then slotted in a penalty (which was a very soft one, although not as soft as the one which got Rosenborg through against Valur - wow). The fact that Jozo Simunovic got himself sent off in between these two goals was almost an aside, an offence which may have more influence on the team next week when he is suspended that it did here. If he meant to do what he did then it was definitely a red and he is an idiot. However, it looked more mistimed than malicious, in which case it was harsh. Especially when the guy who elbowed Kieran Tierney only got a yellow. Any lingering doubts were ended when Edouard sent Forrest off on a run and he scored with aplomb.

The second period was a bit of a non-event, the real downside being Moussa Dembele's departure with what appears to be a tight hamstring.

A sell out crowd with no away supporters (apparently the two sitting on their own in the away section were actually Celtic fans), although quite a few empty seats due to season ticket holders not turning up. The new floodlights were switched on at half-time, and 50,000 people said "oooh!". They do look brighter, even on a summer's evening, but we won't get the full effect until the dark nights arrive. The pitch too is looking superb. An enjoyable evening out all round, and two games against Rosenborg to come home and away on the next two Wednesdays.

No Celtic game at the weekend, and not much on TV either. The Hibs Europa League second leg against Runavik is on Premier Sports tonight, but not even they can Hibs this one. Sky have got a couple of Under-19 European Championships matches on Friday and on Saturday at 3 o'clock BT are showing Raith Rovers vs Hearts in the League Cup with Dundee vs Dunfermline at the same time on Sunday. Apart from that there are some Chinese Super League and MLS games. Told you it was slim pickings.

One game stands out though - Man Utd vs Celtic Under-19s, taking place in Coleraine. You can watch this on Saturday at 5pm on the BBC Red Button, online at www.bbc.co.uk/sportni or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uniladmag

France 4 Croatia 2

Both sides at full strength, no injuries or suspensions to worry about, and no changes from the semis. Croatia have played three extra-times in a row to France’s none, and have had a day’s less rest, but then they looked the far fitter side against England. France though overwhelming favourites. 

ITV schedule their buildup to start five minutes before their rivals, although it turns out to be only two minutes after the adverts are done. The BBC panel are suited and booted to sit in the studio. Why on earth?

Croatia dominated the opening fifteen minutes, with even Mbappe being forced into defensive work. And it was Mandzukic who opened the scoring, but into his own net as he glanced a Griezmann free-kick past his own ‘keeper. Perisic though drew Croatia level with a good strike which took a big deflection.

Then drama - a VARPEN for France following a clear handball and long deliberation on it’s deliberateness by the referee, tucked away by Griezmann. Croatia well ahead on stats at the break but France ahead on goals.

France had the first shot in the second period but Rebic soon had a better one tipped ove by Lloris. Mbappe then sprang into life but his powerful run was thwarted by Subisic. The game was then briefly interrupted by a pitch invasion. No idea who it was or why. Which makes it a bit pointless.

A French breakaway brought them a third goal as Pogba curled the ball in after his first attempt was blocked. Two up, surely that was the clincher? No, Mbappe’s shot from way outside the box was, as he became the first teenager to score in a final since the greatest of all time, Pele.

But wait, Lloris then mystifyingly tried to dribble past Mandzukic and paid the price. 4-2. What a game. That seemed to knock the wind out of France just as they seemed to be coasting, and Croatia continued to probe, led by the imperious Modric. But even their superhuman efforts began to run out of steam and France were able to run down the clock.

No doubts in my mind that France were the best team at the tournament. They may have got a couple of decisions going there way in the first half here, but they would almost certainly have won anyway. Croatia deserve huge credit too, but as I said would happen way back on 10th of June, France are the Champions. 

Belgium 2 England 0

The game nobody wants to play and doesn’t really care if they win. So much for the last time these two met, what about today? Well Gareth Southgate has been talking about the players winning a medal (do you actually get a medal for being third?) so if they do win it’ll be hailed as a great achievement. If Belgium win it’ll revert to the status of a friendly. Both sides playing strong sides so taking it seriously.

As it turned out there was little doubt that Belgium were by far the better team, regularly cutting England open but settling for just the two goals. Quite incredible to think some people seriously thought this very limited side could actually win the World Cup. Incredible.

Funny how two weeks ago England were one of the best sides ever to play at a World Cup, on a par with Brazil 1970. Now they are way behind Belgium who are “ six years ahead of England” according to Glen Hoddle. Some turnaround.

It turned out there were medals at the end. For Belgium. For England it was just hard cheese and small beer.

Weekend Watch

With the World cup still to complete, and European qualifying just underway (well done to Hibs on a great result and to Rangers 2012 for their best ever European result), the Scottish League Cup starts tonight with Kilmarnock hosting St. Mirren in Group H at 7:45. The game is live on BT Sport 1.

The other tie in the group, as well as those in the other seven, are all at 3pm Saturday so no TV coverage of those. A test of loyalty for the fans of those teams as the World cup 3^rd/4^th place play off is on ITV at the same time. Will Brechin vs Peterhead pull in the crowds with that competition? The same applies to Celtic supporters with Standard Liege visiting for a friendly in which Celtic will field two teams. Not at the same time, one in each half. A chance to see the rarely-spotted Marvin Compper hopefully. Couldn’t they have made the start times 1 o’clock for these games?

Then it’s the big one on Sunday, with those of us who backed France from the start and have resisted the urge to cash-in hoping for a pay-out. And for a great game too of course. But it’s mainly the cash.

Croatia 2 England 1 aet

The battle for runners-up spot tonight as France will be overwhelming favourites for the final. Croatia clearly the stronger team of the two here, but they have had a much harder path to this stage, and had to endure two consecutive matches with extra-time periods. Still favourites to win though. In my book anyway.

Can’t tell you much about he ITV buildup as I simply can’t stomach any more of the smugness. I’m sure we can all guess anyway.

Trippier scored a free-kick after just five minutes as Croatia looked like a weary side. Clive Tyldesley waxed lyrical as he reminisced about Harry Maguire’s “legendary forehead”, just before he foreheaded the ball wide. And when Kane missed from a foot he nearly wet himself. But when Kane bounced off an opponent and rolled over on the turf several times the awful play-acting was completely ignored of course.

Croatia had a couple of half chances towards the end of the half but nothing really threatening apart from a penalty shout very similar to ones Kane got in previous games. But this intensified in the second as they got a second wind, England began to look nervy and Perisic got ahead of Walker (who I have been saying from the start of the tournament is out of his depth here) to fire in the equaliser. He also hit the post soon after as class began to tell.

They couldn’t get the winner their dominance deserved though so it was on to extra time. Stones had a header cleared by a defender at the “semi back post” according to Hoddle. Eh? Mandzukic almost scored right on the break despite being kicked by Pickford.

Three minutes into the second though he put Croatia ahead following chaos in the England defence after a ridiculous Walker attempted clearance. He was quickly hooked, just a little too late.

Despite their extra rest, it was England looking tired and ragged now and they offered little resistance from then on.

“England are contenders again” claimed Tyldesley at the end. Croatia’s seven shots on target to England’s one tell a different story. As do the facts that Harry Kane was anonymous while Luka Modric was immense. Know your place England.

France 1 Belgium 0

The semi-final everyone is looking forward to in the hope of some good football, and given past games it could be a cracker. This blog's tip France face their biggest hurdle yet against a very imprepressive Belgium.

Gary Lineker’s eleventh word of the preview is - oh you guessed it - England. Matuidi is back for France, Belgium revert to a back three and bring in Dembele. And it’s the Belgians who dominated the early stages, regularly threatening the French goal with Lloris repelling them. France slowly recovered, forcing Courtois to emulate his opposite number. No goals at the break, largely down to strong defences though rather than poor attacking.

France continued to improve and got their reward when Umtiti put them in front. For a spell it looked like Belgium were out of it but it was then their turn to haul themselves back into contention, again forcing Lloris back into action.

In the midst of this top-class battle the commentators turned of course to the fact that Gareth Southgate is a similar age now to Alf Ramsey in 1966. Oh. My. God.

Belgium continued to battle away and bombarded the French goal in the closing minutes but stout French defending took them to the final. Where they will be overwhelming favourites whoever they play.

Il rentre a la maison.

Alashkert FC 0 Celtic 3

The first of eight (hopefully) Champions League qualifying matches in eight weeks for Celtic, in the heat of Armenia, resulted in a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Brendan Rodgers boldly paired Dembele and Edouard up front with a defensive back three, and while this meant Celtic created chances it also meant that the home side also threatened at times. Thankfully our front players were a lot sharper than Alashkert’s.

It took until first half stoppage time for the breakthrough, Edouard expertly finishing a Forrest mishit. Hendry allowed Alashkert a chance as he dallied on a through ball but they couldn’t take advantage. Gordon was far from a spectator as he had to make a few saves, but further goals from Forrest - after some pinball in the box - and McGregor - with a typical finish into the corner after a great Ajer run - eased any worries and will allow for some players to be rested next week. Which will be useful as some hefty challenges left Hendry hobbling by the end and Ntcham with an ice pack on his thigh.

Job done, well done.

Russia 2 Croatia 2 aet 3-4 pens

Not for Russia the advantage of playing all their games in one stadium, they are off to Sochi for this one. Will home advance be enough to overcome technically superior opponents? 35 minutes in ITV finally turn their attention to tonight’s game. You can guess what they had been talking about beforehand. Croatia in black shirts.

The opening half-hour was similar to the earlier game even though the quality was a lot higher, but Russia suddenly produced a stunning goal as Cheryshev picked up a Dzyuba passs and slammed it home. Within ten minutes however, Mandzukic ran down the wing and chipped in for Kramaric to nod in. Decent game now at last. 

Croatia seemed to be getting on top in the second period and almost went in front with a shot off the inside of the post. But it always looked likely to go to an extra thirty minutes. Drama right at the end though as Subasic apparently pulled a hamstring while collecting an innocuous shot. All subs had been used so Croatia would have to wait until extra time to replace him with their fourth sub. Bizarrely though he recovered. 

Croatia had to make their final sub anyway six minutes in so had to hope that their ‘keeper - and Mandzukic who was also hobbling about - lasted the remaining twenty-four. Despite that, Vida headed down a corner and Corluka may or may not have got the slightest touch to send the ball trickling over the line. 

Although the Croatians appeared to be out on their feet in the second period they somehow still managed to look more dangerous. Russia had their moments but couldn’t mount any sustained pressure. The equaliser though came - from a free-kick naturally - as Fernandes powered in a header. 

“I can’t pretend it’s been a great game” said Jon Champion (who presumably didn’t see the earlier pile of dross) as it went to penalties. 

A couple of poor Russian spot-kicks - one easily saved, one screwed wide - allowed Rakitic to clinch it for Croatia. 

No doubt the better side has got through, but they will have to recover quickly for Wednesday’s semi after a draining night. 

Shamrock Rovers 0 Celtic 7

Celtic’s last warmup before the first Champions League qualifier was a stroll in the sun in Dublin.

A strong lineup played for just over an hour by which time they were five up through goals from Dembele, Edouard (2),McGregor (2). Ten changes at that point inevitably broke the rhythm a bit.

Stand-in captain Scott Sinclair scored a brilliant sixth after linking with Ryan Christie and Lewis Morgan ended a lung-bursting run with a fine finish to make it seven. Sinclair then hit the post but Celtic couldn’t quite natch the nine they got against the same opponents last year.

A perfect preparation for Tuesday though. And in case you are an avid tabloid reader, KT played. Yes, he is still here. What do they know?

Sweden 0 England 2

The European Championships - sorry - World Cup continues with all those pesky South Americans sent packing. You could kind of understand that back in the days when most players from that continent played there, but with such a globalised game now it seems strange that the location of the tournament still has such an influence.

Growing confidence in the England camp with all the big guns gone - barring this blog’s tip from the start, France - with one radio pundit even claiming that none of the Swedish players would get a game for England. Mmm, think Kyle Walker’s place might be under threat for a start. English pride so often comes before a fall though. The Colombia penalty shootout shown three times in the opening nineteen minutes of the buildup (which started thirty minutes earlier than billed). Then again twenty minutes later. 

The first half hour was probably the worst of the tournament so far, neither team able to play any football. But then, inevitably, a set piece led to a goal with Maguire heading in Young’s corner. Sterling missed a sequence of good chances and - well, that was it. Second half had to be better, didn’t it?

Not really. Pickford made a couple of decent saves from all that the limited Swedish attack could muster, and Dele Alli was left unmarked to head in a second.

And so a very poor Swedish side out and England into the semis. But another absolutely dreadful game for the neutral.

Brazil 1 Belgium 2

Another mouth-waterer in prospect. Belgium are unbeaten in 23 games, but they are playing an ever-improving Brazil. Which is often the key to winning the whole damn thing.

Six minutes before Pearce mentioned England - it’s a new record!

Thiago Silva kneed off the post, Chadli shot wide. Paulinho scuffed a chance. All in the first ten minutes.

Then, Belgium went ahead with a goal off Fernandinho’s shoulder following a corner. Pearce grumpy bacause the Belgian strikers celebrated. Dear God. Just imagine him if England go ahead with an own goal tomorrow.

Coutinho shot straight at Courtois. Belgium broke with Lukaku leading the charge, he laid it off to De Bruyne who finished superbly. Another spectacular Belgian breakaway goal. 2-0. Wow.

Courtois saved a deflected Marcello cross and a shot from the resultant corner. De Bruyne free-kick was pushed over by Allisson.

Gabby Yorath finally ran out of questions for Southgate so played word association with him. Dear God. It was a hard watch.

Firminho on at half-time. Marcello fizzed a low cross in, no takers. Neymar dived in the box, but not booked. Brazil penalty claim turned down after VAR review. Danny Murphy wonders if they saw the same replays he did. Have a wild guess Danny.

Brazil began to dominate, sub Douglas Costa had a close-in shot saved but Hazard shot narrowly wide after another break. Costa had another long-range effort easily saved as they seemed to be running out of ideas. But suddenly, another sub, Renato Augusto, glanced in a Coutinho cross and they had fifteen minutes to save the game.

Firminho shot just over the junction of bar and post. Augusto shot wide from a good position. Coutinho sliced wide after a great Neymar run. Neymar dives in the box again. Courtois brilliantly tipped over from Neymar (Gary Neville probably thinks he should have held it).

Some terrific performances from Belgians tonight, especially Lukaku, Hazard and De Bruyne, but no failures. Brazil had the possession but lacked flair, even from Neymar when he stayed on his feet. Thoroughly deserved.

Uruguay 0 France 2

And we're back! After two days spent recovering in a darkened room with a wet flannel on my head, it's back to the action today. And it should be great action. First up is Godin, Suarez and Stuani (cover for Cavani who is not fully fit) against Pogba, Mbappe and Griezmann. And some others too of course. France missing the suspended Matuidi, but this is where their strong squad comes in with Bayern Munich's Tolisso coming in.

Uruguay were first to show, getting forward in the opening minutes, but France also got on the attack. Mbappe had a chance, but with his head which is not quite as good as his feet. England training tops have sold out by the way. What’s the relevance? No idea, but we were told that anyway.

There were an awful lot of crosses in this game, and France went in front from one of them as Varane cushioned a harder beautifully into the corner. Even though it had been a close contest up to this point, this was France’s first attempt on target. Lloris preserved the lead with a brilliant save.

Uruguay kept pressing forward after the break, but just after an hour Griezmann’s speculative shot squirmed through Muslera’s hands. A very reliable goalkeeper, but this was a horrendous mistake. This gave Gary Neville a chance to go off on a rant, claiming the ball didn’t deviate and that it was the ‘keeper who moved out of the way. Rubbish, the ball clearly swerved.

Neville then had a go at everything - the referee for not instantly brandishing cards after a kerfuffle, the ball for not being in play enough (like this would bother him if England were two up), Uruguay for getting upset and Mbappe for showing skill (like he would care if Harry Kane did it). A late bid for most annoying pundit.

France once again played within themselves, while Uruguay badly missed Cavani. Stuani and his replacement Gomez just not in the same class.

Overall, a much higher quality game than the last one I watched.

Colombia 1 England 1 aet 3-4 pens

Big blow for Colombia as James Rodriguez is ruled out but can England take advantage and finally win their third knockout match in twenty-eight years? ITV bill the game as England vs Colombia even though it’s actually the other way round, the big clue being England’s away strip.

A pretty dire first half, no real chances, a yellow card for Barrios after a stupid nod towards Henderson who channelled his inner Neymar in a desperate and pathetic bid to get him sent off. Disgraceful. Luckily he didn’t actually need any treatment.

Henderson praised by Gary Neville at half time for “not being naive”. Jesus wept. Sterling was bumped into going off the pitch by a Colombian official, ITV wanted him arrested for an “elbow”.

Harry Kane repeated his stumbling-right-beside-a-defender trick to earn yet another penalty but Stones was incredibly lucky to stay on after kicking an opponent in the head and Maguire incredibly lucky not to be booked for a blatant dive. The fact he then indicated he had done so apparently showed his honesty. Eh? Lingard also went down with no contact and got away with it as the English attempts at cheating got even more embarrassing. 

Colombia’s first real chance to score came from a predictable source, a Walker mistake, but they couldn’t capitalise. Then a brilliant shot was tipped over by Pickford but Colombia equalised from the corner. A real sense of justice being done there.  

Extra time started with an over the top foul from Young which somehow resulted in an England free-kick, but Colombia began to take control of the game as England looked to be falling apart. They did rally a bit in the second period but looked knackered despite all those players being rested for the Belgium defeat. 

England actually won a penalty shootout. Wow. 

Sparta Prague 0 Celtic 1

Celtic’s third match in Austria (fourth if you count the closed-door 2–1 win over BW Linz earlier today, goals from captain Sinclair and Johnston) and Moussa Dembele makes his first start following an extended break due to his involvement with France Under-21s earlier in the summer. 

And he had an eventful first half, showing great power and strength to score, looked like he was pulled back in the box without getting the penalty and missed a couple of other good one-on-one chances. Still a bit of rust there. 

He was withdrawn at the break leaving Edouard up front on his own and French Eddie did a pretty good impression of him.

Sparta were a very physical side, picking up a few bookings (yes, in a friendly) and threatened the Celtic goal on a couple of occasions but Celtic hung on for their second win of the day. 

Sweden 1 Switzerland 0

Pre-match discussions on who England would rather play in the quarter-final. Without the slightest hint of irony. Alex Scott informed us that both sides “maximise their strengths” without elaborating what they are. Jermaine Jenas tips Sweden to win because he doesn’t like Shaqiri. This is getting ridiculous.

Two teams maybe not sure whether to twist or stick here, and as a result there were very few chances. A couple came for Sweden from defensive errors but not a lot to get excited about. Apart from a fine save by Sommer from a Berg shot. Lustig booked so misses the quarter final. Switzerland enjoying almost two-thirds of possession but restricted to a handful of long-range potshots. Lustig set up Sweden’s best chance but it was wasted by Ekdal who blazed over while unmarked.

On the hour mark the Swedes finally made the breakthrough, a weak Forsberg effort in keeping with the game but a lucky deflection took it past the ‘keeper. Switzerland eventually managed to exert some pressure in response, but were badly lacking in incisiveness.

One of the poorer games of the tournament, enlivened slightly by a penalty and red card incident right at the death. The penalty was overturned after VAR review, but the red card stood. However, as this was for Switzerland it didn’t make any difference to the outcome.

Belgium 3 Japan 2

Boyata extremely unlucky to be dropped for this one and bringing in Kompany must be a high risk given his recent injury record. Or maybe he is just being rested for the quarter-final.

Gary Lineker’s tenth word of the preview is England. Damn, I had eleven. Really can’t wait until they get knocked out, although then we’ll just get “surely England could have beaten this side had they got through”.

Japan had a shot at goal within the first minute and looked the better side for a while but Belgium gradually took control and created some half-chances. Japan did get forward too though so it was anybody’s game going into the second half.

And it was Japan who went ahead a few minutes in as Belgium's changed defence blundered to allow Haraguchi in to score. Hazard almost hit back immediately but hit the post and incredibly Japan quickly went two up with a great Inui strike.

Lukaku missed a great chance (Keown still thinks saying “he has to score” adds anything to our understanding) as things began to look bleak for the Belgians. Until, that is,Vertonghen came up with a brilliant/fluky header (take your pick) which looped in over the ‘keeper, then Fellaini scored a more deliberate header with his hair to equalise as the game swiftly transformed into a cracker.

And it was rounded off in sensational fashion as a Japanese corner was caught by Courtois who rolled it out to De Bruyne, who swept it wide to Meunier who crossed it into the box to Lukaku who brilliantly dummied it for Chadli who fired home. What a goal. What a finish.

Sympathy for Japan of course, although they showed naivety right at the end when they probably had too many players forward for that corner. Credit to Belgium for coming back from a seemingly hopeless position. Not sure how they’ll fare against Brazil, but that’s a worry for another day. Friday to be exact.

Brazil 2 Mexico 0

Brazil for this surely? We can’t have another big name going out can we? Nice to see both sides in their first choice kits, something of a rarity at this tournament.

Mexico gave as good as they got in the early stages but Brazil steadily got on top although neither side created real clear-cut chances in a disappointing half.

Coutinho at least had a shot on target just after the restart and five minutes in Neymar turned in a Willian cross-cum-shot. Paulinho then had a shot saved by Ochoa as Brazil went for the killer second but Mexico showed they hadn’t given up as Vela had a shot tipped over. Willian joined the list of failed shooters as Ochoa again kept him out.

Layun stupidly stood purposely on Neymar’s ankle, leading to the usual theatrics from the world-renowned cheat who looked like he was trapped in a tumble dryer, but the Mexican incredibly got away without a card.

Mexico mounted a spirited attempt to get forward in the closing minutes but couldn’t threaten Brazil’s goal and with only two to go Firminho prodded in a blocked Neymar shot to end the contest.

Mexico out at this stage for the seventh tournament in succession, Brazil through but it’s sad to say that a lot of the joy of watching them has gone, partly due to eejits like Neymar but also to the much more pragmatic style they now employ.

Croatia 1 Denmark 1 aet 3-2 pens

Suddenly every team in this half of the draw will fancy their chances of reaching the final, and as Croatia  have looked the best of the bunch they must be getting excited. Although Spain were probably thinking the same way earlier today.

Except that within a minute Denmark went ahead after a long throw, a stramash and some calamitous goalkeeping. But more comedy defending at the other end allowed Croatia a quick equaliser. Sadly the rest of the half didn’t live up to that start.

Nor did the second as both teams hugged and puffed but made little progress.

In extra time Denmark were slightly the better side but one spark of magic from Modric with five minutes left sent Kramaric through, he rounded Schmeichel and was hauled down. Definite penalty. Modric himself stepped up and - saved! No time left for a winner so onto the second penalty shoutout of the day.

Eriksen hits the post, but Croatia’s first is saved. Schmeichel complains about Kramaric stopping his run up and Gary Neville obviously has no idea what the rule is. Embarrassing. Modric scores his this time to make it 2-2. Subasic then makes a good save to give Croatia the edge, but Schmeichel makes an even better one. Still 2-2, one left each. Another save from Subasic leaves Rakitic with the chance to win it - and he does so calmly. 3-2 Croatia.

Hard to envisage them as Champions though.

Spain 1 Russia 1 aet (3-4 pens)

Spain obvious and heavy favourites for this as they seem to have got over their managerial problems and have a clear path all the way to the final. They are even confident enough to rest Iniesta. Russia meanwhile seem to be happy just to have got out of the group having avoided the humiliation of not doing so and the reality check of the thrashing from Uruguay. Amazingly, they have even left top scorer Cheryshev out of the team in favour of a more defensive formation.

Alan Shearer has been doing this analysis lark for several years now so why does he still sound so nervy? “He’s through on, er, goal but went, eh went wide, and hit the ball in, the ball in to the box where it er went, it went out of, er out of play.”  Aargh! This will really annoy you now I’ve pointed it out incidentally.

Russia started fairly well, getting forward in the early stages but an extraordinary own goal gave Spain the lead as Ignashevich turned his back on a cross, wrestled Ramos to the ground then inadvertently back-heeled the ball into the net.

Russia continued to make a decent fist of it but rarely threatened the up-to-now shaky De Gea. Until they got a soft penalty for a handball from Pique. His arm was raised but the ball came from behind him. Hard to make a case for that being deliberate. Dzyuba though scored with aplomb to draw the Russians level at half-time.

The game was in danger of petering out in the second period so both sides made changes - Dzyuba off and Iniesta on among them. Didn’t make a lot of dfference until the last five minutes when Iniesta had a shot saved and Spain began to exert a bit of pressure without breaking through.

So to the first bout of extra-time in the tournament. The first period was a non-event - with the exception of the historic use of fourth subs by each side. In the second Rodrigo had a great run and shot saved and Spain had a penalty claim turned down after a VAR review, probably the correct decision as there was no clear and obvious foul.

A tense last few minutes of Spain pressure couldn’t produce a goal, with just another Rodrigo effort to show for it.

The penalty shootout (Russia’s first ever) was 50-50 according to Rio Ferdinand (thanks Rio) and went Russia’s way when Koke’s was saved and their victory was confirmed when Aspas’s was too despite De Gea getting close to three of Russia’s.

So the pretty-dire-to-watch Russians are through in what is now an incredibly weak half of the draw.

Uruguay 2 Portugal 1

Cavani and Suarez vs Ronaldo. Can those two out score the Portuguese master? Or will someone else emerge as the key player? Or will it be 0-0? At least both sides have their best players on the pitch but a very hard game to predict.

We had an answer within seven minutes as a superb Suarez cross found Cavani who faced the ball in.

And it stayed that way until ten minutes into the second half without much happening, but then Ronaldo drew a couple of defenders away which left Pepe free to head home. The first goal Uruguay had lost in the tournament so far, and suddenly Portugal looked the livelier side. For about five minutes anyway until Uruguay broke and Cavani swept a magnificent shot into the far corner.

Portugal did pile on the pressure from then to the end but to no avail. Ronaldo described by Tyldesley  at the end as the “big loser”. Wonder if he would say that to his face? And why aren’t the other Portuguese players losers?

Uruguay have wonderful attacking players and some solid defenders, but the way they fell right out of the game for long periods is a worry for them especially when they face better teams as they progress.

France 4 Argentina 3

Fairly predictable French lineup but Argentina again leave out Aguero and have Messi in a “false 9” role. Which is madness as he is a number 10.

A cagey start until Mbappe’s surging run was ended by a foul by Rojo and Griezmann slotted in the penalty. Pogba’s long, cultured pass (or punt if it had been anyone else) found Mbappe again but this time he was fouled just outside the box.

France appeared to be in control until Di Maria produced a cracking equaliser while enjoying plenty of space on the edge of the area. Mascherano was lucky to stay on after a two-footed lunge, and on a couple of occasions later too.

As was Banega early in the second half as he also lunged in.

Probably just against the run of play Argentina enjoyed a big slice of luck as Messi’s shot was deflected in off Mercado, but back came France with another brilliant strike from Pavard.

The 64th minute saw the fifth goal, from the incredible Mbappe, although Armani could probably have saved it with his feet rather than going for it with his hands as ‘keepers often do.

On came Aguero but it was that man - sorry wee boy - Mbappe who scored France’s fourth. Only downside was that it killed off the game with Argentina heads going down with only Aguero causing the French defence any trouble although Messi did have one great chance which he scuffed.

There was one last act of defiance as Messi set up Aguero for a header to reduce the deficit to one, but the two minutes remaining just weren’t enough for them.

France favourites now to get past Uruguay or Portugal, and would then be confident of getting past probably Brazil or maybe Belgium to get to the final.

As for Argentina, a team who arrives without knowing who their best goalkeeper is, plays Messi in the wrong position and leaves Higuain and Aguero on the bench doesn’t really deserve to go any further.

Bohemians Prague 1 Celtic 0

A strong Celtic lineup for thieir second pre-season game in Austria with Craig Gordon in goal and Odsonne Edouard up front. Keiran Tierney also in the side - not holding talks with Everton then. 

The Celts started quickly, Forrest hitting the bar after seven minutes, Sinclair having a header saved soon after then Hayes coming close with a shot, although he had to go off after half an hour with a knock as his injury woes continued. 

Bohemians went ahead after a mistake by Tierney (sell him!) and a deflection, the very definition of “against the run of play” as Celtic had dominated, and continued to make chances.

Tierney was hauled off at half-time (along with nine of his team-mates) and Bohemians came much more into the game in the second period, Scott Bain having to make a few saves. Celtic still created some opportunities with Mikey Johnston in particular looking lively. 

But a defeat and no goals was disappointing given the amount of possession. 

And - relax

After 48 matches in 15 days today was a rest day for the World Cup. You could have watched endless analysis of how far England can go and loops of previous interviews with the manager and players on Sky Sports if you really wanted, but I took advantage of the wonderful weather and went to the cinema (Sicario 2 if you must know, excellent even though the storyline was a lot simpler than the first one).

No live football to watch today, although Lincoln Red Imps are playing Drita in the final game of the Champions League preliminary round.

Best game of the World Cup far? Portugal 3, Spain 3 as a one-off, but the simultaneous third group games featuring Germany’s elimination and Argentina’s qualification were the most exciting. 

Best player? Coutinho. 

The winner? I’m sticking with France, to beat Spain in the final. Two teams that have been quietly going about their business, nothing spectacular, conserving their energy, no irreplaceable star players and with plenty in reserve to cover injuries and suspensions. 

Top scorer? Looking tough now for Ronaldo, but Lukaku could score a couple,against Japan which might be enough. Unless Harry Kane’s heel can deflect in any more. 

And what a day in prospect tomorrow with France vs Argentine and Uruguay vs Portugal. Perm any two from those four really. 

England 0 Belgium 1 / Panama 1 Tunisia 2

Southgate makes eight changes for this - “it shows the faith he has in his players”. Of course, if he had made no changes, it would have shown his professionalism. Winners get an easier looking last sixteen game, but a potentially harder quarter-final. 

Glenn Hoddle explains the way to maintain momentum - by winning games. Vernaelen is back to partner Boyata, but Kompany still on the bench. 

Within ten minutes England were looking shaky at the back, the consequence of coming up against a non-minnow. Talking of which, Panama went 1-up on Tunisia. 

Fifty-one minutes in and Januzaj scored a cracker. Soon after Tunisia equalised. Rashford missed a sitter and Tunisia went in front. Kompany came on but Belgium couldn’t add to their score despite more shambolic English defending.

And that was that. As Clive Tyldesley said, “the real work starts next week.” Yes, against another real side Clive, Colombia. Be afraid. 

Senegal 0 Colombia 1 / Japan 0 Poland 1

Poland, a lot of people’s favourites to win the group, are the only team out. A point does Japan and Senegal while a draw would only do Colombia if Japan lose.

A whole five minutes discussing the four teams before going over to Gareth Southgate followed by the tenth discussion about whether to make changes for the Belgium game. Yawn. 

Two quiet first halves, which seems to be developing into a bit of a pattern. All we had was a Colombia free-kick, James Rodriguez going off injured, a Senegal penalty given then cancelled after review and the ball saved right on the line by the Japanese ‘keeper. This prompted Mark Lawrenson to ask “Do they not check that?” Oh my God, does he retain any information in that head? We have had goalline technology for years. 

Then we must talk about England again, and the fact they don’t concede goals. That would be apart from the two against the minnows in the group that is.

Poland scored just before the hour, which worried Japan, but Colombia then scored which put Senegal in third on the FairPlay count. Japan played out the last few minutes without making any effort to equalise, which wasn’t great to watch but at least they understood the rules unlike some. Lawrenson even claimed at one point that FIFA were confused. Eh?

So the Senegalese the first team to be eliminated on yellow cards. Lawrenson didn’t like this of course, but couldn’t come up with a better alternative. Drawing lots? FIFA ranking? Neither better in my view. Playoffs would be better but impractical.

Serbia 0 Brazil 2 / Switzerland 2 Costa Rica 2

Costa Rica already out, a draw does both Brazil and Switzerland, Serbia need a win, or a draw if Costa Rica win. 

The pundits salivating over the prospect of Brazil going out on the same day as Germany, but they started the game in a rush. As did the Ticos who hit the post and had other early chances. Marcello had to go off after ten minutes not looking at all well. 

The Swiss went in front through Ljajic, as did Brazil when Paulinho finished off a sublime Coutinho pass. So everything going according to predictions at half-time. 

Costa Rica though equalised with a simple header from a corner, which didn’t really change anything but Serbia may have heard the news as they started to pile on the pressure and came close to a leveller. 

Their hopes were ended by Thiago Silva who also netted with a header so when Switzerland scored then Costa Rica again equalised with a penalty which rebounded off the bar onto the back of the goalkeeper’s head and in, none of it really mattered. 

Brazil the group winners then without looking like potential champions at most points, Switzerland happy to be through to face Sweden. 

SK Vorwarts Steyr 0 Celtic 1

Celtic got their pre-season campaign off to a winning start as James Forrest gave them a 1-0 win in Austria.

The Celts dominated the game and could have scored many more. A handball by the ‘keeper outside the box should have been a red card and there was a block on the line which could also have involved a hand but we didn’t have VAR in operation.

Lewis Morgan played the first half and looked the best player on the park. There was the usual deluge of substitutions and youngsters Stephen Welsh, Kerr McInroy , Ewan Henderson, Jack Aitchinson and Conor Hazard were all involved as were the returning Ryan Christie and Scott Allan.

Only problem was the 5.30 kick-off time which meant I was watching three games at once for a while.

South Korea 2 Germany 0 / Mexico 0 Sweden 3

All four sides still with a chance: South Korea need to win and hope Sweden lose, Sweden need a better result than Germany, Germany need to match Sweden’s result, Mexico need to avoid defeat or hope Germany don’t win. But it could get horribly complicated if three teams end up on three points which is possible. FIFA’s decision to use overall goal,difference over head to head results means that a team could go through against another which they have lost to which seems unfair. 

Coverage not starting today until fifteen minutes before kick-off which doesn’t leave much time for that vital Southgate interview. In fact Gareth must have found some work to do so Gabby had to make do with John Stones. And Martin Keown as she finally ran out of players. Then we had to endure Pearce’s customary dig at VAR and the number of officials (11 apparently). Amazing the things which annoy him. 

First half of both games started with a peculiar lack of urgency from all teams, but in the second things gradually heated up. Germany missed a couple of chances then the position shifted as Sweden scored. When they went two up with a penalty the Germans knew they had to win, and I’m sure many became desperate for them to do so just to,shut the commentators up as they were loving it. 

A fortunate third for Sweden ensured their - and South Korea’s - fate was sealed but a goal,for,Germany would still take them through and eliminate Mexico. Hummels shouldered wide and Kroos shot just over as the chances started to flow But as time ran out it was the Koreans who sensationally scored, the goal rightly standing after a dramatic VAR review. (“If there’s any justice” pleaded the loathsome Pearce.)

Hummels had another chance, but Neuer was by now playing in midfield, lost the ball and South Korea scored a second.

A sense of disbelief as the Germans exited, although there was joy unconfined in the BBC studio. The war’s over lads. 

Argentina 2 Nigeria 1 / Iceland 1 Croatia 2

Croatia through, almost certainly as winners barring a heavy defeat and a Nigeria win, Argentina needing a win and for Iceland to lose to avoid an ignominious exit, Iceland need to win and rely on goal difference, Nigeria need a win or a draw as long as Iceland don’t win heavily.

Argentina dropped Caballero and Aguero, bringing in Armani (with an expensive looking jersey) for his debut and Higuain. Once again the commentators’ tactical analysis of Nigeria almost entirely based on their friendly with England a few weeks ago. The definition of lazy journalism.

It took Messi fourteen minutes to spring into life, getting on the end of a long ball with a brilliant thigh-cushion, touch and finish. All going to plan for them at this stage, but Iceland were creating chances against Croatia, who had made nine changes, almost all from set-pieces, although Kalanic did have to make one great save.

Nigeria’s Balogun was a tad fortunate to get away with a yellow after a foul (Jermaine Jenas claimed he wasn’t last man, but of course this is not the law, it’s a Denial of a Goal Scoring Opportunity, pretty amazing that he doesn’t know this) and Messi struck the post with the free-kick. Nigeria weren’t threatening much, summed up by Etubo who came up with a Sebo moment as his shot went for a throw-in.

Half-time saw Gabby Yorath’s 94th interview with Gareth Southgate. 

Just four minutes into the second period Nigeria went ahead with a harsh penalty, slotted home by Moses, at almost the same time Badelj hit the bar then scored for Croatia. Iceland kept battling and hit the bar themselves. Argentina brought on Pavon and Meza, but not Aguero at this stage, he would have to wait for the last ten minutes. Nigeria and Iceland both still creating chances so nothing sure at this stage.

Fifteen to go and Iceland scored a penalty, Nigeria had a claim denied, Higuain blazed a chance over, and Etebo went close with a free-kick as the tension rose.

Then, with just four minutes left the unlikely figure of Rojo brilliantly finished to put Argentina back in the qualification spot. Right on full time Perisic finally extinguished Iceland’s hopes although they never stopped attacking. 

A thrilling evening ended with the prospect of France meeting Argentina rather than Iceland which has to be a good thing for the tournament. And the sight of Gary Lineker actually reading out the law on handball to the members of the panel, reminding them it has to be deliberate. “It was bad defending though” spluttered Ferdinand about the Nigeria claim as if that made a difference. Dear God.

And interesting to see Maradona in the crowd employing somebody with the sole apparent job of holding him up. Suppose somebody has to.

Denmark 0 France 0 / Australia 0 Peru 2

Peru out, France through, Australia needing a win, a France win and either a goal difference swing or to score more goals than Denmark if both games have a one-goal margin, Denmark need a draw to qualify or a win to top the group, France need to avoid defeat to win the group. All of which means a draw would probably suit both France and Denmark, although the group winners here may well end up playing Argentina.

So not quite the excitement of last night, especially after Peru scored after 18 minutes with a good Carrillo volley even though he looked just offside. Rogic had a great run and shot which was saved as he drove the Aussies forward in search of the equaliser. Giroud blazing over for France when he was probably offside anyway was the only chance in that game. Although Clive Tyldesley produced a real WTF moment when he said “two throwback centre forwards on the pitch today, just like 1966.”  Think that’s the award for the most tenuous ‘66 link right there.

Five minutes into the second half Peru scored a fortuitous second and that effectively settled affairs. Tim Cahill came on to make it four tournament appearances but that sentimental move kind of signified Australia’s acceptance of their fate.

Eriksen looked slightly dangerous as Denmark briefly seemed to decide they might as well try and win the game and group but that didn’t last and the game drifted off to become the first goalless one of the tournament.

Iran 1 Portugal 1 / Spain 2 Morocco 2

Morocco already out, Iran need a win, Portugal and Spain both need a draw but if both win or both draw it will come down to goal difference or disciplinary records (or even the drawing of lots) to decide the group winners, and the winners will meet Russia rather than Uruguay. BBC decide to switch the Portugal game to be the main one, presumably on the basis that both teams can qualify, with Spain relegated to BBC4 where coverage didn’t start until seconds before kick-off. And they managed a full thirty minutes of build-up on BBC1 without one mention of England. See, it can be done.

Ronaldo had a shot on target after just three minutes, the ‘keeper made a good save although he looked shaky at other times. Iran had a free-kick in a promising position which allowed Mark Lawrenson to tell us “England have been the best team at set-pieces”. Yeah, against the mighty defences of Tunisia and feckin Panama. Not the best game, but lit up by an excellent goal just before the break from Quaresma as he curled in with the outside of his foot from outside the box. Surprising to hear that this is his first start at any World Cup.

Portugal awarded a VARPEN but Ronaldo unusually missed partly because the ‘keeper was two yards off his line. Lawrenson thought it wasn’t a penalty because Ronaldo didn’t have control of the ball. Which is completely irrelevant. The Iranian dissent at this point was quite incredible.

Ronaldo was then yellow carded after a VAR review, then another VARPEN was given to Iran (encouraged by the “Uruguay”players apparently) for a really soft handball. They then had a good chance to win and eliminate Portugal but hit the side netting in a frantic finish.

Morocco put in a feisty performance against Spain and took the lead as Boutaib stole the ball on the halfway line, ran through on De Gea and put the ball through his legs. The lead lasted just five minutes though as a fine passing move ended with Isco lifting the ball into the roof of the net.

Spain fell asleep at the back again and Boutaib had another chance but De Gea saved this time. Spain did appear to be getting on top though.

Pique got away with a blatant looking handball, Morocco hit the post and Isco had a header off the line.. Morocco sensationally went in front with a great header from En-Nesyri with ten minutes to go but Aspas equalised - after yet another a VAR review overruled the offside - to give Spain first place in the group which hadn’t looked likely for most of the evening.

So Spain get the easier looking option of Russia, Portugal have to face Uruguay.

Uruguay 3 Russia 0 / Saudia Arabia 2 Egypt 1

So we move into another phase of the tournament with two games played simultaneously. The deciisio now is whether to concentrate on one, switch between the two (sure way to miss every goal) or use two devices. I went for the latter.

One of the less interesting groups at this stage with the two qualifiers already known and two already-eliminated sides meeting. Given that Russia and Uruguay will meet Spain or Portugal, but at this stage they don’t know which one the group winners will play, there is little reason for either to bust a gut to win. A draw would do for Russia in any case.

Egypt set a record right from the off by naming El Hadary in goal, the 45-year-old becoming the oldest ever player at a World Cup.

Russia made three changes but fell behind within ten minutes to a Suarez free-kick after a defender bizarrely decided to push aside the rwo attackers in the wall thus creating a huge space. Uruguay went two up thanks to a Kane-esqu deflection. Russia’s lack of decent opposition up to this point now being cruelly highlighted. When Smolnikov got himself stupidly sent off it looked bleak for the hosts.

Dzyuba saw more of the ball in the second half but didn’t look anything like the player he did in the last game and Uruguay predictably had more of the game with the extra man. Right on full-time Cavani made it three from three yards out, ensuring that Uruguay won all three group games for the first time.

In the other game, Mo Salah scored with a nice lob, but missed a bit of a sitter soon after. The Saudis then benefitted from a harsh penalty for inadvertent handball but the old man in goal pulled off a quite brilliant save. Another soft one in stoppage time though allowed them to equalise.

The game pretty much petered out in the second period, right until five seconds past the allotted added time when Saudi Arabia stole a winner.