Bury My Heart En La Pausa De Hidratación. Las Cruces De Boothill Conocen La Ruta Hasta La Gran Manzana

Football is not a game of 4 quarters

Well what do you think so far? Some negatives, those bloody "hydration" breaks are a farce, especially when it's pissing down with rain. There have been a few dodgy refereeing decision which seem to favour the big teams - Messi should have been sent off for a terrible tackle before he scored his hattrick (I'm glad he wasn't but that's not the point) and some of the minnows have been on the end of some poor decisions. VAR is still a nonsense. Now having said that there have been some really enjoyable games so far though I expect things to get more cagey as we go deeper. Most of the little teams have had their moments to remember but now is when the competition really starts at the knockout stage.

South Africa v CANADA
The Cannuks have been punching above their weight so far and this is a favourable draw to continue that run. The Bafana Bafana as expected, will fight every inch of the way bit I fancy the hosts to progress.

Brazil v JAPAN
This isn't one of the great Brazilian sides. They seem slow and vulnerable at the back though still have World class players who can change a game. The Nips have impressed with their all action style and I fancy them to pull off a major shock here.

GERMANY v Paraguay
The Huns are masters of competitive football despite their questionable performance once they had qualified (did they throw the match?) They should have far too much for a Paraguay team who were happy just to qualify.

NETHERLANDS v Morocco
The Dutch have been impressive so far. Strong in defence and with a potent attack they will go deep. Morocco are a decent side and will give them a game but I expect the Orange army to progress.

IVORY COAST v Norway
We're Norway right to rest most of their team for the last match? Time will tell. They are an entertaining side with Haaland a real star and their Viking rowing celebration is iconic but Ivory Coast are one of Africa's top sides, powerful and talented, and will just about have too much for the Northmen. Shame.

FRANCE v Sweden
The froggies have been the most impressive side so far, for me. World class talent throughout the team lead by the mercurial Mbappe. The Swedes are an ordinary side who were fortunate to qualify and could be on the end of a hiding.

MEXICO v Ecuador
The joint hosts have improved after a shakey start and qualified in style. They should despatch Ecuador, who have over performed in qualifying. Are Mexico contenders? No but they will make the last 16 at least.

ENGLAND v Congo DR
Bloody hell England are dull to watch. They are so slow and deliberate but still look suspect in defence. As soon as they meet anyone decent they will be out. Not yet though as the Congolese will be happy just to have qualified for the knockout stages for the first time.

Belgium v SENEGAL
What is it with Belgium??? How many times have they failed to deliver in major competitions despite having a team packed with World class players? I think it will happen again against an excellent Senegal, another strong and athletic African side with top class experienced players.

USA v Bosnia
The Yanks have been solidly impressive and their defeat 8n last game was down to resting most of the first team. I expect them to best a keen but ordinary Bosnian side though they will be difficult to break down. The Real test for the Yanks will come in the following rounds.

SPAIN v Austria
Did that embarrassing draw against Cape Verde highlight an old problem with the Spanish? That of totally controlling a game in possession but being unable to turn that into goals. Here they will dominated an Austrian side who are as exciting as a night out in Darlington and progress but the jury's still out on if they are serious contenders.

PORTUGAL v Croatia
Ronaldos lads have played some nice attacking football at times but they somehow don't have the look of prospective champions. Croatia will always battle hard and could spring an upset but they are vulnerable at the back and I expect Portugals galaxy of attacking players to exploit this weakness.

Switzerland v ALGERIA
This one is too close to call. The Swiss are a very competitive tournament side whilst the Algerians are an attacking force, keen to get forward at every opportunity. I expect them to edge this one but it may go to penalties.

Australia v EGYPT
Given the quality of Egypts attackers, especially Mo and Marmoush it's surprising this is the first time they have qualified for the knockout stages.The Aussies will battle as you expect Aussie to do but they won't have enough to get past the Egyptians and will be back home setting up the barbie before the next round.

ARGENTINA v Cape Verde
One of the favourites verses a tiny Atlantic Island nation there can be ony one result. The Cape boys have already won their World Cup but qualifying and frankly the more we get to see the sublime Messi in action thr better. The current holders are makng a real fist of their defence of the trophy.

COLOMBIA v Ghana
I expect another close game between two strong and competitive sides. The Colombians may just have the edge with their attackng flair and it would be great to continue to see that legend Valderamas iconic hairstyle in the crowd once more but the Ghanaians will push them hard.