It’s knockout if you’re English
It feels like it has barely begun but the World Cup is already counting down to its climax.
It’s the knockout stages and, presumably, we’re just one match away from England crashing out.
After yesterday’s results, and the shock demise of Germany in the groups, some of the tournament’s biggest teams have already been sent packing.
But I don’t expect many more shocks in the last 16.
Spain and Brazil are joint-favourites to win the World Cup and should stroll past Russia and Mexico respectively while Belgium face rank outsiders Japan tomorrow evening.
So the only big boys at risk, really, are Colombia. Just kidding.
England’s defeat to Belgium on Thursday suddenly silenced the talk down south of “It’s coming home”.
Their last-16 clash with Colombia should be fascinating. I can’t see much difference between the sides and penalties seem almost an inevitability.
And we know what that means – Harry Kane will be taking all five for England.
I’ve mentioned Paddy Power’s campaign at Russia 2018 – every time the host nation score, we are donating £10,000 to LGBT+ causes.
I think we’ll be closing our wallet this afternoon after they’ve played Spain.
It’s probably for the best – with £90,000 already in the kitty, I’m perilously close to engaging with buzzword-spouting eejits on LinkedIn.
And, yes, for the sharp amongst you, Russia have only scored eight goals so far this tournament – but we thought we’d reward Denis Cheryshev’s own goal against Uruguay too.
Speaking of strange decisions, guess which team is the mostbacked World Cup winner in Scotland since the start of the tournament? OK, yes, Brazil, but after them? Spain, correct. I’m getting there, though, I promise – third most popular? England.
Yes, you love them really! But don’t worry, your guilty secret isn’t that shameful – in Ireland, England are the second-best backed team. Neighbourly love, no doubt.
Back in Scotland, Willo Flood left Dunfermline just nine days after joining the club.
The Pars said that the midfielder had a clause in his contract should an attractive offer come up. But then went on to say he was joining Bali United.
Jeez, it’s hardly Manchester United who came calling, lad. good chance. They have very good players, all playing at the very top of the most competitive league in the world.
“As much as you might want to write them off, they are actually a very good team. Gareth has done a great job with them.
“It’s the first [England] team in many years that has the comfort of building the game from behind. They get through the thirds well.
“They have good athletes, they are physically strong and they want to press the game. They also have speed to counter-attack.
“Colombia will be a tough game because they have a front four that has quality but get through that and England look at Sweden or Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals. You never know.
“Get through the next match against Colombia then they have a big chance. They have quality, you can’t deny that. Players at the top level of European football and doing very well.
“Brazil will be hard to beat, won’t they? We’ll see.”
Rodgers has enjoyed watching some of his old players and has also taken the chance to eye the competition from a tactical perspective. He said: “Raheem broke into the Liverpool team with me at 17 and I remember having a conversation with Jordan when I first went to Anfield. “He had endured a tough first season at Liverpool and an offer had come in from Fulham. “I said it was up to him. I couldn’t promise him he was going to play every game but I could promise him I would make him better. “He decided to stay b e c au s e it me a nt everything for him to be at Liverpool. “And from that he got better and better. He grew and eventually I made him