QATCHING A COLD AT THIS WORLD CUP...

QATAR: I thought they would have a bit more about them, being the host nation and everything. But they didn’t really pose any real threat in that first game against Ecuador last Sunday.

They didn’t really have many chances, either. I thought they would be buoyed on by the home fans in the opening game of the first Arab World Cup. But they didn’t show anything – and now I fear they could be the whipping boys in their group.

ARGENTINA: They had world-class players who just could not seem to function against the Saudis’ high line. Just give yourself five yards! You were clearly better than the opposition, you have top-notch forwards and midfielders. Show a bit of patience. Instead, they are already fighting to stay in the tournament.