Breaking down the USA was tough, a tired old fighter wobbling on his feet, but in the end the Belgians did enough. Trading punches in the sapping heat, the USA looked punch drunk at the end, a tired old fighter wobbling on his feet. De Bruyne, Lukaku both had strikes to send the Belgians catatonic […]

Messi, at the death, shrugged off the knocks and was, by far, the fastest off the blocks, just as the final bell was nearly chiming. Passed to di Maria in the box, he of sweet left foot and shaven locks, whose cannon shot was ready for the priming. The Swiss were like a team of […]

The first half and the fancied French looked tense. The Super Eagles swarmed through their defence like ants. Not good for France. Red card ref? Matuidi rakes a shin. But no, the referee must have been in a trance. Let off for France. Giroud comes off. He has not had the breaks. Corner ball. Free […]

Costa Rica thought they’d snuck it as the final whistle neared. One more chance – and Papa took it as the blue/white legions cheered. Extra time, but one team in it, Costa Rica tired but brave. Even in the final minute, Navas made one final save. Penalties, the arbitration who’d be in the final eight. […]

Urging on the underdogs will always break your heart. Algeria tore into those hyped Germans from the start. But no more will their name appear upon your World Cup chart for urging on the underdogs will always break your heart. Urging on the underdogs will always cause you grief. The boys in green were certainly […]