Seeing it reported that Ben White has returned home from the World Cup for an unspecified personal reason.

Wow. Brilliant save by Szczesny to keep Messi's penalty out.

Rotten to hear Ben White has gone home, hope everything is ok. I’m not the biggest fan of him at right back but I have to say I think he would have given a far better account of himself then the 2 players England have selected there so far.

This World Cup is full of twists and turns, fantastic!

Unbelievable, into the last 16.

Well played. Not a fluke either and two of the best goals in the WC….today and against France

I am not sure I can take any credit personally but it reinforces that good systems, that the team buy into can have great rewards. No star players but everyone working for each other. Remind anyone of a club anywhere?

Well done!

Poland were very feeble last night (barring Szczesny's saves) but Argentina looked like real contenders. Messi's finishing was poor but otherwise he looked in fine form.

Congrats to all you Aussies.

Great effort. Impressive.

Anybody heard anything about the Cup game at Oxford? I can't find anything, anywhere.

DHD,
Match to be played 7, Jan, 2023.

High drama at the moment. As it stands Germany and Spain on their way out!!!

Edit - Germany equaliser which saves Spain. 20 odd minutes to go. Exciting stuff.

Japan's second goal was so dodgy, you'd think Sepp Blatter was involved.

Who needs Blatter when you've got Infantino.
Anyway, one of the angles suggests part of the ball might have been overhanging the line. But I think more than a few Germans would be interested to see some definitive evidence, because the on field decision was overturned.
Congratulations to the Japanese who were absolutely tremendous in that second half.

Some seriously weird decisions. Morocco's offside goal, Messi's penalty, etc. What are the Var guys on? It's funny when the Germans are the victims but it does leave a sour taste.

Spain did ask for it though, with that ludicrously risky and arrogant farting around at the back.

Yes they were. Both the Germans and Spanish took their foot off Japan's neck, are were very satisfyingly punished for their arrogance.

and a decent route through now. Australia in the next round and then the winners of Netherlands v USA for a place in the semis

I think you meant surprise addition USA in the semis, Rich.

But seriously, I am happy with the performance so far. They haven't embarrassed them selves thus far. Just hoping we get a hiding from Holland.

Looks like Partey will be back early from Qatar. Uruguay 2 goals up on Ghana.

Thanks Zed but that was the old-style default 'Cup Saturday' date.

It's just been announced as Monday 9th 8:00 pm - which is a typical pain-in-the-arse decision to suit TV!

In case anyone is interested, the Brighton away tickets have just gone on sale.

There's light at the end of the tunnel!

92 mins Korea beating Portugal 2-1 1

almost there

Jesus and Martinelli starting for Brazil. Martinelli has looked bright in the first 20 minutes, and I'm really hoping Jesus can get himself a goal.

Whoever is the moron commentating on RTE on the Swiss/Serbia match is he keeps calling Xhaka the Arsenal captain.

Without doubt one of the most interesting and exciting WC ever. I know such views don’t suit the media and many people but you know, I don’t care how they feel.

American Gooner wrote:
Just hoping we get a hiding from Holland.
Spoken like a fully paid up member of the Guardian reading England members club! Hi DHD

It really isn’t. If you’re old enough to remember the great German/Dutch teams of the 70s, Pele, Socrates, etc. you would understand.

Martinelli looked good for Brazil. I can't remember who but some pundit saying he shouldn't have gotten a call up for them. I had mixed feelings. I was happy for him and thought he deserved to at least make the squad but I also feared injury or tired legs as well. Always a mixed bag of feelings when your player goes to the national team during the season be it friendlies or whatever.

I am hoping we make a good account of ourselves against Holland. Can't see us getting a win but if it can happen this world cup is definitely one where upsets have almost become the norm. If we can't win, then at least push them to extra time. Is a PK shootout the last decider? I just don't want a 3-0 or 4-0 game where we look like we don't belong.

Surprised to see Oz make it this far frankly. I won't say more than that.

Sunday will be interesting. Senegal are a lively team, so hoping for a bit of end to end football. I like France. I always cheer for them.

Its not vintage Holland at all, so I quite fancy the USA.

Mind you, the knockout format might produce less upsets. Who knows?

Jesus has a knee injury keeping him out for 3-4 weeks meaning his World Cup is over. May be a doubt for our first games back

Hello all.

Just a quick thank you to everyone for the PM's as well as messages on here. They are all truly appreciated.

I'd created a memorial video and collage of pictures which was suggested I post these last few things on here.

It's been a very hard time over the past few months. She passed away 4 weeks ago today.

Take care Rog

Lovely video and collage Rog. Wishing you all the strength you will need at this difficult time. Take care of yourself mate.

Beautifully done, best wishes in this difficult time.

The party ends for America but we made a good account of ourselves in the competition. Not expecting any great comeback.

Beautiful video Rog.

Thanks - It was played at the funeral.

Australia playing in a few hours. Have to see how they go.

Cheers DHD. I was wondering about that Jan. date anyway. Wasn't even noted on the AFC calendar even. Anything to suit an MNF TV kickoff.