buster.

Yes, I call it aproppriate levels of or more dedicated professionalism. If SG is to have a chance of success, it's a fundamental requirement that we begin to better improve what we already have. There isn't the money to throw at every problem or area that needs improvement.

Mexico tested them to a degree but a team who lack quality in front of goal offer a limited challenge. Belguim are another kettle of fish and the quarter will be much more potentially dangerous for Brazil. I strongly disagree with you re. James.

Only if it suits their sources.

Playing with 10 men, they were good in the first half against Japan. Not surprisingly, faded in the second. Difficult to say against the Poles, given that Poland gave the worst display I've seen at this WC. Senegal should have beat them but like Mexico yesterday, were unable to score. Note that they should have had a penalty in the first half. Today is the litmus test for both England and Columbia. It'll be interesting. I think Quintero is their main man, James has talent but too often flatters to deceive.

Will all the noise about England having a great chance to win the WC make it more difficult for them to get over the immediate hurdle in front of them ? The KO phase has seen some teams lift their levels. Columbia have thus far been a mixture of mediocre and semi-decent. They appear to be there for the taking but scripts have been getting ripped up on a regular basis.......will this be the next ?

I'd have said 1.5M is a reasonable bid considering he's ino the last year of his contract but after Celtic got themselves a relatively big fee for Armstrong (who also had a year left) then Hibs would be well within their rights to hold out for a better deal. If other clubs come in for McGinn then it forces the price up, if not then they'll get him for a lower price, it's not rocket science. In the medium to long-term, I think this will prove to be quite an important transfer and I'd much rather he went South,...but expect him to end up at Celtic. .

Celtic seem to have made a move for McGinn. Was always going to happen.

So close but nae cigar !!

The WC has certainly went up a level for entertainment in the KO stages. Well done to both Belguim and Japan for serving up a great sceond half. Glad to see Belguim go through as I wanted to see them play against Brazil.

AP Press....As expected, Rousseau, the experienced tipster on Gersnet has timed his WC run with care and despite being a point behind a newcomer is now installed as favourite for the crown.

VAR refs look like they've gone easy on the Mexican because of Neymar's theatrics. Defender was beyond stupid. He knows VAR are there. His team are only a goal behind. The ball is out of play, no danger.

double post

We know what you are up to................trying to Keep the pressure off yourself eh

Yes, he's a Jeremy Hunt but the Mexican defender was stupid to stand on his ankle and couldn't have complained if he'd saw a red card.

Saw up to the 80th minute with a 1-0 prediction and left, knowing Brazil would bag a second. Just saw the FT score and didn't even give it the 'aw f**k' because it was a given and alreay mentally accepted

Ings Serious money + dodgy knes = Naw

Decent first half Lots of endeavour from Mexico, not much cutting edge. Brazil have more quality on the ball and the more likely to score Ref is the best individual on the park thus far

'The Fraudulent Fluffer and Peter' A tale of dedicated and consistent bullshit...........

For every decent game you get 6 that are 'mediocre minus' and another 6 plain pish.

Sounds like the end result of a game of chinese whispers amongst the ITK and the not so ITK Livingston fans. #ColinNish

F**king impossible this lark,........... the bookies must be wishing the WC was an anual event. Bastards have banked my euro from the eight team accumulator

Obscure fact:.......Davor Sukor, top scorer in the 1998 WC started his career with Osijek

Messi has had an outstanding career and has been a consistently brilliant for many seasons but performance in WC Finals has a disproportionate effect on the old 'best ever' argument, whether that be right or not. Messi would have been better staying retired from the national team and not going to the WC because by going and leaving such a relatively poor image, it has left an indelible mark on his legacy. That may seem unfair given we are talking 4 football matches but thet is the WC for you.