It might be recency bias but this really has been the most entertaining World Cup I can remember. We've had games of all sorts from a literal track meet in Argentina-France to the last goal wins wonderment of Belgium-Japan to the absolute rockfight that was England-Colombia.

I was fascinated by what Southgate said about practicing penalties, that he had his players TELL the goalie in training which way they were going to shoot ahead of time and then still had to make it. It really seemed like it paid off here. This group of relative underdogs might really have a chance to win this whole thing.

Neymar has always had a reputation of being about himself before the team and his theatrics definitely rankle. I watched the Brazil-Mexico game in a small bar that had no neutrals and even the Brazilian fans kind of smirked when Neymar "almost died" after being stepped on, on the sidelines. I may be biased but I only want Brazil to win it all if Bobby Firmino plays more. Otherwise, would not mind seeing another upset here.

Final four predictions?

Uruguay over France IF Cavani is healthy. If not, France wins a blowout, 3-1
Brazil over Belgium unless Roberto Martinez learns his lesson and plays two holding midfielders. 2-1
Croatia over Russia with the Putin caveat that anything can happen, 2-1
England over Sweden 1-0 in ET because England can't have it easy.

Do we think Harry Kane will end up with the Golden Boot?
Who do you think has been the player of the tournament so far? A lot of players to choice from.

Take care all.