The FIFA World Cup has proceeded to the knockouts (Round of 32) and already, heavyweights Germany and Holland have fallen. The Germans, like the Italians before, are an excellent tournament team but have curiously departed early over the past decade. I suppose no one nation can be on top forever, but there must be something going on in German football for this to occur.

England continue to underwhelm and narrowly beat DR Congo this morning. Since 1966 they have been the perpetual bridesmaids of the WC despite having some excellent talent at their disposal. I suspect that if they could bottle some of the Socceroos grit and determination and administer a dose before every game, they might have won won silver by now.

As for the latter, they play a very good Egypt side in a day or two and will need to figure out how to deal with Mo Salah, who is apparently fit to play. Salah had a very patchy season with Liverpool but is a match winner on his day. Egypt are more than Salah of course but this is probably his last WC so he will be determined to make an impact.

On your guard Socceroos!