WC Day 9 . . .

Went to bed around midnight last night after watching US Open golf but then tossed and turned, knowing that Brazil were playing at 2.30 am. Didn't sleep so got up to watch and it was worth it. Brazil were like their old selves again and Haiti actually did pretty well to keep it down to 3-0. Vini Jr is simply brilliant and good to see Endrick getting a run, even if his well-taken goal was ruled out for offide.

Only ended up going to bed at 4.30am. Watching Turkey vs Paraguay highlights now. All very cagey.

Interesting red card in the Turkey vs Paraguay game. In the first minute of the second half, Miguel Almiron says something to the Turkish player while covering his mouth with his hand. Immediate red card.

This is a legacy of Luis Suarez who racially abused another player with his hand over his mouth so it couldn't be lip-read. Now that's a straight red.

The 10 men of Paraguay did very well to hang on to their lead. Turkey are gone.

Netherlands vs Sweden should be a cracker. Sweden were very impressive in their opening game.

How it Rooi, it’s 1.30 am here, the game is up in about 40 mins, doubt if I’ll watch all of it but I’ll try.

Ill watch the Brazilian replay later at a civilised hour

Too one sided, it’s not a contest , that’s it for me.

Germany got a big fright but managed to beat Cote D'Ivoire 2-1.

CIV had a huge opportunity to go 2-1 up near the end but Adingra missed an easy chance and then Germany scored instead.

Netherlands were very impressive.

The top half of the draw is looking much tougher. Winner of Germany vs France will play Netherlands in the QF and then the winner of that faces Spain most likely in the semi.

If Morocco top their group Brazil will also be in that top half.

Bottom half looks sorted. The QFs should be England vs Brazil/Morocco and Portugal vs Argentina.

Hard to distinguish between the teams, to me it seems as if there's a sameness about them except for Brazil, the only team who plays with a touch of flair.