Also concerning that they were homemade. Begs some questions.

>Both African matches yesterday were supremely entertaining

Yep, both instant classics.

If you shut out the peripheral mess surrounding this WC (not that you should), this tournament kind of rules so far. Great performance by Morocco.

Good god.

Another stunner of a game. Was on the edge of my right throughout. Iran were deserving winners in the end. Those two added-time goals were clinical.

The stadiums are air conditioned, so the players aren't really feeling the heat.

I'm really, really, really not a fan. But he's the GOAT IMO.

Coaches don't win cricket matches.

And Roy, who would always be first-choice opener in white-ball cricket.

Probably the most impressive things about England making it this far is how weakened their squad is. Wood, Topley and Archer are three first-choice bowling options all out (Wood's probably been the bowler of the tournament so far), and missing Roy, Bairstow and Malan.

I thought the 7-match Eng-Pak series was overkill, but now it just looks like a comprehensive dress rehearsal.

Eerily similar to the 92 World Cup - which would mean, if you're into signs and wonders, that Pak will win a terrific final, with Shaheen MOTM playing the modern Wasim substitute.