World Cup 2018: What we learned from day eight
An opportunistic long-lens photograph of England assistant coach Steve Holland clutching some notes during a training session caused a ripple of excitement earlier today.
Clearly visible was a team line-up, naturally prompting speculation that this XI – with Marcus Rashford in for Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek replacing injury doubt Dele Alli – could be Gareth Southgates intended selection for Sundays match against Panama.
Read more: Panama are organised and tough but hoping for a miracle against England
One other feature of Hollands notes also raised eyebrows: he appeared to have spelt Allis less than complicated name wrong.
VAR appeals from the madding crowd
It wasnt long after the initial trials of the video assistant referee (VAR) began that we witnessed the faintly absurd sight of players appealing for reviews, charades style, by making TV screen gestures.
Denmark drew 1-1 with Australia in Samara (Source: Getty)
The hysteria was bound to spread to the stands and, sure enough, during today's 1-1 draw between Denmark and Australia, we saw Danish fans frantically making the outline of a screen with their fingers after a possible penalty incident.
It was probably worth a try – penalties have been given almost every other game at this World Cup and Australia had been gifted the softest of spot kicks via VAR – but, alas, in vain.
Argentina defeat leaves Messi miserable
It just wont happen for Lionel Messi and Argentina. The Barcelona star has won five Ballon dOr awards and everything there is to win at club level, but just an Olympic gold medal with his country.
Consecutive Copa America final defeats to Chile saw Messi retire from international football in 2016 out of sheer frustration. He came back, but after a shambolic 3-0 defeat to Croatia he looked dejected.
Argentina arent out, but after two matches they look defeated. Aged 30, will we see their mercurial No10 at another World Cup, or is this the end of his quest for the Jules Rimet trophy?
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