It's half-time at the World Cup

A BREATHLESS and captivating World Cup in Russia is now at its half-way mark. All 48 group games are done and dusted, and the tournament enters the all-important knockout stage as we inch closer to crowning football's next world champion.

For the 16 nations still in the chase, it's straightforward at this point - lose, and you're on the next flight home.

There cannot be any stalemates from now on as all matches must produce a winner, be it in extra time or via the lottery of the dreaded penalty shoot-out.