World Cup 2026: Scotland fall flat; USA into knockouts; Turkey’s tears and Almíron’s red for covering mouth – live

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It’s been a star striker’s tournament so far – aside from the immobile slab of monetised wax playing at No 7 for Portugal – and that’s reflected in the big names already nestled in Golden Boot top 10. Here’s the current hit parade:

A first dive into the old mailbag produces this, from Gerry Scott, with which I heartily concur:

If best placed third placed teams are going to be able to advance from the group then goal difference should be preferred to head to head as a way of ranking teams. Türkiye should at least have the prospect of beating the US and overtaking one of Paraguay or Australia rather than already being out of the tournament.

I’m sure Gianni will be on it soon.

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