From the grapevine

1 - Portugal is being investigated for bribing referees in their win over Croatia. If found guilty, they may be banned from the next world cup.

Lionel Mess's wife wanted to divorce him.

And of course get her grubby paws on half his fortune.

He wisely put most of his assets in family member's names so she can't get to them.

It's amazing that a man can be a world class athlete admired by millions, but yet your wife can only care about your assets and not you. Sad stuff.

This crackpot has come up with an alternative to penalty shootouts and has contacted FIFA and FIFA may be interested in his idea.

After full-time, if it's a draw, reduce the number of players on the pitch by 2 each side. Then every 15 minutes, continue reducing the number of players by 2 each side. Eventually, the pitch will be so wide open that great players will score much more easily than under normal play. More exciting and fair than penalty kicks.

I hope they implement it. Sounds like a great idea. Never found penalty kicks to be fair.