And now? Much harder to follow his progress if he goes there.

Just read on the Hearts forum that someone reckons Arzani has turned them down and is going to Hungary... Why on Earth would he do that? Hope it's bollocks.

It never was in my book. Getting out of the group is the minimum expectation. I'd love to see us at least make the quarters but Rd of 16 is realistic. If he picks our best team...

That wasn't a hack, he just slipped. And that is my greatest fear for Arzani - the soft pitches of Scotland are nothing like the hard pitches he grew up on. It's why so many Aussies get soft tissue injuries over there.

So would I but it is a league that is faster than ours (we play in summer) so a tricky player like him will improve out of sight if he can adjust. It's also an opportunity for him to experience an OTT football mad culture - I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a bit of a star over there...

I don't care what pot we're in, we still have to beat good teams to progress.

Yeah, I watch it too when I can (when Aussies are involved). Dreadful standard in some games. Those not involving Celtic, for the most part, can be hard to watch - and they have the cheek to sneer at our league! Aussies go to Scotland to experience all-consuming football culture and to get in...

Reading some speculation on the Hearts forum that Arzani wasn't picked this morning as already on his way to Edinburgh. Seems a long bow to me - I know Arzani loves playing for the NT and why wouldn't he want to be there at the pointy end? Good if true though.

Who's got the Oceania play off spot?

Or not...

I would select players who can hold the ball. I'm not just talking about this morning - I'm talking about all Popa's matches (or nearly all). Yes, his defensive system has been outstanding but we never have any outlets. In the last two games we were constantly clearing the ball anywhere (or...

I don't believe that's true regarding Portsmouth/Triantis. The Sunderland forum is a teensy bit divided but those who've seen him play are salivating at the thought of him being in their EPL squad. I think he'll be a Sunderland player this season.

75% passing accuracy is nowhere near good enough and exactly why we played so nervously. Did enough defensively though. I deeply dislike Popa's system and selections but you can't argue with the results. We are hard to beat.

Jeez, let's hope so. Never get between a Qatari and a bucket of cash...

I hope we play with confidence. Popa (of course) will set up defensively but we need to have an outlet and a threat on the counter. They have to get five so why not attack form the start. We get one... game over. I'll be getting up about 5.30 and expecting to watch us coast home. As I said...

No, that's ridiculous... Joe Marston resurrected via ouija board to take the winning penalty in a shootout.

Pretty much nothing except play, watch, coach, discuss and philosophise about football my entire life. My ideas are my own but I'd never call them original. The importance of time and space and the basic skills to create them are surely fundamental to any system.

I always started training (after some stretches) with 3 on 1 grids. I always said to the boys that every skill and strategy you needed in football could be found in 3 on 1 grids. Creating time and space... working down the field in triangles... vision... anticipation of team mates' movement...

Surely you've finished Mr C by now D....

We have nothing to fear.... except the ref being offered US$10 million to get the right (wrong) result.