Absolutely delighted to see Belgium come third. Well done lads. I was cheering for Croatia but hats off to France. Very well deserved.

Croatia were my dark horse and France the team I picked as favourites. I was bang on the money I have to say.

Imo France were the best. Belgium the second best and Croatia third. European football still dominating the world.

The only reason the ball hits Perisic's hand is because the French player next to him, who is in an advantageous position, misses a header. There have been instances when such an action (or a worse one) hasn't been punished with a penalty (the opposite would be true as well), hence "questionable" or "not so clear", if you prefer.

I'm not that sure about Pogba's position. We didn't get a good replay and the referee didn't bother checking.

The ball would have missed his hand if he hadn't moved his hand downwards literally as the ball was dropping there. If his hand had stayed in position and then been hit by the ball it would have been "not so clear", although his hand was too far from his body anyway (and hence it still could reasonably be called a foul/handball as it wasn't deflected or anything).

Your example is odd as it's simply a mistake by the ref not to call that one and there was no VAR in last seasons champions league to correct the call.

Every single goal at the WC 2018 was checked by VAR, just because we all haven't seen it checked for offside doesn't mean they "didn't bother checking".

This is an image of France's first goal. Pogba looks to be offside when the ball is struck. Then it's a matter of whether he interferes with play. Watching replays it doesn't look like he has too much of an impact on Mandzukic, but my argument would be that him being in the general vicinity of the ball's path would make him active (I don't think this is the law, however). So I  probably wouldn't say it's offside going by that, but the law is too open to interpretation. Shouldn't have been a free kick in the first place though.

no, that white shoe you see right of Pogba is Vida's foot, who is standing behind him, Pogba is wearing bright yellow boots (I can clearly see his feet when zooming into even that low res pic)

from this angle you can see Vida's position: https://clips.clippit.tv/ryabbw/720.mp4

but yes, Pogba is "involved/active" in that play

Haha, d'oh. You're right. Can't believe I didn't clock Pogba's boot colour. Was too focused on whether he gave Mandzukic a nudge when watching replays.

Not world cup related but Godin is going to Juve too

I thought so too, but there haven't been any new posts since it ended so I had the doubt haha 

Some great signings for Liverpool. Shaqiri for £13m is a steal considering the sorts of prices players are going for these days. I'd be happy with a domestic trophy, top four finish and a good European run. I'm always pessimistic with my predictions and outlook for forthcoming seasons, but I feel quite good about this one.

Ozil has quit international football after questionable conduct from German Officials in the German FA.