The lesson of sporting triumph is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Fill the holes. Maximise what you have. Trust your convictions. Fill a group with pride and power and purpose.

Colombia, who have qualified for the quarter-finals, top Group D with six points after two matches, with Brazil in second on four points.

Given my grumblings, I would be wrong not to share my daft suggestions, when the opportunity is there through the rules committee survey. 

Willy Sagnol saw his side book a place in the last 16 on a memorable final night of group stage action.

They both may have got the result they knew beforehand would guarantee both countries escaped from Group E, but there was no scintilla of a stitch-up about it.

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The Czechs had midfielder Antonin Barak controversially sent off midway through the first half in Hamburg, but fought back through Tomas Soucek's equaliser after Hakan Calhanoglu had given Turkey the lead

From the best game to the worst and from the best player to the most disappointing so far, Chris Hatherall and Joe Callaghan have a look at the main talking points from the finals as the group stage draws to a close

“I think we can be proud of finishing top,” captain Kane said.

But you cannot help thinking that England will fall as soon as they come up against more challenging opponents than the spirited Slovenians, who got a third successive draw to ensure their own qualification to the knockout stages for the first time.

The result was always going the way of Abbeydorney as last year’s intermediate champions came face to face with the realities of senior championship.

John Cleary's side looked like they'd made real progress this summer before a sickening defeat to Louth on Sunday.

The first booking may have been slightly harsh but the referee was forced to make a call. 

Clare again showed the resolve which has been the hallmark of this side.

The Leinster side were reduced to 14 men in the All-Ireland quarter-final in Thurles on Saturday.

A sickener of a defeat against Louth means the Rebels will have to reflect on any progress made this year.

The Ulster side came through a dramatic shootout. 

Kevin De Bruyne played a captain's role as the Red Devils got going.

The last pair will not be confirmed until next weekend’s final round of group games.

A third consecutive All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny awaits Clare on July 6.