World Cup group stage thrilled even without the jeopardy

For a World Cup group stage that was supposed to be without much jeopardy, it sure ended with drama. Sasa Kalajdzic's 96th-minute equaliser, just moments after Algeria had gone ahead, salvaged a 3-3 draw for Austria and their place in the knockouts.

In a way, it summed up the contrast between our fears and the reality of a World Cup that has been full of fun. Algeria and Austria could have played out a goalless draw and both gone through. Instead, they served up six more goals to add to the lengthy list.