Today’s open thread. We’re going to try and do this daily for the remainder of the World Cup, just to give you a platform to discuss the games, while allowing the rest of the comment-sections to stay relevant to their respective articles.

Notes & Quotes

Luis Suarez downplays Ronaldo rivalry

Luis Suarez was asked about his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, and whether or not it trickles into the upcoming Portugal - Uruguay World Cup clash.

“When it comes to Ronaldo at club level, that’s different,” Suarez said.

”We all try to do our best for our team. This is a World Cup.

”We are defending and working for our national team. That’s the essential aspect.”

Casemiro says Busquets is the best defensive midfielder on earth

“There are not many players that I can choose from in my position but if I had to pick one then it would be Busquets,” Casemiro said on Friday.

”He is the best in the world and I have a lot of admiration for him, he has a lot of quality.

”[France duo N’Golo] Kante and [Paul] Pogba are also very strong.”

Casemiro also spoke about his teammates Ronaldo and Neymar — both being ‘from another planet’:

“Well, the two players are exceptional players,” Casemiro said.

”The two of them can change the result of a game at any point. In my opinion, they come from another world.

”They are among the three best in the world: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar are the three best players in the world and I’m happy I have one of them playing alongside me.

”And so, speaking about Neymar, he can change the result of a game at any point in time and that’s why he’s considered one of the three best in the world.”

... Are Brazil favourites?

“With all due respect, you [the media] are the ones talking about favourites,” Casemiro added. ”We players are very well aware that being a favourite won’t win you a game, that your jersey won’t win you a game.

”We have a very good example of Germany, with all the players they have - they were favourites in the beginning of the World Cup and didn’t go beyond the first phase. So we’re very relaxed - not only me but all of the other players, our excellent players.

”We have played for teams that are considered favourites as well. We’re used to being considered favourites, but with all due respect and very humbly, we know that we have a good team but we have to play very well to beat Mexico.”

Assorted