Duncan Shearer: Head says France for World Cup glory but heart wants Morocco

Duncan Shearer is conflicted about the World Cup. Head says Argentina v France, but heart wants Croatia vs Morocco. Croatia are one game away from reaching the final again. Luka Modric and Croatia take on Argentina tonight. Lionel Messi is playing his final World cup. Cristiano Ronaldo cried after Portugal's exit.

Messi is two years younger than Ronaldo. Messi is 35 and it's now or never for him to win the World Cup. Ronaldo and Messi deserve to be in the debate about who is the greatest of all time. If Messi and Ronaldo win this tournament it would add weight to their claims for the title.

Morocco are the first African nation to reach the semi-final of the World Cup. They beat Belgium in the group stage and knocked out Spain and Portugal to set-up a semi final meeting with world champions France tomorrow. Nayef Aguerd and Roman Saiss are unlikely to be fit, while playmaker Hakim Ziyech is struggling.

Gareth Southgate should stay on as England manager. He has won three World Cups in a row and is the most successful England boss since Sir Alf Ramsey. He is undecided whether he wants to stay for a fourth tournament.

The Scottish Premiership resumes this week following the World Cup break. Aberdeen and Ross County have important games for their return. The Dons welcome champions Celtic to Pittodrie. Ross Counties play St Johnstone. Duncan Shearer will be in Dingwall to watch the match. He expects managers to be careful with their players during the busy period.

Caley Thistle's youngsters did well against Hamilton in the SPFL Trust Trophy on Saturday. Billy Dodds' team lost 2-0. The priority for Doddsy is the Championship. The immediate task for the players is to be in league contention by the end of January.