There is no shortage of talking points as the group stages of the 2018 World Cup wrap up. Lionel Messi finally scored as Argentina managed to sneak through. Cristiano Ronaldo has had a goal-filled tournament for Portugal. Controversy and upsets have kept things interesting. And some elite sides such as Brazil and France have looked sluggish while managing to stay alive. We discuss these topics, plus the use of VAR and its impact on the field, the tournament's highs and lows thus far and we look ahead to the group stages. Listen below, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ae/podcast/extra-time/id1270152809?mt=2">subscribe to Extra Time for free on Apple Podcasts</a>. <strong>_______________________</strong> <strong>More from 2018 World Cup</strong> <strong>Richard Jolly: <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/unlike-italia-90-for-belgium-and-england-defeat-in-russia-offers-certain-benefits-1.744701">Unlike Italia 90, for Belgium and England defeat in Russia offers certain benefits</a></strong> <strong>Saudi Arabia: <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/saudi-arabia-take-plenty-of-positives-from-world-cup-as-focus-turns-to-2019-asian-cup-1.744831">Plenty of positives from World Cup </a></strong> <strong>'I am fine': <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/i-am-fine-diego-maradona-reassures-fans-after-health-scare-in-argentina-world-cup-thriller-1.744614">Diego Maradona reassures fans after health scare in Argentina World Cup thriller</a></strong> <strong>Player profile: <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/marcus-berg-the-self-deprecating-successor-to-ibrahimovic-who-sweden-rely-on-for-more-than-just-goals-1.744573">Marcus Berg: The successor to Ibrahimovic who Sweden rely on for more than goals</a></strong>