I’m not sure where to start, how can it be?
The world’s top footballing nations falling away at a stupid rate, leaving us in perpetual chin-scratching mode: “Who the hell is gonna win this thing?” and “WTF is going on?”.
It’s widely acknowledged that football is tightening up at the top, well, international football anyway.
Looking at major club leagues around the world and it’s the polar opposite.
The ‘big’ boys are getting stronger in the major competitions, while the rest fight amongst themselves to stay up and dream of decent cup runs.
Watching the likes of outsiders Denmark, Japan, Croatia, Russia and Sweden compete in the last-16 stage, the "also rans" label has been completely dispelled.
The organisation and technical quality is outstanding.
Spain’s performance was like an Arsenal groundhog day as they just couldn’t unlock a resolute Russian defence.
They made over 1 000 passes, but like the Red Army defending the Kremlin, discipline and a never-die-attitude held tight, slaving for 120 minutes to get to the 50-50 penalty lottery.
It’s amazing really, you look at the quality of individual Spanish players and David de Gea in goal and you’d bet your last Rand they’d win through in the end.
GONE: David de Gea couldn't save Spain from penalty exit. Photo:CHRISTIAN HARTMANN/REUTERS
But whatever the stats say, whoever the stars are that walk up to take a spot kick and whatever experience they have, the weight of a nation sweeps all that aside.
It feels like football has become important again!
Over the last few years, I’ve personally found my interest slightly diluting when it comes to internationals and the last few World Cups have been predictable and boring.
It couldn’t be any different at the moment I’ve been sitting with a colleague Lunga Singama at the radio station over a couple of evenings. He doesn’t give a toss about anything except basketball, but the man has hardly been able to contain his excitement.
The Mrs, who kind of pretends to be into football to keep me happy, refuses to miss a World Cup game.
I don't know what the neighbours thought the other night when Spain missed the last penalty to go out?
We both screamed so hard they probably thought a murder was taking place (or I’d swallowed a tub of Viagra).
Yes, it’s back and it’s captured the entire planet’s attention.
I can’t put my finger on it, but perhaps my thoughts last week “it’s more like FA Cup football” might be the answer?
Perhaps the loss of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has added a dimension? Helping fuel the "Year of the Underdog" media narrative? Or could it even be Diego Maradona bringing back scenes of ultimate passion?
Whatever it is, it’s relentless.
My worries that the knockout stage might bring with it a regression in style and excitement, back to the usual tighter and predictable version just ain’t happening.
I guess the only downside for me is the awful reality that while Russia 2018 is wide open, no African team has been able to capitalise.
IN WITH A CHANCE: England can go all the way now. Photo:MATTHIAS SCHRADER/AP
When you think back to the great Roger Milla in 1990 with Cameroon, or even Bafana Bafana lifting the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, why is it that football on this continent hasn’t kept up with the rest of the world?
How can it be that the biggest European leagues have so many world-class African players, but not a single nation can put together a side that stands a chance of hitting a quarterfinal?
And while I’m at it, has anyone got any faith in Safa’s "Vision 2022"? That’s less than four years away!
Anyway, let’s stick with the positives right now and that is another couple of weeks of incredible football.
Big up to the Russians and the way this tournament has been organised. And for me personally, come on Englaaaaaand!
Let me know what your prediction is for the final. France v England for me.