Brazil’s catastrophic defeat at the hands of Germany has reverberated around the football World, not just because they were hosts and the pre-tournament favourites but because they are the nation that has come to define football excellence. A little of that mystique has gone forever.
The side story, that Continue reading
It’s not the despair that hurts, it’s the hope.
For 75 minutes against Uruguay, England reverted to type. The Italy game, where expectations were low and qualification did not directly depend on the result, freed England to play a positive, more fluid game. Once they were favourites and their future in the tournament was in danger, the nerves returned.
It would be unfair Continue reading
Last night, defending champions Spain became the first team to be knocked out of World Cup 2014. Most observers predicted they would find it tough to replicate their success from four years ago but Continue reading
Germany entered the World Cup today in dramatic fashion, dispatching a competent Portugal side 4-0. It was a very impressive performance, despite the Portuguese having to play with ten men from the 37th minute – at that stage the Germans already Continue reading
England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Italy in their opening group match of the World Cup. However, the sadness of defeat was tinged with optimism as the English put on a spirited, attacking performance.
England start their World Cup 2014 campaign tonight against Italy. For once we have an exciting young team, rather than the usual suspects. Hodgson has already been brave, dropping the likes of Ashley Cole and bringing Continue reading
Anything But Penalties 