Thursday 26 June 2014

World Cup 2014 Brazil - Half Time Report

With the group stages of the World Cup  coming to a conclusion we have some big headlines and food for thought. The overall impression is a very positive one, some very good football and underdogs like Costa Rica going through. It bodes well for the knock out stages with more good football.

Ready or not ?

I think there was genuine worries about the readiness of the stadiums and the supporting infrastructure however normally you would get horror stories. Well they have been few and far between or I have been reading the wrong reports. The only one I have seen showed a video of a temporary staircase that looked very unsafe however the game started and finished without any reported dramas. All the stadiums have looked good and the playing surface up to standard with only one looking bare and one other cutting up a little. Overall I think Brazil have done well against all odds.

Manaus jungle game for England

Englands opening game in Manaus was hyped beyond belief - high temperature, high humidity, bad pitch, middle of nowhere and any other combo of excuses you can think of. As always the opponents have the same conditions and it all seemed to be a bit of a non event and England poor against a poor Italy.

England - Oh England

Whilst talking about England I will get it over now. Poor performances from all round from our so called highly paid stars. The team knew what they  were facing with Uruguay, we had at least four Liverpool players on the field and yet Suarez still scored two great goals. Were players not following Roy Hodgson's instructions or did he omit to tell them that Suarez was playing albiet slightly unfit. 

Champions Exit

Like England, Italy as former champions exit at the group stage but what was really surprising was the very early exit of the current champions Spain. Widely favoured to do well in their defence of the title, they were humiliated by the Netherlands and Chile. The other former champions are all through Brazil, Germany, Uruguay and France.

Star Teams

Two teams for me have stood out, because they are doing the unexpected. Netherlands having a dream start with victory over defending champions Spain. The Dutch shining with Robben and Van Persie. The USA have got through with Germany in a very tough group. What is more remarkable is the home support the team, it is reported that TV audiences have broken all records for football in the USA and even challenging the established sports of baseball and basketball. If they can get another result it will do wonders for football or soccer in the States.

Star Players

Who are the stars of the tournament, well for me that is easy Messi. He just exudes class that no other player displays. From his technical ability to the way he rides tackles and if downed he is straight up again back in play. He does not a drama star like some of the others who are playing - outstanding. He has also scored some of the best goals of the tournament so far along with Neymar, Mueller, Jones of the USA and the Dutchmen Robben and van Persie. I should also mention Miroslav Klose of Germany as he has now equalled Brazil's Ronaldo at 15 goals in World Cup finals.

Suarez Banned for 4 Months

We must have all seen it know now, football fan or not you cannot escape the Suarez biting during the Uruguay v Italy match. Loosing out on a tackle he immediately started to knaw at Chiellini's shoulder in front of the world. Then after being thrown off he checks his teeth - what is wrong with this man. It is all very sad as he is a very talented player but this cannot be excused for any reason. Interesting stat is that he has now been banned for over 40 matches, but none as a result of a red card. Not the kind of record a player wants on his CV. The losers here are Liverpool who will start the season without him and may even have to make a brave decision and get rid of him, it all goes against the Liverpool image. The man in all likelihood could suffer financial and career ruin as sponsers start to pullout. In case you did not know this the third time he has done this so deserves all the penalties he gets as a result.

Well half time over what can we expect in the second half. I hope for more goals and exciting skillful play. What will happen to Uruguay - disappear without trace with no Suarez? I think you will choose the champion from Netherlands, Germany, Brazil and possibliy France. I think it will be good. End note - Well done Brazil, it's all going extremely well.


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