World Cup 2014

[Bamboo Grove]

I think the signs of Spain's reign coming to an end could be seen in last year's Confederations' Cup already. Although they reached the final of that tournament, Brazil made minced meat out of Spain's defence then. This time it's weaknesses have been even worse. Also, as with Barcelona, who play the same way as Spain, other teams have learnt how to stop them. A new playing tactics must be coming soon and that seems to be more direct attack. Which of course is good for the game. Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi but who will it be? BTW, didn't Spain just get a new king yesterday?

[Bamboo Grove]

Barcelona ruled the club football for a long time and Spain the national teams´ football as well. They used very similar tactics and both are failing now and surely must find a new way to play in order to regroup.

A rising star in European club football is Bayern Munchen and many German stars play or have played there. Will Germany rule the national team football now? Yes, I know BM didn’t win the Champions League this season but just a thought. Dortmund and some other German teams have played entertaining football in recent years as well. Anyway, the way teams have been able to defeat both Barcelona and Spain now is by playing attacking and direct football, which IMHO is very good for the game of football in general.

[MrPlum]

Such a shame to see a team with a fine man like Ronaldo being humiliated. And how awful for him that one of his teammates was conned into an overreaction that got him sent off...

I recall in previous campaigns, Portugal playing some sublime football then destroying any goodwill with bad behaviour, such as cheating and mob-harassing the ref. There's an irony in seeing their chances possibly ended through another team adopting the same play-acting tactics.

'Portugal’s Disciplinary Issue: A Recurring Problem'
http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/06 ... g-problem/

Trying to get players sent off is another problem football needs to address.

[Dannie Boy]

Spain is out....a real shocker. Australia on the way home also.

I thought that Australia played well and deserved at least a draw against a Dutch side that failed to maintain their opening standard - the goal by Cahill was sublime!!

[Zidane]

A must win for England tonight.....two mediocre defences and some good attacking players could mean there will be plenty of goals.....hopefully,most for England !

[zeitgeist]

Spain is out....a real shocker. Australia on the way home also.

I thought that Australia played well and deserved at least a draw against a Dutch side that failed to maintain their opening standard - the goal by Cahill was sublime!!

Agree, Aussie's played with real passion and urgency. First half, the Dutch didn't seem to be able to cope with the relentless pressing and quick passing.
If England play like that and go out I wouldn't be too disappointed.

Don't remember his name but the player that came on for Cahill looked a real handful. Young, quick and good close control.

[TicTac]

The aussie fellow who came in for Tim Cahill was Ben Halloran who plays in Germany. He's only 22 so should have a bright future with the national team

[blue05]

roll on 2am , will England turn up?

[richard]

Well I'm struggling

After a sumptuous Mexican meal and a jug of margaritas up soi 88 I'm ready to crash.

May get up and watch 'em fall after my first pee break

[PeteC]

roll on 2am , will England turn up?

Only Suarez so far.

[caller]

Crap 1st half, where are they?

We need to up the tempo, it's so plodding. The spark we had the other night isn't there tonight. Lot's of options available for the 2nd half, let's hope Roy get's it right!

Uruguay can just sit back and counter-attack.

Worrying.

[Pagey]

come on, Jordan Henderson playing for England? What do you expect?

[Big Boy]

Time for bed

At least we lasted longer than the Spanish.

[MrPlum]

Credit to Rooney for breaking his duck and Sturridge for some good play but what a poor team England are. Can't pass, too often dispossessed and the final ball wasted.

Tomorrow I'm checking my family tree to see if I have any Dutch, Argentine or German ancestry.

[caller]

I'm not too disappointed as I wasn't expecting much before the tournament.

But, it's a little irksome to get nothing out of those two games. The balance hasn't been right and the way the team has been set up has left us exposed defensively and Italy and Uruguay have both taken advantage of that.

Henderson does rather prove the point that a good season doesn't mean you can make the jump up to international standard. But then Gerrard has been poor and has cost us goals - maybe 3 of the 4 we have conceded?. Why Barkley hasn't played is a mystery to me as is the fact Ashley Cole isn't there.

I mean you could go on and on but at least we looked a threat in the 2nd half after such a lacklustre 1st half. Two lapses, that's all, same as in the 1st game. All success is based on a solid defence and that doesn't just mean the back four. We sacrificed that and paid the price.

And now it's there for all to see why Cahill is so exceptional at Chelsea, but not for England. He doesn't have Terry playing alongside him.

Still, we do genuinely have a strong nucleus of younger players and they must now be given their chance. Lamps has already indicated he will end his England career after this tournament and it's time for Gerrard to do the same. And Johnson and Jaglielka must give way.

Anyway, celebrity masterchef is on! Greg Walllace is calling.