World Cup Day 3
[Sunday 15th June 2014]
Thankfully, the start of this World Cup has far exceeded the dour South Africa World Cup and long may this continue. Following the Spain vs Holland classic, day three was the only day with four matches (at different times) and a 2am GMT kick off. I love the national atmosphere around an England match, especially their first of the tournament. We get bunting, car flags, Three Lions blasting everywhere, barbecues and optimism. It brings out the casuals, who hate football but feel compelled to join in and watch their only match for the next four years. Football is awesome!
I'm English but haven't felt any emotional attachment to the national team for many years, I'm a neutral. I don't hate them, don't love them - I don't ANYTHING them. But even I was pumped up and excited to go out and be part of a crowd, watching England vs Italy. The game itself was entertaining, not a victim of Manaus conditions as some feared. Italy were always in control, thanks to the magic of Andrea Pirlo, but England gave them a few hairy moments. Plenty of positives can be taken for sure, especially Raheem Sterling and Dan Sturridge. The big question is whether Hodgson has the guts to finally drop Wayne Rooney, who once again disappointed on the big stage. Hopefully, Gary Lewin can recover from the dislocated ankle he injured whilst celebrating Sturridge's equaliser - I only cheered when he cracked out the Sturridge Dance.
Based on their performances, England should be able to defeat both Uruguay and Costa Rica. But even a draw against Uruguay can work out well, considering the shock that took place in Fortaleza. Uruguay went 1-0 up through Edinson Cavani's penalty, before a stunning comeback saw Costa Rica take a 3-1 win. There's already been four come-from-behind wins in this World Cup, compared to three in all of 2010. Maxi Pereira received the tournament's first red card for a petulant tackle, a result of frustration that Uruguay's chances of progression now look slim.
Colombia's 3-0 win over Greece provided some highlights. The sea of yellow from the passionate Colombian fans was a delight, as was seeing 38-year-old Mario Yepes dribble the ball 50 yards upfield. Armero's opening goal was met with ridiculously over-the-top celebrations, whilst Teo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez sealed the win. The 2am game saw Ivory Coast defeat Japan with quick-fire goals from Bony and Gervinho. The Swansea striker scored at roughly the 27th attempt to cancel out Keisuke Honda's opener. I like Japan and thought they'd hold on, but I guess things don't look too good for them now. Shame.
The spray used by referees for free kicks is a wonderful addition to the game - one of the few that both improves football, whilst not changing it. They've been used in South America for quite a while and I look forward to seeing them in Europe soon. FIFA insisting that every goal needs one replay with goal-line technology is not so wonderful, instead sparking sarcastic and witty responses by each co-commentator without fail.
In a nice touch, Dutch Twitter replaced the bird in their logo with Robin van Persie's dive from the Spain demolition.
My Fantasy team is already going terribly. Fair enough I have Neymar, but Alba, Iniesta failed to deliver, whereas Candreva only got one assist. Not only that, but players I very nearly put in (Rodriguez, Peralta, Blind) have done very well. Day four has Messi, Rojo, Dzeko, Debuchy, Cabaye and Schar though, so surely points will pack in soon.
I'm very much looking forward to Argentina vs Bosnia tonight - two attacking teams that should produce a lot of fun - with France v Honduras also set to interest. What France will we get at this World Cup?
Eight matches gone, no stinkers yet. It's been incredible so far but an eighth of the tournament is already done and dusted. Gutted!
Thankfully, the start of this World Cup has far exceeded the dour South Africa World Cup and long may this continue. Following the Spain vs Holland classic, day three was the only day with four matches (at different times) and a 2am GMT kick off. I love the national atmosphere around an England match, especially their first of the tournament. We get bunting, car flags, Three Lions blasting everywhere, barbecues and optimism. It brings out the casuals, who hate football but feel compelled to join in and watch their only match for the next four years. Football is awesome!
I'm English but haven't felt any emotional attachment to the national team for many years, I'm a neutral. I don't hate them, don't love them - I don't ANYTHING them. But even I was pumped up and excited to go out and be part of a crowd, watching England vs Italy. The game itself was entertaining, not a victim of Manaus conditions as some feared. Italy were always in control, thanks to the magic of Andrea Pirlo, but England gave them a few hairy moments. Plenty of positives can be taken for sure, especially Raheem Sterling and Dan Sturridge. The big question is whether Hodgson has the guts to finally drop Wayne Rooney, who once again disappointed on the big stage. Hopefully, Gary Lewin can recover from the dislocated ankle he injured whilst celebrating Sturridge's equaliser - I only cheered when he cracked out the Sturridge Dance.
Based on their performances, England should be able to defeat both Uruguay and Costa Rica. But even a draw against Uruguay can work out well, considering the shock that took place in Fortaleza. Uruguay went 1-0 up through Edinson Cavani's penalty, before a stunning comeback saw Costa Rica take a 3-1 win. There's already been four come-from-behind wins in this World Cup, compared to three in all of 2010. Maxi Pereira received the tournament's first red card for a petulant tackle, a result of frustration that Uruguay's chances of progression now look slim.
Colombia's 3-0 win over Greece provided some highlights. The sea of yellow from the passionate Colombian fans was a delight, as was seeing 38-year-old Mario Yepes dribble the ball 50 yards upfield. Armero's opening goal was met with ridiculously over-the-top celebrations, whilst Teo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez sealed the win. The 2am game saw Ivory Coast defeat Japan with quick-fire goals from Bony and Gervinho. The Swansea striker scored at roughly the 27th attempt to cancel out Keisuke Honda's opener. I like Japan and thought they'd hold on, but I guess things don't look too good for them now. Shame.
The spray used by referees for free kicks is a wonderful addition to the game - one of the few that both improves football, whilst not changing it. They've been used in South America for quite a while and I look forward to seeing them in Europe soon. FIFA insisting that every goal needs one replay with goal-line technology is not so wonderful, instead sparking sarcastic and witty responses by each co-commentator without fail.
In a nice touch, Dutch Twitter replaced the bird in their logo with Robin van Persie's dive from the Spain demolition.
My Fantasy team is already going terribly. Fair enough I have Neymar, but Alba, Iniesta failed to deliver, whereas Candreva only got one assist. Not only that, but players I very nearly put in (Rodriguez, Peralta, Blind) have done very well. Day four has Messi, Rojo, Dzeko, Debuchy, Cabaye and Schar though, so surely points will pack in soon.
I'm very much looking forward to Argentina vs Bosnia tonight - two attacking teams that should produce a lot of fun - with France v Honduras also set to interest. What France will we get at this World Cup?
Eight matches gone, no stinkers yet. It's been incredible so far but an eighth of the tournament is already done and dusted. Gutted!
