Brazil, you say? They know how to play football over there, don't they? But it's a long way for one so middle aged as I to travel.

So instead, I shall slouch into my leather armchair and view the tournament from this side of the Atlantic. I shall try and watch every game and will definitely make wildly inaccurate predictions too.

I do solemnly vow to give you a real sense of what it's like to not be at the World Cup. This is the blog where all the colour and atmosphere and passion of watching the world's greatest sporting tournament on a wall mounted widescreen really comes to life.

Wednesday, 25 June 2014

GROUP C DECIDERS: Ivory Coast 1-2 Greece ; Colombia 4-1 Japan

A last minute penalty, needlessly conceded. The pressure on Samaras' face, knowing a nation's fate rested on his shoulders. A calm finish, followed by wild celebrations. Greece had denied the Ivory Coast and claimed their first place in the knockouts.

Colombia, the stand-out team in the Group dispatched with Japan, again disappointing in a tournament. Three wins out of three means the Colombians have to be considered as contenders.