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.

Friday 27 June 2014

GROUP E DECIDERS: Argentina 3-2 Nigeria ; Bosnia H 3-1 Iran

As foregone conclusions go, the winners of this group were decided as soon as the draw was made.  Argentina waltzed it, although first Iran and then Nigeria ran them close in defeat. Messi shone again. Another goal proved he's finally delivering on the biggest stage. Defeated, the Nigerians still qualified for the knockouts.  Bosnia served themselves well with a good win in the other game, an almost dead rubber.