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.

Monday, 30 June 2014

Round of 16: Costa Rica 1-1 Greece. (Costa Rica win 5-3 on penalties)

The unlikeliest of knock out ties in this World Cup. Show me anyone who predicted these two nations would reach this far, with one destined to scale even greater heights.  Such surprises are sure signs of a great tournaments. And the Costa Ricans dispatched their pens with professional aplomb, tired as they were after battling through with just ten men.

How their nation will celebrate and deserves their time in the spotlight.  Conquerors of Group D replete with a trio of former World Cup winners, Costa Rica's rise feels like the start of a new world order.  If they beat Holland next, it could be for real...