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.

Thursday, 19 June 2014

Spain 0-2 Chile

Rarely has one World Cup group game had so many implications.
It knocked two teams out of the tournament. Australia, the lowest ranked team in the competition, not such a surprise. But Spain? Out! After two games. The reigning World and European champions are out. It's the end of an era, the toppling of a dynasty. Spain reign no more.
And Chile thoroughly deserve their place alongside Holland in the knockouts.
Spain never looked likely. Wracked by tiredness it looked like.
They just weren't at the races.
It looked like a tournament too far for far too many of their players.

They have delighted the world for three straight tournaments.
Thanks Spain.
Time to hand over the reins (reigns) to someone else...