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

They Finished 19th: PORTUGAL

Still a one man nation. Perhaps more so than ever. Rename it Portunaldo. Or Ronaldagal, whichever takes your fancy. The man is a master, but he can't do it all on his own. Can't save as we'll as score. Can't cross and be on the end to finish. Can't catch the opposition offside, nor be every brick in the wall. Can't start and then come off the bench and change the game. Can't don the gloves and save the pen one end, then slot a spot kick home at the other. The man needs a bit of help. But it's tricky to see where that's going to come from.