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.

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

The World Cup Final: Germany 1-0 Argentina (after extra time)

54. 74. Now 2014. The only blip 1994. Otherwise if the year ends in a four, the World Cup is yours Germany. And it's hard to say they didn't deserve it.

No classic, the final. But few finals are.  It could have gone either way though. Higuero will rue the chance he snatched at, one on one with Neuer. Messi's skied free kick at the end a low point. Goetze's winner was a gem. Schurrle crossed, the young German chested and volleyed. With seven minutes to go of extra time, the Argentines were preparing for pens. There was no way back.

This young German team has more tournament wins in it.  It's like Spain circa 2008. Expect a period of dominance from the side that has helped Europe win the trophy on South American soil for the first time. And we all know who will win in 2034.