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

They Finished 2nd: ARGENTINA

For the second World Cup in a row, my tips to win the thing have ended as runners-up.

Messi shone in the early stages but looked too tired to take the final by the scruff of the neck. He is world class no question, just not world class on the world stage.

Aguero's injury didn't help. But Mascherano was massive, deserving of the golden boot or ball award if ever it was due to go to an Argentine.

Di Maria was missed in the final but enough of the excuses. The Argentines never put anyone to the sword like the Germans did in the semi. They never dished out a thrashing to teams that were there for the taking. As a result, they came up just short.