Top 10 Stories From The 2014 Fifa World Cup

1.       Spain’s Early Exit

They arrived in Brazil as the World Cup Champions but left with their reputation well and truly in tatters. Spain were without doubt the underachievers at this year’s tournament, after being thrashed 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening game they tamely surrendered their crown in a 2-0 defeat to Chile and become the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. For all their possession the Spanish lacked a cutting edge upfront, lead striker Diego Costa looked a shadow of player who lead Atletico to the Champions League final last May while the often reliable duo Xavi and Andres Inesta failed to have a huge impact from midfield. The Dutch took advantage of Spain’s weak defence, slicing through at every opportunity, goalkeeper and Captain Iker Casillas was also guilty of a number of errors as Spain failed to reach the knockout stage

 

2.       Manchester United In Safe Hands With Van Gaal

Coming into the tournament the Netherlands were a bit of an unknown quantity, runners up four years ago but left embarrassed after losing all three group games at Euro 2012. The question was could manager Louis Van Gaal, the man set to take over at Manchester United for the new Premier League season, get the best out of a talented group of players which included the likes of Arjan Robben and Robin Van Persie. The short answer- yes he could. Tactically the Dutch were as good as anyone in Brazil, Van Gaal’s 5-3-2 formation not only made his side difficult to beat but also exploited the talents of his key players. On the way to respectable semi-final Van Gaal made several big decisions, not least to change his goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Newcastle’s Tim Krul seconds before a penalty shootout which they then went on to win. United fans can at least be reassured that Van Gaal’s strong personality will not allow him to be overawed in the dressing room at Old Trafford.   

 

3.       England Show Promise, But Lack Killer Punch

The expectations of England were supposed to be low but that doesn’t make up for what was a disappointing tournament. There were few complaints about Roy Hodgson’s 23 man squad which brimmed with young, exciting players but after three group games they left with no wins to their name. Admittedly the margins were fine and the 2-1 defeats against both Italy and Uruguay could have easily been different if England had been a little more clinical in front of goal. There were promising signs as the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley demonstrated why they have been labelled as England’s next generation, but in the end it was the familiar faces of Mario Ballotelli and Luis Suarez who capitalised on England’s defensive lapses to pin them to the bottom of group D.

 

4.       Suarez Madness Yet Still Worth The Money

Technically he is one of the greatest players of all time but the legacy of Luis Suarez may not be one he is proud to remember. After almost single-handedly sinking England in game two the Uruguayan talisman soon found himself back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he appeared to bite Italian captain Giorgio Chiellini, not for the first time in his career. His actions resulted in a four month ban from FIFA meaning Suarez won’t be able to play competitive football until October. Nevertheless that didn’t stop Barcelona splashing out £75 million to sign the striker from Liverpool a few weeks later one can only wonder how many chances he will get.

  

 

5.       Keepers Become Stars

One of the features of this year’s World Cup was some of the extraordinary saves and performances from the goalkeepers. Germany’s Manual Neuer deservingly won the golden glove award after keeping four clean sheets and only conceding four goals as the Germans stormed to the title. But it wasn’t just Neuer who was making a name for himself between the posts; Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico, Keyler Navas of Costa Rica and USA keeper Tim Howard were among many who pulled off some dazzling saves for the cameras and won’t be short of interest in this Summer’s transfer market.          

 

6.       Costa Rica Shock Us All

When Costa Rica were drawn in the same group as Uruguay, England and Italy no one gave them a chance. However not only did they escape one of the tournaments toughest groups, but topped it with a game to spare. Manager Jorge Luis Pinto wasn’t blessed with big names like Messi or Ronaldo; instead he had a squad of players who were prepared to play their hearts out for their country. Tactically the Costa Ricans were well drilled and only conceded two goals in five matches with defenders Júnior Díaz and Giancarlo González particularly catching the eye. Captain Bryan Ruiz and Arsenal’s Joel Campbell were also well praised up front, but this was a story of every man playing their part in a run which saw Costa Rica shock the world by reaching the quarter final stage where they were narrowly beaten in a penalty shoot-out by the Dutch    

 

7.       Rodriguez -The New Star Of World Football

His goals were incredible, his celebrations just as good, the classy exuberance of James Rodriguez will live long in the memory of football fans across the world. His Colombia side had style but it was Rodriguez who made them tick scoring at least once in each of his country’s five games. After scoring six goals overall, one more than Germany’s Thomas Müller, Rodriguez received the Golden Boot award for being the top scorer at the tournament, while many voted his exceptional volley against Uruguay in the last 16 the best of the competition.       

 

8.       Brazil Capitulate In Their Own Backyard

It was known before the tournament that Brazil’s squad wasn’t the strongest in the country’s decorated football history. Yet the hosts still believed. Thanks to their vibrant fans and goals from the poster boy-superstar Neymar the Brazilian’s finished top of Group A before scraping past Chile and Colombia to set up a semi-final with Germany. That was where the dream unravelled. Neymar was ruled out for the rest of the competition with a broken back while Brazil’s centre back and Captain Thiago Silva was suspended after being booked in the quarter final. In their absence the German’s tore the nation apart capitalising on Brazil’s defensive frailties to humiliate them 7-1 leaving the scar of the country’s heaviest ever defeat. Upfront Brazil offered little to repel the German onslaught and it was a similar story in the third place play-off as the hosts were once again blown away in a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands which only added to their misery.  

 

 

9.       Messi Magic Fizzles Out In The Final

There are times when words simply can’t describe the talents of Lionel Messi and yet (in an Argentina shirt) there will still be questions asked of him. How can he be the world’s greatest player without a World Cup winner’s medal his critics will ask? But this was a tournament where his doubters were almost silenced. On paper his Argentina looked the part but in reality Messi was the one who was pulling them through.  In the group stages his last minute winner against Iran and exquisite free kick in a 3-2 victory over Nigeria were acts of genius. However as the completion developed and the opposition became tougher the Argentines had to rely on their solid defence on their route to the final. The stage was set for Messi to write yet another page in football’s illustrious history book but on the night it just didn’t happen for him. He received a small consolation when he was awarded the Golden ball for being the best player at the tournament, it was clear that Argentina couldn’t have reached the final without him.

 

10.   Germany The Best ‘Team’ Won

Argentina had Messi, Portugal Ronaldo but Germany had a team. They were young, ruthless and had a hunger to win, so don’t be surprised if their still around in another four years’ time. Their success was far from out of the blue and has been sculpted ever since Joachim Löw became head coach back in 2006. The majority of the squad who lifted the trophy in the Maracana on finals day had grown up together and been nurtured through a calculated German youth set up. Their work was clear to see and out of the 32 teams the Germans were easily the most complete, their robust midfield which frequently contained the trio of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira was the star attraction. Not only did they demolish Brazil in the semi-final they humiliated them and by all accounts handed out a footballing lesson. In Thomas Muller they had a goal scorer; in Miroslav Klose they had a record breaker as his two goals in the competition moved him up to sixteen World Cup goals one more then the previous record held by Brazil’s Ronaldo. Some questioned their lack of pace in defence but in their seven games on route to the crown the only conceded four goals and in the final the German backline was pivotal. For 120 minutes they neutralised the Argentina attack lead by Lionel Messi before substitute Mario Gotze struck an extra time winner to become the worthy champions.  

 
My Team Of The Tournament

4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper :  Manuel Neuer - Germany
Right Back : Philipp Lahm - Germany
Centre Back : Ron Vlaar - Netherlands
Centre Back : Mats Hummels - Germany
Left Back : Daley Blind - Netherlands
Centre Midfield : Javier Mascherano - Argentina
Centre Midfield : Bastian Schweinsteiger - Germany
Attacking Midfield : Neymar - Brazil
Attacking Midfield : James Rodriguez - Colombia
Attacking Midfield : Lionel Messi - Argentina
Striker : Thomas Muller - Germany

 

 

 

Spain's Reign Ends

Spain     0        Chile     2    

                                                     Vargas  19      Aránguiz 43 

 

 

The Spanish sides of 2010 and 2014 were both history makers but for very different reasons.

Four years ago Spain didn’t just win the World Cup in South Africa they won it in a way which changed the complexion of football, rebuilding the game around possession and keeping the ball. ”Tiki taka” as it was known, was the new way to play.



Sergio Busquets rues his missed second half chance

Yet four years on it’s a completely different story. Spain’s defeat to Chile last night ended their eight year dominance in which they had claimed a World Cup and two European championships; it certainly felt like the end of an era for a team which many had labelled as the greatest team of all time.  

But it was the manner they went out which was must disappointing. After being crushed 5-1 by Holland in their opening group game this was a match Spain had to win and in truth that never looked like happening.

Chile were more than worthy of their 2-0 victory following goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz. They were simply better in every department, playing with energy, passion and a policy to win the ball back quickly.

For 90 minutes Chile’s pressure was relentless, they rushed Spain into mistake after mistake, as their once winning tactics appeared outdated and ineffective. Could this be this be another sign that the game is moving on?

Following their defeat to the Dutch, Spain’s manager Vicente Del Bosque elected to drop the influential Xavi, the man who has been the backbone of the Spanish side during their success.

Nevertheless this was by no means a weak Spanish side, any team on the planet would crave to have a midfield containing Xavi Alonso, David Silva and Andres Iniesta. But on this occasion it wasn’t enough.

Over the course of the match Spain were in possession of the ball 63% of the time however they rarely threatened Chile keeper Claudio Bravo and were forever pinned back by a wave of white Chilean shirts

In comparison Chile were quick and sharp on the counter attack and took the lead on 19 minutes. Spain were caught in possession midway inside their own half and before they could recover Chile had broken away in force. Arturo Vidal played a neat through ball to Aranguiz in the Spain penalty area; he then had time to square the ball to Vargas whose calm touch took him away from Spanish keeper Iker Casillas allowing him to covert from close range.

Surely their would be a reaction from the defending champions, the side that had conquered Europe and the world in recent tournaments. But Spain never looked like coming up with an answer.

Their passing was off; even the usual reliable Alonso just wasn’t at the races. Upfront lone striker Diego Costa still appeared to be struggling with the same injury that forced him to be substituted in the early stages of the Champions League and looked well short of match fitness. The fluent elegant passing which has become the feature of the Spanish game was nowhere to be seen.

On the stroke of half time Spain’s situation went from bad to red alert. Alexis Sanchez went for goal from a promising Chile free kick which Casillas should have caught. Instead he elected to punch the ball away, a decision which proved costly as it dropped at the feet of Aranguiz who prodded the ball home to double Chile’s lead.

That proved to be the killer not only to the match but to Spain’s hopes of reaching the last sixteen. They desperately searched for a way back into the game but their chances were rare, Costa’s touch let him down when he was played through on goal, while Sergio Busquets squandered a golden chance when the goal appeared to be at his mercy.

However there was no bombardment at the Chile goal or a late onslaught to save the Spanish crown, as the Champions never looked like scoring and their immaculate run ended with a whimper rather than a fight until the end.

They become desperate only threatening Bravo in the Chile goal through long range shots from Iniesta and substitute Sani Carzorla, but both were a comfortable height for keeper.

Four years ago Spain made history in the way they won the World Cup, yesterday they made history as it was the first time the defending champions have been the first team sent packing. How times have changed and what will this unpredictable World Cup throw up next?

My England World Cup Selection

The countdown to the2014 World Cup has reached 32 days to go, but for Roy Hodgson the decisions have already begun. Tomorrow afternoon we’ll all know the ins, the outs, that player no one expected and the one that missed his chance as the England manager prepares to name his 23 man squad to take to Brazil.

Will he go for form, youth or experience? The wise choice would surely be a bit of each, but with many places still in doubt and opinions divided, there’s bound a talking point or two.

 

Here are the 23 players who I would take this Summer .

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart- Struggled for form mid-way through the season and lost his place in the Manchester City team, but since then England’s number one keeper has returned to the heights of two years ago and is Hodgson’s obvious first choice between the sticks.

Fraser Forster- At 6ft 7 Celtic’s keeper is an imposing figure to any striker. This season he set a new club record for the Scottish giants, keeping 11 clean sheets in a row and has played at the top level in the Champions League against the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan.

Ben Foster- After being a hot prospect at Manchester United, Foster’s chance to become one of the world’s best keepers appeared to peter out through a combination of injuries and mistakes. However after successful seasons at Watford, Birmingham and his current club West Brom, Foster is once again in contention for his country and could provide useful backup in Rio.

Defenders

Gary Cahill- Following the careers of Campbell, Ferdinand and Terry the current English centre backs have been left with big boots to fill, but if anyone looks like stepping up to the plate its Gary Cahill. Under new manager Jose Mourinho the Chelsea defender has had the season of his life and alongside Terry has been a major part of the Blues stern defence which has conceded less league goals than any other team this season.

Phil Jagielka- Everton’s captain has been in the core of the Toffee’s success ever since his move to Goodison Park in 2007. His 24 caps for the national team also show what a key part he has become in the England setup, where he has formed a decent partnership with Cahill, and the pair look set to be England’s first choice centre backs.

Glen Johnson- The Liverpool defender grabbed England’s vacant right back position with both hands following Gary Neville’s retirement. Now a regular for both club and country Johnson is relatively sound when dealing with his defensive duties but also carries a threat going forward. His 50 England caps accumulated under the management of both Hodgson and Fabio Capello show that he is a managers’ favourite and reliable choice.

Leighton Baines- His 22 appearances for England would have surely been more if it wasn’t for the consistency of Ashley Cole. However with Cole no longer a first team regular at Chelsea, Baines now looks ready to step up to the plate on the left side of England’s defence. This season has been another great campaign for Baines at Everton, where his crosses and set pieces have been a valuable asset to the Toffies 5^th place finish.

Phil Jones- United’s defender clearly has the attributes to be a top player one day, however at times Jones’ mistakes have suggested that he isn’t quite ready yet. It’s been a tough season all round for United but in Jones they have a defender whose strength, height and power mean he can play centre back, full back or even centre midfield. His versatility should also help England even if he only starts on the bench

Chris Smalling- Another United defender who has received some flack this season in the clubs fall from grace. However Smalling has been around the England setup for a while and has experience of playing for his country, he is strong, good in the air and would provide backup if Cahill or Jagielka became unavailable. Still only 24 he has time on his side and could still have a big part to play for England even if this season has been a minor blip.

Luke Shaw- England’s left back position has been a major talking point over recent months. With Baines almost certain to go as first choice, Hodgson must make the decision whether to take the experienced Ashley Cole or 18 year old Luke Shaw. Personally I would go for Shaw, while Cole has been sat on the Chelsea bench, Shaw’s performances for Southampton have been extraordinary. He defends well, picks his moments to get forward and could be the regular England left back in years to come.

Kyle Walker/ Micah Richards- If Kyle Walker recovers from injury and is fit enough to go he would be my back up for Johnson at right back. He’s been a regular at Tottenham all season and despite being a little suspect defensively he has bags of pace and gets forward with purpose. If Walker doesn’t recover I’d go with Micah Richards, who in my opinion is unfortunate not to be a regular Manchester City’s team. Despite only featuring twice this season he would be a solid replacement and can place centre or right back.  

Midfielders

Steven Gerrard- Captain for club and country, Gerrard’s ticket for Brazil must have been booked months ago. Despite his age this season at Liverpool has been one of his best where he has flourished in a deeper midfield role just in front of the back four. His range of passing is still as good as anyone on the planet and his passion and leadership will be crucial to help guide and motivate the rest of the squad. At 33 this could be Gerrard’s last chance of winning silverware with England and that should make him even more determined.

Adam Lallana- Southampton’s captain has simply gone from strength to strength this season bagging himself 9 league goals and contributing with 6 assists from midfield. His fluent passing and distribution of the ball has been a joy to watch and he thoroughly deserved his place in the PFA team of the year. In past tournaments it’s been well documented that England doesn’t retain the ball enough or for long periods, could Lallana be the player they have been crying out for?

Raheem Sterling- In the second half of this season Liverpool’s 19 year old wonder kid has took the Premier League by storm. His pace both with and without the ball has been a key part of Liverpool’s prolific attack which has blown many teams away this campaign. Under the management of Brendon Rodgers, Sterling’s confidence has reached an all-time high. His first goal against Norwich in April will be a contender for goal of the season, while his speed on counter attack can hurt any team.

Jack Wilshere- There are many who believe taking Wilshere is a gamble that’s not worth taking due to the question marks over his fitness.  After missing the back end of the Premier League season with Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has said that Wilshere will be ready for the World Cup, as far as I can see that’s a huge positive. Wilshere is another player who is good on the ball and can make decisive runs from midfield, Arsenal’s record with the 22 year old in the side is far better than when they are without him.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain- Another Arsenal youngster who has stacks of potential. Before this season Oxlade- Chamberlain was known for his pace and power on the wing, however this campaign “The Ox” , as he is known, has also become accustomed to playing a role in the centre of midfield where he has displayed some mature and assured performances. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s versatility could be big benefit for England and if his form continues the intelligent playmaker could become a regular for his country.

James Milner-The Manchester City midfielder has been the “safe option” for both Hodgson and Capello in recent tournament. He may not be a regular at City but Milner’s a solid midfielder who has experience, knowledge and can play anywhere in midfield. Milner is more defensive minded and different compared to England’s other option’s; he will provide a better balance to the team even if he doesn’t have the flair that some of his younger compatriots do.

Jordan Henderson- Like Sterling, Henderson has finally come of age in the red shirt of Liverpool this season. He’s been a regular at Anfield forming a strong midfield partnership with Gerrard, who’s been helped by Henderson’s extra energy and mobility in the middle of the park. His 34 league appearances alone show the big part he has played in Liverpool’s title bid, he’s also chipped in with 4 goals and 7 assists, so in my opinion he deserves his chance this summer.         

Ross Barkley- England’s promising youth doesn’t stop there and my final selection in midfield would be Ross Barkley. After loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds, the 20 year old play maker has now cemented his place in the Everton first team where he has thrived under new manager Roberto Martinez. His speed and power allow him to skip past defenders at will on the counter attack, he’s got the qualities to be match winner which could be crucial for England to progress

Strikers

Wayne Rooney- We’re still yet to see the best of Rooney in an England shirt, but this could be his year to step up to his best on the biggest stage. At times he has single-handily carried Manchester United through their toughest season for decades, scoring 17 league goals in 29 appearances. He’s undoubtedly a world class talent but the question is where his best position is? Personally I’d like to see him start in the number 10 position behind Daniel Sturridge where Rooney can create chances, link up play in midfield and ultimately score goals.

Daniel Sturridge- With 20 goals this season Sturridge currently sits second in the Premier League’s top scorers list, where he only trails his Liverpool team mate Luis Suarez. The question now is can Sturridge reproduce that form in the England jersey where he will more than likely receive less goal scoring opportunities than at Liverpool. In the past Sturridge has been played on the wing for England but this Summer I’d like to see him played through the middle as the main striker, the role he has more than succeeded in at Liverpool.

Danny Welbeck- It’s surprising Welbeck hasn’t been more of a regular at Old Trafford in Manchester United’s time of need. Many will argue that Welbeck doesn’t score enough goals or take his chances; however the 23 year old forward has shown what a threat he can be for both club and country. He can hold the ball up and bring team mates into play. He is powerful and can break away with purpose on the counter attack and can provide a useful outlet for England in Brazil.

Andy Carroll- There is always one player who sneaks into the squad at the last minute and this time I think it could be Carroll. Hodgson is likely to take either Carroll or Ricky Lambert for their height and aerial threat upfront, at 25 Carroll has time on his side over Lambert (32) and despite him not having too much game time at West Ham this season I would still take Carroll as England’s plan B to give them a different option.

And here’s why I wouldn’t take  

Michael Carrick- At the start of this season I would have said Carrick was almost certain to go, however this campaign he’s been a shadow of the player he was in Manchester United’s title winning side. He’s provided no assists from midfield and been caught out defensively on numerous occasions. At 32 his England days could be behind him.      

Frank Lampard- Now 35 Lampard is still going strong and has shown that he can still compete at the top level in this season’s Champions League. It will be a difficult call to leave Lampard out but Hodgson needs to think about building for the future and developing the young talent that he has on offer.

Ashley Cole- He’s been England’s reliable left back for years, but now it finally looks like it’s time for Cole to make way. He hasn’t been a regular at Chelsea this season and doesn’t have the same attacking threat that Baines does. In Luke Shaw England have a left back who, like Cole, could be an England regular for years to come which could mean he gets the nod at Cole’s expense.      

Ricky Lambert-When England were short of strikers in qualifying match against Moldova and Ukraine Lambert got his chance and impressed while representing his country. He’s had another good season for Southampton; however I would still take Carroll as I think he is more of a threat in the air and a bigger handful for defenders to deal with.    

Agree Or Disagree, who would you take?