World Cup 2014

[pershoreharrier]

I think Hodgson has done the best with what he has available. The problem is that much of what he has are very average players at this level and that is not going to get you very far.

What does encourage me is that Hodgson is looking to moving us in the right direction by clearing out some of the older and frankly somewhat arrogant players and bringing in the younger players who do not have that attitude issue.

Whilst the Premier League continue to dominate English football it is hard to see where a crop of English world quality players will come from sufficient for us to be real potential World Cup Champions again.

[redandwhitemike]

Heard by the most respected commentator Alan Green describing England's performance in this world cup as " the worst he's seen
other than Hondurus" and using adjectives such as woeful and wretched

Mike, I wouldnt take anything the esteemed Mr Green says seriously, especially after his insulting comments on non-league a few years ago. :???:

England's not really his team anyway, he's Irish.

I know he can be a bit controversial, but I like his commentary - so much better than your average(?) monotone pundit/commentaor.

Phil Neville anyone

[Hartleburyharrier]

Re Suarez, apparently Liverpool are looking to offload him and the favourites to sign him are Borrussia Munchenyercentreback.

Apparently, Suarez was very disappointed that he didn't get to play against Germany, as he's quite partial to a shoulder of Lahm !!!!!

I'll get my coat.

[TJU'S]

Anyone who thinks Englands performances were the worst he'd ever seen has a short memory 4 years ago in S Africa has that dubious honour. We did as well as could be expected with what we've got. We went out in good company Spain Italy Portugal all of whom would have expected to do better especially Spain

[pricey5]

Anyway enough about England, its been a great tournament so far with some entertaining games.

Brazil have been very average and yet have now made it to the QF's. I though Chile had won it at the end but the bar came to brazil's rescue. Let's hope Colombia continue to impress and knock out Uruguay!

[Hartleburyharrier]

Brazil have been rubbish, it will be a farce if they win it, so lucky against Chile. So nice to see some of the unfancied teams doing so well, and even better if one of them win it. Let's just hope that the Krauts get knocked out next !!!

[Grenoble Harrier]

Celebratory scenes in France after les Bleus seal a convincing win against Nigeria. Could be potentially chaotic scenes later on when Algeria play, what with the historical ties and the large, hugely passionate Algerian population here. And if Algeria go through, then it's France vs. Algeria in the quarters...

[ograzebrook]

Credit to Algeria. So entertaining and they came so close. Fantastic spirit.

[garthrockett]

Probably best all round it wasnt ultimately France vs Algeria:

With 17 of the Algerian squad born in France it would effectively have been France 'A' versus France 'B'.
But given the nationalist wounds that still fester since the Algerian Civil war of the 1960s whatever the match result the Guard de National would have been depressingly busy in some areas of France . :???:

[Grenoble Harrier]

I agree. The relationship between the two nationalities is strained at the best of times.
It was chaotic last night, even before the Algeria game:
http://www.ledauphine.com/isere-sud/2014/06/30/la-victoire-de-la-france-se-fete-a-grenoble

[garthrockett]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2679995/Luis-Suarez-set-complete-80million-Barcelona-48-hours.html

What the chances of the ban being overturned now?

[redandwhitemike]

BRAZIL 0 GERMANY 5............YES FIVE after 30 minutes .............................

[garthrockett]

Some Asian betting cyndicates will make a killing tonight.

[Lovejoy]

Possibly the most embarrassing semi since I went to see Brokeback mountain with my dad!!!

Felt sorry for Julio Cesar tonight, the last time a Brazilian faced that many shots he was jumping a barrier in Stockwell.

[garthrockett]

Possibly the most embarrassing semi since I went to see Brokeback mountain with my dad!!!

That's very good Lovejoy mate, is it copyrighted or can I use it as well?

Looking at the Brazilian fans' shocked and numb faces , I thought " welcome to the real world of football chaps, we fans of mere mortal teams feel like that on a regular basis !!"