Now that we've seen all the teams play let's have a recap of some of the best moments of round 1 of the World Cup group stages.
Best goals
We've seen some belters, plenty of penalties, a fair share of own goals and some fantastic counterattacking play, here are our top 3 goals so far:
Robin Van Persie (Holland vs Spain)
A goal that has sparked the first viral of the world cup in "Persie'ing" this incredible feat of ingenuity got people around the world out of their seats, clutching their heads and asking each other 'How did he do that?!'. This goal is quality not just because of the audacity of Van Persie's effort but also because of the cross itself, a perfectly weighted pass of 30 yards, its trajectory had the exact height and curve required to find Van Persie who was mid sprint. This will take some beating.
Arjen Robben (Holland vs Spain)
Officially the fastest ever sprint in a game of football (37 km/h), Robben blew Champions League winner and renowned centre-back Sergio Ramos away with an injection of speed. He made one of the fastest centre-backs around look slow, Senderos slow, and that's saying something, before having the composure to round Casillas and pick his spot in the top corner to evade the two Spanish players who'd made it back to attempt and cover the goal.
Lionel Messi (Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina)
With the weight of Argentina on his shoulders Messi delivered his captain's promise and dragged his team by the scruff of the neck and past a resolute, well-organised Bosnia side. This goal makes the list because it epitomises the great qualities Messi possesses in exceptional close control, dynamism and the finish which finds the only gap past an outstretched keeper. Without Messi on the pitch Argentina would have drawn, this goal was the difference.
P.s. Special mention has to go to Seferovic for his winner in Switzerland's match against Switzerland's match with Ecuador. Proper end to end stuff after a chance for Ecuador which could have seen the three points go the other way, proving just how fine the margins are at this level.
Best save
Ochoa's heroics for Mexico last night show the value of having a world class keeper between the sticks. Although the Mexicans played well in their own right the Brazilians surely would have taken 3 points if not for Guillermo having what he's called 'the game of his life'.
Guillermo Ochoa (Brazil vs Mexico)
Already drawing comparisons with Gordon Banks' 1970 World Cup save and being touted as the greatest save in a world cup ever, this is undoubtedly the save of the round and will probably go on to win save of the tournament. Neymar's powerful header looks destined for the goal until Ochoa appears from nowhere to get a big hand in the way, pushing the ball wide before collapsing into the goal. Watching in slow motion you can appreciate just how much ground the Mexican has to cover to get there in time, the final few centimetres achieved through a straining determination where every sinew is stretched to breaking point. Great stuff.
Worst fouls
Honduras vs France was ugly, Dirk Kuyt ugly, Alan Brazil in a dress ugly. There have been some tough encounters so far as teams facing skilled opposition have set out to break up play and get into the nitty gritty in the hope of snatching a draw. Here are some of the worst fouls :
Pepe (Portugal vs Germany)
Four years of waiting, preparation and training. You're there at the world cup finals representing your team and the hopes and expectations of a nation who with Ronaldo at the helm could do well. Then you lose it all and for what, to eskimo kiss a German. If you're going to go out with a headbutt at least do it like Zidane and take a chunk out of the guy. Redskull, sorry Pepe must be gutted that a moment's anger now means he won't feature for Portugal for the remainder of the competition unless by some miracle they qualify from the group.
Silva (Brazil vs Mexico)
With Brazil somewhat on the ropes and under pressure the pitch opened up when Javier Hernandes received a pass on the edge of Brazil's penalty area. Mid-turn Hernandes looked as though he had the beating of Silva. Little did he know that the Brazilian captain had absolutely no intention of trying to take the ball and completely cleaned the Mexican out with a horrendous scissor challenge. Lucky not to see red in my opinion and one of the many benefits Brasil have already experienced as hosts.
Wilson Palacios (Honduras vs France)
The entire Honduras team was out to break up France's enthralling passing style. The catalyst for France was the irrepressible Pogba and guess what they didn't take too kindly to someone actually trying to play the game. Wilson Palacios made it his personal duty to take out the Juventus man and we don't mean for a Nandos a la Adnan Januzaj. In one of many midfield tussles the former Spurs player appeared to stamp on Pogba, resulting in the Frenchman lashing out with his boot. Both players were lucky not to be sent off there and then which would have ben a shame considering Pogba's rough treatment. Palacios later got his comeuppance when he fouled Pogba later in the game for a penalty which Benzema converted.
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Monday, 16 June 2014
The Story So Far
Some information about the tournament so far:
Group A
Leaders - Brazil
Group B
Leaders - Netherlands
Group C
Leaders - Colombia
Group D
Leaders - Costa Rica
Group E
Leaders - France
Group F
Leaders - Argentina
Group G
Predicted Leaders - Ghana
Group H
Predicted Leaders - Belgium
Looking above at the list of group leaders there are of course some teams we'd expect to be sitting pretty at the top of their group and others who, after one game at least, must be as surprised as we are.
Brazil top group A after a nervy start to their world cup campaign and were it not for Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura could just as easily be joint second behind Mexico who through equally inept officiating only have one goal to their name after a convincing display against Cameroon, who look likely to finish last.
Recent history shows that Mexico are something of a bogey team for the Seleciao and the teams are tied based on head-to-head fixtures in recent years.
Brazil need to improve before they face the Mexicans as the 3-1 score line against Croatia flattered the hosts enormously and didn't show a fair reflection of how strong Croatia's chances of qualification are.
Be prepared for an upset on the 17th June at the Estadio Castelao Fortaleza when the hosts take on Mexico, which would leave the Brazilians in a perilous position if Croatia beat Cameroon as we'd expect them to.
The Netherlands provided the game of the tournament so far and one of the biggest shocks in their rematch of the 2010 world cup final. An apt way to show the world just how far the Flying Dutchmen have come in recent years they absolutely demolished the current world and european champions even after having gone a goal down, Alonso converting a deserved penalty.
Before the tournament Xavi, Spain's long-serving central midfielder, was quoted as saying 'We'll live or die by our passing game' enough said as this looks to be the beginning of the end for tikki-takka particularly after their heavy loss in the champions league, combined with Bayern's defeat at the hands of a more direct counterattacking Madrid side.
Robin Van Persie's goal was incredible, physics-defying stuff as he flung himself at a long through-ball producing a header the quality and power of which has not inspired in me such awe since Henrik Larsson's effort for Sweden in Euro 2004
For the rest of the game Spain looked second best and were caught out playing a high line on a number of occasions, the best example being Robben's stunning effort having out-paced defender Sergio Ramos in a 25 meter sprint from the half-way line. Subsequent analysis has shown this to be the fastest recorded sprint in any football match, clocking the Dutchman at 37 km/h, Usain Bolt runs at 42...
Chile too looked convincing against an Australia side likely to finish last in Group B. The interesting encounter will fall on the 18th June at the fabled Maracana when Spain take on Chile to decide whether like 2006 holders Italy they will fail to progress out of their group the tournament after they won it so convincingly.
A word of caution though, in 2010 Spain went on to win the tournament despite losing their opener to Switzerland so it may be a touch premature to write them off just yet.
Group C is one of the more open groups and Colombia have taken early control after a convincing performance against Greece. At 2-0 Greek striker Gekas missed a wonderful opportunity to score, his header striking the crossbar from close-range which may have swung the match in the Mediterranean's favour as they had begun to take control.
As the fates would have it they eventually slumped to a disappointing finish conceding a very sloppy third goal which could cost them as I have a feeling goal difference will play a part in this group. The match was also eventful for this celebration after Colombia's opener.
Ivory Coast are also strong contenders to finish top with a glittering array of superstars at their disposal who's quality proved to be the marginal difference in their narrow victory over Japan. Gervinho's sizzling form in Serie A looks to have followed him to Brazil and he could be a dark horse for top goalscorer if the Ivorians progress from the group as we'd expect them to.
Group D now where nobody would have predicted Costa Rica to be top of a group that contains three former world cup champions in Italy, England and Uruguay. Joel Campbell looks to be one of the rising stars of world football and should he continue to demonstrate excellent hold-up ability combined with pace and a fierce shot (as he did for Olympiacos in the Champions League) then Arsenal could have a few european club representatives waiting for them outside London Colney come August.
Uruguay looked disappointing but upon the reintroduction of Luis Suarez expect that to change, ominous for England who face Los Charruas in Sao Paolo on the 19th June.
Italy looked good as they always do in competitive international football (leaving aside their dismal performance in South Africa) and showed an abundance of quality in midfield that enabled them to dictate the tempo of the game against England.
The Lovely Reds have written a review of the England vs Italy match in which we offer our opinion on both sides, but what we will say is that England are by no means out having given one of the best performances of any side in the tournament so far, it just happened to be against a slightly stronger, more experienced Azzuri outfit.
Group E and France have laid their mark as dark horses for the competition lead by an imperious Pogba who will undoubtedly be the target of renewed interest from sides such as Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United. Pogba offers something the French have not had for some years and held his own superbly against a very physical Honduran team.
The Juventus man won the French a penalty for the first goal, which Benzema finished with aplomb (England players take note) and the Real Madrid striker would have netted the first hat-trick of the competition were it not for the post and Honduras keeper Noel Valladares who's fumbled attempt at stopping the ball meant it went down as an own goal given by goal-line technology, the first example of this revelatory system being used to great effect.
Late drama in the other match of Group E as Switzerland scored with the last kick of the game to beat Ecuador, despite having gone 1-0 down in the first half. In what was a blistering display of counterattacking potency Switzerland's move began when Valon Behrami made a great last-ditch tackle on the edge of the Swiss penalty area before storming forward, in a way reminiscent of Fabio Cannavaro against Germany, ending with Seferovic turning in a low cross in emphatic fashion. I think it took the Swiss a second to comprehend the magnitude of the goal as it could be the crucial difference in what will be a very closely-fought group.
In Group F Argentina have won their opening match against a very organised and surprisingly impressive Bosnia side. I suppose it is unjust to say surprisingly as they qualified out of a tricky Baltic group, however given it is their first ever world cup I don't think many were expecting Argentina to struggle as much as they did.
In the end the irrepressible Leo Messi scored a mini Maradona, dribbling past 3 Bosnians before rifling in a low, well-placed shot and sealing victory after the Argentines took an early lead from a deflected header.
Don't be surprised however if Bosnia also qualify in second place, the quality of their opposition in Iran and Nigeria will be evidenced in tonight's match at the Arena da Baixada Curiti.
In Group G I have Ghana down to be group leaders after one game as they face USA, whereas Germany and Portugal face off in what should be a closely-fought encounter. The overall quality of Germany should see them victorious, however as has been proved in many instances so far, the open and fast-paced nature of this world cup has favoured teams who play in a counterattacking style, as Portugal do lead by Ronaldo.
Finally in Group H you would expect Belgium to be group leaders after one game and stay that way until the end. Competition in the form of Algeria, Russia and South Korea is relatively stern but nothing the likes of Hazard and co. can't handle. If they do it in the group stages who knows how far they could go in their first tournament as genuine contenders to reach the latter stages.
In the meantime for more world cup content follow @thelovelyreds on twitter for more in-match analysis and commentary.
Group A
Leaders - Brazil
Group B
Leaders - Netherlands
Group C
Leaders - Colombia
Group D
Leaders - Costa Rica
Group E
Leaders - France
Group F
Leaders - Argentina
Group G
Predicted Leaders - Ghana
Group H
Predicted Leaders - Belgium
Looking above at the list of group leaders there are of course some teams we'd expect to be sitting pretty at the top of their group and others who, after one game at least, must be as surprised as we are.
Brazil top group A after a nervy start to their world cup campaign and were it not for Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura could just as easily be joint second behind Mexico who through equally inept officiating only have one goal to their name after a convincing display against Cameroon, who look likely to finish last.
Recent history shows that Mexico are something of a bogey team for the Seleciao and the teams are tied based on head-to-head fixtures in recent years.
Brazil need to improve before they face the Mexicans as the 3-1 score line against Croatia flattered the hosts enormously and didn't show a fair reflection of how strong Croatia's chances of qualification are.
Be prepared for an upset on the 17th June at the Estadio Castelao Fortaleza when the hosts take on Mexico, which would leave the Brazilians in a perilous position if Croatia beat Cameroon as we'd expect them to.
The Netherlands provided the game of the tournament so far and one of the biggest shocks in their rematch of the 2010 world cup final. An apt way to show the world just how far the Flying Dutchmen have come in recent years they absolutely demolished the current world and european champions even after having gone a goal down, Alonso converting a deserved penalty.
Before the tournament Xavi, Spain's long-serving central midfielder, was quoted as saying 'We'll live or die by our passing game' enough said as this looks to be the beginning of the end for tikki-takka particularly after their heavy loss in the champions league, combined with Bayern's defeat at the hands of a more direct counterattacking Madrid side.
Robin Van Persie's goal was incredible, physics-defying stuff as he flung himself at a long through-ball producing a header the quality and power of which has not inspired in me such awe since Henrik Larsson's effort for Sweden in Euro 2004
For the rest of the game Spain looked second best and were caught out playing a high line on a number of occasions, the best example being Robben's stunning effort having out-paced defender Sergio Ramos in a 25 meter sprint from the half-way line. Subsequent analysis has shown this to be the fastest recorded sprint in any football match, clocking the Dutchman at 37 km/h, Usain Bolt runs at 42...
Chile too looked convincing against an Australia side likely to finish last in Group B. The interesting encounter will fall on the 18th June at the fabled Maracana when Spain take on Chile to decide whether like 2006 holders Italy they will fail to progress out of their group the tournament after they won it so convincingly.
A word of caution though, in 2010 Spain went on to win the tournament despite losing their opener to Switzerland so it may be a touch premature to write them off just yet.
Group C is one of the more open groups and Colombia have taken early control after a convincing performance against Greece. At 2-0 Greek striker Gekas missed a wonderful opportunity to score, his header striking the crossbar from close-range which may have swung the match in the Mediterranean's favour as they had begun to take control.
As the fates would have it they eventually slumped to a disappointing finish conceding a very sloppy third goal which could cost them as I have a feeling goal difference will play a part in this group. The match was also eventful for this celebration after Colombia's opener.
Ivory Coast are also strong contenders to finish top with a glittering array of superstars at their disposal who's quality proved to be the marginal difference in their narrow victory over Japan. Gervinho's sizzling form in Serie A looks to have followed him to Brazil and he could be a dark horse for top goalscorer if the Ivorians progress from the group as we'd expect them to.
Group D now where nobody would have predicted Costa Rica to be top of a group that contains three former world cup champions in Italy, England and Uruguay. Joel Campbell looks to be one of the rising stars of world football and should he continue to demonstrate excellent hold-up ability combined with pace and a fierce shot (as he did for Olympiacos in the Champions League) then Arsenal could have a few european club representatives waiting for them outside London Colney come August.
Uruguay looked disappointing but upon the reintroduction of Luis Suarez expect that to change, ominous for England who face Los Charruas in Sao Paolo on the 19th June.
Italy looked good as they always do in competitive international football (leaving aside their dismal performance in South Africa) and showed an abundance of quality in midfield that enabled them to dictate the tempo of the game against England.
The Lovely Reds have written a review of the England vs Italy match in which we offer our opinion on both sides, but what we will say is that England are by no means out having given one of the best performances of any side in the tournament so far, it just happened to be against a slightly stronger, more experienced Azzuri outfit.
Group E and France have laid their mark as dark horses for the competition lead by an imperious Pogba who will undoubtedly be the target of renewed interest from sides such as Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United. Pogba offers something the French have not had for some years and held his own superbly against a very physical Honduran team.
The Juventus man won the French a penalty for the first goal, which Benzema finished with aplomb (England players take note) and the Real Madrid striker would have netted the first hat-trick of the competition were it not for the post and Honduras keeper Noel Valladares who's fumbled attempt at stopping the ball meant it went down as an own goal given by goal-line technology, the first example of this revelatory system being used to great effect.
Late drama in the other match of Group E as Switzerland scored with the last kick of the game to beat Ecuador, despite having gone 1-0 down in the first half. In what was a blistering display of counterattacking potency Switzerland's move began when Valon Behrami made a great last-ditch tackle on the edge of the Swiss penalty area before storming forward, in a way reminiscent of Fabio Cannavaro against Germany, ending with Seferovic turning in a low cross in emphatic fashion. I think it took the Swiss a second to comprehend the magnitude of the goal as it could be the crucial difference in what will be a very closely-fought group.
In Group F Argentina have won their opening match against a very organised and surprisingly impressive Bosnia side. I suppose it is unjust to say surprisingly as they qualified out of a tricky Baltic group, however given it is their first ever world cup I don't think many were expecting Argentina to struggle as much as they did.
In the end the irrepressible Leo Messi scored a mini Maradona, dribbling past 3 Bosnians before rifling in a low, well-placed shot and sealing victory after the Argentines took an early lead from a deflected header.
Don't be surprised however if Bosnia also qualify in second place, the quality of their opposition in Iran and Nigeria will be evidenced in tonight's match at the Arena da Baixada Curiti.
In Group G I have Ghana down to be group leaders after one game as they face USA, whereas Germany and Portugal face off in what should be a closely-fought encounter. The overall quality of Germany should see them victorious, however as has been proved in many instances so far, the open and fast-paced nature of this world cup has favoured teams who play in a counterattacking style, as Portugal do lead by Ronaldo.
Finally in Group H you would expect Belgium to be group leaders after one game and stay that way until the end. Competition in the form of Algeria, Russia and South Korea is relatively stern but nothing the likes of Hazard and co. can't handle. If they do it in the group stages who knows how far they could go in their first tournament as genuine contenders to reach the latter stages.
In the meantime for more world cup content follow @thelovelyreds on twitter for more in-match analysis and commentary.
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Rumble in the Jungle
Let's begin with some encouraging facts in the aftermath of England's defeat.
1) England have never failed to qualify from the group stages of every World Cup in which they have featured.
2) In 2010 Spain went on to win the World Cup in South Africa despite losing their opener to Switzerland.
3) Uruguay, the highest ranked team in the group just got their arses handed to them on a silver platter by a Costa Rica side who are there for the beating.
Now I'm not saying that England are destined to win the competition for losing their opener, or maybe I am, but an opening defeat is by no means a disaster.
I think we can all agree that there were some extremely encouraging signs in the form of a bandy legged, mohicaned starlet named Raheem Sterling (who incidentally grew up down my road) and behind only Pirlo the best player on the pitch by a country mile.
This was a far more evenly contested match than their last competitive meeting in the quarter finals of the Euros in 2012, where the match went the full 120 minutes. Deadlock was decided by penalties and Pirlo's Panenka, despite the best and slightly deranged efforts of shampoo model and part-time footballer Joe Hart.
In that game Italy dominated both possession and chances created but couldn't find a winner. By contrast this was a match in which for spells England were the dominant force, peppering the Italian goal and keeping the Italians penned into their own half.
Ultimately however the Italians proved to be just a touch stronger, victorious through a combination of dazzling midfield control and experience to be composed when in possession higher up the field. They picked their moments well, Marchisio's finely placed long-rage effort found the bottom corner whilst Balotelli did his job well and converted the one clear opportunity he had, small differences which hopefully England will improve upon. The key phrase here is 'small differences' not gaping chasms of disparity between a great Italian side and a ponderous lackluster England outfit.
Right now on to how sh*t Rooney is....just kidding, sort of. Undoubtedly a talented man I just want to validate the following paragraph by saying that I consider Rooney to be a top player but not an England winger. As Hoddle said on yesterday's BBC show play him in his preferred position or don't play him at all.
Yes Rooney's perfectly weighted cross assisted Sturridge for England's equaliser but his lack of defensive experience proved to be England's undoing as both of Italy's goals started with a marauding Darmian and Candreva down Italy's right flank. Baines was left high and dry without any semblance of defensive cover and was overwhelmed and outdone by overlapping full-back play to which England had no answer.
Many will argue that Rooney has to play but why not play him in place of Wellbeck and put Milner on the left, a man who is as good going forward (Manchester City vs Bayern Munich) as he is defending. It may dampen our forward speed a touch but could be the difference between qualification and going home early, particularly with Costa Rica's Joel Campbell in scintillating form and Suarez due to return for Uruguay, two players who enjoy pulling wide and finding space between the centre backs and full backs. Baines needs to be able to concentrate of doing his job and Milner will give him confidence to do so.
Some encouraging signs then based on Costa Rica's demolition of Uruguay. England's comparative strength at set plays versus Uruguay's obvious lack of height and confidence at defending crosses should prove to work in our favour.
Similarly the obvious problems Uruguay had when defending Joel Campbell should prove an indicator of how well they will fare against our versions in Sterling, Sturridge, Wellbeck and co. the message being more of the same please, with some added defensive nous and a deeper lying Steven Gerrard to provide an extra bit of solidity when defending. Alternatively we could kidnap Pirlo and force him at gunpoint to repatriate as an Englishman (the process involves shaving off the beard and starting a highly publicised affair with an aged prostitute) which should hold us in better stead for the remainder of the competition.
Uruguay next, Suarez, Godin and Perralta tasty wild-eyed lunatics with a history of doing well on the world stage but nothing the lovely reds can't handle. Both teams out for points to stay in the competition, two losses for either will most likely spell an early exit. For the first time in a long time I am genuinely excited by watching England play so thanks Raheem Sterling, even if you did try and mug me in year 10.
See you on Thursday!
In the meantime for more world cup content follow @thelovelyreds on twitter for more in match analysis and commentary
1) England have never failed to qualify from the group stages of every World Cup in which they have featured.
2) In 2010 Spain went on to win the World Cup in South Africa despite losing their opener to Switzerland.
3) Uruguay, the highest ranked team in the group just got their arses handed to them on a silver platter by a Costa Rica side who are there for the beating.
Now I'm not saying that England are destined to win the competition for losing their opener, or maybe I am, but an opening defeat is by no means a disaster.
I think we can all agree that there were some extremely encouraging signs in the form of a bandy legged, mohicaned starlet named Raheem Sterling (who incidentally grew up down my road) and behind only Pirlo the best player on the pitch by a country mile.
This was a far more evenly contested match than their last competitive meeting in the quarter finals of the Euros in 2012, where the match went the full 120 minutes. Deadlock was decided by penalties and Pirlo's Panenka, despite the best and slightly deranged efforts of shampoo model and part-time footballer Joe Hart.
In that game Italy dominated both possession and chances created but couldn't find a winner. By contrast this was a match in which for spells England were the dominant force, peppering the Italian goal and keeping the Italians penned into their own half.
Ultimately however the Italians proved to be just a touch stronger, victorious through a combination of dazzling midfield control and experience to be composed when in possession higher up the field. They picked their moments well, Marchisio's finely placed long-rage effort found the bottom corner whilst Balotelli did his job well and converted the one clear opportunity he had, small differences which hopefully England will improve upon. The key phrase here is 'small differences' not gaping chasms of disparity between a great Italian side and a ponderous lackluster England outfit.
Right now on to how sh*t Rooney is....just kidding, sort of. Undoubtedly a talented man I just want to validate the following paragraph by saying that I consider Rooney to be a top player but not an England winger. As Hoddle said on yesterday's BBC show play him in his preferred position or don't play him at all.
Yes Rooney's perfectly weighted cross assisted Sturridge for England's equaliser but his lack of defensive experience proved to be England's undoing as both of Italy's goals started with a marauding Darmian and Candreva down Italy's right flank. Baines was left high and dry without any semblance of defensive cover and was overwhelmed and outdone by overlapping full-back play to which England had no answer.
Many will argue that Rooney has to play but why not play him in place of Wellbeck and put Milner on the left, a man who is as good going forward (Manchester City vs Bayern Munich) as he is defending. It may dampen our forward speed a touch but could be the difference between qualification and going home early, particularly with Costa Rica's Joel Campbell in scintillating form and Suarez due to return for Uruguay, two players who enjoy pulling wide and finding space between the centre backs and full backs. Baines needs to be able to concentrate of doing his job and Milner will give him confidence to do so.
Some encouraging signs then based on Costa Rica's demolition of Uruguay. England's comparative strength at set plays versus Uruguay's obvious lack of height and confidence at defending crosses should prove to work in our favour.
Similarly the obvious problems Uruguay had when defending Joel Campbell should prove an indicator of how well they will fare against our versions in Sterling, Sturridge, Wellbeck and co. the message being more of the same please, with some added defensive nous and a deeper lying Steven Gerrard to provide an extra bit of solidity when defending. Alternatively we could kidnap Pirlo and force him at gunpoint to repatriate as an Englishman (the process involves shaving off the beard and starting a highly publicised affair with an aged prostitute) which should hold us in better stead for the remainder of the competition.
Uruguay next, Suarez, Godin and Perralta tasty wild-eyed lunatics with a history of doing well on the world stage but nothing the lovely reds can't handle. Both teams out for points to stay in the competition, two losses for either will most likely spell an early exit. For the first time in a long time I am genuinely excited by watching England play so thanks Raheem Sterling, even if you did try and mug me in year 10.
See you on Thursday!
In the meantime for more world cup content follow @thelovelyreds on twitter for more in match analysis and commentary
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