The New Gods

While the modern day heros strut their stuff on the world stage in the evolution of ancient amphitheaters and colossal gladiatorial pits, The Lovely Reds has been in Greece, the original land of the gods. This got us thinking, if the great stories of Homer were rewritten today who from the world of football would be cast as Zeus and his fellow deities?

Zeus - the king of the gods, the big daddy, this has to be Pele whose face has been attached to every piece of merchandise going during the tournament. Interviewed by every major news station and shown in the stands whenever he attends a fixture, Pele is the original footballing deity and his fame has forged a path for others to follow in his footsteps.

Hermes - The messenger to the gods, Hermes was known to be light of foot, carried by his winged shoes. Arjen Robben the swift-footed Dutchman set a new record sprint during the tournament's group stages, and has continually left players in his dust on delivering the ball to goal.

Dionysus - the god of wine and festivities. Judging from this article, Andrea Pirlo (who actually owns and runs his own vineyard) knows how to have a good time on the old sauce.

Atlas - 'the man with the weight of the world of the world on his shoulders' could be a number of players, from Leonel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. But of all the great individuals to feature in this world cup, Neymar more than any other player, is carrying the expectations of not just a  nation, but the world squarely on his slight shoulders  scratch that, with Neymar's cracked vertebrae it shows that he's not an immortal, Leo Messi it is can he shake the demon of underperforming for Argentina and bring home the cup?

Poseidon - Lord of the Ocean. For taking an alleged dive Nigeria's goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama for flapping limply at a crossed corner, leaving the ball for France's Paul Pogba to head home and then posing with the goal scorer after the match!

Ares - the god of war. This could be the entire Honduras squad who were intent on reducing every match to a bloodbath in the pursuit of the hallowed clean sheet. Other individuals like the Netherlands' Nigel De Jong are infamous for their bloodlust and penchant for chest high challenges. But in homage to our Greek theme and for 15 years service to one of the hardest working teams out there, Georgos Karagounis would be Ares for his love of a good old midfield scrap and his warrior-like qualities. Special mention to Nigeria's Emmanuel Emenike.

Hades - God of the underworld, his face worn in a evil smile, Hades wears a cloak made from the souls of the damned and sits atop a throne of bones. Luis Suarez. Hated by everyone apart from the Uruguayan press, he is the harbinger of pain and suffering (just ask Chiellini).

Nemesis - Goddess of revenge. There are a few revenge stories from this world cup, the Netherlands demolition of Spain in the group stages, Algeria's heroics against Germany (although they fell just short) A special mention to the Cameroon squad who took revenge on their national footballing federation, who were late on paying the players their appearance bonuses. By playing poorly and leaving the competition early, those players sure showed the beaurocrats who's boss....

Hecate - Goddess of ghosts, Wayne Rooney for being non-existent (yet again).

Nike - Goddess of Victory........

Best of Round 1

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.