I told myself a few weeks ago that I would write this blog on a daily basis to offer my insights into the World Cup, but it hasn't really worked out like that I'm afraid. That said, I shall offer my thoughts on the tournament so far here.
I was disappointed to see England not only lose to Germany, but seemingly accept defeat long before the final whistle. Before the game, I thought the German defence could be got at, and perhaps their young team wasn't as good as others had claimed. How wrong I was. Despite our own shortcomings, one has to give an enormous amount of credit to Joachim Loew's side, who were solid and well organised at the back, and a constant threat on the counter-attack. Jose Mourinho would have been proud of such a display from his Inter side, who played the same style en route to their treble last season.
It is time that England take a good look at themselves. After a couple of days thinking about it, I don't necessarily think that Fabio Capello should go, nor do I think he will leave his post, but time must be up for several of the players for whom time is no longer on their side. The likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, maybe even Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand, should be considering their international futures now they are reaching the sort of age where players like Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes retired from England. As surprising - at the time - as those decisions were, they were ultimately right for all parties, and the England team, as Germany are finding right now, may benefit from containing youngsters who may not be household names, but who have plenty to prove and perhaps a greater hunger than those who have been there and done it at the highest level. Italy and France, two other teams with poor tournaments this time around, have got to do the same. International football is a cruel business, and name alone is no longer worthy of your selection in squads and teams.
England and Mexico lost their respective second round games despite the controversial decisions, not because of them, but that said, FIFA needs to reconsider its policy surrounding the introduction of technology. We don't need anything fancy like chips in the ball or cameras inside the post. All we need is for the referees to be able to look at the replays of the TV cameras. Maybe the manager could have the option of challenging a call, like in tennis and the NFL. Of course there is a lot to be done regarding rule changes, how games are stopped and restarted for example, but it is work that can be done if not will be. I said after the France v Ireland play-off that all it will take to bring it in is for a team to be cost a World Cup game by a wrong decision. People may say that these controversies may be the straw that has broke Sepp Blatter's back.
As I write, the second round is reaching its conclusion, so there is plenty of life left in this World Cup, but I will put my prediction out there of an Argentina v Brazil final, with Gonzalo Higuain winning the Golden Boot. (Incidentally, before the tournament I believed it would be England v Spain with Milito top scorer) Who would win that final? I look forward to finding out; it may even need penalties. Lets hope so. Although that method has its critics, there is no better way to decide a match, particularly when England aren't involved!
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