2014 FIFA World Cup

[pink_triangle]

Brazil have seemed to have a poor world cup in my opinion. They could barely beat Chile and Colombia gave a good run for their money too (both played better than Brazil) and 7-1 can't really be over exaggerated. They're meant to be a "world class team" but they convinced the same amount of goals in 6 mins then England did in the tournament. Not really a world class team and 3-0 in the 3rd place play off ain't great either.

[mrtourette]

But they weren't exactly world-beaters in the remaining 80 minutes (they were pretty dire for the whole game), or in fact in any other game.

[pink_triangle]

But they weren't exactly world-beaters in the remaining 80 minutes (they were pretty dire for the whole game), or in fact in any other game.

[Andre91]

At 30 years old, Philipp Lahm has retired from international football. That's a big surprise for me, I thought he would definitely play in the next WC. He could have broken Germany's caps record if he had continued. What a player though, one of my favourite players of all time, maybe even the favourite.

[pink_triangle]

At 30 years old, Philipp Lahm has retired from international football. That's a big surprise for me, I thought he would definitely play in the next WC. He could have broken Germany's caps record if he had continued. What a player though, one of my favourite players of all time, maybe even the favourite.

[LondonTom]

I think its sad as he is still one of the best in the world in his position. I hate this new trend of players retiring as soon as thery hit 30.

[Gucci Piggy]

Will also allow younger players to come through and stake their claim for the next few tournaments. I think it's a good move by him, favouring the state of the squad over his own caps record.

[kaosmark2]

Huge shame IMO. I can get not going on until the next WC, but surely he could look to try and win the Euros?

[jump]

Huge shame IMO. I can get not going on until the next WC, but surely he could look to try and win the Euros?

[Andre91]

Unless he comes out of retirement just in time for the Euros, it has happened before with other players.

Edited July 18, 2014 by Andre91

[mrtourette]

You don't play well after a 10 mins like they had... Who was playing outstanding ? Even the Germans where slow to come good...

Edited July 18, 2014 by mrtourette

[mrtourette]

Argentina didn't excel either and nearly won the thing. It wasn't really a world cup for world beaters, even Germany struggled with ghana, USA and Algeria. The reason it was a great world cup for me was the top teams weren't great, while some of the average ones stood up, which made it very competitive.

[pink_triangle]

I don't share that assessment.... I also can't be arsed going on about it...

I would still say Brazil are 4th maybe 5th best side in the world....

[kaosmark2]

Spain were always going to have a bit of a bad time at some point. I reckon they'll still be a force at the Euros though.

[jump]

Spain are still a good side but you have to remember the last few years isn't the norm for them, before that they were on par with England as a team that at best gets to the knockout or quarters. I remember people use to say the same thing of it's "Spain time" every tournament just to see them booted out at the group stage.

[kaosmark2]

Spain are still a good side but you have to remember the last few years isn't the norm for them, before that they were on par with England as a team that at best gets to the knockout or quarters. I remember people use to say the same thing of it's "Spain time" every tournament just to see them booted out at the group stage.

Spain traditionally have been a bunch of talented individuals who've carried club tensions to the international stage. They've not fallen out as dramatically as the Dutch, but still not had the harmony to deal with a pressure situation.

[Gucci Piggy]

Agreed Germany, Argentina and Spain are probably better equiped in my opinion, however the next level down eg France, Holland, Colombia, Brazil, Belgium etc are all pretty close.

I think France are a better team than Brazil, and especially will be in a few years when the likes of Pogba and Varane are reaching their peak. I think them and the Germans will be the best teams in Euro 2016.