Van for long haul
The 2014 World Cup has seen the return of total football, with the Netherlands side looking devastatingly good going forward and competent enough at the back to go all the way. Their 5-1 obliteration of holders Spain made everybody stand up and take notice, and this Dutch supporter enjoyed it so much he decided to get the enduring image of Robin Van Persie's diving header tattooed on his back. Underneath another tattoo, which may or many not be Louis Van Gaal. It's no Van Gogh.
Messi’s jersey worth the trouble
After Iran’s opening 0-0 draw with Nigeria the players were under strict instructions not to swap shirt with the opposition as the Iranian Football Federation are presumably too skint to get another set. Skipper Javad Nekounam blew caution to this warning however, claiming the prized number 10 jersey of Lionel Messi as he went to swap pendants before the match. The FFIRI may not be too impressed, but I doubt he’ll be too fussed - and you can’t really begrudge him.
No cash comeback
Philantropist of the week - Sulley Muntari. The Milan midfielder was videoed handing out cash to locals on the streets of Meceio where his Ghana side were based before their clash against Germany. Unfortunately for Muntatri referee Sandro Ricci wasn’t feeling quite as generous, booking the Ghanaian in the dying stages of the 2-2 epic meaning he’ll miss the Black Stars must-win against Portugal.
Confused comment
Commentry of the day - Clive Tyldesley tried to clear up any shirt based confusion ITV viewers may have been having during the Argentina Iran game by letting us know it was commonplace for the Iranians to have their Christian names on the back of their kits. Errr...
Jagielka looking for an explanation
Everton centre-half Phil Jagielka has been at a loss trying to explain England's poor defending at the World Cup which sent them packing after only two games.
Jagielka said: “We are absolutely gutted and trying to figure out where we are - it’s gut-wrenching. In the first game against Italy we played pretty well but we didn’t get the result we wanted.
“You hope your fortune changes for the second one but it’s nearly a carbon copy.
“We played well in patches but you look at the goals we conceded against Uruguay and we aren’t particularly happy with either of them.”
Best way of explaining England’s defensive horrorshow in Brazil? Maybe it’s ‘cause they had Phil Jagielka at centre-half.
Art attack for England fans
It’s not all doom and gloom for England fans. They may be heading for an early flight home, but the Sao Paulo Museum of Art has taken pity, and is offering free entry for all England supporters. Should provide a nice cultural alternative to singing ‘10 German Bombers’ and throwing plastic garden furniture at Brazilian riot police.
Queen off the hook as Balotelli misfires
The Queen can take her lipstick off after Italy’s 1-0 loss against Costa Rica on Friday. With England needing an Italy victory to stay in the competition, Mario Balotelli had requested a kiss (on the cheek) if the Azurri took three points. He won’t be getting a Royal smacker, however, as he was absolutely useless for 90 minutes.
Heads or tails?
Nigeria and Iran’s World Cup future could depend on the toss of a coin - or the drawing of lots. If the Super Eagles lose 1-0 against Argentina, and Iran beat Bosnia 1-0, then the two sides would be level on every single variant and their fates would be solely dependant on lady luck, rendering one of them the tournament’s unluckiest side.
Word of mouth...
"Shearer's comment is idiotic; one of the most idiotic things you could possibly hear, and from someone who played football. It's a shame." - Dani Alves was less than impressed with Alan Shearer after his comments about Brazil strike Fred during the hosts 0-0 draw against Mexico. Shearer had a point as Fred - who many people had backed to be tournament top scorer - was rubbish.
Number of the day - 15
That’s how many goals Miroslav Klose has now scored at the World Cup after his equaliser in Germany’s 2-2 draw with Ghana, drawing level with Ronaldo. Is there a better example of a player who is brilliant at International level but decidedly average domestically?
By the numbers - 5
The number of times Andrea Pirlo sprinted during the Italy v England game. Midfield partner Marchisio topped the list with 47. Pirlo obviously subscribes to the old adage of letting the ball do the work.
Quote of the day:
"Thanks be to God, the little guy rubbed the lamp in the last minute and we won." - Sergio Aguero was mightily relieved after Lionel Messi's last minute bit of genius won Argentina to three points against Iran.
