• WC2014 Day 32 Argentina 0 Germany 1 (aet)
    The World Cup Final – for both teams the goal of years of work. We hoped it would be played in good spirits. Would Messi have a role? Could the continental hoodoo be laid to rest? In front of Brazil and the whole world, the choice of champions would be made. We were surprised that […]
  • WC2014 Day 31 Brazil 0 Netherlands 3
    When Shels play well, the fans all yell, “It’s just like watching Brazil!” (Ironic? Yes, it is, I guess – we’re not too blessed with skill.) But have you heard the latest word on what the Brazil fan yells? In Portuguese, he cries out, “Jeez, it’s just like watching Shels!” …….. Like a shooting star […]
  • WC2014 Day 30 Rest Day
    Neymar’s smashed vertebrae, Tim Cahill’s volley, van Persie’s speed of thought, Casillas’ folly. Nigerians, Algerians, fate was unkind – all kinds of everything revolve in my mind. Rodriguez spectacular, Herrera’s song. Suarez’ face told us he had done wrong. Fred and Jo, English woe, Italians behind – all kinds of everything revolve in my mind. […]
  • WC2014 Day 28 Argentina 0 Netherlands 0 (4-2 pens)
    The night that followed the night before was doomed before it had begun. They beat themselves into a draw and two were whittled down to one. The match itself could not compare with what went on the night before. Comparisons aren’t very fair but even so, it seemed a bore. On Argentina’s national day, they […]
  • WC2014 Day 29 Rest Day
    Okay, another round of toasts and then we must be going. You were such entertaining hosts, the fare was fine and flowing. To bulging nets and skinny posts! To winds of fortune blowing! And one more drink to football’s ghosts and then we must be going. Okay, another round of drinks and then we must […]