Lionel Messi led his team to a hard-fought victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last night, proving he has the capability to help Argentina win the World Cup. Messi bagged the second goal in the 2-1 win to kick-off Argentina's World Cup campaign. There has been plenty of pressure on Messi to perform, as the final comparison to Maradona is to lead Argentina to World Cup glory, as Diego did in 1986. Whilst Messi is not alone in a star-studded Argentina squad, he has been given the talismanic tag, heavy in responsibility. His performance last night was far from his Barcelona best, but the goal … [Read more...]
Has Spain’s domination come to an end?
In their first game of this World Cup, Spain were handily defeated by the Netherlands 5-1. Even more worrying than the score line was Spain’s second half capitulation to the Oranje. It was not the performance worthy of a World Cup champion and consequently, the question (or gleeful exclamation) asking if Spain’s 6 year run of excellence is over has been widely discussed. Eric Duffy looks into whether Spain can bounce back this tournament. The truth of the matter is the answer will remain unknown until Spain face Chile in their next match on Wednesday. If Spain comes out, controls the match, … [Read more...]
Avoiding Brazil a priority for Spain
As reigning World and European titleholders, Spain’s only mission in this World Cup is to continue their winning ways and retain their trophy again, as Eric Duffy explains. Although they may not be the odds on favourite to win (that would be Brazil), due to the obstacles—injuries, unfortunate refereeing decisions, weather, luck, etc. — all teams will face during the tournament, Spain has as good as a chance as any of the other top teams. In a tournament like the World Cup, these uncontrollable events are what make the difference between victory and defeat. The team that ends up hoisting the … [Read more...]
Shilton: Casillas can break my record
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton says that Spain captain Iker Casillas can break his record for World Cup clean sheets this year. Shilton, who also holds the record for number of England caps at 125, kept 10 clean sheets in his World Cup career and is tied for the record with France's Fabien Barthez. Spain's captain Casillas currently has 7 shutouts, but could potentially play in another 7 games if he makes it to his second consecutive World Cup Final in Brazil this year. "Personally I hope he doesn't break it!" Shilton said. "It is possible for him to get the record but I hope he … [Read more...]
Infographic: England’s Road Through The Group Stages
England face Italy on Saturday night in the jungle city of Manaus, which will look and feel like a very close encounter, not least because of the humidity! Apart from the stifling conditions and dodgy playing surface, what else do we know about the Arena Amazonia and England's other World Cup venues? Thanks to this handy infographic below from Hertz, you can find out all the details about each stadium Roy Hodgson's men will be representing the Three Lions in, so you can follow England in Brazil this summer. And, if you dare to dream, the graphic also shows England's potential route to the … [Read more...]