A Final da Copa do Mundo

Brazil 2014 World Cup Final Two fixtures and my predictions for both of the games. 

A final da copa do mundo. The World Cup final. And so it was; the summer of football, the hours of binge watching games, the multiple fights with the family over the tv remote, the skills, thrills and damned right abismal spills are all coming to an emotional end this Sunday with the World Cup reaching it's final climax. The Rollercoaster is almost over, we have watched on as history has been made and that's just the record number of times a man has bitten another man on a football field. We thank you Brazil, not only for the times we've cried but for the memories, our teams may not be in the final but the samba spirit has brought the world together. Gracias and until the next time farewell. 

Saturday 12th July, 21:00GMT...

3rd Place Playoff...

Brazil 1-1 Holland (Brazil W/Penalties)...

David Luis can officially say that he went from boy hood hero, to Brazillian worldwide zero. In a thrid place playoff against a decent Dutch side, Scolari's squad have to pull up their socks and start chirping that redemption song. Neymar and Silva are the obvious proven back bone for Brazil but with the young poster boy still out, they'll be stripped of a goalscorer; however Silva will return from suspension so the back four have a born leader again. Fred and Hulk have flopped harder than a raw pancake on shrove Tuesday this tournament, so if you are expecting goals from these two, I'd think again. I genuinely feel for the fans and travellers that have embraced the Brazillian fever, so I believe that it's only fair that the boys in yellow pay them back by finishing the tournament thrid.

Onto the Oranje and I must say they've been a sturdy threat throughout but my gosh, some of their fixtures have been dull. After Van Gaal already wormed his way through one penalty shoot out with mastermind tactics, it was only inevitable that they'd crumble in the second; it's unlucky they couldn't break down the Argie bus as this would have seen a better game. Good old, jack of all trades master of none Dirk Kuyt at right back had an promising game previous and against Brazil I presume we'll see the same. The three at the back, two wing backs layout will work a blinder playing against a poor attack but again a goal drought is due; Brazilia's back four will be extremely tight. Score draws and bore draws have been all over the Dutch, so again it's going to be the same. Brazil should bag it with big Caesar between the sticks though. 

Sunday 13th July, 20:00GMT...

The Final...

Germany 3-1 Argentina...

Well, Germans being Germans they had to make it to the final didn't they?. Every Englishman's worst nightmare, the two teams they didn't want in the finale went on to make it. After "Müllering" Brazil, Germany will have their stern sights set on smashing in another South American giant and it wouldn't be the first time. Last time these European ballers met up square with the Argies they gave them a game to forget by nailing them 4-0. Up until the semi's I wasn't convinced with the Germans but any team that pulverises the host nation by six goals deserves to win it. Hummels is built like brick and Neuer is purely unstoppable and that's only the defensive game. Thomas Müller can still snatch that golden boot off of Rodriguez and what better way to do it that in the final?, His marksman like shooting can secure the cup and Klose will be there in support after securing the scoring record. The thing that scares me most is that these guys are so young and have at least another two competitions ahead equalling eight years of footballing dominance?.

Rumour has it that Messi is not only the main man on the pitch but talks the tactics in the changing room too. Ever since previous to the tournaments start I've fancied the Argentinians to win it but they haven't done diddly squat to earn it. I'm very shocked they've made it to the final after the post group performance's but they're their but it's not going to be easy for them. Mascherano stated what it's like to play with passion when you pull on your countries shirt by crunching into every tackling going and bouncing up from concussion; for the first time the midfield looked more than a Messi surrounded mash. Rojo, Zabaleta and Lavezzi have been mentionably impressive but I don't think this team has enough to contain the German cannon. Legends will be made and stories passed on; History can only be written by the victor, so I hope you can understand Deutschland's home tongue.

World Cup - The Final 4

Brazil 2014 World Cup Semi Final Fixtures and my match by match predictions. 

And then there were four. Many came and most failed but a few of the world's best footballing nations have shown what it takes to make it to the World Cup semi finals.

Tuesday 8th July 21:00GMT...

Brazil 2-0 Germany... 

The host nation are within touching distance of creating a tear teasing, historic event by edging that ever bit closer to the World Cup final. A win would see them head into Sundays final as heavily backed favourites, not because they are Brazilliant at football but because they have a twelfth man in the form of a country behind them. Last Friday they studded me as an on looker by beating the best performing team in the competition and this stated that they won't back down to nobody. Even though they have lost young Neymar to a deadly injury, I still think they have enough passion and skill to defeat anyone; David Luis is a fine example after scoring his thumping thirty yard free kick then proceeding to errupt in emotion after.

Someting tells me that Germany just aren't going to have a pleasant ride in this fixture and are going home empty handed. In the game previous they put up a solid, stereotypically disciplined performance but when it came to attacking there was no finesse at all. Hummels and Neuer may be the Deutschland's only saviours here but it's in the goals department where they are really going to struggle. Muller vs. Luis will be extremely thrilling but overall I think the Brazillians will out samba the boys from Europe. 

Wednesday 9th July 21:00GMT... 

Argentina 1-1 Holland (Holl Win ET)...

Manchester United fans will expectedly be counting their chickens before they hatch after this World Cup. It seems to me that after off loading poor Mr.Moyes they've dug their way to find a genius gem. Luis Van Gaal has brought his overlooked Flying Dutchmen to the semi finals of a World Cup after some degree level footballing tactics have been showcased; Costa Rica are the most recent of victims after his brave move to bring on Newcastle keeper Tim Krul for the penalty shoot out. But was it Krul's unclassy craftiness that won the game or purely the touch of a tactical god?. Say what you like but there is no denying that Holland have been outstanding and put on a audacious deal of class consistently through the tournament. Yes, Robben is arguably a cheat but he shouldn't overshadow the brilliance of an aging Sneijder or punish the skill of a high flying Robin Van Persie. 

With the Argies, again as I said previous, they haven't been all what was expected of them. There is enough pressure on little Lionel Messi to make the poor guys legs collapse and with nothing going for him or towards him from the other ten players around him, they're struggling. The smallest glimmer of a chance can only come from Madrid's Di Maria but even his fitness is quietly low; they have come this far with what has been dubbed by many as "the easy route" but the hard hitting Holland boys won't be so light on them. A question that beckons on this spicy square up is whether or not Higuain will be able to follow up from his last game goal and whether the blue and white back men will cope with Hollands pacey attack. Looking back on past scores from these two leads me to a draw but in extra time the legs and talent from the Dutch bench can carry them to a classic final. 

World Cup - The Final 8

Brazil World Cup Quarter Final Fixtures with a match by match prediction. 

So now we are down to the super eight and this summers footballing festival is drawing to a tearful close. After what I would say was a rathe dull round of sixteen, we'll see some sizzling showcases of the beautiful game in the quarters. Hopefully this cluster of match ups can give us the spine tingling sports we all know from the opening set of the World Cup. 

Friday 4th July...

Brazil 1-2 Columbia...

Here we go again, another phenom in the form of an all America's duel; Brazil look to retake home of the trophy but country neighbours Columbia will have other thoughts. Even without their superstar Falcao, Columbia have been the most brutal and best team throughout the tournament; James Rodriguez and his crew have cut down every team in their path with the veteran Yepes bossing the back line. Brazil on the other palm have been lack luster and for star studded line up they possess, they haven't particularly caused chaos. Although they are the host nation, I just don't think they'll have enough to stop Columbia's ruthless attack let alone breakdown the marine like disipline in defence. We saw the Brazillians cut it fine against Chile and as Columbia are that much more stronger, I'm going with the away team snatching it. 

France 1-0 Germany...

These two are both thoroughly formidable in defence and are by a mile Europe's most elite squads. It's so unfortunate that the two had to meet in the quarter finals but as we all know too well there can only be one winner. Up until now the French really haven't been shaken up by another top quality squad but in this fixture I'm sure they'll expect otherwise. This being said the German's did draw blank against an Algerian side in the quarters and at many points they did look like conceding cheaply. Per Mertesaker had a nightmare previous and to be honest I've seen milk turn faster than him. No doubt about it France v Germany will be the hardest game to predict from the quarters as both teams have so much talent. All in all the power in young Pogba mixed with the style of Valbuena is going to give Les Bleus that much needed advantage and I'm going with a one goal win.

Saturday 5th July...

Holland 2-0 Costa Rica...

Myself and every other England fan will be hanging our heads in shame, not only could this be England in Costa Rica'a position but we could have had our own back on the Dutch. Sadly for Costa Rica I think they've have ridden their luck too long, surely they haven't got enough to get through to the semi final?. Fulham will be pig sick after off loading the Costa Rican captain as he's been the hero for the men in Red not to mention that South American spirit that lifts them every game. Louis Van Gaal will be looking to end his international rein as World Cup winner and what better way to do it than alongside the striker of your next club. His relationship with RVP is better than Ant and Dec's and that bond creates a love enough to score goals. The only thing I despise about the Dutch is Robben because of his swan diving antics; even admitting to it makes me hate him even more and to be honest even Tom Daley would be impressed after his Olympic styled efforts.

Argentina 0-0 Belgium...

These two squads should be genuinely ashamed of themselves after their quarter final conundrums. I'm going to put it out there as football fixtures than send you to the land of Zzz as the games they showcased didn't bag a goal until over the ninety. So much expectation but so little life, these teams should be doing a lot better. Argentina are far too reliant on Messi and at times I felt sorry for the guy, in the other eleven Belgium just can't seem to gel but luckily with Kompany at the helm they can manage to keep a clean sheet. Be disappointed and expect for the worst because I don't feel any samba is going to jazz up this one and I'm going for a 0-0 draw. To sum it up it's penalties with a capital P and the Argentines are going to progress. 

World Cup - The Last 16

Brazil 2014 World Cup Final 16 teams and the fixtures we have ahead. 

Okay I have to admit it, my pre-tournament predictions were a little bit off and yes, they were probably worse than Andy Townsend's commentary but who would predict Algeria sneaking through?. With the final sixteen getting underway Saturday it's my chance for redemption and predicting my way to mystic footballing wisdom. After a few shock exits and a couple of boogie side qualifiers we have some meaty fixtures lined up.

Saturday 28th June...

Brazil 3-2 Chile...

The first fixture in the final sixteen see's a South American showdown in the form of the host nation Brazil squaring up to South America's self proclaimed 'bad boys'. Anywhere else in the world I would have gone with a Chile win but because Brazil are running on home pride, this will push them past the post. Some crunching tackles from Chilian defenders will be expected and they will be trying to stop Neymar with every strength but I think the samba men are going to take this one on patriotic electricity and pure skill. 

Columbia 2-0 Uruguay...

Columbia have been by far one of the stand out team of the tournament, not only have they been superbly consistent but also remained down to earth and professional in every game. The bright, creative style in which they play is going to cause the Uruguayan defence choas and I don't think they are going to be able to contain Alexis Sanchez's lighting pace. Now without Jaws (Luis Suarez), the away team will struggle to bag goals much like they did against Costa Rica so chance's will have to be taken when they are given; unfortunately for Uruguay I don't see them making it and to be honest I don't think they deserve to progress.

Sunday 29th June...

Holland 3-1 Mexico...

No team was overlooked more at the start of the competition than Holland and no one would have ever thought they would have been gifted this route to the final either. After steam rolling their group and flattening a limp Spanish squad along the way the Flying Dutchmen (literally with Van Persie) are cooking on gas and no team is going to get in the way. The Mexican's may have the heart but Herrera won't be able to manage his bandito's past the Dutch wall; Van Persie is back from his ban this game as well and he'll certainly have that golden boot in mind with a few goals on the tally. 

Costa Rica 1-2 Greece...

If anyone in the world would have predicted this draw to be pulled up I would take my hat off to them, eat it, regurgitate it then eat it again. An absolute shocker with Costa Rica qualifying top of group D then Greece snatching a late penalty against the Ivory Coast to steal the second qualifying spot completing the unthinkable and simply mindblowing fixture. This game is anybodies from a neutral perspective but when it comes down to the crunch the Greeks have that raw passion and experience required when it comes down to perfoming when they need to. After this match up I presume a few shots of Ouzo will be shot down in celebration. 

Monday 30th June...

France 3-0 Nigeria... 

To say I was impressed by the way France got underway in this tournament would be an understatement. From the outset they looked to be on a mission to start a revolution and put the French name back on the footballing globe and I think it's fair to say they've done it so far. However Nigeria have looked shakey and with a reasonably easy group, they were expected to qualify so there is no shock they did so; it's going to take some serious quality to beat the French which they definitely don't have. I'm predicting Benzema to get back on the high horse and saddle up to get that golden boot like I predicted from the start, by banging in some more goals. 

Germany 4-0 Algeria...

Yes you did read that right, it is Algeria and who worse for them to wind up against than some drilled Germans. Reminiscent of robots both in disciplinary and in structured strength the Germans look a force not be wrecking with; both Müller and Götze are young but have unbelievable talent and a better record than every Algerian player put together. I guess you could say it was fun whilst it lastest but sorry Algeria it's time to go home, at least you did more than England, Spain and Portugal. Who knows maybe if they beat Germany they could go on to win it?. 

Tuesday 1st July...

Argentina 2-1 Switzerland...

In the Swiss' first group game I wasn't too impressed by the way they played and they certainly didn't live up to the fifa ranking they boast. Argentina in the other hand have picked up the pace but again I still don't feel they've given everything they have; maybe Messi finally switched on in the last game and will bag more to get that memorable world class status. Overall I think the South Americans will want the win more and with the incentive of an "easy" route to the final the boys in blue might follow in Maradona's footsteps into lifting that trophy. Switzerland should be outclassed and out played but this is the World Cup after all, anything could happen.

Belgium 1-1 USA...

Belgium have been the "hipster" choice from the beginning of the year as they have built a squad from youth and are considered the dark horses of Brazil. This being said the Belgie's are firing blanks if you ask me; the hype surrounding this mediocre premier league squad has built a pressure too much, causing a lapse in performance and giving off no signs of real enthusiasm. On the other end you have the US team where they've given a rebirth to "soccer" in the nation and fuel off of winning; with this the commitment will be there to steam into Belgium but won't be enough to win the game. In the end I'm going to go with a draw but Belgium having the legs to take the game in extra time. Perhaps Edin Hazard and Lakaku can finally start to shine in this World Cup. 

England's Future

What Roy and his boy's need to do next to regain a top quality status...

You wouldn't believe it, then again we are English, so yes it's possible; yet again we have spiralled ungracefully out of a World Cup and for the first time since 1958 we failed to make it out of the group stage. I suppose the only thing to take from that record is that the England boys of old went on to win our only World Cup eight years later in '66. 

The media can quick to pin point risky Roy's tactics or Rooney's repeated World Cup failures but what really went wrong and where do we go from here?. Beg to differ but changing Hogson as the man in charge is something that could only do worse and further more crumble the start of a squad foundation, this is the start of something new and for things to be brilliant we need time and experience. Brazil can be a big learning curb for the budding stars in the squad and come next competition they'll be two season's deeper into being professionals. Take a look at the Belgian team for example, they are living proof that keeping trust in a manager and working around the youth can spell a sparkling future. 

Qualifiers for the next Euro event which is in 2016 can be the birth of our transformed era. With players like Steven Gerrard hinting at a retirement and Ashley Cole already taking the plunge, Roy should be biting the bullet and willing to risk everything with his team. Rooney can only have a few years left in his international profession so the first step up should be easing him out as a sub in order to embrace this fresh start. If Gerrard was to retire we'd have to see a new captain and by this I mean someone who's going to be a cert in the team with a passionate English stronghold. Now in my mind the only two sure candidates would have to be the big man Joe Hart between the sticks as he's got his hawkeyes on the field infront of him at all times and has shown much pride to wearing the three lions number one. On the other hand the next candidate would be Gary Cahill as he has a commanding persona in the back four and states confidence and strength at both levels of football (international and club). 

Give Roy the job until at least the Euro's and let the man have a little time to work some magic. If we fail to qualify that's a risk he's got to be willing to take because otherwise we'll still be reliant on the hasbeens and as a nation our famous quote of "maybe next time" will be one we say for the rest of our lives.

The starting XI I'd like to see for Euro 2016 and the qualifiers... 

Joe Hart (GK & Captain) 

Luke Shaw (LB)

Gary Cahill (CB)

John Stones (CB)

Jon Flanagan (RB) 

Jordan Henderson (CDM)

Jack Wilshire (CDM) 

Raheem Sterling (LW)

Ross Barkley (CAM)

Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (RW) 

Daniel Sturridge (ST)

Key Players...

At this tournament a few players have caught every Englishmen's eye and excited us when they picked up the ball; the two players in question are Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling. In the first game against the Italians, young Raheem gave everyone a close to death, cardiac arresting experience as his caressed shot brushed the outside of the net, only to deceptively go wide. From this moment on the starlet sparked up a gear and relentlessly ran at the heart of Italy and scare wing backs senseless (literally against Uruguay) but unfortunately ran out of energy by the sixty minute mark. After a few more years in the game Sterling will gain stamina and skills, only to make himself one of the best wingers in the game. Not only Raheem but England's future also heavily relys on Barkley as this baller has superb strength, is fearless and will shred defences like pulled pork. Everytime Ross stepped onto the pitch he upped the tempo and turned on a style unlike any other Englishman but the reason he didn't start is because Hogson wasn't ballsy enough to drop his favourites in Welbeck and Rooney. This Everton lad can be a repeat of Wayne Rooney except he'll live up to the world class status, all you can say is watch this space, Barkley will be our game changer we've always needed. 

World Cup Predictions

Goosebumps are rising and nerves are tingling as only two days until the ultimate footballing spectacle known as the World Cup kicks off. In this article I'm going to give you the run down on my predictions group by group but also the top Goalscorer and final winners; so enough of this whistle blowing, let's get this kicked off.

Group A...

Qualifiers - Brazil & Croatia...

With everything going for them Brazil are a sure shot to qualify the group, seeing as they're the favourites to win the competition, the host nation and possess some of the most gifted footballers to grace the grass you'd be a fool to say they won't make it to the semi's at least. The South Americans back four has similar traits to concrete slabs and won't be broken down easily. My second choice for this group comes in the form of Europe's outsiders in Croatia. The squad has some solidarity and goalscoring ability as they have proven strikers like Mario Mandzukic and Hull Cities Nickica Jelavic; last time round in the Euro's Mario ended joint top goalscorer alonside a few other players. In midfield the Croatians have some serious experience in Luka Modric and not only that but they have the multi capped Kranjcar bulstered the center; it's going to be a struggle to say the least if Mexico or Cameroon are hoping to pull anything from this tournament.

Group B...

Qualifiers - Spain & Holland...

Spain's superiority in the footballing world will continue to dominate this summer and the ex world champions should smash the group. Some sports fans are saying that the mediterranean men don't have enough fire power and will fall short of their previous success but I beg to disagree. An in form Diego Costa mixed in with some La Liga superstars spells goal's with a capital g, meaning that these Spainiards will romp the group to victory. Obviously I've gone with Holland to qualify as runners up because the other teams in the group really don't pose a threat. Van Gaal is hosting his last tournament as the Dutch manager and his bonded relationship with players such as Van Persie will create fluent football; for some reason the flying dutchmen seem to cause major upsets and with some prestigious players expect them to reach the last sixteen.

Group C...

Qualifiers - Columbia & Ivory Coast...

This group has to been one of the hardest to predict out of the festival of football, every single team has some fantastic players, patriotic dressing rooms and a sparkling track record. An easier choice of the two was certainly Columbia despite the recent loss of their superstar Falcao. It's only of current years that the squad has really made a name for themselves and they should develop into a bright future. They have a battleaxe in Yepes at the back who has 97 caps and to sting in some goals Porto's prolific striker, Jackson Martinez. To qualify second, I've gone with my heart's choice, my second team.. the ballers that are Ivory Coast. Yes, the Greek may have the fighting spirit of a thousand spartans but not even that can stop the boulder like Toure brothers and the ex world's best Didier Drogba; the African nation has a quality past as they have won the African Cup of Nations a few times and also pushed into the finals of many world cups.

Group D...

Qualifiers - Italy & England...

Not many countries have the style and finess that the Italians have; no matter what the circumstance they remain calm, disciplined and yet maintain a great professional performance. Everytime they are asked to deliver, they do so as in past tournaments the success rate has been so high. Pirlo and Co will look to get far again this year again and with the beast like Balotelli feeding off young Lorenzo Insigne you may see a few goals netted. The same scenario appears every World Cup, will England repeat the '66 year? Will they make it out of the group? Will Suarez crush the dreams?. Well to that I say England will qualify. This year no pressure is on the lads as Roy's young starlets are the new breed of the national squad; we've already seen Lallana tourment defenders and Sturridge curess some cute finishes so we must believe. Get behind the boys and fill up your jug with patriotic passion, we will qualify. 

Group E....

Qualifiers - France & Switzerland... 

Everyone is overlooking the French squad this year as other teams are looking far too much for anyone to handle and also Frank Ribery is missing out because of an injury but don't be quick to rule them out. They have already proven in the World Cup warm ups that they aren't messing around by scoring right passed Jamaica and four passed Norway; I've got a feeling the top Goalscorer is going to be a Frenchman as well. Don't be suprised if they make it to the semi's. My second choice is going solely on experience and caps with the Swiss as every tournament they seem to remain consistent. For many years the squad has been recognised as a decent footballing nation and if you face them, you shouldn't expect a walk in the park. Ecuador have been praised to nick second but the big man, route one attack won't work against the veterans in the Swiss defence. 

Group F...

Qualifiers - Argentina & Nigeria...

Most football fans I know are backing the Argentinians to win the tournament so topping the group should be a sure breeze. They potentially have the easiest group out of the competition and the best strike force to go alongside that nicely, if the South Americans fail to qualify I'd be extremely shocked. Nigeria is a possibly controversial decision but I feel it's sensible; they won the most recent African Cup of Nations and have some real battle torn players. For some of the squad this will be the last World Cup they play in with Ameobi and Yobo both notching up the years but this gives the Africans more incentive to kick up a storm. 

Group G...

Qualifiers - Germany & Portugal...

This is such a coincidence that this group is group G as you'd only feel one thing if your nation was drawn into it and that is gutted. Probably the hardest group at the World Cup because you won't get no bypasses against the hard working teams on show. The best European squad in the Germans have got a lot to prove and are the the only team from Europe that are actually considered challengers to win the cup; since last time round players like Götze and Özil have had a chance to develop, giving the German boys a boost to that big time reputation they've always had. Portugal are a shaky pull but if recently selected worlds best player Ronaldo is fit you may see them do well. Without their talisman this group could prove intersting as USA are no pushovers. All in all I'm going with the Potugese as they have the better squad but this group could get seriously tasty. 

Group H...

Qualifiers - Belgium & Russia

Well you could say you can't make a dramatic enterance into the footballing scene overnight but then again you didn't see Belgium coming. The European squad is being back to the hills to cause some upsets this year and it's not a suprise looking at the unbelievable depth in squad they have. From Kompany to Lakaku and Coutoris to Janazai, this team has more stars than above the Brazil badge and will be the best chance they have had yet. Every other team in this group is limp and weak but to pick out a tiny diamond in the rough, I'd have to go with Russia. Sadly whoever scrapes through in second will surely get shot down in the last sixteen so don't go cheering if you pull one of these out in a sweepstake.

Overall Winners - Argentina...

One of the easiest groups, some of the worlds best players and a cheeky rivalry with the host nation can forsee another World Cup in the argentine trophy cabinet. For Messi to be remembered as one of the all time greats like Pele, I believe that he has to prove himself as an all round international and shine above the rest in a massive tournament; this year he could do that and with the backing of his quality squad mates and a worldwide fan base the front man will make a massive difference if he performs. Not only that but it's rarer than the World Cup trophy shiny sticker that any European team has won a World Cup on South American soil. Brazil may be the favourites but as a spectator I just don't feel they have enough and Neymar might crumble under the pressure after being the competitions poster boy for so long. It's going to be a memorable affair but don't hold back on the Argetinians steaming to the final with no scrapes. 

Top Goalscorer - Karim Benzema...

France have turned over squads in the friendlies scoring a whopping amount of goals and with a few defences that are weaker than a sparrows legs in the group you can expect a serious goal difference. Ecuador and Hounduras will flop on the relentless attack of the French Revolution and the midfielding maestros are going to tee Real Madrid's Benzema up for a goal filled buffet. I've backed a Frenchman over an Argentine because they only have a couple of goalscorers where Argentina have more than a few that can bag a finish; the French are definitely going to be a bogey team when they qualify, so I'm expecting big things. Karim Benzema, watching this space, he's worth a punt. 

World Cup Survival Kit

Your Must Have Items That Will Get You through the Emotional Rollercoaster That is the World Cup!!!

With the World Cup in just over twenty days, every footballing nation around the globe will be fuelling themselves with nostalgia, patriotic passions and a stash of their favourite alcoholic beverage. Being a English boy, born and bred as we well know, this summer probably won't be easy, so I've devised a survival kit to get through the cup, keeping the fever alive... Even after we are battered and buried. 

Panini Sticker Album...

Now I know what a lot of people are thinking and yes most of you are grown adults but the World Cup comes once every four years. Yes, you may get some odd looks checking out at the till whilst buying packs but these people clearly don't understand World Cup fever; if worse comes to worse, self checkout. Imagine the feeling of nostalgia when you pull out your favourite player or even better the craved shiny that has number uno on the back. Get your mates involved and have a crack with this awesome piece of memorabilia, not only that but if England do win.. Keep it handy as it may be worth a bob or two. 

The Brazuca Ball...

Once again adidas have been given the prestigious job of creating the official ball for the competition and, at no suprise, they have created a real beaut. The brazuca has a basic, yet capivating design boasting the brilliance of adidas furthermore. Subtley placed vibrant colours highlight the host nations samba vibe and helps to give a unique ball that will sit nicely next to your collection of World Cup footballs. 

Booze and a Really Big Fridge...

All the football watching has been proven to be extremely hard work, tiring both emotionally and physically and above all else, dehydrating. An essential item for any fan is a large fridge or at least a portable one; some people push out the classic box coolers for sheer ugliness and size but when you're on the edge of your seat gasping for refreshment, you won't be complaining. The fridge comes in handy for storing any meaty snacks but most importantly pleanty of booze. Stack it full of your favourite beverages to build your self up for celebration as no one likes a warm beer but be certain to keep a bottle of the hard stuff nearby because a couple of shots of spirits will wash down your sorrows. 

Designer Get Up...

So you want to be patriotic and support your team but you feel a bit of an idiot donning the nylon jersey? Look no further because some top designers have conjured up some serious street worthy cloth. Brands like Fred Perry, Adidas Originals and Hugo Boss have got the memo the World Cup is on with the designers popping up thrilling threads for the summer. The items range from fresh trainers, polo shirts and classic tracksuits which all badge various teams from the competion; it's certainly worth bagging one of these stunners to get you aboard the Brazilian boat. 

An African Underdog...

Every footballing festival, without question, pundits and fans will write off all the African teams. The nations are unfairly overlooked, sitting shyly in the shadows of the big nations that normally win it leaving them long shots to do any damage. From this cup onwards I have pledged to have an African team as my "second team" giving the underdogs that bit of recognition they need and I think everyone else should too. I'll never understand why people shoot down the nations as they bolster some serious players, for one Ivory Coast host ballers such as Yaya and Kolo Toure, secondly the Africans bring a vibrant energy to the world like we witnessed last tournament. Not only that but they pull off some pearler kits and yet again puma have really brought colour to competition with some stand out strips. 

Sofa Side Bookies...

Everybody loves a little dabble on the footy now and then, meaning that the World Cup is no excuse to scrimp back on placing those bets. It's essential nowadays to get yourself the app of your favourite bookmakers making it easy for you to bet where ever you like. There's no more throwing on clothes to make a quick dash to the bookies, only to get poor odds on a bet you so desperately want to place, in this century everything can be done at the click of a button and better still in play. Don't miss out on grabbing that instinct you have that could leave you pennies up in your pocket and download the apps now. 

Now you have your survival kit ready, kick back, relax and get ready for the ride to begin because now, more than ever your nation needs you!. Get behind the boys in Brazil and pick up where South Africa left off by witnessing the greatest sporting specticle in modern times. Last but not least... COME ON ENGLAND. 

England Unveil Kits

Today, England have finally released images and information on the home and away kits they will be showcasing during this summers World Cup in Brazil. Here I have images of both strips, along with a review on my opinions on the new get up. 

HOME SHIRT: 

Design - 6/10 - This England kit really does lack any kind of excitement, some may say it foreshadows the type of football we have been playing in recent friendlies. An all white kit just lacks that tiny bit of colour, even a slight hint of blue could make it better. With a somewhat classic feel to it, everything has been stuck to its original roots, examples are the badge's and the colour, I really dislike the V-Neck collar also as it just doesn't possess that shirt like style; it would seem a lot of teams have gone for this approach this World Cup letting the colourfulness of Brazil shine through. An area I do like is the fact they haven't gone over the top and pulled out a shocker like an early 90's prem kit, perhaps as kit developers Nike have matured to show class. 

Relevance - 9/10 - Key area's this strip has kept with is the relevance it has with pre-successors, so things like the retro aspect with placement of the badge highlight the '66 champions, they have also stuck with the single star above the three lions to show the nation has won the cup before. The fact that England have had a solid crest for so long shows commitment and confidence stating that we as a nation are the three lions, always with our team. 

Comparison to Last Kit - Last years kit was under looked I feel, as it was a brilliant representation of a classic style kit that was still nice to look at; this year, it's again a classic kit but it just isn't so easy on the eye. The blue round neck, the blue shorts and the trimmed socks just cut through the white, giving an even balance and the crest was decorated beneath with a classy banner but now it's just a pure white drop with such a lack in many departments. Overall the previous years' kit was a real winner over this new, lack luster strip. 

AWAY SHIRT: 

Design - 8/10 - When it comes to home and away, for some strange reason the away kit always sits head and shoulders above the home in all area's. Again, this rule has proven true as this new England away strip has a real touch of class and has kept true to it's roots. A royal red shirt tipped with a neat round neck collar, keeping the traditions of an England shirt works well and is almost a rouge reflection on the previous years home shirt. White shorts and the red trim along with the red socks seem to sit so swell, side by side with the classic shirt design, giving of a real fanciful football kit feel. 

Relevance - 9/10 - All credit has to go to Nike and the kit designers here, as much like they did with the home kit, they have nailed it's relevance to England as a national side. The attention to detail upon the reflection of previous kits, the positioning of the three lions on the heart and also the lone star above the crest all need to be highlighted as they are what give the England squad their personality. Ever since Nike has made the shirts they have had real class, maturity and patriotic aspects giving a nation a great set of strips. 

Comparison to Last Kit - This ones a seriously tough comparison to last years away kit, as the only thing that really seperates the two is the fact that last years had a polo neck collar. If I were to wear a kit as a fan I'd prefer last years because the polo feel goes with more clothing but as a footballing strip this years just pips it at the post. Both look great and are awesome kits so I don't think I can choose a winning strip. 

Overall it doesn't matter about the kit that the squad is wearing, it's about how the men who have earnt it perform. What looks to be a young, inexperienced England squad going to Brazil, they must show much like the kit they are wearing, maturity, class and hints of heroes from the past, hopefully giving us a nation something to be proud of. One things for certain is that this summer is going to be a fantastic footballing showcase with pleanty of stunning action.