Here’s a fun game: let’s compare World Cups.
After two days of action at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa only seven goals were scored. And it wouldn’t hit 15 goals until Day Four! Brazil 2014, on the other hand, sits on 15 goals after its opening four matches delivered some electrifying entertainment.
Given the evolution of football it was hoped that this year’s World Cup would deliver some positive attacking performances and so far so good, albeit after only two days of action. It could, of course, all dry up now and ruin everything for everyone, but I have hope.
2014 FIFA World Cup: Sportsnet.ca is your home for in-depth coverage of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. TV viewers can watch all 64 games on CBC and Sportsnet from June 12 to July 13. And be sure to watch Connected every night on Sportsnet for all of the latest news and analysis.
Here are my thoughts on the day:
• The biggest sign of hope is the number of really questionable back lines that are on show in Brazil. The fact that even Italy is having heart palpitations at the thoughts of defending these days should bring great hope to us all. Spain conceded two goals in 2010—two! Five got past Saint Iker on Friday! Chile were fun, but you always felt Australia had another goal in them from a set-piece to little big Timmy Cahill. Colombia, England, Argentina even, all with huge defensive question marks! Delicious.
• Not sure what to make of Spain’s humiliation at the hands of the Netherlands. The Spanish have brought us such joy that I felt genuinely sorry for players such as Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves, and Sergio Busquets—players who usually rub me the wrong way. It is one thing to lose horribly, but of major concern was the reaction, the body language, the apparent surrender. I haven’t seen that from a Spanish team since the days they were labeled as chokers. Chile is next up, and then we’ll know.
• As for Oranje? Wow! I wrote them off long ago. This was supposed to be a transition year, right? Absolutely brilliant in the second half, with the young up and comers providing the energy, and those vets providing the guile and killer instinct. Let’s hope Robben, RVP and company stay healthy. This could get good!
• Australia is the next challenge for the Netherlands, and as Chile discovered this will not be a walkover. In fact, many a come-down has been witnessed at the World Cup, and a nasty and direct Socceroos team could ask some questions of a young Dutch backline. To hell with predictions, though. I want to see the Netherlands keep this up.
• As for Van Persie’s diving header? It will be considered one of the great World Cup goals. One of those things we’ll deify by referring to it as “The Van Persie goal.” We should expand that to the “Daley Blind and Van Persie goal,” as the ball played in was as exquisite as the header was breathtaking. If, however, he’d have missed we’d probably whine that it should have been at his feet, but then we’re idiots.
• Cameroon came as advertised; lots of effort and steel, but absolutely no imagination. Mexico on the other hand looked to be closing in on a vintage edition. Perhaps the team psychologist erased the last two years from memory, and the players believe the Olympics happened a fortnight ago? Mexico was strong in awful conditions and if not for yet more atrocious officiating would have walked their way through this one.