FIFA World Cup 2014 !

[Rollo]

Yet again the Murdoch dominated press chooses to ignore the world's biggest sporting tournament by filling up its newspapers with the result of some throwball (Rugby League) match where two teams played extremely dourly.

Australia has performed much better than I would have expected thus far.
They have scored 3 more than I expected and conceded 6 less thus far; but they're still hopelessly outclassed.

Still, there's the Asian Cup next year...

[pino]

Aussie should be proud of their Squad, they have performed a lot better than Spain

[Storm]

exactly. atleast had the balls to fight inspite of a total lack of talent.

fin de ciclo indeed for Spain...for all saying it was end for Barca, this is what an actual end is. Anyways they should be proud of what they achieved (which I think will not be done again) till the start of this Cup. They should forget the games they played here as well as the players who started (except Iniesta who seemed to be trying at least - Koke, Morata, Thiago, Jese are the future)

[Storm]

Its clear as we Barca followers have seen. The core style and spine of this team have lost their edge. They just dont look like World Champions they were. I dont see they have enough anymore.

Hell yeah.
Some decision making is baffling though- Del Bosque removed Pique and put in an even SLOWER guy like Martinez in? No central defenders around? I blame Pep for this. playing converted midfielders as centre backs and removing #9s. No Villa at all?
Casillas still played despite his error filled game1 and directly contributed to Chile's 2nd goal. Ramos was useless as ever - can he only head in goals for RealM ? Alba anonymous as was Azpilicueta while Carvajal is cooling his heels (or is he injured )
I fear we have seen the last of Xavi in a Spain AND Barcelona shirt.

[steveaki13]

Rumours are Xavi is heading to Qatar.

[pino]

http://my.liveireland.com/page/radio-1I think the main responsible for this result is the rediculous Del Bosque.

Totally agree ody, how could he bring useless Diego Costa and leave Llorente home. Also why he didn't give a chance to Mata, or more time to Cazorla and Cesc ? Also Spanish squad showed a very poor condition and had no ideas, determination and motivation to win...

[Rollo]

Aussie should be proud of their Squad, they have performed a lot better than Spain

Australian will get torn to curtains by Spain. Group B this time around will be a 9-6-3-0 group, I think.

Tactically Australia is confused. It plays a lot like an A-League side and tries to push out to the wings but apart from Cahill, no-one ever really has a presence either in the front third or in controlling the midfield.
I expect that tiki-taka will mean that Spain should dominate possession for extended periods which will leave Australia ball watching. They couldn't do that against the Netherlands and against Chile they could do it, but Chile had an attack with bite.

[gadjo_dilo]

Rumours are Xavi is heading to Qatar.

And his coach at Al Arabi will be Dan Petrescu.

[gadjo_dilo]

Totally agree ody, how could he bring useless Diego Costa and leave Llorente home. Also why he didn't give a chance to Mata, or more time to Cazorla and Cesc ? ...

Most of coaches are stubborn and persist in keeping some players in the squad. Sometimes those players have a sparkle and the coach is like "I've told you".

Also Spanish squad showed a very poor condition and had no ideas, determination and motivation to win...

Is there a better motivation than winning the world cup?
I thought that's every player's dream. To play for the national team and win trophys.

Sorry, for a moment I've forgotten the world we're living in.......

[henners88]

I cheered all the way for Chile on behalf of my cousins husband who is Chilean!! I knew as soon as I saw the passion on their faces during their national anthem that they would win...... Spain's opening game also gave me a hint too


PS: Chile must have the record for a national football squad with so many neck tattoo's! An Air Jordan logo on one player and a Louis Vuitton one on another were my personal favourites. Classy mates.