The five biggest flops of the tournament so far.
This world Cup has been one of the most exciting in the tournament’s history, however, in amongst all the goals and excitement, there has been a few inevitable flops that have not lived up to expectation. Here are five of the biggest.
5. African football
In 2010 Shakira said “this one’s for Africa” but if that was the case then four years later it certainly isn’t. African sides have been improving their performances at international tournaments since the early 90s, but this time around has been a huge disappointment. Cameroon are already out, Ghana could join them if they fail to get anything out of Germany, Nigeria struggled against Iran and Algeria are already facing an uphill struggle to make a dent on their group. The continent’s only hope is the Ivory Coast, who are expected to carry the torch through to the second round where they could come up against surprise Group D leaders Costa Rica.
4. Brazil
Though Brazil remain undefeated and on course to book their place in the next round of the tournament, they have hardly displayed and of the joga bonito that is usually associated with them. All their big stars are struggling to get out of the blocks and they were lucky to overcome a spirited Croatia side with a little help from the referee. The game against Cameroon will be a good chance for them to get their affairs in order before the tournament gets really serious, but they’re not expressing what their country is all about to those in the stands and to the millions watching around the world on TV.
3. England
Upon being placed in Group D, nobody gave England a chance of qualifying, but when Roy Hodgson announced his squad full of the Premier League’s best and brightest talent there was a feeling that perhaps, just perhaps the Three Lions would prevail. However, as originally expected, defeats to Italy and Uruguay have ended their involvement and earned them an early ticket back to blighty. Despite spells of competence going forward, defensively they looked weak and ultimately paid the price for failing to deal with the oppositions star men.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ok, so he may only be half fit, and he may have only played one game so far, but he was anonymous against Germany and failed to put any of that sparkle into his side when they really needed it. With an upcoming tie against a tricky USA, failure to bring his A game could result in Portugal’s elimination after they essentially proved that they are a one-man team during qualification.
1. Spain
What happened? Everybody expecting another tournament of continued dominance from the Spaniards got a nasty shock in round one where they were picked apart by a young and hungry Netherlands before being roundly humiliated by Chile in the following encounter. Diego Costa failed to live up to his billing as the world’s most in-form striker and Iker Casillas showed the rust around the hinges after a season on the bench at Real Madrid. They have the chance to restore some pride against Australia, but on current form it would be no surprise to see the Socceroos cause another upset.
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