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Football is back. Stevie is back.

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The return of football related joy coincided with the return of Stevie - and a humdinger of a return (on both fronts) it was too. As Stevie tapped out his Nicholson-esque replies and retorts to last weeks questions, France were busy slapping 5 (five) goals past my favourite Switzerland.

I take back my criticism of the Swiss, since they served up a real treat (albeit through their total lack of ability to contain a rampant France). It didn't go unnoticed that the defensive frailty was down in part (well, largely in fact) due to the Titus-Bramble-like influence of Villa-bound Senderos. Certainly should be fun down at Villa Park next year.

Then followed the most unruly game of footy I've seen for quite some time. Honduras and Ecuador played out the nearest thing to a playground match that I've seen for ages. Fouls all over the place, people all over the place, out of position, shooting from anywhere, seemingly eating lollies, all sorts. It was beyond comprehension and a very entertaining game indeed, which Honduras were unlucky on balance to lose.

And this afternoon, Messi has reminded us that "stars win games", putting Argentina out of their misery with a glorious injury time goal to edge his nation past a brilliant Iran. For a team that has racked up nil in both games, they really have been excellent.

Onto Ghana v Germany now, which should be an interesting clash of styles, and a family rivalry too with the Boateng brothers (Kevin-Prince and Jerome) lining up on opposite teams - which is a bit weird. 

In other news I have avoided the general forensics and autopsy around England's exit, as the ongoing football is way more interesting. 

For the WC Wonderland quick debrief see below:
  • Manager chooses to stay because (a) the job pays a fat load of cash for occasional involvement and (b) it wasn't his fault
  • Old players retire
  • Noises made about the young players who will inevitably replace the older ones who have just retired
  • Everyone wonders "what if"
  • Go to next tournament in 2 years time (by which time the nearly old players will have become 'old'.
  • Repeat
More soon.

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