Ready for Rio

The 2014 World Cup is well and truly upon us and it has already thrown up drama, surprises and top quality entertainment.

Hosts Brazil kicked off the global tournament against Croatia, with many expecting them to stroll to an easy win but it was far from that. Before the game I'd said to someone that all the pressure is on Brazil and Croatia might be able to nick something from the game, and they almost did! Croatia deservedly led the game for 29 minutes before Neymar, who appeared lucky not to be sent off, levelled the game. To add insult to injury Neymar then put the hosts in front with a controversial, very soft, penalty. Brazil won 3-1 and anyone seeing the score will think it had been one-sided but Croatia certainly gave them a scare.

Three games followed on day two as I caught the very end of Mexico's 1-0 win over Cameroon. Watching the highlights back, Mexico were unlucky to have two goals disallowed but they still got the all important three points. Roll on, the shock of the tournament, as holders Spain were hammered 5-1 by Holland. Spain started brightly and even took the lead, but Robin Van Persie score a sublime header to make the scores level going in at the break. Credit to Holland for dominating the second half, although Spain really didn't show up! On paper Spain easily have the better side, but Holland's players dug deep and really deserved the win, with Arjen Robben one of the stand out performers. Many of the neutrals, including myself, don't think much of Robben normally but there is no denying he was superb against lacklustre Spain.

The final game of the day, Chile vs Australia, was expected to be a win for Chile and they got off to a flyer with two goals in the opening 14 minutes. Australia pulled one back in the first half and upped their game and really took it to Chile, but a late goal ensured Chile got the three points to pile more pressure on holders Spain before the two lock horns next week.

Two more games will follow before the moment we have all been waiting for - England kicking off their World Cup against Italy. Normally in the build up to tournaments there is a lot of pressure on England and talk about how far into the knockout stages we are going to get, before the disappointment of exiting the tournament and going home. But as soon as the groups were drawn, there was a feeling of pessimism among many fans and media, who were already doubting if we'd even make it out the group stage. Yes, it is a very tough group and the result in the opening group game against Italy could make or break our tournament.

As we get nearer the game there actually seems to be more of a confident feeling in the air. Whether this is because there is less pressure on us and we can just go out and enjoy the game, or if Roy Hodgson has galvanised the players to truly believe in themselves I don't know. But maybe, just maybe, we can do something at this World Cup.

Italy and Uruguay are likely to be more the favourites to get out of the group and some do expect us to fail, but I see no reason why, if we can hit top form, we can't qualify for the knockout stages. We need strong performances against Italy and Uruguay whilst making sure we don't underestimate Costa Rica. Do that, and we may yet be able to negotiate away into the top two of Group D.

On paper our squad isn't as strong as some but if Holland can hammer Spain 5-1, who knows what other surprise are in store in Brazil this summer. Wayne Rooney is the key man up front and if he can perform to his best he can help us get out of Group D. Daniel Sturridge has had a superb season for Liverpool and, if he is given the right service, his goals could also be vital. Rickie Lambert may not have too much international experience but he certainly has a keen eye for goal and Danny Welbeck will also have his part to play, so up front we seem to have decent options.

The midfield also has an impressive blend of youth and experience. Captain Steven Gerrard will pull the strings and Frank Lampard and James Milner can help the younger players when call upon. The likes of Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling are young and hungry to prove themselves on the international stage and they will no doubt show no fear, along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain once the latter recovers from his injury.

My main concern for the tournament, and where our potential to progress could be decided, is the defence. There is no Rio Ferdinand or John Terry this time around. Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill are experienced and quality defenders, but they are far from the formidable partnership having not played too many games together, so it will be interesting to see how they get on.
Glen Johnson is a very experienced right-back and fellow full-back Leighton Baines is superb with set pieces and, importantly, a great penalty taker. Confidence will have a big effect on the back four. If we can get off to a positive start against Italy, the defence will get stronger as the tournament goes on. But if we make some silly errors it could dent the confidence so the team have to stay focused.

In goal, England have three stronger keepers in Joe Hart, Ben Foster and Fraser Forster. Number one Hart endured some difficult times at Man City this season after being dropped to the bench. When he returned he gradually got his confidence back and helped City to the league title.

We may not have the best squad on paper compared to the likes of Spain and Germany but we still have enough top quality players and a group of guys capable of competing against the best. If we can start strong with a win against Italy,
who knows what will happen.

A struggle in the group stages, progress into the knockouts, penalty shoot-out heart-ache, unlikely cup glory - whatever happens we need to get behind the boys and keep our fingers crossed!

QUE SERA SERA!

ENG-ER-LAND