Netherlands thumping Spain 5-1 seems like a season ago. We’ve had 24 different World Cup-match days since then, during which time most of us have watched close to a season’s worth of football. The dethroning of Spain, in such dramatic fashion, was an early portent of what we were in store for. Brazil’s humiliation at the hands of Germany provided one of the most memorable football events of our times.
While everyone seems to have nominated the competition as the best ever, the football has been of variable quality. Lots of strong football countries failed to show, including Spain, Italy and England. Africa promised early on, then fell. Russia gave no indication they were on-schedule to give the performance of a lifetime when they host the tournament in four years.
Brazil reached the semi-finals but this will surely be known as one of the worst Brazilian teams ever. Argentina have reached their first final in 24 years ago, but I can’t figure out how they made it. Performances against Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria, Switzerland, Belgium and then Netherlands never convinced we were watching eventual winners. The best they have achieved, so far, is a single goal victory.
Belgium’s golden generation were a mere shadow of their less-fancied Dutch neighbours, who under-promised and over-delivered, again. Germany are the team who deserve to take the trophy, and although Lionel Messi finds himself in a World Cup Final this evening, on the basis of what we’ve seen over the last four weeks, he’s no Diego Maradona.
Enjoy the final, the real stuff starts in two days.
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cowiebhoy
17:36 on 13 July, 2014
Good point, well made…………. But oi still want Stokes in the team … :) \o/
Wee Gordon Strachan was spot on with his Luis Suarez analysis, and Barcelona are crossed off a lot of peoples favourite other team list.
Corcaigh Abu
Rebels Abu CORK ARE BACK !!!
DD,
What a double!
Are you not going pinting tonight?
67heaven,
Have also put Charlie Mulgrew in as CH, as Efe, just joined up with squad, so travelling and not yet training with us, yes he will be match fit, but needs to know Ronnies tactics through training first ?
Hail Hail
bournesouprecipe
17:41 on 13 July, 2014
I’m afraid I don’t agree with you at all ….. Suarez needs help to curb his anger, but he is a fabulous footballer, and we cannot totally condemn him ….. Geniuses sometimes have ‘side effects’ and I feel Barcelona will help him to channel / control his undoubted genius….
Who’ll win in the fight between BBC and ITV?
cowiebhoy
17:47 on 13 July, 2014
Far too sensible for me…….HH
Weefra
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
TCR
Early start in Ayrshire tomorrow, so will watch Argentina hopefully win, with a few tins. :)
Messi must be the only world class player these days who doesn’t cheat
Afternoon Timland from a seriously hot, 44 deg.hun free mountain valley.
Weefra
Sad, sad news about your Ma, she has gone to a better place.
HH
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Oldtim
Feliz Cumpleanos mi amigo, I hope you have many more.
HH
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BSR
I agree with your score for the game tonight.
At the very start of the predictor, before a ball was kicked, when I had entered all my scores to the final, I had a Germany v Argentine final and 3-2 to the Germans.
Might even stick a few bob on it >}
HH
ToffeeTim
Even though I know little of the sport , Enjoy the victory :))))))
67Heaven
Fair do’s. I don’t have another favourite team anyway and Barca are very hyped in some quarters. They even stole our ‘more than a club’ quote to use as a motto.
I also believe Liverpool are partly to blame for not rehabilitating Suarez and think they mishandled the situation, especially the racist charge.
TET
Hope it’s a good game
The imagery of Braw’s dad welcoming Wee Fra’s maw into the REAL Paradise with a Celtic huddle of departed Tims somehow lessens my sense of loss for 2 special CQN men.
May the souls of the FAITHFUL departed, through the mercy of God, REST IN PEACE.
First post WC syndrome effecting me.
On Eurosport, no more Bom Dia Rio = No more Caroline de Moraes = that’s a shame
Deutschlanders 4 – 1 Gauchoslanders.
BBC will win hands down as usual.
I am torn about tonight. If Argentina prevail I will be delighted for Messi.
But watching the Germans play through the tournament, I was always reminded of that bit in The Celtic Story where Mr Stein is giving a final team talk, and he says (to the focussed faces of Bertie, Jinky, Cesar and the rest of the heroes) “….so just remember, we are a team, and if one man is having a bad game, I want the men closest to him to help him out…”
Germany have played like a team throughout, and a very good one.
I just hope for a cracker of a game and may the best team win.
BoringclichesCSC
Weefrathetim
Your mum has done a good job with you.
You always come across as a very caring and good human being. Be strong.
Congrats to Cork.
The best punditry on this year’s WC was on RTE last night.
The regulars were replaced by the Après Match crew.
They are three lads who do hilariously, cruel impersonations of Bill O’Herlihy, Eamonn Dunphy, Johnny Giles and Liam Brady.
Not sure if you chaps on our offshore island can access the programme on Player, though.
Our game on Tuesday is on 3e in Ireland, starting at 7.55pm.
Hoping for a Germany win tonight for two reasons they have been the best team in the tournament so far and if they win I’ll be in the top two in works predictor (Marie Curie ‘s gain)
Roll on Tuesday night.
HH
Weefratim
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mum
Weefra – it’s to your credit that you were trying to comfort Neustadt Braw while your mam was so ill. Respect to you sir and my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace.
Oldtim – more power to your drinking elbow, auld yin! Many Hoopy returns!
T4
bournesouprecipe
17:58 on 13 July, 2014
HH
burghbhoy,
Tell that to the spanish tax man
delaneys dunky
Joe McBride signed for Celtic on the day I was born. 50 years ago, next June 5th.
—————-
I bet your family are already planning for the mother of all 50th birthday parties -)))
TET – I’ve won my WC predictor at work and I’d put down the Germans to win the final in a 5-goal thriller. So I’ve backed 3-2 and 4-1…which means it will end 0-0!!
Good luck
T4
Weefrathetim
So sorry to hear of your loss , will say a prayer for your mother and for you and your family .
Take care mate and YNWA.
Just had the call from Sammybhoy looks like we’re off out for tonights final. … Get in there!!!! Nice wee pint of tennents with my name on it :-)
Jamesgang you allowed oot????? HH
Neustadt Braw and Weefra
Sorry to hear of your bereavements, guys. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Old Tim
Many happy returns!
Marty
Ryan, my two daughters their partners, grandweans and I are flying to Benidorm on Thursday. Will drop my hints for next June then. ;)
Weefratim
My sincere condolences on the loss of yer wee ma.
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Oldtim,
Many happy returns but get some in!
Hail! Hail!
Terrymac
The Alter Markt is filling up and the atmosphere is building here in Cologne in anticipation of a German victory.
Really hope that they can keep Messi quiet and pull this off, this place is going to rock later if Germany win.
weefrathetim
Sorry to hear your sad news mate
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this time
Argentina have defended superbly against Belgium and Holland
Hardly giving them a sniff.
Belgium especially are a big powerful team.
Germans will be step up again but don’t think its a sure thing
That Germans will win.
Mon the Malvinas
Good evening all
Can I just say, after reading the last article and this one, mrsweefra and myself are overwhelmed by the support, love and good wishes shown by all of you. I’ve had a busy day as you can imagine, but the real stuff is tomorrow. I always knew I was part of a unique family on here, but I had no idea how close knit this Celtic Family are. Paul67 you are the one responsible for pulling us all together in difficult times and I thank you sincerely for that. To all of you Thank you Thank you and Thank you again. May God bless all of you. Can I put a special mention to HT who text me today. Thanks Chris.
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
Bit harsh on Messi, in my opinion. And that’s coming from someone who rates Maradona the best there ever was.
Anyone who’s anyone that has watched football at the top level over the last 5/6 years, has witnessed that Messi is a truly wonderful player. At times a genius. It’s also apparent that he has just endured an injury ravaged season. However I don’t buy in to those who constantly look for faults or criticise. Regardless of world cups, he will go down in history as one of the true world greats