We needed Tom Cleverley.

Hmm; even that was by no means a foregone conclusion.

For what it's worth, I also agree with those who have said that Uruguay's approach against Italy on Tuesday could put Honduras's against France the other night well in the shade.

Yes I think that this was the toughest Group of Death.

You can never force people to become more intelligent though. I think Milner would have done a better job than Gerrard in the middle yesterday. I hope he retires from international football after this and then Wilshere should come into the team.

Knowing there's three games for each team isn't exactly the ins and outs, anyone with even the most basic football knowledge would know this, it's not expecting a lot. The problem on here is most of the views on this World Cup seem to be from non football fans, so it's difficult to take many seriously, especially with the various criticisms, sorry if my post come across as overly serious. Threads such as that Tattoos and Coleen Rooney one sum it up, it grates after a while.

The two teams that qualify (I think Costa Rica & Uruguay) will probably play Columbia and Ivory coast in the next round: I could see both group D teams beating either of those and making the quarters.

Good grief, Costa Rica being quarter-finalists actually looks to be a realistic prospect.

Lol ok apology accepted, my basic football knowledge seriously is pap then and I see what you mean but I haven't been like that at all, only asked this question ..

I've been impressed with Colombia. I think they could beat any of the Group D sides on their day.

There should be a test to post in all sections. Not just football.

They really are. Whatever the result Uruguay will be a very tough match for Italy I think.

Italians attitude and effort in this game was poor - no matter if they won, drew or lost by one goal knew they would still need to draw against Uruguay to secure progression.

Got to say now it's all over quite pleased about this result and the fact we can take down either Italy or Uruguay with us

Very difficult group in end no good getting on roys back about it Capello, Eriksson, hoddle all got out of much easier groups by playing just as lousy

I missed this game, but I'm shocked that Italy lost! And now they need to beat Uruguay, and that's by no means a foregone conclusion, given they have Suarez.

They don't - a draw will take them through on goal difference.

The Costa Rican marking was excellent.
If they got any closer to them then romantic relationships could have developed.

Imagine the relief that they didn't spell it UR A GAY?

I suppose you thought the people who had tickets to the match would have been asked to hand them back in for a refund, now that the match isn't necessary.


I know you claim to not know a lot about football, but some common sense wouldn't go a miss.

Yes, the third and final game is still important in that it determines the final order and who goes on to face which team in the second round.

That Waddle rant last night was great.
More of that I'd say and fewer romanticed bullshit speeches from the likes of James Corden which only appear to serve to push emotional buttons.

Good point, really. I have to say that as soon as I knew what our group was, I thought it sounded 'tricky'. and thats coming from someone who takes only a mild interest in football.

Yes, I think that in the last two world cups the group stages were much easier to get out of and we even made hard work out of them.

Well done to Costa Rica, I managed to keep my eye on the match despite it being like Picadilly Circus in here

True guts and determination and very deserving of the win, good luck to them in the next stage.

Brilliantly put!.