FIFA World Cup 2014

Norway has done wonders. It is the only team never to have lost against Brazil:

Norway's best single result is arguably the 2–1 win against Brazil on 23 June 1998 in the World Cup group stage (a game, before which Brazil were already the group winner). Norway is in fact the only team in the world that has played against Brazil and never lost. In its four matches all-time against Brazil, Norway have won twice, and drawn on the other two occasions.

That would make a good pub-qiz question I reckon!

ATB from George

PS: I was in the pub for the 1998 game and reduced the place to silence by cheering the Norwegian goals. Everyone else was supporting Brazil for reasons beyond me!

Yes, but there is no rule against posting entirely gratuitous pictures, is there?

Well it was not "entirely" gratuitous - so  I can't complain 

South Korea

Oh yes please.. That'll do nicely..

Great post Mista Dolan,keep it up.

Is it time yet for each of us to make our prediction as to who will win the final ??

Mista h

PS....Steve J has gone very quite,is he one of the 10,000 Brits that have flown out to Brazil !!

A heartfelt argument could be made for Spain, Germany or even Argentina. Betting people, looking for a stronger return on their money, might even select Portugal, Belgium or Holland.  But picking against the home team this year just doesn't make any sense to me -- they seem to have the best overall talent, and the most team speed. It's Brazil's year.

Hook

PS - If I were in Las Vegas, I'd put a hundred bucks on Mexico at 200-1 odds, and another hundred on Brazil at 11-4 (to hedge my Mexico bet).

I think teams have largely worked out Spain and they will be frustrated. I'll go for Argentina or Germany. I just have a feeling Brazil will wilt under pressure rather than thrive.

Messi to be the star of the tournament.

England will flatter to deceive and go home after three games (1D 1L 1W) despite Hodgson doing what appears to be a thoroughly good job. I'll wager Rooney does not make the 3rd game and never plays for England again.

Maybe!

Bruce

I'm sorry but I don't rate Rooney. I admit i don't watch much football, but every time I've seen him on the pitch I've seen a LOT of mediocrity with the very occasional flash of brilliance...and less occasional temper. He's the most overhyped player I've seen. I'd prefer Lampard, Gerrard, Sturridge or any number of players from the premier league over that twerp. I've NEVER seen him have a good game.

Regards,

Frank.

All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

My prediction to win the World Cup,my home country.

BELGIUM

Come on folks who are you all backing to win ?

Mista h

Up the duff me thinks,our oppo this Saturday.

Mostly agree with your sentiments here Frank.

I just wish that he would prove everybody wrong (except Man-U supporters who all think the sun shines directly out of his arse and into their upper cortex, so they dont need proving), and show us a games worth of that ability he has...not for us, but for himself.

This will surely be his last World Cup, and he will truely look back with sadness at his career if it comes to pass that he has flopped at international level. And regardless of what any Man-U supporter will say, thus far he has flopped. You can't call yourself a World a Class player unless you prove it on an international level.

Nows your last chance Rooney, pull your f***ing finger out!

Jason.

Jimmy Armfield bottom row. Ronnie Flowers (the blonde), Johnny Haines, Peter Swallow

Just been sent this e mail by My Ferry Link. Tight sods dont think they will be making many refunds.

Mista H

Another rubbish opening ceremony (and awful sound). Dire coverage from ITV. Adrian Chiles.

God I love the World Cup. Can't wait for the football to start though...

Brazil 3 - 1 I reckon.

Oo la la! Vive la France!

I'm sticking with my earlier punt on Belgium, even though my head says Brazil.

Love to be wrong, but I think England will play only 3 maybe 4 matches.

Yep, If England go 1 goal up and then drop off and attempt to defend for the rest of the game ( like they always do), they will go out After three games.

They need balls and a consistently forward thinking approach to the whole game, you just can't defend for an hour and expect to win any games.

Hopefully the team will be set up with an attacking minded nature.

Jason.

That amused me Frank - it is a while since I have read something that hilarious - and complete nonsense to boot   

Spain's version of Adrian Chiles

Is it just me, or have the Spanish got the better deal?

It might be just me, but looking at the Brazilian players coming out of the tunnel, some look terrified!

FFS ITV, enough with the bloody adverts!!!

+1

I think I would be if I were in their position. There's an awful lot riding on this game for everyone in Brazil. If they lose, there could be lots of trouble.