WORLD Cup fanatics have barely had time to catch their breath after the footballing feast served up so far this competition.

Many predicted Brazil’s 2014 edition would present a colourful blend of flair and festivals sang to the tune of a samba beat.

That energy has transpired its way onto the pitch and we’re looking at arguably the greatest tournament of a generation.

All eight groups have produced exhilarating matches and the pace looks far from about to drop off, with the goals beginning to rain in again during week two.

England versus Italy, where even the optimist would have struggled to bet against a goalless draw, produced a host of chances and provided a platform for us to marvel at the bearded-genius that is Andrea Pirlo.

The nonchalant veteran did not even have to touch the ball to create the Azzuri’s first, leading Daniel Sturridge a merry dance with the coolest of dummies.

But it was the other opening fixture in Group D that provided the first real shock of this year’s competition – minnows Costa Rica not only beating, but far out-playing Uruguay.

Joel Campbell and co were unfairly labelled the weak link in England’s group, Manchester United fans could be heard screaming ‘I told you so’ after falling victim to the Arsenal youngster while on loan at Olympiakos last season.

Brazil, despite taking four points from their opening two fixtures, are yet to set the tournament alight and needed a helping hand from Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura to see of Croatia last Thursday.

It is perhaps unfortunate, then, that it looks as if we will lose one of Croatia or Mexico heading into the last 16.

Mexico won the neutral’s heart after shaking off two disallowed goals to beat Cameroon, while Guillermo Ochoa’s Gordan Banks impression from a Pele-esk Neymar header helped hold the hosts to only the second goalless draw this tournament.

The less said about Nigeria versus Iran the better.

Despite what the last blog entry suggested, tika-taka will not reign again and the champions in fact are back on the plane to Spain, most probably in misery and pain..?

The Netherlands may have done their bit in helping dump Vincente del Bosque’s lot out, but a Tim Cahill-inspired Australia came close to claiming a point off Oranje in what was another five-goal thriller.

Croatia, meanwhile, would pose the founders of Total Football a significant threat should they finish second in the group and set up a likely meeting with Louis Van Gaal’s outfit.

Cahill’s thunderbolt may nestle into World Cup folklore alongside the likes of Carlos Alberto and Dennis Bergkamp, but Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben under one roof would provide a mouth-watering second round clash.

First the Dutch have to see off Chile, by no means an easy task after Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal prolonged their tournament with a brand of counter-attacking football not witnessed since Kevin Keegan XIs in the ‘I would love it’ era.

The football has been that good that we’ve been reduced to berating the coverage on ITV and BBC.

When many thought Adrian Chiles’ nonsensical ramblings could not be outdone, the Beeb’s Jonathan Pearce decided to wage a one-man war on goalline technology, much to the annoyance of co-commentator Martin Keown.

Credit to Phil Neville, however, who took on board the social media hammering he got during the England game and appears to have returned to a more comfortable role as a studio pundit.

You’re no Gary, Phil.

But it is the football that is doing the real talking. Lionel Messi has shown glimpses he could in fact do a Maradona, the French look a formidable unit without Samir Nasri and Frank Ribery, while Germany put in an expectedly efficient performance to hammer Portugal.

The next three weeks will be a lot more interesting if England remain in the competition, but whatever happens, it promises to be fascinating.

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here