FOOTY FAIR

Spanish Footy Feet – Unveiled

2015-03-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

You would think that football players would keep their main source of income in pristine condition, but that is not the case.

I will be giving you six Spanish professional footballers and pictures of their feet and as you can see they have some of the worst feet in the world. It didn’t stop them on their way to World Cup and European glory in the past, but perhaps the reason why they failed in Brazil.

Jesus Navas – Manchester City

That is one horrible big toe. The nail looks like it has some serious fungus.

Jesus help him.

Xabi Alonso – Bayern Munich

It looks like he lost his two big toe nails. Those big toes look like two convertible cars, with the rag top missing.

David Villa – New York City FC

That is one ugly big toe. Looks like someone steped on it, considering all the black under the nail. He should see a doctor about that.

David Silva – Manchester City

Not bad, perhaps even one of the best one of the bunch. Good on you Silva.

Fernando Llorente – Juventus

Just like Silva, Llorente keeps his feet in better shape than most. Living in Italy has helped him when it comes to personal grooming.

Pique – Barcelona

The shape of his big toe nails is weird, but I guess Shakira doesn’t care about it, and if she doesn’t than why would he.

MLS Designated Players: Why Are They Here?

2015-03-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

Most recreational soccer leagues for adults that I've played in have consisted of three or four divisions that are organized by a team or a players ability.

So if your team is full of beginners or people with two left feet you should be playing in the fourth tier. But there's always some jackass that should be in the top division, but to bask in his own glory plays in the fourth division and scores a mess load of goals. They likely perform elaborate celebrations after scoring as well because that's the type of utter douchebag they are.

I think of guys like that when I look at certain Designated Players in the MLS. Not that I'm saying the MLS is a third tier league, but more so what are these player hoping to accomplish here?

The MLS has drastically improved in quality over the past ten years, but for guys that have played in the Champions League, which is the pinnacle of club football, it is undoubtedly a step down from that in terms of prestige and perhaps quality.

Players who are in their 30's come here seemingly for one last pay day, while providing the bullshit line about "growing the sport in America", while some come here when they appear to have exhausted all other options.

Although we can all speculate why a top international player would come to the MLS to sign a Designated Player contract, the overwhelming assumption is still that DP's are only here for the money.

Some come here and embrace the culture of football in North America and try to take their teams to the next level, but some come here and either underestimate the league or treat it like a retirement parade.

One thing that is certain is that teams that aspire to win the MLS Cup will have to bolster their squad with a DP and therefore choose the right one.

The Designated Player rule came into existence during the 2007 season, when the Los Angeles Galaxy signed English star David Beckham to a five-year contract worth $32.5 million

The goal with this signing was to raise the profile of the league, and it most certainly did for a time, and although the DP signings since Beckham haven't been splashed over the front pages in a similar manner, they have had an impact on the league.

Recent months have seen high profile players like Kaka, David Villa, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard sign for the clubs in the league, but again these players are in their 30's and the suspicion will always be that they're here for a final payday.

However with the MLS' rise in exposure, along with teams now being allowed to sign up to their DP's, players who we never would have expected to see in the MLS, and who did likely have opportunities to play out of a top European league, are choosing to come to North America.

Significantly, American stars like Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey, although admittedly on big money, have consciously chosen to sign for teams in North America, seem to be here for the right reasons and have become the faces of the league.

One of Toronto FC's other DPs, Sebastian Giovinco, is another interesting proposition as he's 28 years old, an Italian international, and surely could have gone to another big club in Europe if he felt he had to leave Juventus. Did he choose TFC for the $7 million a year contract alone, or are things changing in the way players overseas look at the league and if they see it as a challenging and interesting competition that they want to be a part of?

Time will tell.

David Villa Makes Good on Debut

2014-10-11T18:00:00.002-04:00

Making his A-League debut in the first match of the season for his current club Melbourne City FC, David Villa did not disappoint. With the help of former EPL winger Damien Duff, Villa put the ball in the back of the net to tie the match against Sydney FC and earn his side a point.

News of the Spanish striker scoring in his very first match is probably being celebrated even more in New York City than it is in Melbourne. The former Barcelona player is on loan in Melbourne before the 2015 Major League Season begins, at which point he will be joining the club that owns his contract, New York City FC.

NYCFC's manager Jason Kreis will be happy with the results he has been getting out of his players, footballers who have yet to ever play for him. Frank Lampard has been performing admirably in his loan spell at the parent club of both NYCFC and Melbourne, Manchester City. He even scored the match-tying goal against his former club Chelsea. And now David Villa began his loan spell with a bang.

The future looks good for the new MLS club if Lampard and Villa can create the same kind of results when they are on the same side in New York. The duo has a potential of becoming one of the most lethal in Major League Soccer history and if their loan spells say anything, is that it is likelier to happen than not.

This was Villa's first competitive match since the World Cup in Brazil, where his side crashed out in the very first stage in shocking manner.

Best Players Who Have Retired Internationally in 2014

2014-09-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

With the conclusion of the 2014 World Cup and the start of the Euro 2016 Qualifiers, there have been quite a few notable players that have called time on their international careers.

But how one feels about players deciding themselves that they no longer wish to play for their country is another matter entirely.

UEFA president Michel Platini was in the news this weekend following his outburst that retired French international Franck Ribery, "Cannot decide himself whether he plays for France", and "If (coach) Didier Deschamps picks him, he must come. That's the FIFA rule. If he doesn't come, he will be suspended for three Bayern Munich games."

Such a rule does exist, but is normally only enforced by international sides attempting to stop clubs from withdrawing players from national team call-ups for their own selfish reasons. Usually when a player retires from the national side there is an understanding between club and country that the player is in the final stages of his career and can no longer effectively give his all for both sides.

Whether or not Ribery faces any repercussions for his international retirement, or this is just another case of Platini talking out of his ass, remains to be seen.

In the meantime here is a list of notable players that called time on their national side careers this year.

Philipp Lahm, Germany

Despite being only 30 years old, the former German captain has already participated in three World Cups, and two European Championships and with Germany's victory in the 2014 World Cup he has opted to go out as a winner.

Miroslav Klose, Germany

With the 36 year old striker becoming the highest all time goal scorer at the World Cup with 16 goals and signing off with a World Cup win, Klose rather understandably ended his international career this summer.

Ashley Cole, England

One of the finest left backs of his generation and a long servant for the England national side, Cole's surprise exclusion from Roy Hodgson's 2014 World Cup squad caused the 33 year old to end his international career prior to the tournament.

Steven Gerrard, England

Although he didn't truly shine at international level as brightly as he has at times for Liverpool over his distinguished career, the 34 year old Gerrard never shirked his duties to the Three Lions and his presence on the pitch and in the dressing room will be missed.

Xavi, Spain

Watching the Spanish national side will simply not be the same with Xavi at the heart of midfield pulling the strings. The 34 year old leaves the international stage with two European Championship wins and a World Cup title as the most influential player for one of the greatest sides of all time.

David Villa, Spain

The 32 year old striker, who has been plagued with injuries in recent seasons, decided this summer to not only leave European football behind with his move to New York City FC, but also bring an end to a glittering international career that also saw him win two European Championships and a World Cup title.

Franck Ribery, France

Finally the aforementioned Ribery has decided at the age of 31, after missing the 2014 World Cup with a back injury that his time with Les Bleus has come to an end. That is unless Platini is able to force him back into action. Time will tell on that one.

5 La Liga Records That Might Never Be Broken

2014-08-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

La Liga is one of the most exciting leagues and is home to two of the best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

When you have a league with this kind of talent it is only normal that records are set, add to that Barcelona and Real Madrid and you are set for a league that will offer the kind of entertainment you probably won’t find anywhere else.

Incredible teams, incredible players make for an incredible league, one that has some not less incredible records, some of which will most likely never be broken.

Here are five of La Liga’s records that will probably never be broken.

Most Career League Appearances – Andoni Zubizarreta (629)

He started his La Liga career with Athletic Bilbao in 1981 in a career that spanned until 1998. When he left Bilbao he joined Barcelona where he would spend the majority of his career, 8 years. His final four seasons were with Valencia, but he will always be remembered for his time at Barcelona. He finished his career with 629 appearances in Spanish top flight; a record that I believe will stand the test of time. He also holds the record for most clean sheets with 233.

Fastest Hat-Trick – David Villa (5 minutes)

David Villa has one of the most unique and difficult records, from an individual perspective. He scored the fastest hat-trick in La Liga history when he was playing for Valencia against Athletic Bilbao during the 2005-06 season. He scored in the 82nd, 84th, and 87th minute. It is hard enough for a player to score a hat trick in a game but to do it in 5 minutes it is incredible.

Most Consecutive League Games without a Loss – Real Sociedad (38)

From April 29th 1979 to May 11th 1980, Real Sociedad went 38 league games without losing. Considering the incredible Barcelona and Real Madrid teams of the past and present have never beaten this incredible record I believe it is safe to say that Real Sociedad will continue to hold on to this record for many years to come.

Most Clean Sheets in a Season - Francisco Liaño (26)

The Deportivo goalkeeper had 26 clean sheets during the 1993-94 season. In today’s modern game, goals and goal scorers seem to have an advantage over goalkeepers. It seems to be their game, and looking at how many goals players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi score I don’t believe that trend will end soon. It will be very difficult for a goalkeeper to break this record in the coming seasons or even in the not so distant future. This is one of those records that may never be broken.

Games without a Win – Sporting de Gijón (24)

This is one of those records that nobody wants to have, and I am sure everyone associated with Sporting de Gijón is hoping some other team breaks it, so they can have their name sponged from the record books. From June 22nd 1997 to February 8th 1998, Sporting de Gijón didn’t manage a single win. I think this is something so hard to do that it takes a special team to be able to do it. You have to be not only bad, but also managing not to face anyone as bad as you for a long part of the season in order to go so long without a win. Unfortunately for Gijón I think their name will stand beside this record for many years to come.

5 World Cup Stars Call it Quits in 2014

2014-08-10T21:00:00.001-04:00

Didier Drogba has announced this week that he is retiring from international play. He is the 5th World Cup star to call it quits on his international career, in 2014.

Let us take a moment to look at these five wonderful players and what they have given their countries over the years.

Steven Gerrard (England)

The Liverpool captain has been a main staple with the English national team for a better half of a decade. During that time he earned 114 caps and scored 21 goals. He has never managed to win any major trophy for his country but he helped them qualify for 3 Euro Cups and 4 World Cups. His first World Cup experience was in 2006 and he scored two goals, both during group stage, against Trinidad & Tobago and Sweden. He managed to be England’s top scorer in that tournament with his two goals. 2010 World Cup was the first time he was given direct captaincy of the national team, not because someone else was injured or unavailable. He had been captain before but not under these new circumstances. When he retired from international duty on the 21st of July 2014 his 114 caps put him in third most capped English player ever. He will go down in history as one of England greatest players, leaders and captains.

Philipp Lahm (Germany)

The Bayern Munich player represented his country for a decade, and in that time period he earned 113 caps and scored 5 goals. His first international tournament was the Euro 2004 in Portugal, where he played all 90 minutes of Germany’s group stage games. Then didn’t advance out of the group stage but his performances showed the world his talent and what was to come in years ahead. From that point on he became an integral part of the Germany national team, which unless due to injury or suspension would play nearly every game for his country. He reached his 100th cap on the 6th of September 2013 in a 3-0 win over Austria. The game was part of the qualification matches for the upcoming 2014 World Cup. The 2014 World Cup would be his last tournament with Germany, but considering that he and his country won the tournament, I believe it was his way to leave on top.

Xavi Hernandez (Spain)

Xavi has been representing Spain since 2000, in what can only be considered 14 glorious years. During that time frame he earned 133 caps and scored 13 goals, not to mention that he won 2 Euro Cups and 1 World Cup, and all in back to back to back years. His first major tournament was the 2002 World Cup, but his true value and importance in the Spanish national side wasn’t obvious to most observers until the Euro 2008, where he was voted player of the tournament and he helped Spain win their first major international trophy. He absolutely dominated that tournament and became a household name in world football. On August 5th 2014, following Spain’s early exit of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Xavi announced his retirement from international football. Spain lost one of its best players and the fans lost a true magician in the art of football.

David Villa (Spain)

David Villa represented Spain from 2005 to 2014, earning 97 caps and scoring 59 goals during that time period. His first major tournament was the 2006 World Cup, which saw him partner up with Fernando Torres in the attack of the team and earning both 3 goals each as they lead their team in scoring. The only tournament he would not play for Spain was the Euro 2012, after breaking his leg playing for Barcelona he wasn’t able to recuperate on time to be able to represent his country that summer. He won the Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, but would miss out on winning the Euro 2012, a small blemish in what is an incredible international career. He is currently the all-time leading scorer for his country, surpassing the enigmatic Raul on that list. It is an incredible mark for an incredible player.

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Drogba announced yesterday that he would no longer be representing his country in international play. He represented Ivory Coast from 2002 to 2014, earning him 104 caps and he scored 65 goals during that time. His first World Cup was in 2006 in Germany, and up until this summer he was the main weapon in Ivory Coast’s arsenal when looking at scoring goals in the opposing net. He earned his 100th cap in a friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina, scoring a penalty kick in a 2-1 loss. His limited play at the 2014 World Cup started to signal to him that perhaps his time was coming to an end, so his retirement news is not coming as a shock to anyone, having said that he is one of the most prolific goals scorers of his generation.

10 Photos of Footballers & Their Kids (Gallery)

2014-07-27T21:00:00.000-04:00

These are 10 photos of footballers and their kids, collected from Twitter. It shows their family side, something you don’t always get a chance to see from these world class athletes.

Messi & Thiago

Cristiano Ronaldo & Cristiano Jr

Marcelo & Enzo

David Villa & Luca

Wayne Rooney with Kai & Klay

Neymar Jr & David Luca

Cesc Fabregas & Lia

Pique, Shakira & Milan

Miroslav klose and his twins Luan & Noah

Clint Dempsey and his kids

Lampard is Bringing His Talents to NYC

2014-07-19T15:00:00.000-04:00

Frank Lampard will be joining David Villa and possibly Xavi in New York.

Lampard, the former Chelsea FC midfielder that represented England at the 2014 World Cup has decided on where he will be playing next season. It is no surprise that his decision is to play in the MLS with the New York City FC, joining David Villa and most likely Xavi as the three designated players with the club.

Each MLS team is allowed to have three designated players, and New York City FC with these signings would see them start the 2015 season with three proven players that will not only bring in fans to the stands but also give them certainties on the field. Lampard had long been rumored to continue his career in the MLS, but the final destination was not known. BBC is now reporting that a deal with NYCFC is nearly completed and the move should be finalized very soon.

Lampard will come to a league that has been adding incredible talent to its ranks over the last couple of years, and to the biggest city in North America. NY City FC is looking to make a name for themselves and become a fierce rival of the other club with whom they share the city, New York Red Bulls.

This is not only great news for the city of New York, the team, the fans and other players, but also for the league itself that is looking at expanding their brand and recognition outside their borders.

2014 World Cup: Top 5 Goals (Gallery)

2014-07-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

5- David Villa (Australia vs Spain)

4- David Luiz (Brazil vs Colombia)

3- Tim Cahill (Australia vs Netherlands)

2- James Rodriguez (Colombia vs Uruguay)

1- Robin Van Persie (Spain vs Netherlands)

New York City FC Brings Xavi to MLS

2014-07-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

Xavi will be joining former team mate David Villa in New York City.

According to reports coming out of Barcelona, Xavi will not be going to Qatar as it was reported during the World Cup; instead he will be joining MLS and signing with the newest franchise New York City FC.

He will re-join his former Spanish national team and Barcelona team mate David Villa that signed with the MLS team before the start of the World Cup. This is just the latest signing of a huge football start by an MLS club, but I expect it not to be the last during this off season.

NYFC is rumored to also be in the market for Lampard, and it wouldn't surprise me if the MLS newcomers would look at making a big splash in their first season, and come off the chute with these three huge signings. MLS is becoming more and more an attractive destination for players and the American lifestyle is a huge attractive force for them. Living in a city like New York or Los Angeles has its appeal to players that have played their careers in some of the biggest clubs in Europe but are now looking at enjoying a different playing experience as well as personal experience. I believe MLS can offer both.

The league is well placed in the world football market, and the displayed provided by the US Men’s National Team has helped and will help raise the profile of the MLS squads and players. A shorter league in duration (April – November), attractive lifestyle, big American cities and its appeal and lucrative deals are all key aspects that will continue to push players to come to this side of the Atlantic.

The arrival of Xavi in New York should be finalized very soon, but it is not clear if perhaps he will play in Qatar or even Australia until the start of the MLS 2015 season. Details are not available at this time, but I expect him to make a short stop in Qatar on his way to MLS.

One of the greatest midfielders of his generation will for sure add talent, star power and quality to the football played in North America.

2014 World Cup Match Day 12: Recap

2014-06-23T18:30:00.000-04:00

Let's recap the action from Group A & Group B as they played their final matches.

Game 30: Australia 0-3 Spain

Spain came into the game with seven changes which included David Villa and Xabi Alonso playing their last World Cup game for Spain. Australia was missing Cahill due to suspension. Both teams were already eliminated but there was a matter of pride at play.

Spain started the game with a real high tempo, completely different from what we had seen from them in the first two matches. David Villa brought a lot of dynamic to the forward line and from the first minute it was obvious he was going to cause problems to the Australian defense.

Spain was pressing high, almost near the penalty area of Australia and this was causing problems for the Socceroos to move the ball with any quality out of their defensive zone. Australia went with long balls to the forward lines which were easy cleared by the Spanish defenders. Missing Cahill and having pressure right outside their box was proving to be a problem for them going forward and creating offensive plays.

Spain kept pushing forward and it was a matter of time before they would score a goal. Finally at the 36^th minute mark a wonderful pass by Iniesta, that Juan Fran collects on the right hand side near the corner flag. He looks up, dribbles into the box and finds an open Villa that finished with an incredible heel flick, no chances for the keeper. You have to wonder, where was this Spain for the first two matches?

Villa and Torres were playing well and Spain was leading and deservedly so. Halftime came with Spain leading 1-0 with a goal from Villa.

Second half started just like the first half with complete control of Spain and Australia relegated to their defensive midfield. Spain’s tiki taka was in full display today and it was even more evident during the second half of the game when they passed the ball around the Australian half looking for an opening, so they could add to their lead.

In the 57^thminute, David Villa was subbed off for Juan Mata and it was his last seconds with the Spanish jersey on. He would later cry on the bench as his World Cup and time playing with Spain has come to an end.

Twelve minutes later and it was Iniesta once again with an incredible pass to Torres and from close range he wouldn’t miss. Torres, another Spanish all-time great, scoring a goal in what was Spain’s last game at this year’s World Cup.

The game was pretty much over, Australia didn’t have the weapons to fight back and with Spain controlling the ball and play there was no chance for an Australian comeback. Only 13 minutes after the second goal, Fabregas with a great pass to Juan Mata and the Manchester United player puts the ball between the legs of the Australian keeper. It was 3-0 for Spain and the game was sealed and delivered. It was only a matter of running down the clock.

The game would come to an end with the final score line of 3-0 for Spain. They finished 3^rdin the group with 3 points and Australia finished 4^th with 0 points. A very good Spanish side today, that found their form far too late.

Game 31: Netherlands 2 - Chile 0

Needing only a draw to win Group B, the Netherlands disrupted Chile in the final third and effectively hit them on the break as they came out as 2-0 winners.

The Dutch, leaning on some physical play that was reminiscent of their infamous performance in the 2010 World Cup Final, never allowed Chile to ever get going in this one. Despite the Chileans enjoying 68% of the possession, they weren't allowed to fully control the tempo of the match and looked susceptible to quick counter attacks.

With Chile's Arturo Vidal not in the starting eleven thanks to injury, and Robin van Persie not available to the Dutch thanks to a suspension, there was a distinct lack of quality in the opening exchanges. That eventually changed as the brilliant Alexis Sanchez began to play his way into it and setup a few half chances for Chile.

The half concluded though with a few dangerous chances for the Dutch, including an electrifying run from Arjen Robben. Taking the ball just inside Chile's half, he blazed through the Chilean defence before just missing out on a spectacular goal when he shot wide.

The physical play continued in the second half as the Chileans tried in vain to get the goal they would need to win the group, as a draw would have been enough for the Dutch. With the Netherlands defence holding strong, the Oranje then took the lead on a great header by Leroy Fer in the 77th minute.

With Chile then committed to all out attack, Robben again cut them to pieces on the break but this time was able to find Memphis Depay for a second goal in the 91st minute.

By virtue of this result, the Netherlands win the group and Chile will most likely play hosts Brazil in the Round of 16.

Game 32: Mexico 3-1 Croatia

The scenario going into this match was quite simple for both teams. Considering that it is more than likely that Brazil will be victorious against the dreadful Cameroon, both sides knew exactly what they needed to achieve. For Mexico a draw was enough to qualify to the round of 16, but for Croatia a win was a must.

Very early in the match it was obvious that both sides were playing according to what they needed the outcome to be. Mexico was very much unlike the energetic squad we saw against Cameroon, but especially Brazil, and they seemed to be very content to play for the draw, taking very few situations to attack against the Croats. Croatia on the other hand enjoyed most of the possession, playing in the Mexican half for most of the first 45. Mexico did come out of the half with possibly the best scoring chance, hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot. Other than a few long balls into the box, Croatia did not look like a contender for a goal, with the Mexicans defending pretty well and Mexican keeper Ochoa not called into action too often.

The second half started almost identically to the first, but this time around the all-around play of both squads started to seem even duller, as both teams were committing numerous passes into “no-men’s land”. In the 65^th minute however, controversy, as Mexican Andres Guardado took a half-volley towards the goal from inside the Croatian box that was saved by a Croatian defender with the hand; the referee did not blow the whistle however, and the Mexicans were left in awe from the lack of penalty-kick call. The Croats kept their dull play, seeming to lack the confidence needed to change the match in their favor.

In the 71^st Mexico got their justice as captain Rafael Marquez met a corner-kick with his head and slotted the first goal of the match past goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. The Croats seemed to lose their concentration and just 5 minutes later a counter attack for the Mexicans ended at the feet of Guardado who put the second in the back of Pletikosa’s net with a first time shot. In the 78^th minute it looked like Croatia would get one back after a quick attack and a shot that beat keeper Ochoa, but Mexican defender managed to clear it almost from the goal-line. And then the “nail in the coffin” as Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) took advantage of a corner-kick ball that first went off of Marquez’s head, to put his own head onto the ball and put it in the net.

After the third goal the Mexicans were now obviously chasing more with a few more dangerous attacks after going up 3-0, trying to make sure of a greater goal advantage than that of the Brazilians who were playing Cameroon at the same time. But the Croats would not let that happen, scoring in the 87^th after a good passing combination. In the 88^thCroatia would go down to 10 man after a dangerous challenge by Ante Rebic on Mexican Carlos Pena. Before the final whistle, Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa got called into action one last time as he made a good save on a close range volley (although it was judged to be offside by the lines-man). Mexico win puts them through to the next round (the round of 16) where they will meet the Dutch.

Game 33: Cameroon 1-4 Brazil

Brazil got into the game looking for an early goal. Applying pressure to the Cameroon defense, the
first 10 minutes of the game, saw a strong Brazil pressuring up field and creating many chances of goal. If not for some bad luck and some saves from Itandje, they could have scored in the first couple of minutes.

You could tell that Cameroon wouldn’t be able to keep them out of the score sheet for too long and at 17^th minute, a mistake from Cameroon in the midfield, Luiz Gustavo gets the ball, runs down the wing and has a wonderful cross for a wide open Neymar that just had to tap it in. Brazil was finally up 1-0 and it looked like they were going to have an easy match.

Cameroon had other plans, and after going down one goal they seemed to bounce back and started to go forward looking for their own goal. They had a few chances but Silva, Luiz and Cesar were able to clear any danger that came their way. That was until the 26^th minute when Nyom wins a lucky bounce off Dani Alves and crosses the ball into the box where Matip shows up unmarked and just having to push it in the net. The stadium was silenced and Cameroon had pulled the game leveled.

Brazil didn’t put their heads down and kept passing the ball between each other, trying to find space in the wings and even David Luiz was moving the ball forward trying to create an odd man rush that would cause Cameroon problems.

Only 10 minutes had passed since Cameroon tied the game, and a pass from Marcelo to Neymar, who drifts to the middle and while dribbling takes a shot on net to give Brazil the 2-1 lead in the game. The ball went between a defenders legs and Itandje could have done better to stop that shot. Brazil deserved the lead at this point and was looking at keeping it going into halftime.

The last 10 minutes of the half were played in Cameroon’s half with Brazil controlling possession and the ball, waiting for a mistake or the time to run out, whatever came first.

Second half had barely started and Brazilian fans were already celebrating another goal. Fred is this time the goal scorer with a well-placed header. He had been searching for his opening goal in the competition for 3 games now, and in the last game of the group stages he finally gets his goal.

At this point it is game over for Cameroon; they just don’t have the pieces to mount a comeback. Brazil starts to circulate the ball, holding possession and trying to pick their spots.

The odd time Cameroon gets the ball they are unable to string a few passes together and lose the ball to Brazil that is very quick on the counter attack, and this is how the fourth goal comes about. Cameroon loses the ball right outside their penalty area; Oscar gets the ball back and combines a string of passes with Fernandinho, that finishes with a wonderful toe punt. No chances for Itandje on this one, his defenders had let him down.

A few minutes later and it was the end of the game. Brazil wins 4-1 and guarantees their first place in Group A.

Match-Day 12 - Staff Picks

Pedro: Australia 1-1 Spain, Netherlands 2-2 Chile, Cameroon 0-3 Brazil & Croatia 1-2 Mexico
Kon: Australia 0-3 Spain, Netherlands 2-1 Chile, Cameroon 0-3 Brazil & Croatia 0-1 Mexico
Iain: Australia 0-1 Spain, Netherlands 1-2 Chile, Cameroon 0-4 Brazil & Croatia 1-0 Mexico

Kon picked every outcome correct and even got the result for Spain vs Australia right. Pedro and Iain both had two correct predictions, but could not secure any exact score guesses correctly. There is no doubt who was the “Staff Picks” victor on day 12 of competition.

The Last Hurrah - Pirlo, Klose, Lampard & Villa

2014-06-10T18:00:00.000-04:00

In Brazil this summer there will be several players hanging up their cleats from International duty. So for them this will be their last chance at World Cup glory.

It comes a time in a players career that they know, that their body and mind can't take the hours and work that goes into representing your national team. Some players have done it earlier than others, some have done it for personal reasons, conflicts with the coaches, or just no desire to represent their country and concentrate on their club career only.

In Brazil, we will see four world class players most likely call it a career as far as representing their countries at a international stage.

David Villa

Out of those four, David Villa is the only one that has confirmed that this will be his last tournament with Spain and also the last time he will wear La Roja's jersey. He has won everything that there is to win with Spain including a Euro Cup trophy (2008) and World Cup trophy (2010). He has 91 caps for Spain and 56 goals, making him the top scorer in Spanish national team history, passing other players like Butragueno and Torres.

He has also played for some of the largest clubs in Spain, including Barcelona, Valencia and Atletico Madrid with whom he won the La Liga title this past season. One of the games most lethal strikers, David Villa has been an icon of Spain's national team and an integral part of the squad.

He signed this past week with the new MLS franchise, NY City FC, and perhaps that also played a part in his willingness to walk away from the national team. At the age of 32, Villa could still be productive for Spain at the next Euro's. but perhaps he feels like his body will need the extra rest if he is to have a longer club career.

Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose comes into this tournament looking for two different things, a World Cup trophy and a goal scoring record. This will be without a doubt his last chance at achieving both those goals, since this will be not only his last World Cup with Germany but also the last time he will play for his country.

He hasn't announced his international retirement yet, but at the age of 36 it is obvious that his days of playing for Germany are in the past. Germany has a good young team and with talented players coming up from the youth squads is only a natural occurrence to see him set aside and let someone else take over his role.

He is currently tied with the great Gerd Muller for second all time in World Cup scoring history with 14 goals, only one behind Ronaldo from Brazil. Out of the two goals he has set for this summers tournament, this is perhaps the most achievable one. I believe he will be able to not only tie Ronaldo but also set a new record, and be able to walk away from the national team with a sense of duty accomplished.

Winning the World Cup will be a more difficult task to accomplish. Germany is in the group of death, but i believe they will finish first in the group and advance to the round of 16. I don't see them advancing more than quarter finals.

He currently has 131 caps for Germany with 68 goals, tied with Gerd Muller for Germany's best goal scorer. If he breaks the World Cup scoring record he will also become Germany's best all time scorer, which really puts in perspective the international career Klose has had.

Frank Lampard

Lampard is a world class player and a staple of English football. This past week he announced that he is leaving Chelsea, and it looks like he will be joining NY City FC of the MLS next summer. Rumors of him joining an MLS club have been around for some time now, but it looks like this time it won't be just a rumor.

As he departs from Chelsea, he has also hinted at the fact that this will be his last World Cup and last time he will wear the three lions. Lampard is 35 years old (he will be 36 on June 20th), so this is the obvious time in a players career where they tend to walk away from their national teams. This allows them to concentrate more on their club career and extend it for a few more years.

England also looks to be in the middle of a generational shift, with a lot of youth coming into this years team it would be only a matter of time before Lampard was sitting on the outside looking in. It is always better to leave on your own terms than to be pushed out the door.

Lampard has 103 caps for England having scored 29 goals. He has been very successful at club level but has never reached a semi-final of a major tournament with England. This is something that he would want to change in his last kick at the can.

Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo at the age of 35 had one of his best seasons of his career playing for Juventus. He won Serie A, semi-finalist of Europa League and scored important goals along the way for his club.
He seems to be just like a good wine, the older he gets the better he plays. Having said that, this will be his last World Cup, and with young players moving up from the youth teams he will most likely be playing the last games for Italy at this summers tournament.

Pirlo has 108 caps for Italy and has scored 13 goals. His greatest moment with the Italian national team was winning the 2006 World Cup, in an intense final against France. He also won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.

He is a well respected played, not only by his team mates but also by his opponents. Marcello Lippi once said the following words about Pirlo "He is a silent leader, he speaks with his feet". That is the best description you can give when explaining to someone what he means to his teams. At this summers tournament he is without a doubt the heart of the Italian national team. He will be the maestro in the midfield dictating the play and speed of the game, and if give him a free-kick near the penalty box, he will make you pay for it.

It will be sad to see him walk away from international play but for those following Serie A i believe we still have a couple more years to enjoy his class.

International football will be a poorer once these four monsters of world football walk away from their national teams, but we all know that the time will come for all. We just have to enjoy this World Cup and the great moments that they will delight us with and ensure we record them in our very own memory banks. If not, you can always depend on youtube.

Top 5 World Cup Goals - Spain (Gallery)

2014-06-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

The defending World Cup champions have proven that not only they can pass the ball, they can also score some wonderful goals. Here are Spain's top 5 World Cup goals.