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A Winter's Tale

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  1. A Winter's Tale
    Monday 18th November - Snow shower from the NW late in the day - No lying snow
    Thursday 5th December - Snow showers from the NW - Lying snow of a dusting
    Friday 6th December - Snow flurry from the NW and some patchy snow from the west - No lying snow
    Thursday 19th December - Snow shower from the west in the morning - No lying snow
    Sunday 22nd December - Heavy snow shower from the west - No lying snow
    Tuesday 24th December - Snow showers from the west - Lying snow of a dusting
    Friday 27th December - Some wet snow in the early hours from a band from the SW - No lying snow
    Saturday 28th December* - Some sleet in the afternoon in showers from the west - No lying snow
    Saturday 11th January - A snow shower overnight - No lying snow
    Sunday 12th January - A spell of snow in the evening on the leading edge of a front from the west - No lying snow.
    Thursday 23rd January - Some wet snow showers from the west - no lying snow.
    Friday 31st - A spell of frontal snow from the west - no lying snow.
    Saturday 1st February - heavy snow from organised showers from the sw in the early hours - lying snow of a dusting on the grass.
    Tuesday 11th February - frontal snow in the morning from the west followed by snow showers from the west. Lying snow of a dusting.
    Wednesday 12th February - snow showers from sw in early hours and wet frontal snow from the south in the afternoon - no lying snow.
    Friday 14th February - some wet snow from a front from the south - no lying snow
    Friday 7th march - snow showers from the west - no lying snow
    Sunday 23rd march - snow shower from the nw - no lying snow
  2. A Winter's Tale
    1st July: Welcome to the first day of July, like August this is traditionally one of the warmest months of the summer but it can be renowned for thundery downpours and humid conditions aswell as hot and dry summer weather. It's been a while since we've had a truly great summer month. The last was July 2006 - although June 2010 was decent and last month got off to a good start - and since then we've been more familiar with classic winter months than summer. And in the past few years, there has been some well and truly wet weather in July. Can this month improve on the good start to last month or will it be the same old story? Well, today, a showery airmass was over the country although I didn't observe any precipitation. There was some pleasant conditions with clear and sunny intervals and bright conditions aswell as some passing clouds. Quite breezy in the westerly wind. There was little in the way of clear patches later this evening with generally cloudy skies but not too dull. Now it is calm, but overcast ahead of a soaking wet day tomorrow. But ater this week it could turn settled and warmer?

    2nd July: A wide and large front saw an extensive band of rain sit and slowly corss the country today. It wasn't particulary heavy rain, more like steady drizzle for much of the day making for a disapointing day. And it is still drizzly outside. A few more unsettled days before the Azores High is set to make things more settled and warmer for the weekend and into next week.

    3rd July: A brighter day overall with a mix of intervals of both sunshine/clear skies and cloud and it was fairly pleasant and calm. Recently it has become cloudier with an approaching front which is set to bring rain for tomorrow - thereafter and it is a more summery looking picture.

    4th July: There was soime sunshine and blue skies for periods earlier today but it was quite breezy and at times there was some strong gusts. There was also some clouds and I recall during the evening alternating cloud cover/clear skies. This gave way to a variety of skyscapes and colours/ambiance with a constantly changing look to the sky during the evening. Around 8pm it was largely overcast but with ridges and pockets of clear skies and around 9-10pm there was a mixture of cloud cover and clear skies: different colours of the sun shinning on certain parts of the landscape/clouds and different tones of blue in the clearer pockets across the sky (a pale blue further south and east). It did however seem more autumnal than July. Recently there has been more alternating period of areas of cloud cover and clearer skies (with some light after dusk) and a clearer/cold looking sky with starts out - rolling across the sky. Tomorrow should be mostly dry, western Scotland isn't immune from some rainfall. It is then set to turn warmer and more settled.

    5th July: A warm, quite balmy day. It started bright with hazy sunshine, blue skies with scattered white cloud and a pleasant breeze. For a time in the early evening it turned a bit cloudier before warm hazy sunsine, blue skies and scattered white cloud returned. ....
  3. A Winter's Tale
    [u][b][u][u]GREAT STORM OF JANUARY 2012:[/u][/u][/b][/u]

    Woke up at 6am to the sound of an almighty gust of wind that made the most incredible bangs. The roar, drone and rumble of the wind was endless and loud and I could hear it smashing some area of the town, just hoping that the particular gust won't reach here. The gusts were constent and mental. I could hear and feel the door about to explode open, I could hear all the bins falling over and damage to roofs and I just thought that the world was ending! The upstairs window blew open and we had to put a wardrobe, books and mattress infront of it - it blew open a further two times. Looking out of the window, I could hear and see the Christmas Period wine bottles rolling down the street and accumilating at the cul-de-sac. The updates on the Scotland Thread were mental! Once it had passed, I had realised that for the first time in my life, the house had received some damage with some slates knocked off (This happened to quite a few of the members too). On the drive to Bearsden, I saw many fences down, a large brick wall, two entire signposts bent over and countless numbers of trees down. In Bearsden, there were so many large trees down and I went for a walk. I was confused on the origins of one particular blown down tree that had found itself on someones house. I learnt that it was the top half of a tree across the road - an excutued tree! Looking at the slates was staggering with very large slates on the grass everywhere. Some of the pieces had pierced well through the ground - just imagine what that would have done to the Skull in impact! I went for another drive and saw incredible scenes at every corner - truly amazing!
    That was one great storm. My gran in Bearsden was a little upset with one tree being blown down. A tree in the Roman Baths can be seen right outside her bedroom window and she looks at it during the day, and it's the last thing she sees at night and the first in the morning. Yesterday's storm blew it down and the view looks a little different so I'm a little sorry to see it gone. I went for a walk and had a look at the damage too! Also, the night before the storm, she and my uncle had a look at some photos and admired the difference of the tree - just a few hours before it became an ex-tree.

    [b] Winter storms, early January 2012[/b]

    [url="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/interesting/2012_janwind/"]http://www.metoffice...g/2012_janwind/[/url]

    A major winter storm brought very strong winds across much of the UK on 3 January 2012. The worst affected area was southern Scotland – particularly the Central Belt – where winds gusted at well over 70 knots (81 mph). In this area, this storm was judged as the most severe for 13 years – since 26 December 1998, with wind speeds exceeding those of the recent storm of [url="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/interesting/2011_decwind/"]8 December 2011[/url]. Very strong winds were also experienced across much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with winds here also widely gusting at 50 to 60 knots (58 to 69 mph).
    This storm was followed by a further extremely windy spell from 4 to 5 January 2012 – with further damaging winds across northern and eastern England. These storms followed a particularly turbulent spell of weather from late November to mid-December.
    [b] Impacts[/b]

    On 3rd, fallen trees blocked roads and rail lines and damaged power lines. Rail services from Edinburgh to Glasgow and Inverness to Aberdeen were suspended. The Forth, Tay and Kingston road bridges were closed, with restrictions elsewhere. Ferry services were delayed and flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports were cancelled. More than 100,000 Scottish homes and businesses were left without electricity and some buildings were damaged.
    It was a similar picture across Northern Ireland, with travel delays, power cuts and building damage. In England and Wales, impacts included fallen trees, overturned lorries and building damage. A man was killed in Kent by a falling tree, and a bus driver seriously injured. A crewmember was killed as a vessel in the English Channel was struck by a large wave. The QE11 bridge on the M25 was closed for several hours as was the port of Dover.

    On 3 January, the strongest winds were across Scotland’s central belt, gusting at well over 70 knots (81 mph) and up to 89 knots (102 mph) at Edinburgh, Blackford Hill – strong enough to cause some structural damage. Several stations in this area recorded their highest gust speeds for 13 years – making this the most significant storm experienced in southern Scotland since the Boxing Day storm of 26 December 1998 (Table 1). Maximum gust speeds in this area were higher than those of either [url="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/interesting/2011_decwind/"]8 December 2011[/url] or [url="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/interesting/jan2005wind/"]11-12 January 2005[/url].
    Winds gusted at between 50 to 60 knots (58 to 69 mph) across most of Northern Ireland and Wales, and much of England, apart from the Midlands. Exposed coastal and upland locations saw gusts of over 70 knots (81 mph). Central parts of England experienced gusts more typically of 45 to 50 knots (51 to 58 mph). Across the mountain summits of northern Britain, winds gusted at up to 94 knots (108 mph) on Cairngorm summit (1237 m.a.s.l.) and 92 knots (106 mph) at Great Dun Fell, Cumbria (847 m.a.s.l.) – see Figure 1.
    The highest mean hourly wind speeds on 3 January exceeded 40 knots (46 mph) across much of southern Scotland, and around the coasts of Northern Ireland, Wales, and southern England (Figure 2).







    [center]
    [b][u]NOTABLE COLD SPELL - FEBRUARY 2012[/u][/b][/center]

    From late January to Mid February, many parts of the UK were under a cold spell, however the majority of the south and east were in a severe cold spell with very cold temperatures and some snowfall events. It was believed to have been the coldest weather in England in February since February 1986.

    Largest Snow Depth: 15cm, Church Fenton
    Lowest Minimum: -18.3C, Chesham, 11th February
    Lowest Maximum: -5.4C, Coningsby, 11th February
    No. of Days with Temperatures Below -10C: 5
    No. of Days with Temperatures Below 0C: 13


    [center][b][u]RECORD BREAKING WARMTH - MARCH 2012[/u][/b][/center]

    Between the 22nd and 29th March 2012, the UK was under a very warm spell with most areas seeing temperatures above 15C thanks to a SEly breeze from High Pressure. Initially, England was sunniest and warmest with the first 20C of the year then it got sunnier and warmer everywhere. It wasn't until the 25th that records began to fall as Scotland saw their first 20C of the year and most areas of the country saw warm sunshine and 20C temperatures. However on that day, Fyvie Castle broke the previous record Hot March temperature of 22.2C with 22.5C. Then the following day, it was even hotter with 20C across much of Scotland and Aboyne breaking the record with a high of 22.9C. Then, when further detail came in the Met Office realised the Cromdale earned the new record with 23.2C. Then the following day, records went again as a high of 23.8C was recorded in Aboyne as Scotland enjoyed a third day of 20C temperatures and brilliant sunshine. The following days would also be warm and sunny but not as extreme as the previous days.

    [center][b][u]LATE SEASON SPRING SNOWFALL - APRIL 2012[/u][/b][/center]

    During the 2nd and 3rd April 2012, there was a major snowfall event in Scotland and possibly for some the main snow event of the entire winter season. Cold air followed a very warm period and front moving south from the north brought snow to much of the country. It snowed here in Glasgow in April for the first time since 2008. However, further north and east there was widespread deep accumilations that would be good for notable snow events in mid winter and there was travel distruption. Up to 25cm had fallen in places but a lot of places had lying snow - this is the latest lying snow event in the UK in at least 4 years. Snow in April is always possible but it doesn't happen everywhere, certainly widespread April snowfall isn't common and lying snow at a widespread is even rarer which makes this event very significant for how potent it was at this stage in the season. Temperatures were also very cold and around freezing in places. Overall conditions are what you'd expect during one of the highlights of a winter. April snow has always been a part of UK Climate but this is a more significant event and a type that hasn't happened in a while.


    [center][u][b]HEAVY RAIN, FLOODING AND COLD TEMPERATURES - APRIL 2012[/b][/u][/center]

    April 2012 was generally a decent month here in Glasgow with a few frosts, one snowfall which a notable event in April, satisfactory amounts of sunshine and decent enough variety of seasonal weather. Plenty of hail was also notable and March was had a warmer maximum temperature than the whole of April. The UK mean for March was 7.7C (3rd warmest) whereas April was colder at 6.3C (one of the coldest and coldest in my life) and in Scotland the mean for March was 7.0C (the warmest) whreas April was colder at 4.9C (one of the coldest in my life and not far off normal winter months). This is truly remarkable and satisfactory weather made it fairly decent but it was a different story further south. Very limited warmth, sunshine and lots of rain. It was the wettest April on record after parts of England were declared drought zones. The north enjoyed chilly but pleasant conditions but for much of the month and particulary the latter part, things got very dull and wet. Towards the end, a monster low pressure system moved from east to west and it brough 6C temps, very heavy rain, wind, sleet and lots of widespread flooding that caused problems. The weather of April 2012 was influenced by high pressure in the North Atlantic and Greenland, low pressure over the UK bring cool Nlys, NElys and Elys. April was very much a different month from April, thankfully up here it wasn't as bad and it certainly will be an interesting month to look back on!

    [center][b][u]SNOW AND COLD WEATHER - MAY 2012[/u][/b][/center]

    After a cold and wet April, the theme continued into May. Again, up north things were better as on the for 3 consecutive days 20C had been recorded in Scotland and typical May weather was abundant. However, on the 4th things changed to a cold n thatortherly and a brought another aspect of May weather that you wouldn't get every year but certainly is a characteristic of May weather in the UK just as the sunshine and warmth you associate the month with. -5C uppers reached the UK with -10C uppers in Shetland which resulted a cool weather but in the sunshine fairly pleasant. In Glasgow, the 4th was pleasant and it only felt wintry at night with a cool, but clear sky with cooler temperatures. Elsewhere, Shetland and NE Scotland saw low level snow with showers - the first May snow event since 2010 which again is a Late May Characteristic but not one to expect every year. Under the clear skies, a widespread frost developed. The morning of the 5th was cold with -3C and a frost which is very decent for May. Even more significant was a snow shower at 11am which may second ever May snowfall. Winter 2011/12 ended a lot later than 10/11 and parts of Spring 2012 was snowier and colder than parts of the winter. Temperatures during the period dropped as low as -6C in places and didn't rise above 4C in some places. So for the majority, it was the last frost of the season and more significantly the last snowfall so late in the season - one to remember!

    [center][b][u]WARM SPELL - MAY 2012[/u][/b][/center]

    Late in May 2012, a sudden, potent warm spell occured after a period of very wet and cold weather. I had experienced quite a few frosts, my coldest ever May min at -4C, lots of rain but come the 23rd, temperatures began to increase into the 20s. In the following days, in Glasgow we had 6 consecutive days at temperatures above 20C, 4 days at 25C+ and an overall max of 27C. This is the warmest spell here in Glasgow since July 2006, and the wamest May temperature in my lifetime. I made use of this fantastic weather. Records were broken across much of Scotland as temperatures were recorded widely at around 25C for 4 or so days, the NW and other areas enjoyed 25C+ temperatures and records too. There were a few thunderstorms but overall it was very sunny. High pressure over the UK and Scandinavia brought settled weather across the UK and an easterly helped western areas to get the best out of the warm weather. Overall, this is probably the longest, warmest and sunniest spell for quite a few areas in the UK since 2006. The warmest temperature UK wide was around 29C, which is 3C short of the UK record for May.
  4. A Winter's Tale
    [b]SEPTEMBER...[/b]An above average month overall with some periods of warm weather (mainly in the first half) with some more autumnal and changeable spells inbetween and for longer periods at times in the latter half. Temperatures 0.0C to 1.25C above average. CET 14.1C. Rainfall 75-95% of the average (likelyhood of more rain in NW) with dry weather likely; seasonal rainfall bringing the total closer to average. Sunsine 0-10% above average.

    [b]OCTOBER...[/b]A slightly above average month with some warm periods possible at stages of the first half but some more average, and at times chilly autumnal weather for spells throughout the month should keep the overall temperature closer to average. Rainfall should vary with alternating settled/unsettled spells - frequent frontal activity likely in the second half. CET 10.8C. Rainfall 85-100% of the average, seasonal rainfall but not too excessive nor persistent. Sunshine 0-5% above average.

    [b]NOVEMBER...[/b]Changeable with temperatures close to average, generally unsettled throughout the month other than some quieter/settled days spells from time to time. A possibility for mild spells at times in the first half in and amongst the changeable but normal frontal activity.Potentially a chilly and quieter period during the latter part of November. CET 7.2C. Rainfall 90-105% - most of the rain in the NW but everywhere should see a fair amount of rain off the atlantic. Sunshine 0-5% above average.

    SEPTEMBER - MORE DETAILED FORECAST

    First week: A warm/hot start to the month - especially in the south - but becoming more unsettled from the north with more rainfall.
    Second week: A continued influence with low pressure, temperatures close to average - sometimes warm in a few regions - and some spells of wet weather coming and going.
    Third week: High pressure may start to build from the south to bring drier and maybe warmer weather to southern regions whilst changeable conditions remain further north. A return to unsettled weather later with a chilly and showery NWly.
    Final week: Starting changeable with spells of wet weather, temperatures close to average/or occasionally chilly. Becoming quieter later with some warmth possible in the south.

    OCTOBER

    Second week: After a mild start it should turn considerably colder with fresh northerly winds bringing mostly dry but chilly conditions. Frosts likely in places for a few nights and the first chance of high ground snow in NE Scotland. Turning more settled - especially in the north - whilst the south remains vulnerable to precipitation.
    Third week: Starting with high pressure close to northern areas whilst some wetter or potentially windier and mild conditions affect southern areas. Becoming unsettled across the British Isles with wet, windy and mild and fairly changeable weather.
    Final week: Alternating periods of some quieter, settled spells with a chance of frosts in places and some unsettled spells bringing periods of rainfall and wind. A chance of the odd northerly toppler.

    NOVEMBER

    First week: Fairy typical early November conditions with fairly chilly temperatures for many away from the far south - some spells of sunshine aswell as showers and some frontal rainfall. Quite windy at times, frost overnight and snow at times on the high ground in Scotland.
    Second week: Continuing unsettled, autumnal conditions with spells of rain in the form of both fronts and showers. Some sunny interludes aswell as frosts on some nights and some further hill snow in Scotland.
    Third week: Turning a bit more settled from the south - always a greater risk of rain further NW but it should become quieter, drier but some fog patches and frosty nights.
    Final week: Starting settled before unsettled weather arrives from the west. This should be followed by a cool showery NWly flow.
  5. A Winter's Tale
    1st June: Today is the first day of summer 2013. After a cold theme to the first 5 months of the year, will 2013 and bring a well over-due good summer? Today, there was a few heavy showers earlier in the morning and afternoon and some passing cloudy intervals but during the evening there was a good deal of late, summer sunshine and blue skies. Around dusk, about half of the sky was clear with some patches of cloud cover around - quite similar just now with some groups of clouds moving in from the west. Tomorrow could be a cool, cloudy day but in general the coming days should be on the settled side.

    2nd June: Another nice summer's day with calm, bright and largely clear conditions for much of the day with some particular pleasant conditions and clear skies this afternoon and evening. It was fairly clear earlier around dusk but now it has turned a little more overcast. The coming days look mainly settled, mostly dry with perhaps a few showers and pleasant temperatures too.

    3rd June: Yet another good day in what has been a pretty pleasant spell of early summer weather. It was fairly cloudy but bright this morning/noon but it turned even brighter as clouds began to seperate on a warm afternoon. It did turn a bit cloudier once more this afternoon with a few light showers before turning clearer again during another nice evening. Just now conditions are calm, a mixture of clear patches with stars and thin cloud cover. This week looks set to be settled, largely dry and fairly warm. A much better start to summer this year!!!

    4th June: Another fantastic summer's day with a high of 21C. There was plenty of clear blue skies and real look and feeling of summer. Just a few small white clouds sprinkled across the sky. Feeling very pleasant in the warm temperatures with a nice breeze. A little bit cloudier now. The rest of this week looks set to be dry, settled and fairly warm. June 2013; so far so good.

    5th June: Not as good as yesterday. It was pretty warm with a high of 20C in the early afternoon. There was a bit of brightness and blue skies for a time around noon but it was quite humid and became largely cloudy with a few spots of rain. A few smaller clear patches appeared in the evening, but now it is a clear night other than a few small, isolated clouds. Some more settled and warm weather to come!!!

    6th June: A marvelous summer day! Quite hazy blue skies with fluffy clouds this morning but it was a stunning warm (but breezy in Fife) day with plenty of glorious sunshine over the rich summer countryside. In the sky, there were cirrus clouds and a few small medium-level clouds in certain parts of the sky. It was a perfect day to sit outside and have a drive through Fife! The evening was fantastic with another amazing sunset on the drive home. Fantastic colours in the sky with a hazy pink/purple on the horizon and classic summery late evening skyscapes with cirrus clouds and other clouds with various different colours on them across different parts of the sky as the sun slowly set to the NW. It's a fantastic summer's night with barely a cloud to be seen. The good weather is set to continue!

    7th June: Another stunning summer's day with nothing but unspoilt sunshine and blue skies (a variety of a few fair weather clouds in sections of the sky at times). A warm day, a slight breeze and maximum temperatures of 20C. Another calm, mostly lear night. The sunset and arrival of darkness is later and slower at this time of year and there is still some light outside, long after sunset. Cloudy looking north towards the Trossachs and beyond but in general there is only a few small, thin clouds in the clear sky and some cirrus clouds. At this time of year, it is always fascinating to watch the different colours between clouds. The fine weatheris here to stay for at least another 2-3 days but the during the middle of next week it is going to be much more unsettled.

    8th June: A warm day with a maximum of 22C and plenty of sunshine and blue skies. In the afternoon/evening there was stunning clear, blue skies with a few white fluffy cliuds and some cumulonimbus clouds on occasions. At 10pm there was another stunning sunset at Queen's view with firey colours towards the mountains near and beyond Loch Lomond. Barely a cloud in the sky away from the east where there was an area of cloud cover which gradually became thinner. The colours at dusk are amazing with pale blue/green to the north/west and the rest of the sky tonight did not have the same deep darkness of nights in other times of the year. There was a purple haze to the southern horizon at sunset. The clouds to the east did not detract any feeling away from the fine clear summer evening whilst other clouds blend into the night sky - some clouds did stand out however - as darkness makes enrodes slowly. Now it is aalm, clear, starry night with barely a cloud in the sky. It has been a fantastic spell of summer weather. Let's hope there'll be more spells like this to end the run of inconsistent and below par summers from 2007.

    9th June: Another stunning day! This summer has got off to a fantastic start. Plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies, but a hazier looking blue sky than yesterday and here seemed to be less clouds in the sky aswell. The day ended with another classic summer sunset as daylight slowly waned into night. It's another calm, clear night with some thin cloud cover blending with the sky. Tomorrow could be the last day of this settled period before things turn unsettled.

    10th June: A dry, but coolr and cloudier day in this spell of fine early summer weather. Much of the day was calm but there was a thin covering of cloud. Some brightness did come through the clouds and in the afternoon for a time he clouds began to seperate and there was some sunshine and blue skies but it didn't last too long. In the evening, for a time it looked like it might rain. Just now it might actually be clear but the hazy night sky makes it hard to distinguish the presence of clouds but I assume clouds are seperated than earlier. A nice calm night too. Tomorrow, cloud cover and some rain will spread from the west. The next coming days are set to be unsettled.

    11th June: Today certainly saw a return to predominately cloudy, dull and at times damp conditions. Certainly cooler and a bit darker compared to the days during the fantastic spell which lasted for the first third of the month. Rain was on and off today with a weak band moving in from the west and recently I could hear rain hitting the window. Unsettled for the coming days with some rain at times.

    12th June: A better day than yesterday as the persistent rain cleared to the north. During the day some brightness and clearer patches developed through the moisture filled clouds. And during the evening it became mostly clear with fewer and fewer clouds. Just now it is a calm and a clear night. Still some brightness before midnight and the stars are coming out. Just a few thin and small, isolated strips of white clouds. A southerly tracking jet is resulting in more unsttled conditions.

    13th June: The unsettled spell continues. There was not much rain today but there was some cloudy skies (but it wasn't all that dark). It was also pretty breeze. However conditions became a bit clearer later in the evening and parts of the sky became clear during the evening with thinner clouds. Just now it is half clear/loudy and much calmer. The stars are out but there are some areas of thin orange cloud. Tomorrow is looking showery.

    14th June: Low pressure still in influene and will still be in control for a while yet. A breezy day with clous being blown across the sky - mostly cloudy; at times grey - but some clearer and brighter spells developed for a time before being blown away. During the evening increased showery activity moved in from the south west and for much of the evening and this night - it has been overcast and damp. Some more unsettled weather to come but Saturday could be a decent day.

    15th June: For the morning and into the early afternoon a front moving in from the south west stalled and brought heavy, persistent rain and dull, overcast and quite breezy conditions. In the evening some clear and bright patches and spells developed through the clouds - although the ground remainded damp and it was still quite breezy - and later this evening and recently, for spells it was largely clear. But all in all, today was more autumnal than summer but tomorrow is looking like a better day - but only a breif spell.

    16th June: There was some glorious sunny spells with mostly clear, blue skies this morning and early afternoon - a bit later it became generally mostly cloudy with some brief clear intervals as periods of medium-level cloud cover prevailed. It was quite warm too. Recently skies have become largely clear and starry on a calm night with just a few scattered clouds at times. Tomorrow, mostly dry, maybe a shower and quite warm.

    17th June: The forecast was for brightness and sunny spells but today turned out to be dry, quite warm and muggy, calm but mostly cloudy with overcast medium-level cloud cover for much of the day - with some light rain. Tomorrow again should be dry, quiet warm and maybe some brightness. Possibly staying dry for another day.

    18th June: Today started quite cloudy and benign like yesterday but gradually the cloud cover began to thin and break up leading to an evening of blue skies, sunshine with just a few groups of thin, fair weather cloud. As the summer solstice approaches, sunset and dusk is late and it is a long process to darkness. A pruple haze to the eastern sky around sunset. Just now it is a calm and mostly clear night - just a few thin, almost transparent patches of cloud is parts of the night sky. The weather could be decent for the next two days before turning unsettled.

    19th June: A promising start with intervals of sunshine and blue skies but in the afternoon and early evening it became more overcast before sunshine and blue skies soon began to breakthrough. This lead to a lovely, calm evening with clear blue skies - cirrus clouds and some faint, thin clouds in parts of the sky. The moon was out in the daylight in the evening. After the long and late transition of day to night, it is currently a calm, clear night, with some faint clouds blending with the moon in the west. Turning unsettled.

    20th June: The last of the warms days. Some hazy, cloud cover this morning, influenced by a front bringing rain to NW Scotland but in the afternoon the sky was hazy with some clear patches - generally bright and it was quite sunny for a time. There was a brief shower in the afternoon - qute muggy. This evening and just now it has become overcast because of some rain moving in tonight - the start of unsettled weather.

    21st June: The longest day of the year. It turned out better than I expected, with some forecasts going for a weak front of patchy rain to move northwards into Scotland. I didn't notice any rain but I recall this morning being on the cloudy side. However, later in the afternoon and early evening there was some fine summer conditions with warm sunshine, a breeze and clear blue skies with scattered, white fluffy clouds. However, the conditions faded away as a ceilling of grey, high in the sky rolled in from the west ahead of an area of low pressure. The sky to the west was just a plain sheet of grey. Just now the sky seems to be a misty, overcast with some rough bits of cloud here and there. Tomorrow should be a pretty wet day as low pressure dominates.

    22nd June: The rain front passed over during the early hours, and some other features and showers followed behind in the morning brining some heavy rain for periods. Thereafter, there was not much in the way of rain as most of the showers missed here - it was mostly cloudy, blown in from the west - but early in the afternoon there was some fine sunshine, blue skies and white shower clouds. Just now, clouds are moving across the sky from west to east: quite thin andrough and not very low clouds with clear patches inbetween. After tomorrow, it could be settled and quiet for a period.

    23rd June: More like April or October than the 23rd of June! Low pressure situated just to the east of the country. Here and at Loch Goil there wasn't any rain at all in comparison to NE Scotland. There was quite a brisk and chilly breeze. A mostly cloudy day with a textured/rough layer of cloud at 2500-3000ft moving fast across the sky driven by a strong wind. However, the cloud cover was thin enough for it to be bright and for some pockets of sunshine and blue skies to appear from time to time. Just now, it is much calmer, still mostly cloudy but much thinner and still compared to earlier with some clear pockets. With low pressure to the east, NWly winds should be across the country tomorrow - it should be mostly dry and temperatures in themid-high teens. High pressure to be more influential later.

    24th June: A much better day. No rain that I'm aware of and much, much calmer than yesterday aswell as bright, sunny and clear conditions resembling a decent summer day. Clear blue skies for much of the day with some white clouds. Just now it is a very calm and a very clear night with the moon and stars out. A cold night is on the cards and the air is much clearer looking than the hazy/fizzy night skies earlier this month. Just one one or two small, isolated clouds. High pressure should allow for a settled period but I suspect it will turn unsettled again.

    25th June: A cloudier day with largely overcast skies for the morning and afternoon. Some brightness with a few short, darker periods through the clouds. In the evening, the clouds began to separate and it was a decent June evening with some sunshine and blue skies coming through aswell as fewer clouds - the quality of the blue skies was of a hazy variety. Just now there is a few patches of thin cloud which has rolled over but there clearer skies on either side. Staying settled for another couple of days

    26th June: The forecast was for it to be fairly cloudy but it turned out to be a delightful day, especially in the afternoon and evening. A pleasant enough start, a brief cloudier period but in the afternoon and evening it was warm, sunny, clear blue skies- a little hazy - and very few clouds and a refreshing breeze. Skies were clear enough to illustarte the late summer sunset/dusk with just a few streaks of distant pruple, thin clouds in a hazy late evening. Cloud cover has increased as a result of an approaching weather front - some dampness tomorrow and Friday.

    27th June: Today started on a typically Atlantic note with grey skies, wet surfaces and steady, persistent rainfall as a result of a weather front. Into the afternoon and early evening, it remained mostly overcast, damp surfaces, a bit of a breeze but the air seemed to be a little humid. Later in the evening there was some periodic patches of clear, blue skies for spells but it was fairly brief and it is now a calm and cloudy but dry night. Another area of rain is set to arrive tomorrow but it could be clearer for the afternoon. The unsettled situations means weather fronts could be quite frequent thereafter.

    28th June: A front brough cloud cover and rain for a time this morning but it dried up in the afternoon and evening other than a few spots of drizzle. Quite breezy and not particulary warm. It was mostly cloudy other than some crossing clear patches and now it is mostly cloudy with just a few clear pockets. Tomorrow should see some cloudy and damp conditions and pretty cool aswell. Weather fronts should keep things cloudy, damp and cool for the next couple of days.

    29th June: Not an exciting day with a ceilling of cloud cover across much of the areas for most of the day. There was a little bit of brightness through the cloud cover but generally it was just grey as a result of a weak front crossing the country which bright a little bit of rain for a time. It was a cool day too. Just now it is mostly cloudy, but the cloud cover is thinner with a few small, faint clear pockets moving from west-east across the sky. The atlantic is set to dominate...

    30th June: A weak cold front brough cold, overcast, breezy and at times drizzly conditions. A very grey day. Now the front has passed, mostly cloudy skies but calmer with some clear patches. June has been a mixed month with some fine, settled, bright and warm summer weather early in the month aswell as some unsettled, breezy, damp, cool, showery and more autumnal conditions aswell. July is set to start on an unsettled note.
  6. A Winter's Tale
    Friday 26th October - Light snow shower from the north - No lying snow
    Saturday 3rd November - Light shower from the west early in the morning - No lying snow
    Sunday 2nd December - Frontal snowfall during the evening coming from the west - Lying snow of 3cm
    Monday 3rd December - Frontal snowfall in the early hours coming from the west - Lying snow of 3-5cm
    Tuesday 4th December - Light snow from a small front coming from the north in the evening - Lying snow of 2-3cm
    Wednesday 5th December - No snowfall - Lying snow of 2-3cm
    Thursday 6th December - No snowfall - Lying snow of 2-3cm
    Friday 7th December - No snowfall - Lying snow in places of a 1cm
    Saturday 8th December - No snowfall - Lying snow of less than a cm
    Wednesday 12th December - Light snowfall in the early hours moving in from the south west - No lying snow
    Thursday 13th December - Light snowfall in the morning from a front moving north - Lying snow of a dusting
    Thursday 27th December - Snow from a band moving from the west - No lying snow
    Sunday 30th December - Snow from showers coming in from the west - No lying snow
    Sunday 13th January - Heavy snow from a band from the west - Lying snow of 1cm
    Wednesday 16th January - Light snow flurry in afternoon - No lying snow
    Friday 18th January - Light snow from south easterly - No lying snow
    Saturday 19th January - Light snow shower from south easterly - No lying snow
    Sunday 20th January - Light snow grains and flurries - No lying snow
    Monday 21st January - Snow throughout the morning and afternoon from a band from the east - Lying snow in the morning of <1cm
    Tuesday 22nd January - Some snow from a band moving northwards in the early hours
    Wednesday 23rd January - Light snow during the early hours and some flakes in the morning - No lying snow
    Friday 25th January - Heavy snow from a band from the west - A covering of snow
    Saturday 26th January - No snowfall - A covering of snow on grass
    Monday 4th February - Heavy snow showers from the west - Lying snow of around a cm during the final hours
    Tuesday 5th February - Heavy snow showers from the west until midday - Lying snow of a 2-4cm until midday
    Sunday 10th February - Heavy snow in the morning and the afternoon from a band from the west - No lying snow
    Tuesday 12th February - Light snow flurry from the east - No lying snow
    Wednesday 13th February - Heavy snow from a band from the west - Lying snow of 8cm
    Thursday 14th February - No snowfall - A covering of snow close to a cm lasting into the early hours
    Saturday 23rd February - Light snow shower from the east in the morning - No lying snow
    Sunday 24th February - Some snow flakes in the morning from the east - No lying snow
    Sunday 10th March - Heavy snow showers from the north east - Lying snow of 2cm
    Monday 11th March - Snow showers from north east - Lying snow of 2cm
    Wednesday 13th March - Light snow flurry from the north in the afternoon - No lying snow
    Sunday 17th March - A spell of snow from the east late in the day - No lying snow
    Monday 18th March - Snow flurries from the east - No lying snow
    Tuesday 19th March - Snow from the east - No lying snow
    Wednesday 20th March - Snow shower from the east in the early hours - No lying snow
    Friday 22nd March - Snow from a band moving in from the south - Lying snow of 2cm
    Saturday 23rd March - Snow from a stalled band - Lying snow of 2cm
    Sunday 24th Marcn - A few flurries from the east - Lying snow of around 2cm (mostly on grassy surfaces)
    Monday 25th March - Light snow flurries from the east - No lying snow
    Tuesday 26th March - Snow showers from the east - No lying snow
    Wednesday 27th March - Snow showers from the east - Lying snow of around 1cm in the early morning
    Thursday 28th March: Snow shower from the east - Lying snow of around 2-3cm in the morning
    Friday 29th March - Light snow showers from the east - No lying snow
    Saturday 30th March - Light snow flurry in afternoon from east - No lying snow



    Largest snow depth: 8cm (13th February)
    Total snowfall days: October (1), November (1), December (7), January (9), February (7), March (15) Winter total = 41 days
    Lying snow: December ([img]http://forum.nwstatic.co.uk//public/style_emoticons/default/dirol.gif[/img], January (2), February (4), March (7) Winter total = 21 days
    Total consecutive days of falling snow: 13 (17th-30th March)
    Total consecutive days of lying snow: 7 (2nd-8th December)
    Total days with either falling or lying snow: 41
    First/last snowfall*: 26 October-30 March
  7. A Winter's Tale
    Now we are down to the last 8 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup - the business end where the best teams are looking to create history. And as it's been a marvellous World Cup so far, I would presume that we will see some classic quarter-final drama, exciting and memorable matches and moments as we watch the World Cup history being made. The last 8 has a nice variety. We have 3 from South America and 1 team from Central America and 4 european sides. We have the usual suspects in Brazil and Germany and not to mention the Netherlands, Argentina and France. We have quarter final debutants in Costa Rica and Colombia. In terms of competing for the title, it is very open. In the Americas we have the hosts Brazil looking for a 6th title, Argentina are aiming to win a third title. Colombia have been the most entertaining team and despite having little history at this stage in a World Cup, they will want to make history to become the 4th South American nation to win the World Cup. Costa Rica are the least likely side to win, but they are one of those less fancied teams who have punched above their weight and deservedly earned their place at this stage in the World Cup. In Europe, Germany are searching for a 4th and first title since 1990, France after having 8 years in the international football wilderness are looking to win a second title. The Dutch, 3 time finalists are hoping to win the World Cup for the first time and Belgium's first tournament with their golden generation have reached a stage in the World Cup which justifies the quality and potential their side possesses and they will be looking to add their name to the list of World Cup winners.

    The first quarter-final is an eagerly anticipated tie between european sides France and Germany. Two former champions, this fixture has provided classic World Cup matches in the past.

    Germany have reached the last 8 for a 16th consecutive time and the side ranked second in the world are aiming for a 12th and 4th consecutive semi final. In the group stage they defeated Portugal 4-0, drew against Ghana 2-2 and won 1-0 over the USA before defeating Algeria 2-1 in extra time in the last 16 - scoring 9 goals (4 from Thomas muller, 1 from mario gotze, mats hummels, mesut ozil, Andre schurrle and miroslav klose), conceding 3. Germany were impressive in their 4-0 victory against Portugal but since then their intensity and level has dropped and some weaknesses have been exposed which had made Germany's performance so far, to be one of their poorest in a major tournament for a while. Defence has been a weakness, with Lahm playing in midfield which had meant that they have a back four made up of centre backs. It's not the quickest or most skilful defence and their organisation has been pretty poor at times which has resulted in some really shaky defending. And against Algeria, with hummels missing, Germany's defending was almost disastrous. They played a very high line which wasn't organised, slow and was very vulnerable to counter attacks and manuel neur had to get Germany out of trouble on numerous occasions. Germany's shape and balance was far better when Lahm played ad right back. They were far more organised, less shaky defensively and having a world class rb meant that Germany were a little more potent going forward on the right wing. Lahm could be a decent midfielder but Germany have never really set up like that before and it was easy to tell that team wasn't really used to it. Going forward, sometimes the attacks breakdown, some players are not in form and a few injuries to crucial players haven't helped but Thomas muller is a goalscorer. Despite the problems Germany have had, they've survived the tough moments have shown resilience, and combined with their experience this could see Germany through against France. But if they play like they did against Algeria then they would lose the quarter final.


    France have been a surprise at this World Cup. Following a humiliating elimination in South Africa four years ago, the 1998 Champions and 2006 finalists have reached the last 8 for an 8th time. The team ranked 17th in the World, reached the last 8 by defeating Honduras 3-0, Switzerland 5-2 and drew 0-0 with Ecuador before beating Nigeria 2-0 in the last 16, scoring 10 goals (3 from Karim Benzema, 1 from Olivier Giroud, Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba, Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Valbuena), conceding just 2 goals. Going into the tournament, Franc were seen as dark horses and were generally expected to reach the quarter-finals, but the way they've played (especially in the first two group matches) has been impressive. They've scored many goals and look like a very well balanced, settled and organised side -solid defensively, creative in midfield and dangerous going forward. They have important players in goalkeeper Lloris, centre back Varane, playmaker Cabaye, holding midfielder Pogba, winger Valbuena and striker Benzema. Their form dipped slightly in the final group game and in their last 16 tie with Nigeria. Nevertheless, they've reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 8 years which is a positive milestone after a bleak period in recent times. A lack of experience could be their short coming, but certainly France do have the quality to contain and attack the Germans.

    This will be the 26th meeting between the two sides with France having won 11 and Germany 8 with 6 draws. This will be th 4th meeting in a World Cup, a 6-3 victory for France in a 3rd place play-off in 1958, 3-3 semi-final in 1982 with Germany winning the first ever World Cup penalty shootout, and 4 years later at the same stage a 2-0 victory for the Germans. Germany are looking to reach a 4th consecutive World Cup semi-final and they are unbeaten in their last 15 internationals.

    My initial prediction was 2-1 Germany and I'm sticking with it. As good as France have been and as shacky and at times unconvincing Germany have been, I think Germany's experience in terms of players and history will prevail. And I presume that they will be set up a lot better than they have been of late. If Lahm plays as RB, with Hummels as CB and Schwienstiger and Khederia in midfield, then Germany should have the shape to contain the French and score a few goals themselves. However, despite Germany's efficiency, if they play like they did against Algeria, then France have the weaponary to expose Germany's high-line and France could find themselves in a semif-final. Germany should win and play Brazil in the semi-final and to reach a fourth consecutive semi final would be some achievement.

    The next quarter-final is an intriguing tie between South American sides Colombia and Brazil.

    Brazil, ranked 3rd in the world, have reached the last 8 for the 16th time in their history and are looking for their first semi-final since 2002 - which would be the 10th in their history. They finished top of Group A by defeating Croatia 3-1, drew 0-0 with Mexico and won 4-1 against Cameroon before beating Chile in a penalty shoot-out in the last 16. Brazil have scored 8 goals (4 from Neymar, 1 from David Luiz, Oscar, Fred and Fernandinho) and conceded 3 goals. Obviously, Brazil have done some things right to reach the quarter-finals, but they remain unconvincing and not particulary likeable. Certainly, Neymar is crucial going forward with 4 goals, they have some solid central midfielders and of course captain Thiago Silva holds the defence together. However, despite some flashes of Brazilian brilliance, Brazil have evolved into a far more physical side. They are erratic, which makes them unconvincing and not too pleasing on the eye, however, they are physical and powerful enough to stifle and disrupt their opponents and they are a dangerous side from set-pieces and on the counter-attack. But it does seem that this team isn't the best in the world, and are a shadow of their brilliant teams and players from the past. But playing at home is a huge advantage and this should ultimately see them progress to the semi finals and I expect them to win the World Cup. However, they could be regarded as one of the poorest sides to ever win the World Cup.

    Colombia have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, which is a magnificent achievement - considering how this is their first World Cup appearance since 1998 - and they've deserved it. The side ranked 8th in the World have won all of their matches, beating Greece 3-0, Ivory Coast 2-1, Japan 4-1 and Uruguay 2-0. Certainly, given how they've won all of their games and scored 11 goals (5 from James Rodriguez, 2 from Jackson Martinez, 1 from Pablo Armero, Juan Cuadrado, Teofilo Gutierrez), conceding twice, they have been the most entertaining team so far. I still think they lack a liitle bit of strength and depth, physicality, experience and other factors to go from being the best team after 4 matches to become World Champions, but they have enough flair and qualities individually and collectively to have a say in the World Cup - if they can get past Brazil. They haven't played a really top team yet and given their inferior record to Brazil, then I think it is a really tall order for Colombia to get past the quarter-finals - but a suprise isn't completely impossible. Colombia have adapted very well to the injury of star striker Falcao. James Rodriguez has been absolutely tremendous and in my opinion, he has been the best player of the World Cup. He's the top goalscorer with 5 goals, having scored in every game, and probably scored the best goal of the World Cup against Uruguay. H has shown a lot of quality with his technique, vision and positioning. If he has a very good match against Brazil, then he could be the difference. Colombia have other quality players, but I do think their effectiveness going forward as a team can be a little inconsistent. Defensively, they haven't really been tested and they've seemed okay so far, but it is well-known that despite their experience, defence might be an issue with a lack of pace. Brazil will have too much for Colombia, but a quarter-final exit for Colombia is still an excellent achievement for a very decent and entertaining international side who have lit up the World Cup.

    In 25 encounters, Colombia have only won twice. The last time Colombia won was a 2-0 victory in the Copa America in 1991. The last 4 meetings have all been draws and i's been 11 years since Brazil last beat Colombia. Brazil have only lost once in their last 25 games (a defeat to Switzerland last August) and they are unbeaten in 41 successive home matches, last losing to Paraguay in 2002. A 3-1 defeat to Peru in th 1975 Copa America was the last competitive home defeat.

    I'm going for a 2-0 victory to Brazil. Colombia have a greatly inferior record against Brazil, and despite their flair and the performances of Rodriguez, they haven't come up against a side like Brazil. I think Brazil will be able to stifle Colombia's attack with their physicality, and Brazil should get a couple of goals out of Colombia's not particularly strong defence. The atmosphere should also be a factor. This should be a competitive match and Colombia should play their part in the tie and it isn't entirely impossible that they can win - but a lot of factors are stacked in Brazils favour and this should be the end of the road for a Colombia side who've had a fantastic World Cup and have displayed their qualities and justified themselves as one of the best international sides despite having not quite enough to go all the way.

    The third quarter final is a fascinating match up between Argentina and Belgium.

    Argentina, ranked 5th in the world, have reached the last 8 for the 8th time and are aiming to reach the semi finals for the first time since 1990. Argentina have reached the last 8 by winning all their group games by defeating Bosnia 2-1, Iran 1-0, Nigeria 3-2 edged past Switzerland 1-0 after extra time in the last 16. They've scored 7 goals (4 by Lionel Messi, 1 from Angel di Maria and Marco Rojo) and conceded 3. Like Belgium, despite the players on show Argentina have been unconvincing and lack cohesion. They've been one of the poorer South American sides on show as their attacking players have failed to gel into a collective unit and they look more like a bunch of individuals who've never played together. So a lack cohesion in the team and some off-form players has been a problem for Argentina as they look to win their first World Cup since 1986. However, generally, the Argentinian squad is pretty average with the exception of their best players and they have their weaknesses defensively. Lionel Messi, despite being in and out of the games, has carried Argentina by scoring 4 goals and setting up the decisive goal against Switzerland. Without him, Argentina won't win the World Cup, but with a player like him and playing in South America, Argentina have some advantages over Belgium which should see them progress but if Argentina play like they've done so far, then there is a real chanc that they could be going out at the quarter-final stage for the third time in a row.

    Belgium, ranked 11th in the World, have reached the last 8 for the second time in their history and are looking to match the performance of their previous golden generation in 1986 who reached the semi-finals. Belgium won all of their group matches by defeating Algeria 2-1, Russia 1-0 and South Korea 1-0 before defeating the USA 2-1 in the last 16 - scoring 6 goals (1 from Kevin de Bruyne, Marouane Fellani, Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, Divock Origi and Jan Vertonghen), conceding twice. In their first major tournament since 2002, a young, inexperienced and emerging Belgian side (who haven't played to expectations) reaching the quarter-finals is a fantastic achievement and being in the last 8 as one of the 4 remaining European sides, justifies why Belgium are one of the best teams in the World and how far they hav emerged from reforming the national game over 8 years ago. But despite justifying the hype in terms of the golden generation reaching the quarter-finals, Belgium's performances haven't been great - but perhaps this is part of being a team that's still emerging and evolving. And the lack of experience could be what ultimately curtails this group of Belgian footballers. In the group stage, they were efficient as they won all their games without playing well - scoring late goals. And they are a very difficult team to beat with a strong, physical and generally well-balanced side. They are strong in defence, pretty well organised and they can hurt teams on the counter-attack with pacey wingers. The problem Belgium have is goal scoring - as they missed a lot of chances against the USA - and perhaps creativity behind the striker. But despite their qualities, the biggest problem for Belgium is a lack of cohesion and consistency, which is perhaps down to a lack of experience. This could be Belgium's downfall against Argentina, but both teams are struggling to find cohesion, and Belgium will be difficult to beat and man for man, Belgium probably is a stronger side. It's an intruiging tie, but I suspect Argentina will go through, but the quarter-finals is a decent achievement for a team who's announced themselves on the international stage.

    In the 4 prvious occasions the two teams have met, Argentina have won three and lost one. The most recent meeting was in Mexico 86 semi-final with a virtuoso performance from Maradonna.

    I'm going for 2-1 Argentina. It's a fascinating match between two teams who have got something to prove as they've both been inconsistent and incohesive. Argentina are a bigger name, on South American soil with the best player in the World up against a physical, slightly better team man for man but an emerging side in Belgium. And despite the unconvincing elements of both teams, whoever wins will be a very dangerous team in the competition. Both teams are pretty equal, bt despite Belgium being a strongr side, I fancy the experience of Argentina, South American advantage and Lionel Messi to be the deciding factors, but Belgium are capable of beating Argentina.

    The final quarter-final is a meeting between the Netherlands and Costa Rica.

    The Netherlands, ranked 15th in the World rankings, have reached the last 8 for the 6th time and the 2010 finalists are aiming to reach a 4th semi final. In the group stage they thrashed Spain 5-1, defeating Australia 3-2 then Chile 2-0 before edging past Mexico with a 2-1 victory in the last 16, scoring 12 goals (3 from Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, 2 from Memphis Depay, 1 from Leroy Fer, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Wesley Sneijder and Stefan de Vrij), conceding 4. The Netherlands have been surprising as they brought a squad which was incredibly inexperiencied and probably a poor one by their standards. However, they finished top of their group and have won every match to reach the quarter-finals and presumably reach the semi-finals. They have an excellent manager and terrific and inform footballers in Robben and Van Persie and for me, it seems that their philosophy at youth level in the Netherlands creates a cohesion that brings the National side above the sum of their parts. On paper, they aren't a great side, but as unit and under Van Gaal, they have been very efficient and have played to their strengths and combined to protect and reduce their weaknesses. At times, inexperience or vulnerability has been evident in the Australia and Mexico games, but they've still managed to get a victory. I think the Netherlands will win against Costa Rica, van Gaal will set them up properly and their star players should make the difference, but if the shortcomings of the Dutch team are exposed, then Costa Rica could sneak a way into the last 4.

    Costa Rica, who are ranked 28th in the World, have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, having avoided defeat against opponents who are all ranked in the top 15 in the World. They finished top of their group by defeating Uruguay 3-1, Italy 1-0 and drew with England 0-0 before beating Greece on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the group stage - scoring 5 goals (2 from Bryan Ruiz, 1 from Joel Campbell, Oscar Duarte, Marco Urena), conceding just twice. Although Costa Rica are not considered to be one of the favourites to go on to win the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals has been well deserved for a side who have been excellent as a unit, incredibly organised and have played to their strengths and above the sum of their parts, and they have deservedly earned a place in the quarter-finals. They have only conceded twice in the World Cup and a lot of credit should go to the manager. They are a very well organised side who are hard to beat and they are capable of snatching a goal themselves, so they could be a real tricky obstacle for the Netherlands. They have an excellent goal keeper and a defence that works very well as a unit and they have a few individuals who can come up with something going forward. In just about every World Cup, there is a team who goes quite far despite not being major contendors, and Costa Rica's journey is one of the most remarakble in the history of any World Cup and their resiliance has quite rightly taken them further than they have ever been in a World Cup. And if they go out as I expect them too, then they can be incredibly proud of what they've achieved and they have exhibited that you don't need to be a illustrious, highly populated nation with big name players playing in big leagues to be a success. However, I do think that their effectiveness and energy could run out of steam after what they've done and the Dutch should find a way past them, though it won't be easy.

    I'm going for 2-0 Netherlands. The two sides who have never played each other and I think that this could be a fairly close match, but once tiredness becomes a factor, then I think the Netherlands fitness and quality will prevail with a goal or two. Arjen Robben and Van Persie should have enough to be a deciding factor. However, Costa Rica are very well organised and have an excellent goalkeeper and I don't think the Netherlands would enjoy playing against a team they are expected to beat. The Netherlands seem to be most effective when counter-attacking but against Costa Rica, they should have plenty of possesion. The Netherlands themselves aren't the greatest defensively and if they struggle to get through the Costa Rican defence then there is a chance that they could be eliminated.
  8. A Winter's Tale
    Friday 26th November - A Band of Heavy Snow crossed - Lying Snow of about an inch
    Saturday 27th November - A band of Heavy Snow cossed during the eary hours - About an Inch of lying snow.
    Sunday 28th November - Band of Snow across the Central Belt of Scotland - About 15cm of lying snow
    Monday 29th November - Band of snow moving from the North Sea fell - Around 15cm of lying snow
    Tuesday 30th November - Showers coming from the east brought snow - Around 10-15cm of lying snow.
    Wednesday 1st December - Snow Showers on and off from the east - Around 15-20cm of lying snow
    Thursday 2nd December - Snow showers from the east - Around 20cm of lying snow
    Friday 3rd December - A Band from the west brought snow (cold night -12c) - Around 20cm of lying (School Evacuated at twenty to 3)
    Saturday 4th December - No Snowfall recorded - Around 20cm of lying snow
    Sunday 5th December - Light snow in early hours - Around 12-15cm of Lying Snow
    Monday 6th December - Very Heavy Snow from the North West - An extra 5-10cm in places so 15-20cm+
    Tuesday 7th December - No snowfall - Snow Day with School officially Closed [img]http://forum.netweather.tv/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif[/img] - 25 cm of lying snow (very cold day as it never got above -10c)
    Wednesday 8th December - Tiny Flakes - Snow Day again - 25cm of lying snow
    Thursday 9th December - No Snowfall - Snow Day Again - 20-25cm of snow max
    Friday 10th December - No snowfall - 5-10cm of lying snow- thaw
    Saturday 11th December - No Snowfall - 0-5cm of lying snow
    Sunday 12th December - No Snowfall - 0-5cm of lying snowfall
    Monday 13th December - No Snowfall - Remains of lying snow
    Tuesday 14th December - No Snowfall - Remains of lying snow (5cm max)
    Wednesday 15th December - No snowfall - Remains of lyings snow
    Thursday 16th December - Heavy snow showers from north - Remains of lying snow and fresh dusting
    Friday 17th December - No snowfall - Some lying snow
    Saturday 18th December - Snow from the South West - A fresh cover of a few cm
    Sunday 19th December - Snow from the east - Quite a good covering of snow
    Monday 20th December - Tiny flakes - Quite a good covering of snow.
    Tuesday 21st December - No Snowfall - A nice covering of a few cm
    Wednesday 22nd December - No snowfall - A nice covering of a few cm
    Thursday 23rd December - No snowfall - A nice covering of a few cm
    Friday 24th December - No snowfall - A nice covering of a few cm
    Saturday 25th December (Christmas) - Snow fell in the early hours from the NW so an official white christmas! - A nice covering of a few cm so a white christmas
    Sunday 26th December - No snowfall Observed - Some lying snow (less of it due to less cold temperatures)
    Monday 27th December - No snowfall - Some lying snow (less of it due to less cold temperatures).
    Monday 3rd January 2011 - Snowfall from NW - not settling that much
    Wednesday 5th January - A Little snow in the early hours - No lying snow
    Friday 7th January - Snow coming from south - Pretty decent lying snow of a few cm
    Saturday 8th January - Snow continuing from SW - Decent cover of snow
    Sunday 9th January - No snowfall - Decent few cm cover of snow
    Monday 10th January - No snowfall - Some lying snow
    Wednesday 12th January - Snow from the west - An inch and a few cm of wet lying snow.
    Thursday 13th January - No snowfall - A little bit of lying snow in the early hours
    Saturday 29th January - Some small flakes (uncomfirmed) - No Lying snow *(uncomfirmed.
    Wednesday 3rd February - Heavy snowfall late on from the west - Lying snow on some surfaces
    Thursday 4th February - Heavy snow in Morning - An inch of lying snow
    Monday 7th February - Rain turned to snow - no lying snow
    Monday 14th February - Rain turned to snow - A cm of lying snow
    Saturday 19th February - Rain turned to sow briefly in the early hours - No lying snow
    Monday 21st February - Snow arrived from west - Despite persistent snowfall, it failed to settle
    Wednesday 9th March - Snow arrived from NW - In the morning there was about a cm of lying snow on some surfaces.
    Thursday 10th March - Some showers turned to snow - No lying snow.
    Friday 11th March - Some snow flakes from front from the south meeting colder air - No lying snow
    Saturday 12th March - Snow coming from a band moving north - A 1-2cm (maybe more) of lying snow
    Sunday 13th March - Rain turned to some snow at the end of the day - No lying snow
    Monday 14th March - Some wet snow flakes - No lying snow
    Tuesday 15th March - A period of wet snow - Despite persistent and heavy snowfall there was only a cm of wet lying snow on cars and grass.
    So Here are the Facts:

    Total Consecutive days of Falling Snow: 8 Days (26th November to 3rd December)
    Largest Snow Depth: 25cm (6-9th December)
    White Christmas: Yes
    Total Snow Fall Days: November (5), December (10), January (5), February (6), March (7) Winter Total= 33 days
    Lying Snow: November (5), December (27), January (6), February (3), March (3) Winter Total = 43 days
    Total Days with either falling or lying snow: 54 days
    Snow Season: 26 November - 15 March (so far)

    Who Knows, we've still got Spring.
  9. A Winter's Tale
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']23rd June:[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']The first day of the final round of group matches. The first set of matches was the completion of Group B. Spain and Australia were already out and Chile and Netherlands were already through to the last 16. The two games were deciders for who finished top and who finished bottom.[/font][/color]

    Netherlands vs Chile was an interesting game. Chile were good going forward and were causing some of the Dutch defenders a few problems but they never tested the goalkeeper. The Netherlands once again were very organised and this payed dividends as two second half substitutes scored the goals to give the Dutch a 2-0 victory. Impressive stuff from the Netherlands who finish top of the group and have done better than I've expected whilst Chile go through in second place.

    The other game was an encounter between already eliminated Australia and Spain. Spain made a lot of changed with a blend of youth and experience and they had more width and natural forwards. As a result, the inclusion of players who weren't involved in the previous games and playing without too much pressure saw Spain finish a disappointing defence of their title with a much better performance and result which was a little more like the Spain of old. And, it was a bit like a testimonial match as some players were probably playing their last ever game in a World Cup finals. David Villa scored the first goal and what would be his last on his final appearance of an illustrious international career. Fernando Torres, who had not scored at a World Cup since 2006, scored a goal on what should be his last World Cup match. And Mata, who wasn't involved in the previous games scored the third goal in a 3-0 victory. Certainly an end of an era match, but to some extent a fitting end. However, given how a number of players involved today brought a positive impact to the team, you can assume that a different line up in the previous games could have made a difference. Nevertheless, the end of an era was nigh and it occurred suddenly at this World Cup but certainly Spain shouldn't be completely written off for future tournaments. Australia despite coming bottom had a decent campaign.

    [size=4][url="http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4767-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-b/"]http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4767-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-b/[/url][/size]

    [size=4]My predictions for Group B were mixed. I got three correct results and one correct score. I correctly predicted Chile would go through in second place and Australia would finish bottom but I got the Netherlands and Spain the wrong way round. The Netherlands were much better than I expected, as yes their team on paper is young and not greatest and at times that was in evidence, but Van Gaal's tactics seemed to have worked but perhaps the philosophy of playing football and coaching young players has carried the team beyond the sum of the parts. The Netherlands should now go onto a semi-final from here. I expected Chile to be decent and for the most part of the group stage, they lived up to the hype and have been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament. Spain were poorer than I expected and despite having a pretty strong squad, time has caught up with the Spanish. It's the end of a golden era, but also the beginning of a new era in the history of their national team. Australia were unlucky to finish bottom with no points as they played better than I expected, they've got a young team and perhaps we can expect more from them in the future.[/size]

    [size=4]The first of 9pm fixtures, Brazil vs Cameroon and Croatia v Mexico to conclude Group A. The hosts Brazil hadn't quite qualified for the last 16 but a win would pretty much secure them a last 16 match against Chile. Cameroon were already out and have been one of the poorest teams of the World Cup. Brazil in the end won 4-1 with Neymar scoring his 3rd and 4th goals at this World Cup. It was probably Brazil's best performance but at times they are unconvincing and they do seem reliant on Neymar. Cameroon at one stage were level with their only goal of the World Cup.[/size]

    [size=4]Croatia needed a win to overtake Mexico into second place. Both teams had been decent and I was hoping for Croatia to go through. Croatia were [/size]disappointing and didn't create enough chances whilst once more, Mexico's organisation and energy levels were impressive. And they deservedly booked a place in the last 16 and at one stage were close to overtaking Brazil on goal difference to finish top of the group. In the last twenty minutes, Marquez (at his 4th World Cup), Guardado and Herandez scored the goals that secured a 6th consecutive qualification to the World Cup knock-out stage before Perisic scored a consolation goal for Croatia to make it 3-1.

    [url="http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4765-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-a/"]http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4765-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-a/[/url]

    I correctly predicted 5 results and 1 score. I also correctly predicted the group table. Brazil were probably slightly poorer than I would have hoped but I wasn't surprised by that. I still predict them to win the World Cup. Mexico were much better than I expected as they are difficult to score and defend against and play with a great intensity, flair and organisation. They could go a step or two beyond the last 16. Croatia, overall better than I expected but yet again they've fallen short at the group stage. I expected Cameroon to be poor, but they've been really poor at times.

    The confirmed last 16 ties.

    Brazil v Chile
    Netherlands v Mexico

    Two very interesting match-ups.

    24th June: The second day of the final round of group matches. Group D's conclusion wasn't that great with England drawing 0-0 with Costa Rica and Uruguay winning 1-0 against Italy. Costa Rica needed a point to finish top against an experimental, young but still pretty decent England team who were already out. Costa Rica probably played a lower intensity than in previous games but they still earned a fantastic result in what has been the most magnificent World Cup for them. Even though England were already out and it wasn't quite their strongest team on paper, to finish the campaign with a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica and to have finished bottom of the group with one point and only two goals is disappointing. The crucial game in this group was Italy v Uruguay. It wasn't a great game as both teams seemed tired. Italy needed a point to finish second and looked likely to do that. They then went down to 10 men and at the end, Diego Godin scored a crucial header to win the game for Uruguay and qualify for the last 16 for a second consecutive time. A sad end for the likes of Pirlo and Buffon who end their fantastic international careers. However, the talking point was Luis Suarez. He's just come back from injury and scored two goals against England in the previous match. After having a great season with Liverpool, it seemed he had moved in from his previous biting incidents but sadly, when it was 0-0 he got away with biting Chielini on the shoulder. He should get a long ban for that, and it's sad because I was hoping to see how well Uruguay would do with Suarez in the last 16.

    [url="http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4771-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-d/"]http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4771-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-d/[/url]

    A pretty disastrous group for my predictions. I only got one correct result! I correctly predicted Uruguay would go through in second place above Italy. But my predictions for England finishing top and Costa Rica finishing bottom couldn't have been more wrong. I expected Costa Rica to be a tricky side, but I would never have imagined that they would go through, and as group winners after being undefeated. It's a magnificent story. Uruguay qualified as I predicted and I suspected that they wouldn't be brilliant but at times they've been just a little below what I would have expected. Nevertheless, they are through but Suarez's likely absence will hurt them. Italy went out as I expected, they're a team in transition with some ageing key players. It looked good for them in the first game, but they struggled to win when they were expected to against Costa Rica and their team came up short against Uruguay. It's been quite frankly a disastrous campaign for England with only a point against Costa Rica. With the squad they brought to Brazil (which was the best available) then with the blend of young inexperienced and experienced veterans would result in a boom or bust campaign. And with the players available, solid in defence and with pace going forward, I thought they would be strong enough to go through. However, a countless number of factors has contributed to a terrible World Cup for them. As a footballing nation, England does seem to insular and not broad or progressive enough in it's approach to football. All teams and nations have their deficiencies, and whilst England does have to an extent an abundance of talent and potential, there seems to be many self inflicted traps and flaws within English or British footballing culture that holds England back. It isn't too surprising to see an England team fall short - and this group of players haven't been together for long enough to judge how far they can go - and England's results and performances haven't been great recently in friendlies or qualifiers. England should qualify for the Euros and there is some talent to choose from - although, perhaps the talent is slightly over-hyped - which might result in England having a new generation of players competing at major finals, but if the young players fail to live up to their potential, then perhaps a bleak period could be ahead of the National team.

    The final round of Group C fixtures proved to be very interesting. The crucial encounter was Ivory Coast v Greece. In the past two World Cups, Ivory Coast's golden generation in tough groups finished third each time. And this generation never won the African Cup of Nations. So, they essentially only needed a point to qualify, but the underachievers were up against Greece, who had only once before won a World Cup match. In Euro 2012, after a poor showing in the first two games, Greece won their last game against Russia to reach a quarter-final. Greece are generally very good defensively and despite a lack of goals and potency going forward, they still carry a threat or two to conjure up an important goal or result and that's how they've qualified for the World Cup. In major tournaments, the results from their style of play varies, but it can be enough to progress. Greece, hadn't scored in the World Cup so far, until a goal just before half-time. Greece had two injured players in the first half and from previous games had suspensions and injuries to key players. In a poor first half, they were solid defensively and looked better going forward than the Ivorian's who had a very poor showing in the first half for a team looking to secure qualification to the last 16. And Greece on numerous occasions came close to getting a second before Bony scored for the Ivory Coast near the end. However, in the very last minute, Greece were awarded a penalty and Samaras, who had scored and missed crucial penalties previously for Celtic, did very well to keep his nerve and score one of the most important goals in Greek football history. Greece are remarkably through to face Costa Rica in the last 16 - who would have put a bet on that fixture appearing in the round of 16? As for the Ivory Coast, again they've come up short and they only have themselves to blame - for that reason, I'm quite happy that they are out.

    The other game was already qualified Colombia against an attacking, but not particularly potent Japan side who also had a chance of going through. Cuadrado put Colombia ahead from penalty spot before Okazaki leveled the score just before half-time. Colombia improved in the second half and once more looked very good going forward. Jackson Martinez scored two goals and James Rodriguez who's been one of the players of the World Cup scored a lovely goal to make it 4-1. At the end, there was a nice moment when Fayrd Mondragon, the substitute goalkeeper came on to become the oldest player to have played in the World Cup at the age of 43 - he played in 1998 and was part of 1994 World Cup. Colombia looking pretty impressive and finish top of the group to play Uruguay in a fascinating round of 16 South American encounter.

    [url="http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4770-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-c/"]http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4770-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-c/[/url]

    I got 4 results and 2 scores correct. I also correctly predicted Colombia topping the group. Colombia, more or less lived up to expectations and they look a decent side. It is evident that they are a dangerous side in this World Cup and are excellent going forward. At times, they can be unconvincing without the ball but I think they should reach the quarter-finals. Greece, did surprise me (but not entirely) by reaching the last 16 but I was aware that they could defend and earn enough points to finish above likewise opposition who are fairly decent, but not the greatest. Ivory Coast were roughly what I expected - I thought this time they might have had enough to go through but they never convince me - and they've come up short again. They've got some good players, but they were lacking in certain areas and I don't think they play well enough as a team. Japan were probably slightly poorer than I expected. Clearly they still have some attacking quality whilst being vulnerable at the back, but they were lacking the effectiveness of the side that reached the last 16 in 2010.

    Two more last 16 ties:

    Colombia v Uruguay
    Costa Rica v Greece

    25th June: Today saw the conclusion of Groups E and F.

    Group F was first with an interesting match between Argentina and Nigeria. Argentina had already qualified but had relied on Lionel Messi goals to earn two wins after two performances which flattered to deceive. Nigeria were rubbish in their first game but better in their second match. They only needed a point to go through and a victory would have seen them finish top. They have their deficiencies, but they are solid enough at the back and fairly threatening going forward to make it a tough match for Argentina. The match got off to blistering start, with that man Lionel Messi scoring with a fantastic, thunderous finish. Then seconds later Musa curled in a lovely equalizer. It was a fairly even game in the first half with Nigeria being difficult to break down and Argentina once more weren't creative enough. Messi went close with a free-kick from range which was saved, but moments later he wouldn't be denied as he scored a lovely free-kick just before half-time to make it 2-1. He's level with Neymar for the golden boot and it's good to see Messi delivering at a World Cup. Just after half-time, Musa scored again after some fairly dodgy defending from Argentina. Argentinian defender Rojo scored the decisive goal, but after Messi's substitution, Argentina looked pretty ordinary. They've won 3 games but they need to improve if they are to go far. Despite defeat for Nigeria, they've qualified as group runners up.

    The other game was Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Iran. Bosnia, who were unlucky in their previous games to already be out of the World Cup, were looking to earn a first ever victory at a major tournament. Iran, also needed victory to have a chance of going through. Iran were not quite as solid as they have been and Bosnia won the game 3-1 but Iran scored their only goal of the World Cup - which meant every team had scored a goal at the World Cup - and it was nice to see Bosnia get a victory.

    [url="http://forum.netweather.tv/index.php?app=blog&module=post&section=post&do=editentry&eid=4777&blogid=341"]http://forum.netweather.tv/index.php?app=blog&module=post&section=post&do=editentry&eid=4777&blogid=341[/url]

    I got 4 correct results and I predicted that Argentina would finish top and Iran finishing bottom. Argentina have won the group by winning every game but other than Lionel Messi's goals, they have been poor. They don't look much of a team up front, instead it's more like a bunch of individuals and they are very much suspect defensively. They need to raise their game if they are to go far. Nigeria have more or less been what I've expected. Mixed, with a dire showing against Iran but had decent performances against Bosnia and Argentina. They are solid enough at the back and can be dangerous going forward. Bosnia, in flashes have shown what they are capable of. They were technically good in midfield but they didn't create enough chances, lacked width and at times were weak defensively. They've probably fallen short of what was expected of them, but it was a decent showing at their first ever major tournament. Iran weren't the whipping boys that everyone expected them to be and they were far more solid and organised than I would have expected. They were unlucky to lose against Argentina, but despite finishing bottom, overall they did a decent job.

    Group E finished with France set to finish top whilst Switzerland and Ecuador were looking to finish second. Switzerland needed to beat Honduras and hope that France didn't lose to Ecuador. A fantastic performance by Xhedran Shaqiri who provided a hat-trick saw Switzerland win 3-0 against Honduras. France put out a slightly weaker team against Ecuador. It was a poorer performance by France but they missed a number of chances to go ahead. Ecuador were solid and physical defensively but lacked quality going forward. The match finished 0-0 and Group E finished with France finishing top, Switzerland going through in second position.

    [url="http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4773-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-e/"]http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4773-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-e/[/url]

    I got 4 results and 1 score correct and I correctly predicted France and Switzerland would go though. France, despite a flatter performance against Ecuador, were excellent and exceeded everyone's expectations. They seem to have a very good shape, they can defend, pass the ball and attack well and if they keep on playing like this then it certainly isn't beyond them to win the World Cup. Switzerland have gone through as expected. The performance in their opening game was a little underwhelming and the 5-2 defeat to France was a bit surprising but all in all, they've shown that they are a solid team, and one that is difficult to beat. Ecuador were roughly what I expected from them as they are the poorest South American team in the competition. They didn't finish bottom as I thought they would, given how poor their away record was in qualifying, but their shortcomings and deficiencies prevented them from going through. Honduras, weren't great but proved to be very physical as everyone predicted. They aren't a great team but they are also not an easy team to beat.

    Two more last 16 fixtures:
    France v Nigeria
    Argentina v Switzerland.

    26th June: The final day of the group stage in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The first group to be finalized today was Group G. The 'group of death' on the final day had all four teams having a chance of going through. A draw between the USA and Germany would see both teams go through whilst the other game saw slim chances for Ghana and Portugal. In a deluge, Germany had most of the possession against the USA but generally created very little and there were holes in the midfield and defence at times. The USA were very solid but didn't really create anything going forward. Thomas Muller joined Messi and Neymar with 4 goals at the World Cup with a wonderful strike from outside the box. The game finished 1-0 but both teams went through as Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first and only goal at the World Cup.

    [url="http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4778-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-g/"]http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4778-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-g/[/url]

    I got 4 results and 1 score correct. Germany finished top as I expected but I also had a feeling that the opposition in this group could have given them problems. Germany were generally efficient and did some very good things at times but there were some aspects were they seemed a little vulnerable or lacking - in the defence or scoring or creating goals. If one of the big teams slipped up, I knew that Jurgen Klinnsman's USA would take advantage. On paper their team is great, but their team spirit, work rate and organisation and energy is excellent and they are a very difficult team to beat and they deservedly go through to a second consecutive knock-out stage. Portugal were pretty disappointing overall and were incredibly poor in their first game. They've got some decent players, and Cristiano Ronaldo of course, but they have a squad of decent/average international players and that showed and that's why they've fallen short which was always a possibility in a group like this. Ghana finishing bottom doesn't entirely surprise me given the group they were in and they played fairly well in most of their games. They were unlucky to lose against the USA, and should have beaten the USA. Their quality as an international side was there to see but their end product and some of their defending has let them down.

    The final games of the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup saw the conclusion of group H. Belgium had already qualified whilst Algeria, Russia and South Korea all had a chance of going through. Despite playing a weakened team and playing with 10 men for more than half of the match, Belgium once again scored late to win 1-0 against South Korea and to join Colombia, Netherlands and Argentina as the only teams who have won all their group games. South Korea do play at a decent intensity but lacked good creativity or decision making up front. Belgium once again weren't great to watch but they are incredibly difficult to beat and it will be very interesting to see how they do in the knock-out stage. The other game in the group was the decider for second place between Russia and Algeria. Russia needed a win and Algeria needed a draw to go through. Russia took the lead in the first half but once again they weren't great and didn't see out the match as Algeria scored from a set-piece in the second half. Russia failed to take advantage of their possession at the end of the match and Algeria deservedly go through to the last 16 for the first time. And it's the first time that two African nations have made it through the group stage.

    [url="http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4779-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-h/"]http://forum.netweather.tv/blog/341/entry-4779-fifa-world-cup-2014-preview-and-predictions-group-h/[/url]

    For Group H, I correctly predicted 3 results. Belgium have been as efficient as I expected but they've been a little disappointing to watch given the talent in their squad. However, they've qualified into the last 16 which justifies the talent and potential they have and given the lack of experience this particular generation of Belgian footballers have, they could have struggled to adapt to and win games at tournament football. It will be interesting to see how far they will go, they should reach the last 16. I expected Algeria to be a very tricky and difficult team to beat but they've surprised many by being so well organised and they've deservedly qualified for the last 16. I didn't expect much from Russia other than organisation, experience and technical ability and they've fallen short and it does seem that they are the sort of team which can't quite cut it when it comes to tournament football. They've been disappointing. South Korea have also been fairly disappointing. Despite the energy they have going forward, they've failed to be dynamic, creative, imaginative and cohesive.

    Well, a marvelously entertaining group stage has come to a close. Quite possibly the best ever, certainly in terms of excitement and the number of goals with 136 scored. It's been an excellent display of what the World Cup is all about and we've seen the American teams progress whilst some big European teams have fallen short, including the champions Spain, Italy, England and Portugal. Half of the teams participating in the last 16 weren't at the same stage four years ago and there are a number of unfancied and lesser nations aswell as some dark horses, emerging forces and a few of the best players, managers and teams in the World also participating in the last 16 in what is a very open World Cup.

    Looking back at the group stage, a selection of:
    The best and most memorable matches:

    Spain 1-5 Netherlands
    Australia 2-3 Netherlands
    Spain 0-2 Chile
    Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica
    Switzerland 2-5 France
    Nigeria 2-3 Argentina
    Germany 4-0 Portugal
    Ghana 1-2 USA
    Germany 2-2 Ghana
    USA 2-2 Portugal

    The best goals:
    Van Persie (1) v Spain
    Robben (2) v Spain
    Robben (1) v Australia
    Cahill v Netherlands
    Rodriguez v Japan
    Shaqiri (1) v Honduras
    Messi v Bosnia
    Messi v Iran
    Musa (1) v Argentina
    Jones v Portugal
    Muller v USA
    Silmani v South Korea
  10. A Winter's Tale
    [b]JUNE...[/b] Overall, close to average or slightly above, following a settled and warm start, the unsettled period should prevail for another week or two (with some bright and warm interludes at times) before possibly turning drier and warmer later in the month. Temperatures 0.5C below to 0.75C above average. CET 14.9C. Rainfall generally 85-90%. Possibly some thundery downpours at times. Sunshine between 5-10% above average.

    [b]JULY...[/b] An overall warm month, at times hot with the possibility of heatwaves - mainly in the south - but there is also a possibility of some unsettled and cool spells inbetween. The best of the heat and settled conditions is expected for the latter half of the month - at times humid and thundery. Temperatures 0.25 to 1.25 above average. CET 17.0C. Rainfall 65-85% across southern regions, 75- 90% north west. Sunshine 5-15% above average.

    [b]AUGUST[/b][b]... [/b]Average or slightly above. Some warm or hot spells, possibly frequent but fairly brief. Atlantic low pressure could be influential at times and possibly some cooler and unsettled weather to make for an average month temperature wise. Temperatures 0.25 below to 0.5C above average. Rainfall 85-90% in the south to 95% in the north west. Sunshine 0-5% above average.

    JUNE - MORE DETAILED FORECAST (WEEK 2 ONWARDS)

    Second week: Unsettled with rain affecting many parts of the British Isles, some windy weather too but there should also be some sunny and clear spells from time to time for some parts. Temperatures below the norm.
    Third week: Staying unsettled with some flooding possible in prone areas. Possibly drier in the far north west. Potentially turning a little settled later with temperatures on the rise.
    Final week: Generally more settled with just a few showers in places at times and the odd front affecting the very west. Sunny and calm conditions and quite warm temperatures and at times hot.

    JULY

    First week: After some unsettled weather, it should turn more settled with much warmer and drier conditions. Temperatures by the end of the period could be in the high 20s in the south.
    Second week: Staying settled and warm or hot for much of the period. Temperatures on occasions could reach the low 30s in some locations in the south. Mostly dry other than the odd shower and plenty of sunshine for most.
    Third week: Possibly starting unsettled but low pressure may then make enrodes from the NW bringing some changeable conditions with some precipitation to NWrn areas. It may stay warmer and drier in southern and eastern areas but low pressure should be more influential as the period goes on.
    Final week: Possibly starting changeable with periods of rainfall at times. Temperatures possibly a little disapointing but it could be warm in any sunny intervals. Turning more settled and warmer later.

    AUGUST:

    Second week: Intially quite bright with a mixture of sunshine/cloud but there is also the risk of showers. Pleasant temperatures in the sunshine -especially in the south. Low pressure making enrodes into the NW bringing unsettled and wetter conditions. Later, high pressure may bring settled and warm conditions across England and Wales whilst Scotland and NI remain prone to rainfall and stay cool.
    Third week: Starting mostly settled and warm in the south whilst northern areas remain cooler and more unsettled. Then, it may turn more settled and warm/hot for most before becoming thundery and humid.
    Final week: A changeable period, with a chance of one or two brief warm spells and some dry weather but also a likelyhood for unsettled conditions resulting in some wet, windy and cool weather from time to time.
  11. A Winter's Tale
    The final group is also an interesting one where again nothing is guaranteed but there are high expectations for Belgium who have a highly talented young squad with some top players but they haven't been at a World Cup since 2002 so it will be interesting to see whether the hype comes to fruition. At the moment, I suspect they should finish top and they'll be one of the teams no one will want to meet in knock-out stage. It's difficult to separate the other teams - all of whom could cause Belgium problems - and they should all stand a chance of taking points of each other. You'd expect Russia to go through but their performances at major tournaments seem to see-saw. I think they could miss out but if they do go through, then perhaps they could be dark horses. South Korea can be an impressive and difficult team to beat but again I can't say I know enough about them and how they compare to recent years but I think they could perform well and find a way into the last 16. Some people expect Algeria to be the whipping boys, but I suspect that they will be one of the most difficult of the African teams to play against as they do seem to have enough about them in terms of defence and physicality. They could be a surprise but I expect them to finish bottom.

    Belgium are at their first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup and since then, Belgium have developed a fantastic approach to developing young footballers and the results have paid off. It probably is too much to ask of a young and inexperienced side to go really far in this World Cup - despite all of the big names and quality of the Belgian grassroots football - it will be a real challenge to play to their expectations in a major international tournament and both the individuals and the team lack experience and know-how in this sense. But no matter if this Belgium teams fails to gel and underachieves or impresses and end up in the business end of the World Cup, this group will learn a lot about how to play football at this level and certainly Belgium will be a greater force to reckon with in future competitions. They should finish top of this group but it's difficult to tell how well they'll deal with their tough opponents with a very defensive and hard-to-beat Algeria side, a technically adept Russia side and South Korea could be a handful aswell. If the pressure is on and they fail to cope with it, they could disappoint but if they pass that test, then Belgium could be a real force in the knock-out stage and could justify the reason why they are the dark horse of the World Cup. Their squad of high profile players include: 11 from England (3 from Tottenham, 2 from Manchester United, Everton, 1 from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City); 3 from Belgium (Standard Liege, Anderlecht and Zulte Waregem); 2 from Spain (Athletico Madrid), Germany (Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg), Russia (Zenit); 1 from Portugal (Porto), Italy (Napoli) and France (Lille). Belgium should be a side that's comfortable with possession but they are most dangerous when they hit teams on the counter-attack. I was at Hampden Park to Belgium win 2-0 against Scotland in September and they looked incredibly potent when on the break. Their talisman is Eden hazard but their other top players such as captain Vincent kompany and goalkeeper thibaut courtouis. Axel witsel in midfield will add protection to the defence. Belgium are strongest in the attacking wide areas with options such as kevin de bruyne, dries mertens, Kevin mirallas and adnan Januzaj. There are not many weak points but perhaps Lukaku upfront could struggle to score a lot of goals - he carries a lot of responsibility after benteke's injury - and perhaps there are no natural full-backs.

    12 years after reaching the semi-finals, South Korea haven't got close to reaching the same heights and I would think in Brazil it will be last 16 at best. In a very competitive group, korea do have a chance of getting the better of their opponents with their attacking approach. Defence will be an issue whilst their strongest area is the three players playing behind the striker with the right-sided winger Lee Chung-young probably being their most skilful player. Their squad is made up of: 6 from South Korea (3 from Ulsan Hyundai, 1 from busan Ipark, suwon bluewings and sangu sangmu); 5 from Germany (2 from Augsburg and Mainz and 1 from bayer Leverkusen); 4 from England (Bolton, Sunderland, Watford and qpr); 3 from china (Beijing Guoan, Guangzhou R&F and Guangzhou evergrande), Japan (2 from kashiwa reysol, sanfrecce Hiroshima) and 1 from Saudi Arabia (al-hilal).

    Russia are the only side in the World Cup to have all their players based in their country: 6 from dynamo Moscow, 5 from cska Moscow, 4 from zenit, 3 from Rubin Kazan, 2 from spartak Moscow, 1 from terek Grozny, lokomotiv Moscow and anzhi mackhachkala. On paper Russia should finish second and they are tough team for any opponent to play against. But they are an ageing side playing at their first World Cup in 12 years. I think Belgium will be too strong, South Korea I think will just edge them and they could struggle against Algeria. Russia's experienced defence will be hard to break down but their weakness is a lack of firepower up front. This will be their Achilles heel and will result in Russia struggling to reach the last 16.

    Algeria are the highest ranked African side at the World Cup and are an incredibly difficult team to beat. In the last World Cup they only conceded twice and held England to a goalless draw. They shouldn't be the whipping boys and could surprise and reach the last 16. All if the other teams will struggle to beat them. Their fairly young squad is made up of: 4 from Italy (Inter, Napoli, Udinese, Livorno), Spain (Valencia, Getafe, Granada and Mallorca); 3 from England (Tottenham, Watford, Leicester), France (Reims, Ajaccia and Valenciennes), Portugal (Porto, Sporting and Academica); 2 from Algeria 2 from Algeria (CS Constantine, USM Alger); 1 from Croatia (Dinamo Zagreb), Qatar (Lekhwiya), Tunisia (Club Africain) and Bulgaria (CSKA Sofia). Aswell as being solid defensively, Algeria might have more about them going forward with Sofiane Feghouli of Valencia being an important player. Probably all the teams in Group H will struggle to beat Algeria, and the last 16 isn't improbable, but perhaps a lack of creativity and goals might prevent them from getting many points.

    Key games:

    Russia v South Korea, 17th June - 11pm: A key game in determining the fortunes of two teams vying for a place in the last 16.

    Belgium v Russia, 22nd June - 5pm: Potential battle for first place in Group H.

    Predictions:

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Group H:[/size][/background][/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Belgium[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-0 Algeria, 17[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Russia[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-2 South Korea, 17[sup]th[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Belgium[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-0 Russia, 22[sup]nd[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]South Korea[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-1 Algeria, 22[sup]nd[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Algeria[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-1 Russia, 26[sup]th[/sup] June @ 9pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]South Korea[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-1 Belgium, 26[sup]th[/sup] June @ 9pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Belgium[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 7pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]South Korea[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 5pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Russia[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 4pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Algeria[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
  12. A Winter's Tale
    13th June: The first full day of the 20th FIFA World Cup finals is complete and what a day it has been as the tournament came alive. Starting with last night, Brazil came through controversially and unconvincingly against a well-organised, technically skillful but ultimately unlucky Croatia. Unlike the past two World Cup opening games which saw wonder goals, the first goal was an own goal by Brazil's Marcello. A lot has been said about the expectations on poster-boy Neymar who scored two goals. Brazil's second was a diabolical refereeing decision and shortly afterwards Croatia were unlucky to have a goal disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper. Croatia had chances going into the final part of the game before Brazil's best play of the match, Oscar, scored a decent third goal. A good result to start with for Brazil and they did overcome a test but they were underwhelming in terms of creativity and the way they defended at times although they pressed well. Brazil should progress as group winners, whilst Croatia who played better than expected need to raise themselves for Cameroon.

    Today's first game was Mexico v Cameroon and the controversy continued as the refereeing continued to be unimpressive with two shocking off-side decisions denying Mexico's dos Santos two perfectly good first half goals. Mexico were better than I expected and played some nice attacking football although their defending at set-pieces was generally poor. Mexico got a deserved 1-0 win over a poor, underwhelming Cameroon side who as expected failed to play cohesively as a team. Sammuel Eto'o was so isolated up front and Cameroon sat back throughout much of the game. 4 World Cup defeats in a row, and probably soon to be 6.

    Then, the much anticipated encounter between the World Cup finalists of 2010, Champions Spain vs the Netherlands - a game expected to be a dull, tight affair as so often high-profile games fail to live up to expectations. Going into the game, I expected the Netherlands to have a poor campaign like Euro 2012 despite qualifying with ease under Louis van Gaal. Spain at times can lack energy, effectiveness and perhaps desire after being the best team in the world for 6 years. They are still the best country in international football with the selection of players to choose from but sometimes to they fail to score goals or gel well enough in midfield to create moves and passes with intent rather than just keeping the ball, and despite not conceding many goals, their defense can be suspect. Being in such a tough group and with a team that is slightly passed its peak there was always a slight chance that they might slip up. The likelihood of that has increased greatly. Spain after nearly losing an early goal, had a comfortable first half against a dutch team who were more solid than I expected but kept on playing the high ball. Spain weren't at their best but they had a good shape and almost went 2-0 up if it weren't for David Silva's saved shot. Then Robin van Persie scored an excellent header just before half-time which changed the shape of the game. The Spain team to me seemed a little more tired/lethargic than usual - and I seem to recall a similar look to the team in the Confederations Cup last year. In the second half, Spain lost their, lost confidence and were shattered physically and mentally - perhaps after a long season with many clubs competing for trophies. They were soon to be shell-shocked as the whole World was as we witnessed one of the most extraordinary second halves in the history of the World Cup. The dismantling of a great, domineering Spain side of 6 years into a pile of debris was astounding - give how they had the game under control in the first half against an unfancied dutch side. Never has the first game at the World Cup for the reigning champions - against their opponents in the final - have been humiliated and stunned in such a manner that will be talked about for decades. The Netherlands won 5-1! Which is incredible given how Spain conceded only two goals in South Africa and this was the most goals they've lost in a game since Scotland won 6-2 in Madrid in 1963. Spain's midfield lost control and the seemingly tired defense and the goalkeeper were mauled as Arjen Robben scored two great goals, Van Persie got another goal from a Casillas howler, and Stefan de Vrijj scored a cheap goal from a set-piece in which Casillas was at fault again - although perhaps a foul was inflicted on the keeper. It could have been worse, in reality it should have been 8 and given how Spain was really their for the taking and the sublime counter-attacking form of the Netherlands and Arjen Robben in particular, it could even have been 10. This result has well and truly triggered the tournament alive, displaying how anything can happen to anyone. Spain are in serious danger of going out with talk of an end of an era whilst the expectations and opinions of the Netherlands have escalated. You have to hand it the Van Gaal, the coaching staff and players, the Netherlands shape was really superb and they were far fitter than Spain in the second half. As for Spain, given the options Del Bosque has on his bench (or the players such as Navas, Isco and Negredo who were left out) he has a real head-ache on line-ups and tactics. There were midfield options such as Mata, Fabregas and Koke on the bench. David Silva didn't look his best nor did Iniesta or Alonso. Spain's midfield lacked intensity when they had and didn't have the ball. Xavi in particular struggled and looks like a player who is sadly passed his best - perhaps a young player like Koke should have been selected instead. Chelsea's attacking RB didn't have the greatest of games and Spain struggled to support him on the right-hand side where there was a lot of space. Perhaps Atheltico's Juanfran should have played instead and remarkably Casillas could be dropped. There are big problems for Spain and their biggest problem is they don't have the best options for goal-scorers to be integrated into the side. I've got a feeling that the unthinkable will happen and Spain will be knocked-out. The end of an era? Yes, but not entirely so. Of course some of the veterans who have been at the heart of Spain's success won't be around for the Euros in 2016, but Spain are still the best in the world in terms of the array and variety of players to select from and there are some younger players - a few in this squad - who will replace some of the old guard. History tells us that barely any team retains their World title, and most certainly European teams never win in South America so this isn't all that surprising. Think of France in 2002, they failed to score a single goal and lost all their group games, Italy in 2010 only picked up 2 points. There are examples of epic failures of retaining a title but there are also examples of teams returning to compete in following tournaments - France reached the final of the 2006 World Cup and Italy were runners up at Euro 2012. I don't think Spain's era of competing at the top is done yet.

    The final game saw the dark horses to go far in the World Cup, Chile, go up against the lowest ranked side at the finals, Australia. The first 15 minutes were very, very impressive from Chile with their crazy, high-intensity, exciting, fast, attacking and entertaining football go 2-0 up against a worryingly shaky Australia. However, Chile's quality waned somewhat and Australia grew more into the game and exposed Chile's rather unorthodox defending with a fine header from Tim Cahill. The second half was an exciting end to end game before Chile scored a 3rd goal just before the end. Entertaining and overall, pretty impressive stuff from Chile and it will be intriguing to see where they go in the competition.

    There are four more games to look forward to tomorrow:
    Colombia v Greece, Uruguay v Costa Rica, England v Italy & Ivory Coast v Japan.

    After a very good, enthralling start to the World Cup with 15 goals and a classic World Cup game, the finals have got off to a much better start than South Africa in 2010. Hopefully the goals and excitement will continue tomorrow.

    14th June:

    Not quite as dramatic as yesterday but not too far off with more World Cup excitement. The first game was South American dark horses Colombia against the stubborn and defensive minded Greece. Colombia got off to a good start to their first World Cup since 1998 with an early goal - but a poor goal to concede by Greece. After that, although Colombia always were a threat in an attacking sense and Greece didn't really cause them too many problems, it was clear to see that Colombia were not great at the back and Greece failed to exploit this - Gekas who had a poor game horribly missed an open goal at 2-1 which was their chance to get back into the game. Greece just weren't flexible enough in an attacking sense and their forward players didn't link up well or move into great positions to unsettle the Colombian defence. Samaras was probably their best play going forward. I thought Greece were fairly in control of the game but couldn't get their grip on it in the second half. It was easy to see why Greece are successful and difficult to break down in qualifying but it was also easy to see why they have lost so many of their World Cup games. As for Colombia, they were slightly disappointing but went on to win 3-0 and put themselves in a good position to progress. Falcao will be a huge miss and I don't see Colombia going too far.

    The second game was Uruguay v Costa Rica. Going into the tournament, Uruguay have been regarded as a side with the potential to go far. I could see this given the array of attacking talent and their performances at the last World Cup and Copa America. However, despite the hype, I was aware of their flaws which could cost the team. Despite the excellent Diego Godin, Uruguay are very suspect at the back and at times their attacking players don't play well - with Luis Suarez recovering from injury, Edison Cavani being hit and miss and Diego Forlan being past his best, I could foresee some difficulty. Uruguay also didn't really impress at the Olympics nor the Confederations Cup and only qualified via a play off with New Zealand. With Uruguay there was the potential for greatness but at the same time the danger of disaster. Costa Rica, at their first finals since 2006, are somewhat of an unknown quantity and were regarded as the whipping boys. As much as I didn't expect Costa Rica to do much, I was aware that such central American teams will be difficult to beat and may have a say in the outcome of the group. What happened was another pretty big shock after the Netherlands rout yesterday. The first half was poor with Costa Rica being okay but Uruguay looking really flat, poor and tired in very warm and humid conditions - they lead at half-time after converting a penalty. What I've been aware of so far in this World Cup is teams have been tactically aware to be economical about exerting energy in such conditions - Croatia in the first game were reserving energy at 1-1 - and how certain teams were fitter than others in the second halves were certain moments completely unlocked opponents nerves and defences. Yesterday's 8pm kick-off saw Spain lead 1-0 at half-time, then were destroyed by the Netherlands with a dramatic twist in momentum and they looked very much exhausted. Today, same kick-off time was very similar. Uruguay were even worse in the second half and Costa Rica - going into the World Cup without pressure - were fitter, grew in confidence and played well with some outstanding performances, especially Joel Campbell. Uruguay lost the game 3-1 with 3 good goals from a Costa Rica perspective, but defensively terrible from Uruguay who looked woeful at defending set-pieces. A red card to their right-back won't help matters and it's unclear whether Luis Suarez will be fit for the England game. They are in a very similar position to Spain, teams with so much expected of them, having a catastrophic start - especially in confidence- who go into their second games needing a win. Perhaps such a defeat will provoke a response, if not there will be a shock early exit. Certainly Group D got a lot more interesting with Costa Rica potentially being a win away from the last 16.

    The stand-out game was England v Italy in Manaus. A lot had been said about the Italian job, the young lions, the conditions and the pitch at Manaus. It was expected to be a tight game, in some sense it was in a similar way to chess, but it was far more intriguing than expected with Italy winning 2-1. Of course there were some positives and a few decent performances and improvements from the last competitive encounter between these two sides for England, but I felt that the Italian's executed their game plan beautifully. For all the attacking talent and pace England had, and some of the inexperience at the back for Italy, the Italian's were generally untested - in what was again a game with its momentum defined and shaped by very small margins. Italy didn't have to run about a lot, they passed the ball well and exploited the space down England's left flank - Baines looked tired and England needed Milner to do the tracking back instead of Rooney, who failed to effectively get involved other than the assist for their goal - aswell as England poorly defending their set-pieces. As a result Italy got the two goals they needed and that was enough. Both teams in general were drained by the conditions, but Italy's tactics and shape and execution of their game plan greatly dealt with the conditions and their opponents. Wayne Rooney, desperate to score his first World Cup goal, missed a vital chance at 2-1 which could have changed the momentum of the game. Towards the end, England had a fair bit of the ball as Italy soaked the pressure - England brought on Barkley and Lallana and Wilshere, who didn't make a huge impact but perhaps didn't have enough time - but what England does with the ball and the quality at their disposal just doesn't come naturally to them and as a result when Italy won the ball they cleverly tapped the ball away from England and set themselves up well to go up the field. A confidence boosting win from Italy who should go on to win the group and they look pragmatic as ever. They were a team who I thought should go through, but though England's young players and Uruguay's strikers would get the better of them - but Italy have the look of a team who could quietly go far. As for England, of course, there were some positives but they will need to recover physically and mentally and prepare for a defining match for both Uruguay and themselves. After the Uruguay result, perhaps England may feel relieved that they aren't behind both Italy and Uruguay, but at the same time must feel disappointed that they didn't take advantage of Uruguay's slip up. England need to prove themselves physically, mentally, tactically, individually and collectively as they have the ability to beat Uruguay, but they are under huge pressure and if things go wrong then they could even finish bottom of the group - but England should take out of this World Cup, no matter what happens, the fact that they've got some decent young talent in their ranks.

    Plenty more goals today in what has been an excellent start to this World Cup. Ivory Coast v Japan in the early hours before: Switzerland v Ecuador, France v Honduras, Argentina v Bosnia.

    15th June:

    Another exciting day with more and more goals. In the early hours, the Ivory Coast from behind to beat a japan side who ran out of steam in the second half with two headed goals in what was another open, end to end game.

    The first game of the afternoon was the team ranked 6th in the world, Switzerland vs South Americans Ecuador. Ecuador are a time who don't have a good record away from their high-altitude home. Against a Switzerland team with a strong squad that included some good young players, Ecuador lead at half time against a poor Switzerland. In the second half, Switzerland improved and had complete control of the game. They equalised shortly after half-time and it looked like they had missed their chance to win the game. At the very last action if the game, an Ecuador counter-attack was followed by a Swiss counter attack which resulted in a dramatic last minute winner from Switzerland.

    The second game from group e was the young, talented dark horses of France - trying to make amends for their dismal 2010 campaign - against the physical and tricky Central Americans Honduras. I thought France were impressive, with strong individual performances and every player looking comfortable with the ball. They made some good moves and looked strong and sharp. In the first half they lacked the final ball or finish to justify their control of the game. But Honduras, parking the bus, were very difficult to break down as they were very physical and aggressive. France led at half time with a benzema penalty after a second yellow for Honduras' palacios. In the second half, remarkably there was the first ever goal awarded by technology. In all of the premier league season, the goal line technology was never tested like this and this was pretty much as close as it gets. From the TV cameras, it seemed impossible to tell that the ball crossed the line and even the referee was unsure about whether the technology was correct - it showed the ball only just over the line. Honduras should have had more red cards for what was at times dirty football. Benzema got a second goal and France won 3-0. The French were impressive and could go quite far.

    The final game was one of the tournament favourites, Argentina against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their debut appearance at a major finals. Both teams went into the game with a reputation for their attacking prowess. Argentina took the lead very early down to an unfortunate own goal. But Argentina were very dissapointing against a very organised and impressive Bosnia side who were the better team. Argentina looked unbalanced, lost the battles in midfield and their key attacking players went missing down to excellent pressing from Bosnia. In the second half, the great Lionel messi, who hasn't scored a World Cup goal since 2006, scored a magnificent goal which lifted him and his team mates as Argentina improved and Bosnia lost their rhythm - but there was a memorable moment when Bosnia scored their first ever World Cup goal just before the end in a 2-1 defeat to Argentina.

    Again, another good day at the World Cup and for the first time ever, there have been no draws in the first 11 games. Tomorrow's big game is Germany vs Portugal as well as Nigeria v Iran and USA v Ghana.

    16th June:

    A mixed day with two memorable games and a forgettable one. The first game was a high profile encounter between of the World Cup favourites, Germany against a solid Portugal side including Cristiano Ronaldo.

    After Lione Messi scoring a sublime goal yesterday, all eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo to see whether the World player of the year will come up with the goods. But it was a bad afternoon for him and his team mates as a German side on formidable form won 4-0 with ease. Thomas Muller scored the first hat-trick of the World Cup and has now scored 8 goals in 7 World Cup appearances. Germany were impressive without being tested, especially in the first half when they always had the game under control and they were incredibly organised and always looked a threat up front - especially on the counter-attack. Germany were 3-0 up at half-time after Mats Hummels scored a header for the second and Portugal's Pepe was needlessly sent off for a headbutt. It got worse for Portugal as the lost a couple of players to injury and the entire second half was a training session for Germany. Germany look the part but there are greater challenges awaiting them, and they should now top the group. Portugal's World Cup couldn't have got off to a worse start and they must win their next game or they are out.

    The second game was the first draw and goalless game of the World Cup between a very disappointing Nigeria and an organised but unspectacular Iran.

    The next game was a lot more memorable. The repeat of a last 16 tie in the 2010 World Cup, USA vs Ghana - two good and organised international sides. The USA couldn't have got off to a better start as Clint Dempsey scored a nice goal within 30 seconds. Perhaps they scored too early as Ghana were on the attack for the rest of the game. The second half was much better with a tremendous atmosphere from both sets of fans. Ghana, looking to get back into the game were dominant against an organised and hard-working USA. Ghana towards the final stages got an equalizer and looked more likely to get the winner but 5 minutes from time, the USA got a dramatic winner with a header from a corner. Ghana, looked like the better footballing side and were unlucky to lose - their chances of reaching the last 16 look bleak. Th USA will b a difficult challenge for Portugal and a victory for the USA would seal a place in the last 16.

    17th June:

    Probably the poorest day of the World Cup yet but there were further goals on the last day of the first round of fixtures. The first game was a young, talented 'Golden Generation' of Belgian footballers playing their first game in a major international tournament since 2002, against the highest ranked African side and an incredibly difficult team to beat in Algeria. Belgium lack experience on this stage and the the dark horses to win the World Cup almost proved that to be the case. Against a defensive but highly-organised Algerian side, Belgium had plenty of the ball but didn't move it around quickly enough and they lacked penetration. As a result, Algeria led 1-0 at half-time with a penalty. Belgium improved in the second half and two subsitutes in Fellani and Mertens scored two late goals to win the game. It could have been a bad start, but Belgium will relieved and a little confident from passing a tough test.

    The next game was Brazil's second group match, against Mexico. Both teams won their opening fixtures and were held to a fairly entertaining 0-0 draw with some top saves from the Mexican goalkeeper. However, Brazil were pretty disappointing whilst Mexico were fairly impressive and played with a decent amount of technical ability and high-energy. The result means the losers of Cameroon v Croatia will be knocked-out of the World Cup.

    The final game of the first round of fixtures was Russia v South Korea. After a very disappointing first half, the second half was better from both teams. South Korea led after a shocking howler from the Russian goalkeeper but Russia earned themselves an equalizer. Neither side impressed, Russia will be the more relieved side but they were pretty poor. Belgium should probably win the group.

    After an excellent opening round of fixtures, there has been a lot of goals, good exciting football on display but a lack of top quality goals as of yet. There have been some shocks, some great games and teams such as Germany, the Netherlands and France have impressed and a lot of the big name players have performed. It is very much an open World Cup.

    18th June: Well, seven days into the World Cup and we have three eliminations in an another absolutely fantastic day of World Cup football. The first game, after a slow start, was one of the best if not the best of the World Cup so far. Australia, who were expected to be the whipping boys, but performed well against Chile were up against a Netherlands side on the back of a 5-1 thrashing over the World Champions. It was a different challenge for the Netherlands against a team they were expected to beat, but given how I thought they came into the World Cup with a fairly poor side by their standards, there was always a chance that the Netherlands would prove that they haven't got a great amount of quality. And that almost proved to be the case (and in terms of performance for large parts, it did prove to be the case). Despite taking the lead with another fantastic solo goal from Ajern Robben, just seconds later Tim Cahill scored what is probably the best goal of the World Cup with a tremendous Van Basten-esque volley. After that, Australia were the better team for the rest of the first half and showed great determination to cause the Netherlands problems - they played above everyone's expectations whilst the Netherlands played to underwhelming levels. And for a time, they took a shock lead from a second-half penalty but the Dutch responded well with two-goals to win 3-2. The dutch did improve but they more or less played in a manner that flatters to deceive as I suspected. However, they have qualified and will battle with Chile to avoid a last 16 tie with Brazil. Australia are out of the World Cup, but they performed well over their two games and have left some sort of a legacy with a good showing at the finals.

    After winning Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and the Euros again in 2012, a hurting Spain side needed to beat an excellent Chile side in order to stay in the World Cup - fail and perhaps it's safe to call it an end of an era. Remarkably, after seven days, Spain are out of the World Cup as their imperial dominance of World football dramatically crumbled so suddenly. In a 2-0 defeat by an excellent, hard-working and technically gifted Chile, Spain were second best and couldn't create anything. In my opinion, on paper they still have the best team/squad in international football, but their style and effectiveness has waned. Some say ticka-tacka has died, but I disagree as I think Spain had lost their grip and efficiency with the concept. Ticka-tacka as a philosophy involves quick movement and releasing of a football. Spain are too slow, one dimensional and take too many touches before passing to really call it ticka-tacka and it has been quite clear over the last 6 years that the excitement, the effectiveness and the manner of that philosophy has evolved, but waned, and there has been far too much emphasis on retaining possession. The Spain side of 2008 was probably the best in terms of how their football was played. Since then, under Vincent del Bosque, Spain kept the ball more but struggled to score goals (8 when they won the World Cup), Fernando Torres in 2010 wasn't the same player prior to injury and they were reliant on David Villa to cut inside and get the goals. Since 2010, some of the best players have aged, some of the old guard are now past it or have retired (Xavi, Puyol, Alonso, Villa, Torres), they lack a good reliable goalscorer, and most importantly they had no width (no Jesus Navas in the squad, and David Villa is past his best days) and the lack of natural wingers and width absolutely killed Spain as it meant that all that their play-makers could do was pass the ball side-wards in the middle of the park. Del Bosque's squad and team selection was debatable with many players who weren't fit, playing regularly or not on their best form and there were options in and out of the squad who could have made a difference. Perhaps Spain should have opted for their youth in order to prepare for future tournaments. Certainly, in a case where no team from Europe has ever won the World Cup in South America, no team has retained it since 1962 there were a lot of things going against Spain, and the performances of France in 2002 and Italy in 2010 and Brazil in 1966 are examples of similar shortcomings. But when you consider the mistakes, the deterioration of their style, how key players are no longer part of the squad or as effective, and how almost all of the players had long, intense and competitive club football this season, then it isn't no real surprise that Spain failed. It is the end of the golden era, but in future years, Spain can't be ruled out from having a few more triumphs.

    The final game was Cameroon v Croatia in Manaus, where the loser would be eliminated. And there was only one winner as Cameroon were eliminated in an embarrassing manner. They were very poor in all departments and didn't look a team and they lost their discipline as Alex Song got a stupid first half red card and a few players fell out with each other. Croatia were by far the better team and won 4-0 with a brace from Mario Mandzukic and goals from Perisic and Olic. Croatia were very good and should have scored more goals. They need a win against Mexico to reach the last 16.

    19th July:

    The first game today was Colombia vs Ivory Coast in group c in an encounter between two sides who won their opening matches. After a fairly dull first half with the Ivory Coast not looking all that inspiring, after the break Colombia led 2-0. The Ivory Coast got a good goal back with a fine solo goal by gervinho but it wasn't enough as Colombia booked a place in the last 16.

    England v Uruguay

    The final game was a forgettable 0-0 draw between japan and Greece. Greece defended when they went down to 10 men in the first half and japan lacked quality in the final third.

    20th June:

    Another fascinating day at the World Cup. The first game was an encounter between two teams who won their opening games, underdogs Costa Rica against the experienced Italians. I knew that this would not be a walk in the park for Italy, and they needed to win to help England have a chance of progressing. What happened was another spirited and organised Costa Rican performance, and Italy were very poor - especially in the second half as they were constantly offside, they couldn't create anything and lacked quality and ideas. As a result, a bryan Ruiz header earned Costa Rica another historic win. And remarkably, in such a group, Costa Rica are through. This is one of the stories of the World Cup and is such a fantastic achievement. As for England, for the first time since 1958, England are knocked out at the group stage.

    The next game was another encounter between teams with opening wins. France, who impressed against Honduras, were up against a solid and decent Switzerland side. France were 3-0 up at half-time and with twenty minutes to go were 5-0 up but Switzerland got a couple of goals back to make it 5-2, the highest scoring game yet. France, looked really excellent, organised, powerful, potent and dangerous and so far they've been the most impressive team at this World Cup. They could go far. As for Switzerland, for a team in the midst of a hiding, they actually created quite a few chances and were fairly creative up front and deserved to get two goals back. The attacking full-backs however cost them a few goals on the counter attack. France have practically won the group but Switzerland still need a result to go though and they are in danger of missing out on the last 16 again.

    The final game was Ecuador v Honduras. It was expected to be a physical encounter and it lived up to its billing with plenty of tackles from both sides. However, despite the physicality it was a very watchable game. Honduras took the lead as Costly scored their first goal at a World Cup finals since 1982. Two Edder Valencia goals earned Ecuador a vital win.

    21st June:

    Another fascinating day at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The first game was Iran, who held Nigeria to a boring 0-0 draw in the first game, versus an Argentina team who unconvincingly defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1. It was an intriguing, at times exciting, but frustrating game. We saw that Iran could stop Argentina from playing just as they did against Nigeria. Iran were very, very organised, hard working and determined and played well above the sum of their parts. In the first half, Argentina created nothing. And in the second half, it was Iran who had the best chances and should have won the game. The Argentina goalkeeper had to make 3 excellent saves and Iran should have had a penalty. Argentina did nothing in the second half. They lacked cohesion and creativity in midfield, looked weak at the back and despite their talented players, the looked like a group of individuals rather than a team. However, in the very last minute Lionel Messi scored a wonderful, curling left-foot shot from outside the box to send Argentina into the last 16. Messi is very much up and running, but they need to play better if they are going to win this World Cup.

    The next game was a great encounter between Germany against a Ghanian side in the need of a victory. The first half was close at 0-0, Germany were patient and slow in their build-up play but were capable of cutting defences in an instant. But Germany's shape and flexibility of their structure was impressive. In terms of excitement, the second half was the best I've seen in quite a while. Germany took the lead with a goal from Mario Gotze. Then, Ghana scored a wonderful header to equalize and soon took the lead thanks to a great finish from Gyan. On the counter-attack, Ghana had their moments to win the game as Germany looked fairly tired and stretched in the heat and against the excellent and energetic Ghanians. But within moments of entering the frame, substitute Miroslav Klose with his first touch made it 2-2. And that goal was his 15th (and 4th World Cup finals) goal at the World Cup which equaled Ronaldo's record for Brazil. Germany also had their chances to win the game in a dramatic second half. Ghana looked very good and could beat Portugal, whilst Germany should finish top of the group but they do need to win games more convincingly.

    The final game was a crucial encounter between Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nigeria were very poor in a 0-0 draw with Iran whilst Bosnia impressed in a defeat to Argentina. Nigeria needed a win and Bosnia needed to avoid defeat to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Bosnia should have taken the lead after Dzeko was wrongly ruled offside. After that, Peter Odemwingie scored the decisive goal. Nigeria were much better than they were against Iran and looked fairly solid in defence and were a threat going forward, especially with pacey wingers. In the center of midfield, and in the first half, Bosnia were impressive technically. However, defensively they were poor, they lacked quality in the wide areas and Dzeko was poor too and his sho was saved onto the post in the dying seconds. Bosnia looked tired and lost belief when they went behind. They are now out of the tournament, which is a shame, but it's been a great achievement for them to reach their first major finals.

    22nd June:

    Another superb day of World Cup action with last games of the second round of group matches. The first game was Belgium who after winning their opening match were up against a difficult side to beat in Russia, who drew their first match. It was a very dull match. Russia were fairly organised but lacked creativity going forward despite missing a few chances. Belgium were generally solid but for large parts they looked more like a group of individuals rather than a team. They weren't creative and potent going forward as Lukaku had a poor game and so did Hazard for the majority of the match. Dries Mertens was their brightest spark in the first half. In the second half, with 10 minutes to go, it seemed that Belgium's patient and slow approach payed dividends as they suddenly clicked into a better gear. Their shape looked better, they had more intent and suddenly looked more threatening with Hazard looking more lively. They looked likely to score a goal and in the last minutes, a 19 year old substitute scored the winning goal which sends Belgium into the last 16. Again, Russia were disappointing and have it all to do now if they are to reach the last 16. As for Belgium, again they weren't great for large parts of their two games, but they've won two games, finished matches strongly with substitutes making impacts and they are through. Perhaps they might grow into the tournament, and certainly when there were counter attacking opportunities, Belgium looked lethal. If they play better in the knock-out stages then they can go quite far.

    The second game was an unexpected classic between Algeria and South Korea. Algeria were unlucky to lose to Belgium after taking the lead with their first World Cup goal since the 1980s. South Korea drew against Russia in a flat opening match. Algeria, again were organised and confident and immediately looked the more dangerous side. And they deservedly took the lead and by half-time they were unbelievably 3-0 up. In the second half, South Korea improved and got two goals back but Algeria scored a magnificent team goal to score a fourth goal and they are the first ever African side to score 4 goals in a World Cup match. They are in a strong position to reach the last 16, they just need to get a result against Russia.

    The final game was another dramatic match at the World Cup. The USA dug in and won 2-1 against Ghana in their opening match whilst Portugal had a disastrous start with a 4-0 defeat to Germany and were missing players to suspension and injuries. Nani got Portugal off to a good start and lead 1-0 at half time. The second half was really memorable. The USA were fighting for an equalizer and looked the most likely to find it. And they did with a superb strike from Jones from outside of the penalty area. Then, Portugal in need of a victory looked more likely but the USA took the lead again with a goal from Clint Dempsey. The USA looked set for a place in the last 16 and Portugal were on the verge of elimination. Then in the very last seconds, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a fantastic cross and it was headed in to make in 2-2. A deflating result for both sides, Portugal needed a victory but the USA are now just a point away from going through.

    Well that's the second round of group fixtures completed and final round starts tomorrow.

    Here's a little summary of the World Cup so far.


    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Brazil - not impressive so far and they aren't a great side. I love the history of Brazilian football but I hope they don't win it.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Mexico - they have surprised me with their high energy, I think they'll reach the last 16 but they lack the goals to go much further.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Croatia - I've liked what I've seen so far from Croatia. I hope they go through and they could be outsiders to reach the semi finals.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Cameroon - arguably the poorest team of the tournament[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Chile - really impressive, especially in the final third with their high intensity and technical ability. The semi finals isn't beyond them.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Netherlands - better than I expected, fair play to them, but despite their qualities and the good organisation from the management, I don't think they are a great side. If they finish top then they could get to the semi finals.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Spain - incredibly disappointing. The inevitable end of an era, but a little premature given the quality of players. But despite all the factors that went against them, I think Spain's style has gradually waned since they won 2008 - far too much emphasis on possession and they need to play natural wingers. It would have been interesting to see them reach the last 16, but their elimination has made for a very open World Cup.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Australia - much better than I expected. There's the potential for a decent team in the future. They play with great determination and with some decent quality as well. [/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Colombia - I quite like then, especially a couple of players and their fans but I don't think they are as good as chile or Uruguay. Defensively they'll be punished at some stage but they can reach the quarter finals.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Ivory Coast - not my favourite team, they are fairly difficult to beat and have got quality in attacking areas. I wouldn't want to see them in the last 8 and their defence is weak.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Japan - poorer than 4 years ago, they've got some technically gifted players but lack creativity.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Greece - defensive and lacking upfront as expected. I admire some things about them, but they don't thrill me.[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Costa Rica - the story of the World Cup so far. They are ranked 28th, one place below us, and the team expected to be the whipping Boyd is the first to qualify, beating two teams in the top 10. They've knocked two more illustrious footballing nations from competing in the knock out rounds, which is a shame, but at the same time it's great to see a smaller team get their chance. They could surprise us even more and reach the last 8.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Uruguay - very poor in the opening game, but clever and acute in the second. They're a pretty difficult team for anyone to beat and I hope they and luis Suarez go through.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Italy - very good game plan for the England game which worked and outdone their opponents. But against supposedly lesser opposition, they lacked creativity and deserved to lose. Like England, it would be interesting to have a big team like them in the last 16, but it wouldn't be all that enthralling. They are a fairly decent team, but they are lacking in certain areas.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']England - there's some promise from a team who are similar to Portugal, a decent international outfit which has quality but lacks class and top quality to be in the same bracket as the top international teams. They did some things well, but fell short in other areas. As their group of players haven't been together for that long, it would be of benefit for the team and the competition for England to not be in the last 16, and to instead build a more cohesive, footballing identity and team. The premier league is a problem for the national team, and I think they could do with having more players playing abroad.[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']France - very, very impressive so far - the best team I've seen yet. They're solid in all departments, young, organised, great team ethic and they play good football in terms of how they press and defend, pass the ball and attack. They could go very far but perhaps they are performing too well too early.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Switzerland - not a world class team, but solid and pretty difficult to beat. A decent bunch of individuals, most have come through the youth system, but perhaps lack the cohesion in the team, and the goals to go far.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Ecuador - physical and quite decent in the wide areas. I admire some things about them, but they are my least favourite South American team and I hope they don't go through.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Honduras - very physical, they have some qualities, mostly in the wide areas. Not my favourite team.[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Argentina - disappointing. Lionel messi has come up with two pieces of brilliance but they will need a maradona like World Cup from him if they are to win it. I would quite like to see messi win it though. Argentina are poor defensively, they lack creativity in midfield and they just look like a bunch of individuals rather than a team. They can go all the way as the draw in the knock out stage is favourable.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Nigeria - very disappointing first game, but better in their second. They are fairly solid and are decent in the wide areas.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Iran - much better than I expected. They play well above the sum of their parts with great organisation, team and work ethic. Incredibly unlucky against Argentina.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Bosnia - very unlucky to already be out. The bette team against Argentina and poor officiating cost them against Nigeria. Clearly very skilful in midfield but lacking in defence and wings.[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Germany - not too spectacular. Very strong, solid performance in the first game. Ocerall, a decent shape against Ghana but they had some slackness in them in terms of mistakes at the back and they weren't creative as they could be. But it seemed they were playing patient football to conserve energy. They should go through and I hope they win it. Despite the injuries, which could cost them, they are the most complete international side. But as had been the case in international tournaments in the last 10 or so years, they always fall at the final hurdle.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']USA - I like quality and character if most or all of the teams in this group. I admire the USA and their coach. Organised, hard working and are a dangerous, difficult team to beat despite the players they have. If they go through, it might as well be in second place as that side of the draw is favourable. A quarter-final is not beyond them.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Ghana - my favourite African team in a group where I'd like to see all teams in the last 16. They are best African team with a decent amount of technical ability as well as physicality, organisation and determination. They do lack end product at times.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Portugal - not a top quality international team but a very decent one. I like them in terms if prestige but I prefer the other teams in the group in terms of character. Other than Ronaldo, and a couple of other players, they are a great side and probably don't deserve to go through because of that. [/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Belgium - I like Belgium and i hope they do well and I'd quite like to see them win it. However, their performances have been underwhelming. At times they do seem like a team of good individuals, developed by the emphasis on youth football in the last 8 years, but they have looked like a team that lacks collective quality and cohesion at times - and there's an element of individual and collective inexperience. Having said that, they have won two games despite not playing well. They are fairly solid when they don't play well and haven't used too much energy. As a result, they've played better towards the end of games and collectively and individually they suddenly clicked into gear during the last 10 minutes of the Russia game. They've haven't used a lot of energy, they are growing into the tournament, and they are lethal on the counter-attack and with one of the best defences the tournament, and given the side of draw for the knock-out rounds, they could go quite far.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Algeria - they impressed me interms of organisation against Belgium and they showed that they have enough about them going forward against South Korea. They aren't a great side but I quite like them and hope they go through[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']Russia - they are generally solid and hard to beat, but overall they are rigid, boring and lack cutting edge.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']South Korea - poorer than of teams in the recent past. They have their qualities but they just don't have enough about them.[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font='Open Sans']A really interesting final round of group games to come before the knock-out stage. The World Cup really is a great festival of football and this could go down as one of the greatest. The best since 2006 at the very least.[/font][/color]
  13. A Winter's Tale
    Friday 13th November - Wet snow shower from the west in the morning - no lying snow
    Friday 20th November - Snow from a band from the north late in the day - Lying snow of a brief dusting
    Friday 27th November - Snow shower from the west late in the day - no lying snow
    Sunday 29th November - Snow showers from the west late in the day - no lying snow
    Thursday 10th December - Snow shower from the west late in the day - no lying snow
    Thursday 31st Decenber - Snow shower from the west late in the day - Lying snow of a dusting
    Friday 8th January - A band of snow from the south in the evening - no lying snow
    Sunday 10th January - snow from a front from the south - no lying snow
    Wednesday 13th January - Heavy snow from a band from the south - no lying snow
    Thursday 14th January - Snow shower from the NW - no lying snow
    Saturday 16th January - A band of snow from the west - Lying snow of 5cm
    Sunday 17th January - Snow from a front from the west late in the day - Lying snow of 5cm
    Monday 18th January - Snow from a front from the west in the early hours - Lying snow of 4-5cm
    Tuesday 19th January - No falling snow - Lying snow of a covering
    Saturday 30th January - Snow showers from the west - Lying snow of a covering
    Tuesday 2nd February - Snow shower from the NW - no lying snow
    Saturday 13th February - Snow showers from the east - Lying snow of a cover
    Wednesday 17th February - Back-edge frontal snow from the west in the early hours - Lying snow of a covering 
    Thursday 18th February - Snow shower from the west in the evening - no lying snow
    Sunday 6th March - Snow shower from the north late in the day - no lying snow
    Saturday 16th April - Snow flurry from the north - no lying snow
    Monday 25th April - Snow flurries from the north - no lying snow
    Tuesday 26th April - Snow showers from the north - no lying snow
    Wednesday 27th April - Snow showers from the north - no lying snow 
    Thursday 28th April - Snow from a band from the west - no lying snow
    Friday 29th April - Snow from a band from the north in the early hours - no lying snow
  14. A Winter's Tale
    This Wednesday the mome of football, Wembley Stadium, will host the first meeting between the English and Scottish national football teams since a Euro 2000 paly-off between the two countries at the Old Wembley on the 17th November 1999 when Scotland won 1-0 but went out 2-1 in the tie thanks to two Paul Scholes goals in Glasgow. England and Scotland represent the two oldest national sides in World football with Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow being the home of the first international football match on the 30th November 1872. The game finished 0-0, the next game in March 1873 saw England win on home soil at the Oval but the Scots would dominate the next 11 fixtures with 9 victories including a 7-2 win at Hampdem Park in 1878.

    Despite considerable differences in size and population between the two countries, both Scotland and England have contributed to World football. With England inventing the rules of the game, Scotland invented the passing game, free-kicks and set up the English league aswell as bringing football to South America. At club level, England have 5 clubs who have won the European Cup, whilst Scotland had the first club in Britain to win the European Cup and the first club in Europe to win the treble. There is a very big difference between the two leagues with England's Premier League claiming to be the best in the world, whilst Scotland's top flight has been dominated by the Old Firm but uniquely Dundee joins Glasgow for being one of three British cities to have produced two European Cup semi-finalists. The Celtic side of 1967, Manchester United in 1968, 1999 and Liverpool in the late 70s and 80s are considered to be some of the best club sides the game has seen whilst Scotland has produced some of the top managers including Sir Alex Ferguson. England have always had top players and Charlton and Bobby Moore are just two of many English players who are considered greats in the game. During Scotland's heyday in the 1960s-1980s Dennis Law, Jim Baxter, Kenny Dalglish and Jimmy Johnstone also make up some of the finest players to have graced the sport. Hampden Park and Wembley Stadium made for great sporting arenas, the former holds the record for the highest international, club and European attendances. England also have a FIFA World Cup victory their name with a 4-2 victory against West Germany in 1966. Scotland have qualified for 8 World Cups but the side in 1974 and 1978 was the only British representative and we were 8/1 to win it.

    Since the 1870s, the two nations have meet 110 times. England have been victorious 45 times, Scotland 41 times and there have been 24 draws. During the long history of this great footballing rivalry, there have been some iconic matches and moments. For England, Paul Gascoigne's goal at the 1996 European Championships in a 2-0 victory was fine moment as he flicked the ball over the head of Colin Hendry. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8OlfG1dF3w"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8OlfG1dF3w[/url]

    A great day for England was the 15th April 1961 with a 9-3 victory. Jimmy Greaves scoring a hat-trick. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFqrBatm8No"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFqrBatm8No[/url]

    Scotland have also had their moments with the 'Wembley Wizards' of 1928 in a 5-1 away victory. But one of Scotland's greatest footballing moments came in 1967. Despite Scotland having a team made up of 4 of the Lisbon Lions and the likes of Jim Baxter and Dennis Law (who was the first British player to win the Ballon d'or) they were underdogs against the World Champions who were undefeated in 19 games. Scotland won in spectacular fashion in a 3-2 victory, but most memorably was how Scotland toyed with the World Champions including keepie-uppy. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqhNqNtCinM"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqhNqNtCinM[/url]

    Another memorable moment was the Tartan Army pitch invasion at Wembley after a 2-1 win for the Scots. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGLrfSn4dvc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGLrfSn4dvc[/url]

    The heyday for this great rivalry was during the annual British home championships and it was undoubtably one of the great fixtures in world football. Nowadays, one would imagine that the rivalry may not stand out as well as it used to but there is still an element of footballing history and tradition to this fixture.

    The last time the two sides met England had the likes of Alan Shearer, Paul Scholes, Michael Owen, David Beckham and David Seamen. Scotland had been at the World Cup in France the previous year and had only missed one World Cup since the 1970s. So how have things changed since then? During the 2000s, England have progressed no further than the last 16 in major international tournament. England achieved the highest ranking last year at #3 in the World. Some great players such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have played for the country but have failed to go far in a major Championship. The English Premier League has grown with more foreign players and fewer British players in the top teams. In the latter half of the 2000s, the English sides dominated the UEFA Champions League. There have been some negatives, last season Arsenal and Manchester United performed the best out of the English teams in the Champions League, finishing in the Last 16 along with Celtic. The national team have had some low points most notably failing to qualify for Euro 2008. It's been up and down for Scottish football but generally a downward trend. Scotland has failed to qualify for any tournament despite coming so close in a group wit the two 2006 World Cup Finalists aswell as quarter-finalists Ukraine. The best moment was reching #13 in the World rankings in 2007 and there have been some great results againt the Netherlands, France, Italy and Croatia. Some of the worst moments have been fall-outs in the squad during the 2010 World Cup qualification, a low ranking at #88 in 2005. The quality of team and players has degraded in comparison to the past and the league has also gone downwards in quality. Some of the club highlights have been Rangers and Celtic reaching the UEFA Cup Final and last 16 of Champions League.

    Uniquely, none of the players in the England and Scotland squad have played in an England-Scotland match and that includes the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Miller. It will also be the first time this fixture has been played at the New Wembley. The differences in quality has increased between the two sides and this match will be played almost exactly a year ahead of the Scottish referendum on independence. So this will certainly be an England v Scotland game of a different kind. The youngest player in the England squad is Manchester United's Wilfired Zaha who would have been 7 years old and Scotland's James Forrest would have been 8 years old during the last encounter in 1999.

    Both squads are not full strength with Scotland missing captain and Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher. Under Roy Hodgson, England have drawn their last three matches against Brazil, Ireland and Montenegro. Gordon Strachan was appointed after the sacking of Craig Levein in November. He won his first game 1-0 against Estonia, lost back to back qualifiers against Wales and Serbia. But perhaps the turning point came in June when Scotland was without their first, second, third and fourth captain and travelled to face the 4th best team inthe World Croatia in a World Cup qualifier in Zagreb. Scotland played well, and won 1-0 to join England and become only the second team ever to beat Croatia on their own turf. A victory against England would be the perfect way to buld on the confidence, but a heavy defeat would be very damaging.

    It's unclear how England will approch the game. Roy Hodgson will take this very seriously ahead of very important WC qualifiers. There is a mixture of experience (Lampard), top class talent (Rooney), bright young talent aswell as the inclusion of Lambert. With the Premier League season starting later this month, some of the top players may not take part for the full 90 minutes.

    Gordon Strachan has insisted that Scotland will attack. We have a decent goalkeeper in Alan McGregor but our defence is our weakest area and the players are probably not good enough for International football despite experience in the Premier League, Championship, La Liga and Champions League. Our strongest area is midfield - particulary in the attacking areas - and this is the biggest selection dilema for Strachan. Celtic's Scott Brown will probably sit in midfield. He is a tough character and has experience in Champions League and has had some first team action already this season. I think we'll have 5 players in midfield with two holding midfielders - WBA's James Morrison and Graham Dorrans, AV's Bannan, Wigan's McArthur and Stoke's Adam could join Brown in the centre. James Morrison probably should play in the centre but Strachan will have McArthur in mind as he played very well in Zagreb and won the FA Cup with Wigan on that pitch. There are options for the attacking midfielders: Shaun Maloney (Wigan) and Robert Snodgrass (Norwich) were the best players for their clubs in the Premier League last season. Steven Naismith was a striker when he was at Rangers, but now plays behind the main striker for Scotland. But I wouldn't play him because of a lack of first team action - despite his experience in the CL and PL. The other two main options are Scottish Premiership wingers Gary Mackay-Steven (Dundee United) and James Forrest (Celtic). Both are exciting, talented young prospects. Mackay-Steven has very tidy footwork but has never played for Scotland or in Europe so I wouldn't start him. I would certainly start James Forrest who is a very fast winger. He has started all of Celtic's league and European games this season and he could give Ashley Cole a problem with his pace. He's also has experience in the Champions League and in 2012 was listed by FIFA as one of the 12 up and coming footballers.

    A victory for Scotland would be unexpected and it would really build on the confidence from beating Croatia. I suspect that it'll be a game that could go either way but if England really turn it on then it could be a comfortable victory for the home-side. The Tartan Army should be down south in their numbers and that could make a difference, although I'd be very surprised if we see another pitch-invasion this time. It'll be interesting to see how the day turns out. Should there be a return to more regular fixtures between the two-sides or does England have more important fixtures to play? Have the two nation's missed out on the rivalry in the past 14 years? Does the rivalry still have the same meaning for the fans?
  15. A Winter's Tale
    Tuesday 9th December - Snow shower from the west late in the day - No lying snow
    Wednesday 10th December - Snow showers from the west - No lying snow
    Thursday 11th December - Snow showers from the west - No lying snow
    Friday 12th December - Snow shower from the west in the early hours - no lying snow
    Friday 2nd January - Snow showers from the west - no lying snow
    Saturday 10th January - Snow showers from the west - no lying snow
    Sunday 11th January - Snow showers from the west for the first part of the day - no lying snow
    Monday 12th January - Some snow showers from the west - no lying snow
    Tuesday 13th January - Snow showers from the west - Lying snow of 1cm
    Wednesday 14th January - Snow showers from the west and leading edge transient frontal snow in the evening - Lying snow of 1cm
    Friday 16th January - Snow showers from the north west - Lying snow of 6cm
    Saturday 17th January - Snow showers from the west - Lying snow of 6cm
    Sunday 18th January - No falling snow - Lying snow of 5cm
    Monday 19th January - Snow flurry from the south west - Lying snow of 4-5cm
    Tuesday 20th January - Light snow from a band from the west - Lying snow of 4-5cm
    Wednesday 21st January - Light snow flurry from the south - Lying snow of 4-5cm
    Thursday 22nd January - No falling snow - Lying snow of 4-5cm
    Friday 23rd January - No falling snow - Lying snow of 3-4cm
    Saturday 24th January - Wet snow showers from the west in the first part of the day- No lying snow
    Wednesday 28th January - Heavy snow showers from the west - Lying snow of 2cm
    Thursday 29th January - Snow showers from the west - Lying snow of 7cm
    Friday 30th January - No falling snow - Lying snow of 5-6cm
    Saturday 31st January - No falling snow - Lying snow of 4-5cm
    Sunday 1st February - No falling snow - Lying snow of 2-3cm
    Monday 2nd February - No falling snow - Lying snow of 2-3cm
    Tuesday 3rd February - Snow flurry from the north in the afternoon - Lying snow of 2-3cm
    Wednesday 4th February - No falling snow - Lying snow of 2-3cm
    Thursday 5th February - No falling snow - Lying snow of 1-2cm
    Friday 6th February - No falling snow - Lying snow of a cm
    Saturday 7th February - No falling snow - Lying snow of a cm
    Sunday 8th February - No falling snow - Lying snow of a cm on the grass
    Sunday 22nd February - Snow shower from the west late in the day - No lying snow
    Monday 23rd February - Snow shower from the west in early hours - No lying snow
    Tuesday 24th February - Snow showers from the west in the morning - No lying snow
    Thursday 26th February - Snow showers from the west - No lying snow
    Sunday 1st March - Snow showers from the west - No lying snow
    Monday 2nd March - Snow showers from the west - Lying snow of a covering
    Tuesday 3rd March - Snow showers from the west - Lying snow of 4cm
    Monday 30th March - Wet snow showers from the west in the morning - No lying snow
    Tuesday 31st March - Snow showers from the west - No lying snow
    Monday 27th April - Heavy snow showers from the west - No lying snow
    Tuesday 28th April - Snow shower from the west - No lying snow
  16. A Winter's Tale
    [u][b][u]AWT FINAL WINTER FORECAST[/u][/b][/u]
    [u][b][u]Winter 2011/2012[/u][/b][/u]

    [u][u]Factors Involved:[/u][/u][list]
    [*]Recent, Low Solar Activity - [color=#ff0000]NO IMPACT ON WINTER![/color]
    [*]La Nina and a predicted strengthening La Nina - [color=#ff0000]DID THIS HAVE ANY IMPACT?[/color]
    [*]The consitency of High Pressure over Greenland - [color=#ff0000]NO IMPACT ON WINTER![/color]
    [*]Current and near future positioning of the jet stream - [color=#ff0000]NO IMPACT ON WINTER![/color]
    [*]The Weather of the past 12 or so months - [color=#ff0000]DID THIS HAVE ANY IMPACT?[/color]
    [/list]





    [b][u][u]FORECAST[/u][/u][/b]




    [b][u][u]DECEMBER 2011:[/u][/u][/b][list]
    [*]The period 1st-7th December is likely to follow what should be a cooler end to November. I expect December to start off on a cooler note - than what November is likely to be as a whole - with nighttime frost and daytime temperatures of 4C to 9C. This period should bring a mixture of sunshine, cloud and fog to parts of the UK as settled weather prevails. The period should be dominated by low pressure systems with cool polar maritime incursisons following behind the fronts and bringing some wintry weather to parts of the North and West.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Realitively accurate - Cool, low pressure, polar westerlies and wintry north west is accurate.[/color][list]
    [*]During the period 7th-14th of December, I expect Low Pressure systems from the west to cross over the United Kingdom, bringing rain, wind, milder temperatures and some wet hill snow in the Highlands. Although temperatures are likely to be milder, I do expect some cool-cold polar maritime incursions between depressions bringing some sunshine (particulary to more southern and eastern areas although cloud may hang on to some coastal areas), some frost (perhpas lasting the entire day of some Northern areas) and wintery showers (most likely to be centered over NW Scotland and Northern Ireland).
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Quite accurate - Low pressure, milder, rain, wind, wet hill snow are accurate.[/color][list]
    [*]What I see happening in the period 14th-21st of December is initially Atlantic Dominated before we see High Pressure in Atlantic link up With Higher Pressure in South-Eastern Greenland. The first few days will see a very active atlantic but still with the element of cold topplers behind the fronts and some of these may provide some snow to lower areas in England as some of the topplers will see more cold air than others. Towards the middle and into the latter part I expect to see the signs of Higher Pressure out in the Atlantic and Greenland building.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Generally inaccurate - Intitially Atlantic dominated may be correct and snow for England was also correct for this period. There was a time that high pressure in the Atlnatic was perhaps going to link up with high pressure over Greenland (aka Simon Keeling) but it failed.[/color][list]
    [*]The period 21st -31st December should start of quite unsettled and chilly initially. However as we head towards Christmas I expect the UK to enter a blocked period with a notable northerly spreading south over the UK during Christmas Eve and lasting till late on Boxing Day. An easterly attempt is broken down when Higher Pressure in the Atlantic and Greenland is smashed by strong areas of low pressure. However as we head towards towards the end of the period I expect a battleground snowfall to take place over the UK and perhaps leading to some large accumilations in the Northern Half of the UK. Following the snowfall, there should be a thaw, and a return to less cold conditions with incoming low pressure systems.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Very Inaccurate - Nothing correct about this and really the final outcome was the opposite to my forecast. [/color]


    [b][u][u]JANUARY 2012:[/u][/u][/b][list]
    [*]The New Year should start pretty chilly with snow snow in the NW of Scotland as chilly zonal pattern prevails with some cold topplers. One or two of these topplers could bring some pretty expansive cold air over the UK and the potential threat for some more frontal snowfalls. During this period I expect signs of a warming in the Stratoshphere (perhaps since Christmas).
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Not wrong but not correct - The New Year did start off zonal but really there was little snow nor sign of a SSW[/color][list]
    [*]The duration of the 7th-13th of January should see indications of High Pressure Building over Greenland and vague hints of a pressure rise in NE Scandinavia but the period should should be predominatley Atlantic dominated although the jet stream should gradually be moving south and extremes of pretty mild sectors to cold sectors will be felt.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Wrong[/color][list]
    [*]The Period 13th-20th January should see High Pressure over Greenland firmly established and more profound than the attempt of Northern Blocking in late December. Initially, the UK Should be pretty chilly, but as very intense cold air from the Arctic comes down in a notable northerly, we should quickly see things turn progressively and substantially colder. By the middle of the period I would expect some pretty heavy snow showers in Shetland and Northern Scotland aswell as NI with night time temperatures widely below freezing and droping to below -10C in the Highlands. However by the end of the period, I would expect some notable and prolonged periods of snowfalls crossing south over Scotland before intensifying over England, Wales and Ireland over the Irish and North Sea. By the end of the period, -15C or lower should have been reached in the Scottish Highlands.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Wrong[/color]
    [list]
    [*]Between the 20th and 27th of January, I expect to see a gradual increase in terms of intensity of cold and snow with temperatures of -15C to -20C being reached in the Scottish Highlands throughout the period so really not too much of a change in that area but daytime temperatures and night time temperatures elsewhere should be colder at the end than at the beginning. With conitinuos snow showers in the North and some going further south down eastern and western coasts, there shouldn't be too much of a problem with snow in this cold but quite quiet period of weather. However towards the end of the period, as the Greenland High shows signs of a decline, the potential for heights over Scandinavia increase.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Wrong[/color][list]
    [*]The time frame of the 27th - 31st January should be quite active. The start of the period should see temperatures drop lower than that in the first period with some temperatures in the Highlands below -20C and in some cities -10C should have been reached. As winds have a slight NWly element in them, snow showers should become more expansive and prolonged in North and much of the west. However as Heights over Greenland start to dissolve we should see an incoming aprroch of fronts to create an incredibly messy breakdown. However as the fronts head towards the UK and Ireland, I expect heights over Scandinavia to build.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Not 100% wrong[/color]

    [b][u][u]FEBUARY 2012:[/u][/u][/b][list]
    [*]The period 1st-7th of Febuary is expected to see an incredible battle between the milder Atlantic and a very strong and expansive area of High Pressure over Scandinavia. Initially, we should see some impressive snowfalls as milder Atlantic air meets colder Arctic air, however the front(s) are expected to stall over Central and Eastern parts of the UK contributing to some very large snowfalls. In the western edge of the front it should be slightly less cold as the front over the Eastern half of the country dissolves leaving behind small pockets of light snow and some large snow depths. As the front fails to win, the easterly wind locked and trapped by the front is unleashed bringing impressive cold temperatures to all parts of the UK and widespread, heavy, convective snow showers and streamers all the way from Kent to Wick. Eastern and some central parts of England and Scotland should see some very impressive snowfalls and decent depths. In parts of Ireland and southern Wales there may be some impressive snowfalls from streamers and Western Scotland should experiences some snow showers from any streamers. In the eastern Highlands, temperatures of -15 to -25C are possible and in some eastern and northern towns and cities, temperatures of -10 to -20C are possible.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Not right but not wrong[/color][list]
    [*]The following period of the 7th-14th of Febuary is expected to see the High Pressure over Scandinavia and the Easterly winds to continue. The beginning and ending of the period is likely to see the worst of the snow for much of the east coast and some more prolonged areas of snowfall spreading further inland into more Central and Western areas right up and down the UK. But essentially, the main aspect of the period is the temperatures during the middle with temperatures in Cities such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glashow droping to below -15C and -10C being reached in cities further south including London. Snow showers won't be quite as profound, although there will still be some light snow showers in eastern coasts and filtering their way along the Channel, Thames Valley, Central Belt and Midlands. In the Highlands temperatures of -20C are more than likely.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Not right[/color][list]
    [*]The period 14th-21st of Febuary should see the cold continuing during the early stages. However the high pressure over Scandanavia will begin to show signs of fading and this should result in another messy breakdown. The first few days may see some record breaking temperatures and snowfall should increase. However low pressure systems should be able to come near or cross the UK bringing the threat of very large battleground snowfalls in the West. However in the east, there could be asmuch as a 10C difference with an easterly influence and some snow showers. Eventually, each front should gradually creep further east across the UK with precipiation in the far west falling as rain in milder temperatures and very heavy snow falling for anywhere further east. In far eastern areas, the temperatures will be at their lowest and 10C lower than that of the rest of the UK. Once the Atlantic eventually wins, temperatures in the North and East may still be slightly below average and in the south and west it will be slightly milder.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Not right but not wrong[/color][list]
    [*]The month should end under with a milder Atlantic influence with some very mild temperatures in the South West, however further North and East, and particulary Scotland it will feel, much, much cooler in cool-cold zonality and still further prospects of wintry weather.
    [/list]
    [color=#ff0000]Correct[/color]

    AWT


    CET Values:

    December (4.5C), January (1.7C), February (1.6C) = Overall a below average winter.

    That's my Final update for the winter forecast and the one that I'm most happy with.
  17. A Winter's Tale
    This is another of the eye catching groups where all four teams reached the last 16 in 2010. They are all decent teams with one of the strongest European teams Germany, presumably competing with a solid Portugal who have the current best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the USA and Ghana are two good international sides and in any other group, they would stand a decent chance of going through. I predict Germany to win the group, but a bad result in the first game would put them under pressure. Portugal are also a side who could equally do very well and finish top, of fail to turn up they could face a surprise early exit - they should qualify in second place. It is impossible to call between the USA and Ghana, but I'm going for the US given how organised and difficult to beat they can be and if they have a good group stage then I wouldn't be surprised if they end up in the last 16. The same goes for Ghana although I'm unsure as to how they have progressed since the last world cup.

    Since putting greater emphasis on youth football, Germany in the last 8 years have consistently been in the deep end of all the major tournaments but have just fallen at the final hurdle. They've got a variety of players, some decent depth in their squad aswell as physical strength and technical ability. And of course they are incredibly organised and are ruthless on the counter attack. Sadly for them they are a little curtailed by injuries and they aren't the strongest in quality up front and in defence. But other than Spain's ticka-tacka, Germany are probably the complete and more balanced international side in European or even World football. They have probably grown since 2010 but they are still a fairly young side and I expect them to at least reach the last 8 and if they can keep their players fit, have a good game plan for every match and punish their opponents on the counter-attack, then Germany stand a good chance of going all the way. Their squad is made of: 16 from Germany (7 from Bayern Munich, 4 from Borussia Dortmund, 2 from Schalke, 1 from Freiburg, Honnover, Borussia Monchegladbach), 4 from England (3 from Arsenal, 1 from Chelsea); 2 from Italy (Lazio and Sampdoria), 1 from Spain (Real Madrid). They have many important players such as the goalkeeper Neuer, Mats Hummels is a good defender. Of course there is excellent and consistent Philipp Lahm who might play in midfield at times, and Bastian Schweinstieger is also a midfield maestro. They are strongest in attacking midfield with Mario Gotze or Mesut Ozil and with other options on the bench. They are weak in attack with the only striker being the very experienced Klose but Thomas Muller can play up front aswell. Defence isn't the greatest either, so Germany despite their strength can potentially be fragile but they should be the most likely to team to top the group.

    Portugal are kind of like the sort of European side that England are, one who can cause any team problems with a selection of good players to choose from, but they have got the strength and depth and consistency to be top quality. They should reach the last 16, and they would be a pretty dangerous team in knock-out stage - only a penalty shoot-out denied them a place in the Euro 2012 final - but qualification is far from guaranteed. They are reliant heavily on the amazing Cristiano Ronaldo and also Joao Moutinho. They will be a difficult team to beat, with a defence that isn't top quality but hard enough to break down with the Real Madrid duo of Pepe and Coentrao. A weak point is the central attacking position where there is no real top quality goalscorer and this will hold Portugal back. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, and if he can have as good a World Cup as his season was with Real Madrid, then he can carry Portugal into the last 8 but a bad start to Germany would put Portugal under great pressure to qualify. Their squad is: 8 from Portugal (3 from Braga, 2 from Benfica, Sporting and 1 from Porto); 6 from Spain (3 from Real Madrid, 2 from Valencia, 1 from Sevilla); 3 from Turkey (2 from Fenerbanche, 1 from Besiktas); 1 from England (Manchester United), Italy (Lazio), Russia (Zenit), Ukraine (Dynamo Kiev), France (Monaco), Germany (Wolfsburg).

    Jurgen Klinsmann's United States alongside Ghana are two admirable, hard-working, well-organised and very decent international sides without having the star players and the reputation of the biggest international sides. They will be underdogs but they will give the top teams in this group a real challenge. They aren't blessed with a lot of pace and their players don't play for the best of club sides, but when they come together as a unit for international duties, they are one very hard-working and difficult bunch to beat and without having any one real star player, the USA have made a team that's greater than the sum of its parts. They haven't got a lot of quality up-front but Klinsmann is trying to provide a formula that makes the USA a more potent side when on the attack.
    9 from USA (2 from Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders, Sporting Kansas City, 1 from LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo); 4 from Germany (Nurnberg, Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin) and England (Everton, Stoke, Aston Villa and Sunderland); 1 from Canada (Tornoto), Mexico (Puebla), Netherlands (AZ), Norway (Rosenborg), France (Nantes), Turkey (Beskitas).

    Ghana have qualified for the knock-out stages in 2006 and 2010, but it will be a very big ask for them to progress this time with the quality of opposition in Group D. Nevertheless, without the star names of the Ivory Coast and backbone of Algeria, Ghana are probably the more complete African side and the most capable of giving any team a challenge. They are a fairly flexible side with a blend of physicality, pace and power. Asamoah Gyan is the talisman and unlike some of the other African teams where the best are isolated, Ghana should link-up and provide their best players with decent amount of support. They also have an experienced midfield with the likes of Essien and Muntari and goals can come from elsewhere other than Gyan. Perhaps the goalkeeper and some of the defensive positions could be a weak point. They squad is made up of: 5 from France (Marseille, Rennes, Valenciennes, Evian, Sochaux), Italy (2 from Milan, 1 from Juventus, Udinese, Parma); 2 from Russia (Rubin Kazan, Kuban Krasnodar), South Africa (Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns); 1 from England (Middlesbrough), Belgium (Standard Liege), Tunisia (Esperance), Norway (Stromsgodset), Germany (Schalke), Netherlands (Vitesse), UAE (Al-Ain), Ghana (Aduana Stars), Greece (Plantanias). If Ghana have a successful group stage, then they could stand a chance of finishing second and they are capable of beating the USA and even Portugal. But defeat against the USA - which I think is more likely - then they've got an ominous task ahead of them with the remaining games against Germany and Portugal, which could see them finish bottom.

    Key games:

    All of the games are important but by far, the stand out and most important Germany v Portugal, 16th June at 5pm: This should determine who's in a great position to qualify as group winners, and who has got the most work to do.

    Predictions:

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][size=2][background=rgb(248,241,243)]Group G:[/background][/size][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Germany[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-0 Portugal, 16[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Ghana[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-2 USA, 16[sup]th[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Germany[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-0 Ghana, 21[sup]st[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]USA[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-2 Portugal, 21[sup]st[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Portugal[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-0 Ghana, 26[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]USA[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-2 Germany, 26[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Germany[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 9pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Portugal[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 6pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]USA[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 3pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Ghana[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
  18. A Winter's Tale
    Group B is one of the standout groups in this year's World Cup. It has the reigning world and european champions - and the strongest side in international football - Spain who will be looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their title. They are against the Netherlands, Spain's opponents in the 2010 World Cup final, who have a poor team by their standards and could disappoint in the group stage. Then we have Chile, one of the dark horses, who are a talented team and could go far in competition. Australia are of the poorest teams in the competition - a weaker side than of previous years - could have a really heard time at the foot of group b.

    The Spain team of the last 6 years will undoubtably go down as one of the greatest in the history of international football. Two european championships and a first World Cup triumph, plus being at the top of the world rankings for much of the last 6 years, has made Spain one of the most successful teams ever and their high technical, ball retaining skills will be a brand talked about for decades to come - although they have had their critics for over emphasis on passing and keeping the ball. Spain have the best squad in the competition and are still the team to beat, but the 2013 confederations cup final 3-0 defeat by Brazil would have inflicted on some doubts on Spain's chances on retaining their world title. Spain's place in football history is secure, but they need to win the World Cup to be considered on the same platform or even better than the golden era of Brazil football 1958-70. And if Spain want to remain being considered as a team challenging and capable of continuing to win tournaments, they need to reach at least the semi finals. The squad attempting to make history is comprised of: 14 from Spain (7 from Barcelona, 4 from Athletico Madrid, 3 from Real Madrid); 6 from England (2 from Manchester United and Chelsea, 1 from arsenal and manchester City); 2 from Italy (Napoli) and 1 from Germany (bayern Munich). Spain in the build up to euro 2012 in Poland/Ukraine were seen as a team slightly passed their best and they played the competition without an obvious striker (which could feature this year) but went on to beat Italy 4-0 in the final. Looking at the squad and the names left out of it there is a huge array of talent and bit of variety as well. They've got good goalkeepers, a decent defence, an abundance of top quality midfielders - giving Vincent del bosque a real head- ache - and they do have goal scorers. A midfield with players such as mata, silva, iniesta and co offers plenty of technical ability. But there is a feeling the Spanish philosophy is no longer as effective. This could be compounded by players who are past their best such as xavi and villa. Not selecting Jesus navas reduces pace and natural width and they could struggle to score a lot of goals. If Spain's flaws are exposed and taken advantage of then chile could win the group or if things go badly wrong then the netherlands.

    My pick to finish 2nd from group B is Chile, the south American dark horses. In South Africa, didn't score many goals but this year Chile takes a stronger and more fancied team to Brazil and if they progress to the last 16 as I expect them too, then they could go very far indeed. The Chile squad is made up of players spread out all over the world: 5 from Chile (3 from Universidad de Chile, 2 from Colo-Colo) and Spain (Barcelona, Valencia, Sociedad, Osasuna, Celta Vigo); 4 from Italy (2 from Juventus, 1 from Atalanta, Calgiari); 3 from Brazil (Internacional, Palmeiras, Santos); 2 from England (Wigan, Nottingham Forest); 1 from Sweden (Malmo), Wales (Cardiff), Netherlands (Twente), Switzerland (Basel). Chile will be a team worth watching as they should play with pace and high-intensity and with real attacking intent. Alexis Sanchez of Barcelona will be the star man in a front three, aided by attacking wing backs. Defense however could be a real weak point for Chile, especially given their lack of height. Nevertheless I expect Chile to impress and reach the knock-out stages.

    The next Manchester United boss, Louis van Gaal, will lead a weak dutch team by their standards. Th squad has a lot of young players with limit experience and the most experienced are their star men. This squad is made up of: 10 from the Netherlands (5 from Feyenoord, 3 from Ajax, 2 from PSV); 4 from England (Manchester United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Norwich); 3 from Germany (Bayern Munich, Schalke, Augsburg); 2 from Wales (Swansea), 2 from Turkey (Fenerbanche, Galatasaray); 1 from Italy (Milan) and Ukraine (Dynamo Kiev). Following a shocking Euro 2012 in which the dutch lost every game, the Netherlands had an excellent qualifying campaign - scoring 34 goals. The 2010 finalists will go into the World Cup with a 5-3-2 formation. The star men of course are Van Persie and Robben whilst Wesley Sneijder who was a key man in South Africa, is now perhaps past his best. A squad lacking experience, quality and strength and depth, their problem area is defense where there is the least experience and quality and I expect this to be exposed, resulting in another disappointing campaign with failure to reach the last 16.

    Australia are in a period of transition and go into the tournament as the lowest ranked side and with a poorer squad than of recent times. The star man is the 34 year old forward Tim Cahill in a squad full of young players: 7 from Australia (2 from Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roars, 1 from Adelaide United, Western Sydney Wanderers, Newcastle Jets); 3 from England (Crystal Palace, Preston, Swindon Town), Germany (Borrussia Dortmund, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Frankfurt); 2 from Switzerland (Luzern, Sion); Netherlands (Utrecht, Herals Almelo); 1 from Belgium (Club Brugge), USA (New York Red Bull), Austria (Wien); China (Sandong Luneng Taishan), South Korea (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Qatar (Al-Gharata). Australia remain somewhat of an unknown quantity so they could be a surprise, but I suspect against the likes of Spain, Chile and the Netherlands, they will be the whipping boys.

    Spain - Netherlands, 13th June - 8pm: Repeat of 2010 Final
    Spain - Chile, 18th June - 8pm: Two quality sides go head to head to battle for a place in the last 16.
    Netherlands - Chile, 23rd June - 5pm: Potential decided for who goes through to the last 16.

    Predictions:


    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Spain[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-0 Netherlands, 13[sup]th[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Chile[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 3-0 Australia, 13[sup]th[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Australia[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-2 Netherlands, 18[sup]th [/sup]June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Spain[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-0 Chile, 18[sup]th[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Australia[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-3 Spain, 23[sup]rd[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Netherlands[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-1 Chile, 23[sup]rd[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Spain[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 9pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Chile[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 6pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Netherlands[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 3pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Australia[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0pts [/size][/background][/font][/color]
  19. A Winter's Tale
    [b]MARCH[/b]...overall quite close to average, with a settled start, followed by transient and quite changeable weather with temperatures overall at around average. Temperatures 0.5C below to 0.5C above average. CET 7.0C. Rainfall 70% in south and east and 85-90% in north and west. Possibly some wintry interludes during the middle third of the month, much of the wintry precipitation confinded to higher ground in Scotland. Sunshine 0-5% above average.

    [b]APRIL[/b]...overall close to average, but a month of contrasts with some cold outbreaks at times and some warmer spells developing (especially during the second half of the month). Most of the times, quite normal showery April weather with less frontal activity and some settled spells. Temperatures 0.25 below to 0.5 above average. CET 8.6C. Rainfall 60% in south east and 75-85% in north west. Some wintry showers on high ground in north west at times aswell as some hail and thunder. Sunshine 5-10% above average.

    [b]MAY[/b]...overall warmer than average with some pleasant, settled and warm periods, combined with shorter spells of more unsettled, showery and cool spells with occasional frontal activity and with a threat of thundery outbreaks. CET 12.5C. Rainfall 60% in south east (some thundery downpours) and 75% in north west. Temperatures 0 to 1.0C above average. Sunshine 5-15% above average.

    MARCH - MORE DETAILED FORECAST

    First week: Quite chilly and settled to begin with and some cloudy periods for some. Turning slightly milder later with some rain, especially in western areas.
    Second week: Staying changeable with fluctuating spells of high pressure influencing from the south and low pressure to the north. Mostly mild, chilly on some clear nights.
    Third week: A mostly unsettled period with temperatures closer to average or quite chilly. Some showery spells, changeable conditions but quite bright at times
    Final week: Turning more settled, possibly cool and cloudy to begin with before becoming brighter later, some frost at night.

    APRIL

    First week: Dry, settled and cold - especially in the north. Frosty nights, quite sunny, chilly wind in south and east England.
    Second week: Quite chilly to begin with, turning more milder, some rainfall for northern and western areas, more settled for southern and eastern areas.
    Third week: Settled for southern and eastern areas, perhaps quite cloudy with some rain at times in the west - quite mild. Becoming more unsettled later.
    Final week: Quite changeable with fronts coming off the atlantic at times but also some brighter and showery interludes - possibly wintry on the higher ground at times.

    MAY:

    First week: Some fine, dry weather with occasional rain in the south/east of England, feeling warm. Some frontal rainfall at times for northern/western areas, cold in the north with some snow on the hills, even to lower levels in the highlands at times.
    Second week: There maybe some dry and warm weather during the start of the period, especially in the south east, but always a risk of being cooler and some rain in the north and west. Possibly becoming more settled and fairly warm and dry.
    Third week: Possibly turning more unsettled with some showers, always drier and warmer in the south east and it could be quite cool in northern and eastern parts.
    Fourth week: Becoming more settled and increasingly warmer, even hot. Largely dry and sunny but possibly some thunderstorms and the risk of frontal rainfall in NW.
  20. A Winter's Tale
    This evening, the 20[sup]th[/sup] FIFA World Cup will get underway in Sao Paulo with host nation and the tournament favourites Brazil taking on Croatia. Four years on from a well deserved victory for the great Spanish side who defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in a stop/start final at Soccer City in South Africa, hopefully Brazil – a nation who has embraced this sport like no other – during the next month will display and dazzling festival of football on the football field and hopefully off the field aswell despite the protests. The last world cup to have taken place in South America was back in 1978 in Argentina and on each of the five occasions the championships have been held in this part of the world the eventual champions have all been South American. And it is hard to look beyond Brazil winning it for a record sixth time, however, this current team is not on the scale as past Brazilian sides. Of course, since 1978 the game has developed and evolved a fair bit and perhaps one can assume that subsequently the preparations for a World Cup by current European sides is far more ideal and suitable to that of many decades ago. A European can’t be ruled out and Spain still remain as the best side in international football – and have been so for around the past 6 years. So now that it is here, the FIFA World Cup, we can all whet our appetite for lots of goals, classic games and stunning shocks, defining performances by the elite players and enthralling emergences of new starts, and, of course the making of football history.

    Group A includes the much fancied hosts, Brazil, who will be against presumably unspectacular but decent international outfits in Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon.

    Brazil squad is made up of players based in 9 countries: 6 from England (4 from Chelsea, 1 from Manchester City and Tottenham); 4 from Brazil (2 from Athletico Mineiro, 1 from Fluminense and Botafogo); 3 from Spain (2 from Barcelona and 1 from Real Madrid); 3 from Italy (1 from Napoli, Inter and Roma); 2 from Germany (1 from Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg); 2 from France (2 from PSG); and 1 from Russia (Zenit), Ukraine (Donetsk) and Canada (Toronto). This generally young squad is probably better than four years ago (with more attacking prowess behind the strikers) but like many of their teams of the past 20 years (since Brazil adapted to a more defence aware style) this team (even if they go on to win) won’t be regarded interms of personnel and style in the same regard as the sides of 1982 and the golden era of 1958-1970. Brazil haven’t reached a semi-final since 2002 (when they won their 5[sup]th[/sup] title under current manager Scolari). All that matters for people and media of Brazil is victory and anything other than that would be a disaster, losing it as host nation would make the agony even worse. And both Brazil and Scolari have had experiences of such pain with the infamous Brazil defeat inflicted by Uruguay in 1950 and Scolari’s Portugal beaten by Greece in 2004. Brazil should comfortably progress to the knock-out rounds with their opponents not being the toughest in the competition but certainly not the very weakest aswell. Given the way Brazil played in last summer’s confederations cup I would expect Brazil to take all 9 points. Brazil rely very heavily on the much hyped forward Neymar who has just finished his first season in Europe with FC Barcelona – overall, an underwhelming debut season away from South America. However, despite a poor season with his club, it has been clear in the past that Neymar tends to live up to his responsibilities when wearing his nation’s colours. Given the lack of potent, reliable forwards (the expected no.9, Fred, who played fairly well in last year's confederations cup has had misfortune with injuries ever since) it is vital that Neymar comes up with the goods he's expected to deliver. Brazil do have other players who conjure up chances and goals with attacking midfielders such as oscar - who will be a vital player for Brazils chances - and the hit or miss, specimen that is zenit's hulk. Away from the architects of Neymar and oscar, and Brazil have attacking full-backs - however, with dani alves in particular his end product is unreliable. In midfield, Paulinho - who could surprise at this World Cup - will also add to the attack whilst Wolfsburg and former Bayern player Luis Gustavo should sit back and act as a sweeper. In defence, the psg centre-half thiago silva is a world class player in his field whilst david luiz who despite his qualities, always has a mistake or two in him. When not in possession, as a team, Brazil will commit to smothering the opposition. A team that will play high intensity football with good technical ability should progress easily and in the process, I expect Brazil to score quite a few goals as well as conceding not many or any goals before proceeding into a trickier round of 16 tie.

    It will be a scrap for 2nd place between the remaining teams in group a. Croatia on paper should do it but I have little faith in them and Cameroon are a team I'm not expecting too much from but they could be a surprise and perhaps book a place in the last 16 if they play to the best of their abilities. The team I'm expecting to grab second place is the less than inspiring Mexico. This Mexico team certainly isn't the greatest side in their history - more like a team in transition - following on from a disastrous qualifying campaign in central america in which Panama blew their opportunity to knock Mexico out - subsequently Mexico went on to defeat New Zealand in a play-off. In the space of 6 weeks Mexico had at least 4 different managers! However, despite how Mexico aren't a much fancied and nor are they expected to play entertaining football, they have reached the knock-out rounds for 5 world cups in a row - and I expect them to negotiate a way into the last 16 for a 6th time in a row. The squad is mainly comprised of Mexican based players, 15 out of the 23 man squad: (4 from America, 3 from Leon and Toulca, 2 from UANL and Cruz Azul and 1 from Santos Languna); 3 from Spain (2 from Sevilla and 1 from Espanyol); 2 from Portugal (Porto); 1 from England (Manchester United), 1 from Germany (Bayer Leverkusen) and 1 from France (Ajaccio). Mexico should play a 5-3-2 formation (defensive but the wing-backs would be extra attacking options). Rafael Marquez, at 35, the former Barcelona player will attending his 4th world cup finals but despite his experience, his inconsistency or unreliability could become a liability. Javier Herandez of Manchester United may not feature much as he has scored barely any goals for Mexico in the last 12 months. Nevertheless, in a South American world cup I expect Mexico to pragmatically find a way through.

    If Croatia play to the levels they are capable of then they should progress ahead of Mexico. However, the last year hasn't been great for Croatia with a change in manager following poor performances and results. I watched Scotland to be only the second team ever to win home and away against Croatia in qualifying. The away game in Zagreb, Croatia had plenty of the ball but no pace, width or penetration and their strikers poorly finished the few chances they had. Igor Stimac's final game in charge saw a stronger Croatia team play in Glasgow but Scotland convincingly won 2-0 and could have scored a goal or two more. Stimac was sacked and was soon replaced by Niko Kovac. It seemed clear that Croatia had technically ability but there was a lack of pace, a lack of quality in the wide areas, their star strikers failing to convert chances and some defensive errors too. Croatia do have the quality to progress but I'm that the next 3 times I watch them play is better than the 2 previous. Their squad is made up of: 4 from Ukraine (2 from Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk, Germany (2 from Wolfsburg, 1 from Bayern Munich and Hamburg); 3 from Italy (Inter, Genoa, Florientina), Spain (Sevilla, Real Madrid, Getafe); 2 from Greece (Panathonikos), England (Southampton and Hull), Croatia (Dinamo Zagreb, Lokomotiva), Russia (Rostov, Lokomotiv Moscow) and 1 from France (Monaco). Under their coach, perhaps Croatia will be attack minded rather than basing their game on possession. Their star striker, Mario Mandzukic of Bayern Munich, will be suspended for the opening game. Without doubt the play makers Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic will be their two main players at this summer's finals. Perhaps the 20 year old Mateo Kovacic from Inter could emerge as a star. With Croatia, it is unclear just what sort of performance we are going to see from them but if they plays as well as they can do then they should reach the last 16.

    The team who on paper should finish bottom and are least likely to progress are Cameroon. Certainly with some or most of the African teams we are aware of their qualities and star players but it is easy to be skeptical of how cohesive and well-organised and coached their teams are and they would get on against teams from other parts of the world. For sure, over the past 25 years we've seen African nations deliver at World Cups and some have gone as far as the quarter-finals. But I don't think it will be Cameroon this year, but you never know, they are a somewhat unknown quantity after all. But it does seem that this Cameroon side is poorer than teams from years gone by. They've had a fairly lack-luster couple of years and some of their star players such as Sammuel Eto'o are past their best. But they are a highly motivated group with some talent at their disposal and if Croatia and Mexico fail to impress then the last 16 isn't beyond Cameroon. The Cameroon squad includes: 7 from France (1 from Marseille, Rennes, Lens, Bordeaux, Nancy, Lyon, Lorient); 6 from Turkey (1 from Besiktas, Galatasaray, Fenerbanche, Konyaspor, Antaylaspor, Fethieyespor); 3 from Spain (1 from Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla); 2 from Cameroon (Cotton Sport), England (Chelsea, QPR), Germany (Mainz, Schalke) and 1 from Belgium (Zulte Waregem). Sevilla and on-loan midfielder Stephane Mbia could be a key man with his athletic prowess and ability to win balls. If their attacking assets perform well at this World Cup then Cameroon could sneak a route into the last 16 but I expect a similar and disappointing campaign like 2010.

    Key and standout games:

    Brazil v Croatia, 12th June - 9pm: The opening game which will hopefully deliver an exciting start to the World Cup or plenty of goals (and great ones) as we saw back in 2006 with Germany v Costa Rica.

    Croatia v Mexico, 23rd June - 9pm: Potential decided for 2nd place.

    Predictions:

    [font=calibri][size=2]Brazil[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 2-0 Croatia, 12[sup]th[/sup] June @ 9pm[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Mexico[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 1-0 Cameroon, 13[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Brazil[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 3-1 Mexico, 17[sup]th[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Cameroon[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 1-2 Croatia, 18[sup]th[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Cameroon[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 0-3 Brazil, 23[sup]rd[/sup] June @ 9pm[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Croatia[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 0-1 Mexico, 23[sup]rd[/sup] June @ 9pm[/size][/font]

    [font=calibri][size=2]Brazil[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 9pts[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Mexico[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 6pts[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Croatia[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 3pts[/size][/font]
    [font=calibri][size=2]Cameroon[/size][/font][font=calibri][size=2] 0pts[/size][/font]
  21. A Winter's Tale
    Group D is another of the very close and competitive groups in the world cup. Uruguay, Italy and England are more then decent international sides but not absolutely top quality. They all have their key players and styles which can cause problems to and hurt other teams but they also have their inconsistencies and weak points that the very best teams can exploit. Whoever goes through will give any team cause for concern. Fine margins could separate joyous success from total failure - but is anyone's guess as to will be the team to fall short. I actually fancy England who have improved from recent years and their young, attacking players to overcome their opponents and go through as group winners. It is impossible to decide between Italy and Uruguay. You can never rule out Italy and Luis Suarez of Uruguay is recovering from injury and his team at the back are weak. I expect geographical advantage to prevail and for Uruguay to go through. But this is such a close group where one incident, goal, decision or game could make all the difference and define the outcome. Central American's Costa Rica, who are an unknown quantity, I suspect they could be a difficult team to overcome and they might have their say on who goes through, but ultimately they should finish bottom.

    England go into this World Cup with lower expectations, but with greater progress and a stronger, more exciting squad than Euro 2012 and the the World Cup four years ago. There seems to be greater potential and material for creativity, pace, skill and exciting directness - particularly in midfield and attack - which could make England more adept to playing and approaching football in a slightly more modern and progressive style. There is hope for England's future but they have been there before - around 15 years ago - and there are hurdles standing in their way: young players aren't the finish article and England hasn't got a great history of laying out and playing to a cohesive, identified philosophy. Nevertheless, the material is there for the future and at this World Cup England does have the weaponry to hurt their opponents - if unleashed and given support and integration. All of England's players are based in Britain: 22 from England (5 from Liverpool, 4 from Manchester United, 3 from Everton and Southampton, 2 from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City and 1 from West Brom) and 1 from Scotland (Celtic). Perhaps England's star man in the captain Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney is their best player but he has failed to deliver in his previous two World Cups and has been drifting in and out of games recently. Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool might be an even more important and effective player with his goalscoring abilities and pace. England have got good material in attacking and young players such as Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkely, and if given enough freedom and time, could make a huge difference, but at the same time, perhaps other international teams might be smart enough to cut off the supply of balls to these players and the space for them to move into. England's defence is pretty solid, with Gary Cahill being the leader in central defence alongside Jagielka. England are decent going forward in wide areas but Baines can be suspect at his defensive duties whilst Johnson could be even more of a weak point defensively and going forward he isn't the greatest of crossers or passers. Joe Hart should be a fairly reliable goalkeeper. The determination of England's fate will come down to how the team gels and copes, rather than the individuals (although a couple of outstanding performances could change a game). A young, experimental team could either be boom or boost (perhaps both could be a theme in the World Cup, or even in a single game) and after another long Premier League season, playing in a South American World Cup against tricky opposition could be a little too much for England to deal with. I think England could be just about to embark on a surprisingly good World Cup. I think they'll be too good for their opponents and will negotiate a way to the quarter finals, but there certain flaws or factors which could stand in their way if Uruguay and Italy perform to their best.

    Uruguay are a team with the capabilities to go far. In South Africa they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and shortly afterwards won the Copa America. However, in the Olympics and Confederations Cup they came up short and generally failed to impress. And they only just qualified via a play-off. They aren't renowned as a great team defensively but they have got good quality upfront but Suarez isn't fit, Cavani is hit and miss and Forlan is probably past it. I do have my doubts about whether they can match their achievements of recent times, but when it all comes together for Uruguay, they are a formidable team and in a South American World Cup, I think they should go through. Uruguay's squad is made up with: 5 from Italy (Juventus, Lazio, Parma, Bologna, Palermo); 4 from Spain (3 from Athletico Madrid, 1 from Espanyol); 3 from England (Liverpool, Southampton, West Brom), Brazil (Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Vasco du Gama); 2 from Portugal (Porto and Benfica); 1 from Uruguay (Nacional), Turkey (Galatasaray), Paraguay (Libertad), Japan (Cerezo Osaka), Mexico (Morelia), France (PSG). If fit, Luis Suarez will be their most important player but if not then their star man will be Edinson Cavani who is strong physically, quick and can be a lethal finisher but not always consistent. Uruguay can add to their attack with the full backs and some of the midfielders but sometimes they lack creativity in midfield. Despite having the excellent Diego Godin, Uruguay are quite weak defensively, especially with Diego Lugano and other teams could hurt Uruguay in this position. But all in all, I think they will go through and they could grow stronger as the World Cup goes on - quarter-finals could be possible.

    Italy seemed to have improved from the ageing team and subsequent disastrous attempt of retaining their World title in 2010. Since then, there are still older players, but most should still be effective and there are some fresher and younger players. Italy reaching the final of Euro 2012 showed that despite they were not a fancied team on paper, on the football field they absolutely knew how to get a job done and there were key individuals who can change a game. It's difficult to tell whether Italy have improved much since then, but more or less there are at the same level but they will have greater confidence within their squad. They will always have a good game plan which can contain and stop the best qualities about other teams, and Italy always has the threat of snatching a goal or a win out of nothing. I expect them to have a solid campaign and be difficult to play against but I suspect the attacking qualities of England Uruguay aswell as the conditions will overcome them. Buy you can never rule Italy out and if they do go through, they will be a tricky team who could negotiate a way deep into the World Cup. Their squad: 20 from Italy (6 from Juventus, 3 from Milan, Torino, Parma, 1 from Napoli, Lazio, Roma, Florientina, Genoa), 3 from France (PSG). Andrea Pirlo at 35 is still their star man with his magnificent and classy way of conducting and play-making in midfield and picking out fine passes. But as always with Italy, they are greater than sum of their parts. If Balotelli plays like he did at Euro 2012, then that will give Italy another dimension but Italy's downfall could come down to a lack of goals and perhaps a more vulnerable defence.

    Costa Rica are at their first World Cup since 2006 and will come into Group D with low expectations as the underdogs but will also have a relaxed mindset. It will be interesting to see how the central Americans will do in a South American World Cup. Costa Rica, are relatively unknown but I suspect like Honduras, they will be pretty defensive but they should be a difficult team to break down - only conceded 7 goals in 10 qualifiers - and they might have some punch on the counter attack, especially with star man Bryan Ruiz and also the pacey Olympiakos player Joel Campbell - which gives them greater attacking material than the likes of Honduras The Levante goalkeeper is also a fantastic shot stopper and has a magnificent season in La Liga. Their squad: 9 from Costa Rica (4 from Herediano, 2 from Saprissa, Alajuelense, 1 from Cartagines); 3 from USA (2 from Colombus Crew, 1 from New York Red Bulls); 3 from Norway (Rosenborg, Aalesund, Valerenga); 1 from Belgium (Club Brugge), Spain (Levante), Sweden (AIK), Denmark (Copenhagen), Greece (Olympiakos), Netherlands (PSV), Germany (Mainz), Russia (Kuban Krasnodar). Certainly a team who could spin a surprise or two and perhaps shape the outcome of the group.


    [color=rgb(51,51,51)][font=arial]Key games:[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(51,51,51)][font=arial]England v Italy, 14th June - 11pm: A battle between two teams who might cancel each other out.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(51,51,51)][font=arial]Uruguay v England, 19th June - 8pm: A crucial game where whoever wins should go through.[/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(51,51,51)][font=arial]Italy v Uruguay, 24th June - 5pm: It could be a group decider but at the same time, it might be that a draw puts either side through.[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(51,51,51)][font=arial]Predictions:[/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][size=2][background=rgb(248,241,243)]Group D:[/background][/size][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Uruguay[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-1 Costa Rica, 14[sup]th[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]England[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-0 Italy, 14[sup]th[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Uruguay[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-2 England, 19[sup]th[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Italy[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-0 Costa Rica, 20[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Costa Rica[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-2 England, 24[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Italy[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-2 Uruguay, 24[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
  22. A Winter's Tale
    [b]DECEMBER... [/b]A close to or slightly below average month with an unsettled and changeable first half with active weather fronts sweeping the country and areas of low pressure often close by to the north, delivering frequent windy and blusetry conditions, occasionally turbulent and it will be predominately below average in the north with intermittent wintry precipitation, slightly milder and calmer further south with some settled intervals from the SW introducing a few frosty nights. It should remain unsettled into the first part of the second half of the month, with a change to a more pronounced spell of milder weather before becoming colder again with an anticyclonic period preceeding a cold and wintry spell to end the month with an Arctic sourced airmass. Temperatures 0.25C above to 0.75C below average, most likely to below average further north. CET 5.2C. Rainfall 90-100% of the average in the south, 95-110% of the average further north and west. Precipitation coming in the form of rain from active weather fronts and proceeding some blustery and unstable airflows with some intervals of wintry precipitation in the north west and potentially significant totals of snow on the Scottish high ground. Sunshine 5% on either side of the average.

    [b]JANUARY... [/b]Colder or significantly colder than average with a return to unsettled and potentially stormy weather for a time after New Year with temperatures generally around or just above average prior to colder, anticyclonic conditions before mid month, heralding a risk of harsh frost and dense patches of fog. It should turn significantly colder for the latter half of the month, with increasing chances of snow in most places but especially in eastern and southern areas with the possibility of some significant snowfalls. Generally drier and more settled further north. At times turning less cold in the very SW but generally very cold, at times intensely cold elsewhere, with widespread and at times severe frosts. Temperatures 2.0C to 0.5 below average. CET 2.2C. Rainfall 90-110% of the average in the east and 75-85% further north and west. Sunshine 5-10% above average in the north and west, 5% below average in the east.

    [b]FEBRUARY... [/b]Colder than average, especially in the first half of the month with prolonged and at times intense cold pesisting into the new month. It may become more anticyclonic at times with high pressure close to the north and snow showers becoming lighter and infrequent. However, there may be a few attempts of the Atlantic making enrodes, resulting in a few oppurtunities for battleground snowfall. Eventually, the atlantic should win resulting in milder and changeable conditions from the west, perhaps the risk of a wind event or two before becoming much milder to end the month. CET 2.9C. Rainfall 65-85% of the average in the south, 75-85% further north. Sunshine 5-10% above average.
  23. A Winter's Tale
    5th December: Wet snow showers in some parts of western Scotland in a NWly wind.

    7-8th December: Some snow showers in a westerly wind across Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland and NW England. These showers continuing to affect northern and western areas first thing on the 8th.

    9th December: Precipitation turned to snow in parts of Scotland in a brisk westerly wind.

    10th December: Snow showers across parts of Scotland driven by a strong westerly wind.

    11th December: Further snow showers across parts of Scotland with slight accumulations in places, particularly in higher parts, and locally some more significant accumulations of a few inches in parts of the Highlands. A front moving north brought some wet snow to some parts of Northern Ireland and Northern England but most of the snow falling on higher ground.

    12th December: A front moving South brought some persistent snow to parts of the Highlands with accumulations over 10cm in places. Some snow showers in NW England and Noryjern Ireland some snow showers affecting parts of northern Scotland in a northerly wind.

    13th December: A few isolated snow flurries in parts of Scotland in the morning and some isolated snow showers in other northern parts of Britain.

    14th December: A few localised snow showers in parts of the highlands.

    15th December: Snow showers for the northern isles and some snow flurries in northern Scotland.

    16th December: Some snow on the leading edge of a weather front from the west temporarily brought slight accumulations to parts of Aberdeenshire.

    18th December: Some snow later in the day for parts of the highlands.

    19th December: Snow showers falling in some parts of Scotland in a westerly wind.

    26th-27th December: Some heavy snow falling across central parts of England Southern parts of Northern England from a stalling front from the SW, with accumulations of a few inches in places - locally exceeding 10cm - especially in higher parts - some disruption in places. Snow flurries from the NW in parts of Scotland in the 27th and some scattered snow showers and flurries in other parts of Britain.

    2nd January: Snow showers from the west across parts of Scotland.

    8th January: Some snow showers in a westerly wind in parts of Scotland, chiefly the highlands.

    10th-11th January: Frequent snow showers across Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland and Noryhern England in a westerly wind with slight accumulations in places. Some leading edge frontal wet snow in Scotland on the 11th.

    12th January: Some snow showers in Scotland and later in parts of Ireland in a westerly wind.

    13th-14thJanuary: Snow showers affecting Ireland, Scotland and some parts of Northern England and another batch of snow in some parts of Wales and central England in a SWly wind. Some areas such as the southern, western Highlands and northern extremities of the central lowlands of Scotland and some parts of Ireland endured persistent and heavy snow and significant accumulations exceeding 10cm and in some places more than a foot and elsewhere there were slight accumulations of a few cm or inches. Some transient leading edge frontal snow in Scotland in the evening.

    16th-17th January: Snow showers in a NWly wind affected parts of Scotland, Ireland and Northern England with a stream of snow showers affecting parts of Ayrshire. Accumulations of a couple of inches in a number of areas and disruption to travel in some western and central parts of Scotland.

    18th-19th January: Snow showers in NEly wind in E Scotland, NE England...

    20-21st January: Frontal snow from the west, affecting parts of Midlands.

    23rd January: Snow showers in highlands in westerly wind later in the day.
  24. A Winter's Tale
    Group C is an incredibly open group and the toughest one to call as they all four teams are at least a decent international outfit yet there is not one outstanding team. Every team has their strengths and weaknesses and their own style and approach so it will be intriguing to see how the pragmatic Greeks, athletic Japanese, physical Ivorians and potential dark horses Colombia fare when they all meet each other. Whoever progresses probably won't be one of the favorites to go all the way but all the teams will put up a stern test any opponent. As I haven't seen much of any of these teams, they all remain unknown quantities which makes even more interesting to see how this group unfolds. I'm going for Colombia to top the group, given their high world-ranking and reputation aswell as having the advantage of it being a South American world cup. After that I will opt for the Ivory Coast, who are perhaps not quite as strong as in recent times, who have been unlucky in their previous two World Cup appearances, perhaps they are due a better run this time although again you can never be too sure about how some African sides will perform against teams from other Confederations. The remaining, sides Japan and Greece all have a chance of having a say in the group and have a decent shout of progressing.

    Colombia have been tipped by some to be a team to impress this summer and potentially go far. They have their admirers for their flexibility, power and technical skill aswell though the injury of star striker Falcao will be a huge blow. This is certainly a seed I will be fascinated to see in this World Cup. Their squad is quite diverse: 6 from Italy (Milan, Inter, Napoli, Atalanta, Florientina, Calgiari); 4 from Argentina (3 from River Plate, 1 from San Lorenzo); 3 from France (Monaco, Toulouse, Nice), Colombia (Santa Fe, Athletico Nacional, Deportivo Cali); 2 from Portugal (Porto), Spain (Elche, Sevilla); from England (West Ham), Netherlands (PSV) and Germany (Hertha Berlin). Colombia have a squad of generally young players although they have the oldest play in the World Cup with goalkeeper Mondragon, age 42. They should offer good attacking quality, especially in the wide areas with star player James Rodriguez and there will be extra attacking options with the full-backs. The holding midfielders should provide cover for the full-backs whilst defense will be an area of concern for Colombia but overall, I expect Colombia to perform well and reach the knock-out stage but being a competitive group, it may not be all that easy. If they go through, then the last 8 isn't beyond their capabilities.

    My pick to progress as group runners-up are the Ivory Coast. In the past World Cups, their golden generation have perhaps failed to live up to expectations and this ageing squad is probably past its best, with Didier Drogba now 36. They've been placed in tough groups in 2006 and 2010 and perhaps a lack of cohesiveness, defensive quality and adaptation to play against different types of teams have cost them. These flaws still remain but they are again in a competitive group but there is no Brazil, Portugal or Argentina and Netherlands standing in their way. I expect the Ivory Coast to go through because of this but perhaps their weaknesses will be part of their downfall again. Their squad is made up of: 5 from France (2 from Saint-Etienne and Toulouse, 1 from Lille); 4 from Germany (Stuggart, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Honnover, Eintracht Frankfurt), Turkey (2 from Trabzonspor, 1 from Galatasaray and Caykur Rizespor); 3 from England (Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester City); 2 from Switzerland (Basel); 1 from Belgium (Lokeren), Italy (Roma), Wales (Swansea), Norway (Stabaek), Ivory Coast (Sewe Sport). Yaya Toure if fit will be a crucial player for their intentions to reach the last 16. They have other options in midfield and wide areas aswell as a choice between Drogba and Bony whilst their defense remains very suspect. If they do go through then I don't see them going beyond the last 16.

    Japan can be a surprising and excellent team to watch. They impressed in South Africa and were unlucky to miss out on a quarter-final against Spain follow a penalty shoot-out defeat by Paraguay. There's not many young players in their squad and after not seeing very much of them, it could be easy to assume that Japan perhaps might not have as good a World Cup in Brazil. They were quite decent in the Confederations Cup and were very unlucky against Italy in a thrilling match. Japan has a squad with many players based in Japan and abroad in Europe: 11 from Japan (2 from FC Tokyo, Gamba Osaka, Cerenzo Osaka, 1 from Urawa Red Diamonds, Kawasaki Frontale, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Jubilo Iwata, Yokohama Marinos); 7 from Germany (2 from Nuremberg, 1 from Schalke, Stuggart, Mainz, Hannover, 1860 Munchen); 2 from Italy (Milan and Inter) and England (Manchester United and Southampton) and 1 from Belgium (Standard Liege). Japan should be pretty good in an attacking sense with their star players being Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa and perhaps Shinji Okazaki could be an important goal-scorer. Perhaps, Japan's biggest weakness is defense and if they struggle to attack effectively then they could be going out at the group stage.

    Greece are not a favourite of many football fans - mostly down to the defensive route to winning Euro 2004 - but no one can deny that they have an effective team. In qualifying they didn't score many goals but nor did they concede many. They didn't do well at the 2010 World Cup, but they did achieve a first ever win at a World Cup Finals. At Euro 2012, they found a way out of the group and ended up in a quarter-final against Germany. Certainly Greece should be a difficult team to break-down and they could reach the last 16. Their squad is made up of: 9 from Greece (4 from Olympiakos and PAOK, 1 from Panathinaikos); 6 from Italy (2 from Bologna, 1 from Roma, Genoa, Torino and Verona); 2 from Spain (Levante and Granada), England (Fulham); 1 from Scotland (Celtic), Germany (Borussia Dortmund), Turkey (Kayserispor). Greece will probably be the most difficult team to breakdown in this group but their lack of goals could be their downfall although Mitroglou and Samaras should be sources for goals. I expect Greece to be competitive but not scoring enough goals will cost them.

    There are not many standout games in this group and it's difficult to predict which game will be a decider but perhaps Colombia v Ivory Coast on the 19th June at 5pm could be a vital game.

    Predictions:

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Colombia[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-0 Greece, 14[sup]th[/sup] June @5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Ivory Coast[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-1 Japan, 15[sup]th[/sup] June @ 2am[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Colombia[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 2-1 Ivory Coast, 19[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Japan 2-1 Greece, 19[sup]th[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Greece[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-0 Ivory Coast, 24[sup]th[/sup] June @ 9pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Japan[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-2 Colombia, 24[sup]th[/sup] June @ 9pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
  25. A Winter's Tale
    On paper this group should be a walk for one of the favourites Argentina who possess a lot of attacking threat with one of the greatest players to have played the game - Lionel Messi, who hasn't scored at a world cup since 2006! They are up against Bosnia and Herzegovina who have qualified for their first major finals. Not a lot of people know too much about them, but they are a very difficult team to beat and are dangerous up front and scored a lot of goals in qualifying, so I fancy them to be a surprise and reach the last 16. Then there is the young Nigeria team who won the African Cup of Nations 2 years ago, they are considered to be one of the best African sides ever and have a chance of going through, but perhaps they won't have enough about them to gain enough points to finish above Bosnia. Iran are at their first finals since 2006 and again not too many people know a lot about them. I suspect they'll be the whipping boys but as ever with these teams, they could spin a surprise or shock win.

    A team I'd quite like to see win the World Cup is Lionel Messi's Argentina. They have got probably the best attack in the entire competition with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria and co but they are far less potent in midfield and defensive areas - although Pablo Zabaleta is an excellent full-back. It would really be quite something if Argentina won the World Cup in Brazil, and they probably stand a better chance than the European teams simply because of geographical advantage. In previous World Cups, Argentina have impressed (at least in an attacking sense) only to stumble at the first tough challenge. Argentina should win the group and they should easily beat Iran and Nigeria and probably Bosnia aswell. They are a team who can win the World Cup, especially if Lionel Messi has a defining month ahead of him, but I suspect their defence will let them down in the end. Their squad is made up of: 7 from Italy (3 from Inter, 2 from Napoli, 1 from Catania and Lazio); 4 from Spain (2 from Barcelona, 1 from Celta Vigo and Real Madrid); 3 from England (Manchester City), Argentina (2 from Boca Juniors and 1 from Newell's Old Boys) and Portugal (2 from Benfica, 1 from Sporting); 2 from France (PSG and Monaco) and 1 from Mexico (Monterrey). With Argentina being so vulnerable at the back, then it seems Argentina need to go out and attack and out score their opponents if they are to win the World Cup. A Maradona-esque World Cup for Lionel Messi would help!

    The squad for Bosnia and Herzegovina's first ever appearance has a squad spread out over many countries: 7 from Germany (Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke, Stuggart, Freiburg, Aalen, Hoffenheim, Eintracht Braunschweig); 5 from Turkey (Galatasaray, Gaziantepspor, Kayseri Erciyesspor, Istanbul Basaksehir, Elazigspor); 2 from England (Manchester City and Stoke), Italy (Roma and Lazio), Croatia (Hajduk Split); 1 from Austria (Sturm Graz), Bosnia (Borac Banja Luka), Ukraine (Zorya Luhansk), Hungary (Ferencvaros), China (Guizhou Renhe). Their key players include Manchester City's Edin Dzeko and Roma's energetic playmaker Miralem Pjanic. Bosnia scored 30 goals in 10 qualifying matches and with a 4-2-3-1 formation that will try to field and get the best out of as many attacking players as possible, will make Bosnia and Herzegovina a real threat going forward and they should out score Nigeria and Iran to reach the last 16, and perhaps give Argentina a hard time. Perhaps defence is the weakest area and if the goal dry up then it could be a struggle, but I expect Bosnia and Herzegovina to impress at their first ever major international finals.

    After having a poor World Cup in South Africa, since then expectations have increased with Nigeria winning the African Cup of Nations in 2012. They are a fairly solid all-round team with perhaps defence not being the strongest area and I expect this to be a stumbling block for Nigeria's chances. There is a lot expectation on this fairly youthful Nigeria side, so it will be interesting to see how will they'll do at this World Cup. Their star man is Mikel of Chelsea who tends to play better for country. Their directness and quality going forward is an asset they will need to rely on if they are to get out of the group stages and the squad going to Brazil aiming to do just that includes: 6 from England (Newcastle United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Stoke, Norwich); 4 from Nigeria (Enugu Rangers, Warri Wolves, Sunshine Stars, Gombe United); 2 from Belgium (Waasland-Beveren, Cercle Brugge), Turkey (Caykur Risespor, Fenerbanche), Israel (Ashdod, Hapoel Be'er Sheva) ; 1 from France (Lille), Scotland (Celtic), Russia (CSKA Moscow), Spain (Almeria), Italy (Lazio), Ukraine (Volyn Lutsk), Netherlands (Heerenveen).
    In a group with the supreme attacking talent of Argentina and also Bosnia, Iran at their first World Cup finals since 2006 are expected to be the whipping boys of the group. They have a squad made up of: 14 from Iran (4 from Esteghlal and Perspolis, 2 from Sepahan, 1 from Naft Tehran, Tractor Sazi, Zob Ahan, Foolad); 2 from England (Charlton and Fulham); 1 from Switzerland (Grasshopper), Canada (Vancouver Whitecaps), Portugal (Sporting Covilha), Spain (Las Palmas), Netherlands (NEC), Qatar (Umm Salal), Kuwait (Al-Kuwait). Under Carlos Queiroz, Iran are somewhat of an unknown quantity and they could be a surprise and their manager will make them organised. But I expect them to be on the end of one or two convincing defeats.

    Key games:

    Argentina v Bosnia and Herzegovina, 15th June - 11pm: At the home of Brazilian football, Argentina take on Bosnia who will be playing their debut match at a major finals and it could potentially be a game that shapes the outcome of the group.

    Nigeria v Bosnia and Herzegovina, 21st June - 11pm: A potential decider for second place.

    Predictions:

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][size=2][background=rgb(248,241,243)]Group F:[/background][/size][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Argentina[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 3-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 15[sup]th[/sup] June @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Iran[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0-1 Nigeria, 16[sup]th[/sup] June @ 8pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Argentina[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 3-0 Iran, 21[sup]st[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Nigeria[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 21[sup]st[/sup] Jun @ 11pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Bosnia and Herzegovina[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 3-0 Iran, 25[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Nigeria[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 1-3 Argentina, 25[sup]th[/sup] June @ 5pm [/size][/background][/font][/color]

    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Argentina[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 9pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Bosnia and Herzegovina[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 6pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Nigeria[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 3pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
    [color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2]Iran[/size][/background][/font][/color][color=rgb(40,40,40)][font=calibri][background=rgb(248,241,243)][size=2] 0pts[/size][/background][/font][/color]
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