The Goodbyes..

Some were just happy to be here. Their moment on the World stage.

Some expected to be here for a lot longer.

The most exciting group stage of a World Cup I have ever lived.

Here is a quick line or two on those making their way home..

Croatia - Rakitic/Modric midfield, Mandzukic up top. Promised so much, delivered so little..

Cameroon - Promised very little, and delivered! Standard red card too. 

Espana - Uff. Welcome and goodbye in two matches. Thanks for bringing the trophy back. A sad goodbye to a absolute quality generation of players. Andresito, Xavi, Xabi, Villa.. 

Australia - The coaching change needed to happen a year and a half earlier. A group way too hard for a group of players at least 2 years short of experience. Nevertheless, two great performances that gives hope for the future.

Ivory Coast - Fell short, literally, at the hurdle.  A cruel way to exit for a side that looked like they could do some damage. 

Japan - Been promising a lot for a couple of years now, but also falling short. As always, goals, hard to find. 

England - Didn't promise anything this time, and didn't deliver. But some very good young players coming through, and I think that with a good coach they are capable of a lot more in a few years.

Italia - 90 minutes of beauty versus England. And then 180 minutes of disappointment. 

Honduras - They scored a goal! Got to be happy with that. 

Ecuador - If the World Cup was played at 4500m altitude, these guys would have it in the bag. 

Bosnia - Far too nervous. A very qualify-able group, yet they came without enough conviction and belief.

Iran - Very very well organised defensively. Almost pulled off a famous draw. 

Portugal - Good riddance. Personally, I just feel they lacked a star player to give them quality. :-p

Ghana - What a shame, such a great side to watch. They showed this against Germany, but the last minute winner to the US hurt their chances. 

Korea Republic - To be completely honest. I did not watch any of their games. :-/