It continues to amaze me in my adult life how I continually look forward to a trip, a concert, an event, a night out with friends, a movie release, or something as globally massive as a major sporting tournament, only for said event to come and vanquish like some flash in the pan-been-there-done-that, now-let’s-move-on-moment.

Whether I’m getting older and losing track of time, or time has figured out a new sinister way to move faster than my intellect can comprehend isn’t really the conundrum here. Yet I continually find myself trying to find ways to slow time down, especially during these such events I’ve spent so much time, energy and emotion planning and waiting on.

Cue the 2010 World Cup that is now sadly in our collective rear view mirrors. There’s no better definition of a major life event that comes and goes so quickly largely because of the reason that football fans spend so much time anticipating its arrival.

Seriously, how long is even the shortest qualification process? CONMEBOL, the longest of the federations to qualify, kicked off in October of 2007. UEFA in August, 2008, and CONCACAF in early 2008. Sure, club football keeps our minds occupied for the majority of the year anyway, but the next big international tournament is always tucked away neatly in the cribs of our mind.

Once the long, arduous process of qualification is secure, football fans find themselves in the Army of international football, a game of wait and wait some more until the final battle starts in the summer. These are the anxious moments that then make the actual event feel as if it’s flown away so fast, away from our grasp and control, yet something we never had control over in the first place. Somewhat of a tease, isn’t it?

Once the Cup is in full swing, one feels as if they’ve never known anything else. For football fans, a World Cup tournament is a natural, God-given right of a feeling that strangely resembles how every summer should be spent. Summer’s reminiscent of our youth, away from school, closer to a temporary freedom before we go back and do it all over again.

While the matches rage on unchallenged and unchecked by anything else in your life, a welcoming feeling of normalcy sets in. Day after day you pour over the full 90′s, the post game analysis, the debate, the pods – the Richard’s, Kartik’s and Laurence’s of the world, their voices like old friends to guide your idle moments at the end of the day.

You hit repeat on these kinds of days. Days that will forever be instilled in your mind for years to come. When you think back to the summer of 2010, certain themes will surround your memory of the World Cup. It could be a band or song you listened to, a certain beer you drank, or a boyfriend or girlfriend you had at the time. Cherish these times, because once they’re over, the long wait begins again with only memories left.

Maybe this post is a simple reminder to live in the moment, to take each day as it is and to enjoy every second of something you so cherish. Maybe it’s a form of therapy because my team was average. Maybe it’s closure. Maybe the purpose here is to not put so much energy into something so temporary. Who knows?

One of my favorite American bands, Dr. Dog, recently released an album entitled Shame, Shame. On this album is a song called, “Where’d All The Time Go“, which in such a simple few lines sums up my feelings about the now vanished World Cup perfectly:

Where’d all the time go?

It’s starting to fly

See how the hands go

Waving goodbye

As I laugh a little after typing that and as the hands of the World Cup do in fact “wave goodbye” as it goes past, at least the memories we’ve created from it’s temporary ‘stop and hang out’ for a month can be kept and filed away until it comes around again in four years time.

The 2010 World Cup is over and while it was definitely not the best tournament of all time, there were plenty of highs and lows. In fact, I would argue that it was a better tournament than 2006. The frenzy at the end of games such as Uruguay against Holland, Ghana against Uruguay and Italy and Slovakia are just a few examples of how exciting the World Cup was.

But while the World Cup 2010 is still fresh in our minds, where do you think this tournament ranks with the best from the past?

Vote below and let us know which was your favorite World Cup tournament. And feel free to explain why in the comments section below.

Explanations after the jump.

Goal Keeper: Manuel Neuer: Winner of the Tallest Dwarf award. Very few keepers merely had good tournaments let alone great ones. Neuer is my choice because he didn’t make any mistakes and for a young keeper was composed on the biggest of stages. Somewhat suspect to long-range shots, he overcame this by marshalling his defence superbly and performing well under high balls. Neuer was aided by the superb defensive play in front of him but this doesn’t take away from his own assured performances.

Runner Up: Diego Benaglio: The Swiss keeper may have won this award had his tournament lasted longer. Beaten only the once and impressive in their win over Spain.

Right Back: Sergio Ramos: The Real Madrid fullback had an excellent tournament. Solid at the back and good going forward he was often Spain’s only true width. His sheer physical presence and pace meant that Ramos was very rarely in trouble. When coming forward his ability on the ball led to a few chances for the Spainairds, a constant threat at Set-pieces he  probably should’ve done better when left free for a header in the final.

Runner Up:  Gregory Van Der Wiel: In the running right up until the final, the Dutch full back is very similar to Ramos but picked up bookings too frequently which left him unable to commit to tackles

Centre Back [Left]: Joris Mathijsen: Was quietly brilliant throughout the tournament, never troubled despite the opposition Mathijsen was usually in the right place at the right time and played every single minute of Qualifying and the Finals. This phenomenal record shows his ability, stability and discipline. Helped by the rock-solid defensive midfield in front of him Mathijsen was a key part in the Netherlands success.

Runner Up: Ryan Nelson: New Zealand were supposed to be whipping boys,  a team whom you could build up confidence against. However it turned out they were the only team not to have been beaten at the finals. New Zealand arrived on merit and exited with their heads held high. Ryan Nelson was key in marshalling the All white’s defence.

Centre Back [Right]: Diego Lugano: The Uruguay captain was a relative unknown coming into the Finals. Leaving the finals he and his partner Godin were excellent throughout. It was only when Lugano picked up an unfortunate injury that opposing teams were able to expose Muslera’s weaknesses and eliminate the Uruguayans. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez drew all the headlines for making the team progress but do not be fooled it was Lugano who kept his team in the Tournament.

Runner Up: Carles Puyol: Dubbed “the caveman” by some, Puyol was meant to be Spain’s one liability, the Barcelona captain proved his doubters wrong. Caught for pace once or twice explains why he is not ahead of Lugano but his dominance of those coming straight at him and in the air showed why the born and bred Catalan still holds a place in the defence of two great teams.

Left Back: Gio Van Bronckhorst: Much like Carlos Puyol, Gio was to be the weak link in defence, he was supposed to be exposed for his lack of pace and a sentimental choice rather than the smart one. Van Bronckhorst drew upon the experience garnered from a career in the elite to show for his final games. Intelligent with and without the ball and scoring the goal of the tournament Gio was denied the perfect send off much like Zidane before him. Whilst the end might sting Van Bronckhorst can be very proud of his tournament.

Runner Up: Fabio Coentrao: The Portuguese left-back estabilished himself on the world stage. Many teams may be sniffing around him post-tournament. Quick, strong and with an excellent left foot Coentrao was as effective going forward as he was stopping the opposition.

Defensive Midfield: Sami Khedira: Khedira was inserted into the first team after Michael Ballack’s injury. Ballack must be fearing for his place now. Khedira was unshakeable in defence and very rarely wasted the ball. Often allowing his partner to go forward, Khedira stayed back and made mince-meat of Gerrard, Iniesta and Messi nullifying all three in their respective games. It took a set-piece for Spain to finally break the German’s defence. His goal galvinised his tournament and whilst third place will feel like a failure it is much more than was expected of this young German team.

Defensive Midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger: Much like his partner Schweisteiger was exceptional. A converted winger Schweinsteiger has taken to defensive midfield for club and country with gusto. When Perez picked his pocket in the penultimate game it was Schweinsteiger’s first mistake of the tournament and his disappointment was evident. Schweinsteiger was the bridge between the German’s defence and attack. Linking the play and only very rarely losing the ball, a fierce shot and useful in the air Germany had their Ballack but he had a different name.

Runner(s) up: Busquets and Alonso: Spain were excellent in defence and owed much to the hard work of their defensive midfielders. Busquets and Alonso are not club team-mates but they played like it, shadowing each other’s movements and covering for their collective mistakes Spain’s success relied on the pivot of these two. Not as (sigh) efficient as their German partners the defensive midfield was where this tournament was won and lost.

Right Wing: Thomas Müller: The young player of the tournament was the key to Germany’s success.  Having played the same role for Bayern Munich Müller was deployed on the right wing. His remit was to help out defensively and arrive late in the box for his teammates. Müller provided the out-ball for his defensive colleagues and Keeper, lauching counter-attacks with his long strides the semi-final may have turned out differently had he not been harshly suspended. When Trochowski played Germany realised what they were missing. It came as no surprise when he scored in the 3^rd place play-off and he deserved the Golden Shoe for his all-round attacking play and should have been considered for the Golden Ball too.

Runner-Up: Arjen Robben: Moody? Check. Infuriating? Check. Flashes of Brilliance? Checkmate. The Dutch would’ve made much lighter work of their group opponents had Robben been fit for the entire tournament. Had the opportunity to change world-cup history if not for the cow-skin on Casillas’ feet.

Attacking Midfielder: Wesley Sneijder: Sneijder is laconic and brilliant. Often doing very little for a worryingly long time but somehow finding the one key pass, shot or set-piece that changes the course of games. Revitalised under Mourinho, Sneijder had a cheeky confidence coming into the World Cup and he lived up to his billing. The key part of the Netherland’s success he didn’t have a great final until he released Robben with an amazing through-ball. Watching Sneijder on the ball was a joy, his creativity, range of passing and shot always made the highlight reels of every Dutch game.

Runner Up: Andres Iniesta: Iniesta played all over the Spanish attacking trident but he was most useful when playing just behind the striker. The most fouled player of the tournament, usually because the ball was away before the opposition arrived. It was fitting that he scored the winning goal. The reason he doesn’t displace Sneijder is that he didn’t play to his high standards until the final stages whilst Sneijder was excellent throughout, the toughest decision.

Left Wing: David Villa: Until the Semi-Final this was Villa’s tournament. His goals were key and his enthusiasm pervasive. I’ve placed him on the left wing as this is where he did his damage. In 3 games where he played up front on his own he was ineffective. When coming in from the right he was devastating, scoring one of the goals of the tournament in doing so. He was moved due to Torres’ troubles but a more elegant solution would’ve been to play Llorente as the striker. David Villa missed out on all the top prizes but the trophy itself because of this move.

Runner Up: Nelson Valdez: The long-haired Paraguayan was their key player, an all action attacker he was notable for his work up front and at the back. Strong, quick and good on the ball Valdez was a pleasant surprise in an otherwise unpleasant team. Hardly prolific but had a great tournament.

Striker: Diego Forlan: FIFA’s player of the tournament. Strictly speaking i’m playing him out of position here. Forlan was the reason for Uruguay’s continued success, taking every corner and free-kick showed a confidence in his ability as does the stat that he had the most shots on target of any player at the tournament. By constantly testing opposition keeper’s Forlan picked up his fair share of goals. Luis Suarez was his perfect foil, dragging defenders out of position and allowing space for his shots it was only through the omission of Suarez that Forlan and by extension Uruguay were stopped. Forlan suffered through the final two games but his final goal showed his quality as a predatory striker as well as his overall attacking play.

Runner-up: Asamoah Gyan: You could argue this is a sentimental pick and that Klose was the better striker. Klose wasn’t as vital for his teams success as Gyan. Despite a bizarre shirt number choice Gyan could be described as a prototypical African Striker. Fast and Strong his finishing may not be prolific but his ability to get into a shooting position meant that he made many chances. His tournament will be overshadowed by his QF miss but Gyan brought all of Africa to it’s feet before unfortunately bringing them all to their knees. Showed extreme composure to take another penalty with his very next kick, perhaps a mid-table French team is not where Gyan will be playing next year.

As England approach their last chance to qualify for the round of sixteen, the avoidance of certain embarrassment and arguably this generation’s most important make or break match, John Terry and the England squad have voiced their concerns over a beer with Fabio Capello resulting in the request to include Joe Cole (among other things) in the starting line up on Wednesday v Slovenia.

Also discussed in the last ditch effort meeting on Capello’s birthday to save England’s World Cup were the hopes that Captain Steven Gerrard would be played in a central role more closer to and slightly behind striker Wayne Rooney who would play up front alone without a natural strike partner. A change is being called for largely because of the Heskey/Rooney combination that worked so well in qualification has all but vanished in it’s relevance.

As opposed to focusing this blog on Terry’s natural and outspoken leadership qualities, do the England players who’ve taken ownership over their eventual fate in fact have a pretty decent idea for Capello to mull over? You better believe they do.

For England to progress through and win the group and likely avoid Germany in the next round, they’ll need nothing less than 3 points, surely a few goals and most definitely a clean sheet to assure they beat the US in a tie breaker situation if in fact the US is able to beat Algeria. Since the England back line hasn’t been leaking goals thus far, the weight of expectations will certainly fall on the forward moving players supported by England’s full backs Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson. 

It’s obvious that England doesn’t possess the quality to achieve a famous victory with the same starting eleven that were on the pitch Friday v Algeria. So where and with whom are the changes needed?

Joe Cole has the ability to add the spark to England’s attack they so desperately and obviously need. Dubbed the England player with the best technique by Wayne Rooney, Cole’s ability to create space for himself and others, to pirouette and take on defenders down England’s right flank and his experience in international matches could be the change England need to unlock Slovenia’s defense.

He’s played for England before in the 2006 World Cup where he scored one of the goals of the tournament and although Cole has battled injury and been second pick to Florent Malouda at Chelsea this past season, he more than deserves his chance for England after watching Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips falter in the last two matches.

Joe Cole’s inclusion to England’s starting eleven on Wednesday may be a harder sell than some would like to believe because of Capello’s obsession with the aformentioned Lennon and Wright-Phillips, two players who are essentially the same in build, pace and ineffectiveness in providing meaningful crosses into the opposition’s box. Yet Capello, in a bold stance of blind loyalty stuck with the two of them in both of England’s first two games with bemused results while Cole languished on the bench wondering if he could have made the difference.

More questions will need to be answered before England’s starting eleven are announced on Wednesday. The inclusion of Cole may add a different dimension to England’s attacking woes, but one player does not a World Cup winning side make. If Steven Gerrard and the England players get their way, Gerrard will move more central and fall in line slightly behind Rooney linking up with the striker while Frank Lampard occupies his normal central midfield role. It’s assumed Gareth Barry will hold while Joe Cole attacks from the right which still leaves the left side of midfield open with a few options to consider.

Will Capello again risk James Milner and grant the Aston Villa man another shot on the left, a spot he was awarded with in England’s opener v the US with terrible results, or will he opt for Shaun Wright-Phillips ability (or inability) to run at defenders, a feat he’s not entirely proved effective at thus far? While Theo Walcott vacations and wonders what his fate could have been had he impressed Capello enough to earn a spot, Joe Cole coupled with the absence of Walcott remains England’s only other attacking option in midfield that hasn’t already failed.

Capello also has a massive choice to make at the back due to Jamie Carragher’s suspension in yet another new partner for John Terry in central defense. The spot will likely fall to Michael Dawson who was solid for Tottenham this year but untested at the international level, or West Ham’s Matthew Upson, another untested defensive option.

Regardless of Capello’s decision, I just want to see England play with a little heart. Whatever mindless thoughts of anxiety, boredom or second guessing of Capello’s decisions have clouded the England player’s judgement, it’s time to man up, shed the frivolous thoughts and focus on playing good football or go home. I want to see England play with pace and power, I want to see them attack with purpose. I want Joe Cole to start and Gerrard to play behind Rooney, surely England’s most dangerous attacking option.

Lastly, I’ve not given up on England yet, I want them to win and advance on to the next round. I want them to build on the three points they must have on Wednesday and prove to the naysayers and doubters that they can shed this false idea that they’re not good enough. A tag that surely must inspire the boys to at least have a go and forget their abysmal display from Friday. But also a tag that will stick with them at least on an international level for the rest of their careers if they don’t play with a little passion on Wednesday.

As the three lions bow their heads in shame and continue to yawn and whimper their way through what was supposedly the easiest group they’ve ever encountered, I feel the need as one of their biggest fans, at least on this site, to step up and face the music and admit my passions exist for a team that simply isn’t good enough.

I may in fact spend the rest of my adult life trying to figure out why some of the best players in the best league in the world, managed by one of the best managers in the world are unable to string a consecutive number of passes together. But at least for today, England lacked more than just the ability to out pass their opponents. They lacked desire and heart, something they could learn a thing or two about from their opening round opponents, the USA.

After watching the first two matches of the day, and more specifically the US v Slovenia match, I got the feeling that England would easily lay their heads to sleep tonight being top of group C with one match to play. Surely a win was in order, possibly even by 3 or 4, but what had I based that prediction on? Where was the proof from recent performances and tournaments that allowed me to so easily brush aside Algeria? Where are these imaginary great England displays myself and other England fans conjure coming from?

Because of how exciting and entertaining the other matches were, I somehow mistakenly figured that the ability to play GOOD football, to score goals and to work together as a team were somehow contagious – that England could maybe learn a thing or 2 from the States about desire and the will to win, and the ability to not give up and really have a go at things when all the chips were down. Boy was I wrong.

It turns out my preconceived delusions of grandeur are being replaced with the very real possibility that England will be on a plane back to Old Blighty by next Wednesday having popped and deflated my big red balloon yet again.

Is it even worth my time picking through player by player and dissecting their woeful performance like so many else will? No. Everyone was poor. David James was OK, but didn’t have much to do. England’s abject performance put a stamp on the encounter with Algeria so distinct and familiar to fans of International football that the game very well may go down as one of the worst in recent World Cup history. A deserved fate for a team that seemed to care so little.

With one group game left, England are widely considered the biggest flop of this tournament along with France who really don’t seem to care how they’re viewed either way. With their pockets overflowing with cash, I’m wondering how much England really care either.

So who’s to blame? Is it the brilliant Capello? The world class players? Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard and co. couldn’t hold a candle to the most average of performances on Friday. England were a shell of the team that so easily blazed their way through World Cup qualification, unbeaten until tickets to South Africa were already punched. I have never in my life witnessed a team of players so slow and lacking in ambition and purpose. A team unable to prove to anyone they deserve the next round as they failed in creativity, pace, spark, and imagination.

England gifted possession to Algeria all day by hoofing it up front in hopes Emile Heskey could hold up the ball for England’s great white hope, Wayne Rooney. Only problem, it didn’t work and England kept trying. When David James attempted to play the ball short to a central defender, England passed sideways and then back to James with no clear way forward for another attempt at the hoof. Was this the tactic implemented by Capello to conquer the world?

Although the reasons for England’s inability to play together effectively, at least in my mind, will never be known, at least now I’m finally realizing that it really doesn’t matter why they’re so bad if the players don’t seem to care.

So the World Cup is now a week old, every team has played at least once. It is now becoming clear whether your team was a sound bet or as dodgy as a Northern Rock balance sheet.

There have already been a few surprises, and those following a minnow may have had a nice surprise. Also those struggling can cling to a few strands of hope as no team has been eliminated thus far.

If like me you have a team you know little about in the office sweepstake, or you have just not bothered with the World Cup so far, I have created a quick summary to get you up to speed.

How is your team doing?

Algeria – A poor start against Slovenia and elimination beckons, unless they pull of a surprise against England. Should Algeria qualify and you live in England you may be forced to change your name, address and seek alternative employment.

Argentina – In Messi you should trust, Argentina recorded one of the most crushing one nil victories you will ever see, in the first game and eventually ran out comfortable winners agains South Korea.  Blue and white fireworks will surely illuminate this tournament sooner rather than later.

Australia – Hammered by Germany and unlikely to progress, the players should start booking their plane tickets home.

Brazil – Although they made heavy work of the North Koreans, I would still be happy to have backed Brazil in this tournament. The quality is there for all to see.

Cameroon - Having lost their opening game, there is a lot left to do if Cameroon are to qualify, hope is not yet lost but I would not back my sweepstake team.

Chile – An opening game victory, playing attacking football, what more can you ask for?

Denmark – Lost to Holland but not out of it yet, Nicklas Bentdner and others will need to be at the top of their game for the next two games though.

England – If you don’t know how they are doing, just google ‘Robert Green’ and all will become clear.

France – Started with a draw and this side looks weary, improvement needed from a side that looks devoid of ideas.

Germany – Emphatic win against Australia, people are already taking notice of the Germans in this tournament.

Ghana – Flying the flag for Africa with an opening game win, this side will receive a lot of coverage in a tournament desperate for African success.

Greece – Poor and uninspired, if they cannot improve they will soon be back to the economic turmoil of their homeland.

Holland – Won their first game, should progress from their group with ease.

Honduras – Lost to Chile, things are already looking bleak for one of the teams no one really knows/expects anything from in this tournament.

Italy – Had a poor first game which was the ultimate defence vs. defence battle that somehow produced two goals.  After 2006 you should resist the urge to rule out these ageing slow starters.

Ivory Coast – After a battling draw against Portugal, Sven’s men need a big win against North Korea, or a miracle against Brazil to progress.

Japan – Secured victory in their opening game, they will be hoping to build on this as expectations back home grow.

Mexico – Only a draw to start the tournament off, massive improvements will be needed in order to prove they can make a mark on this tournament.

New Zealand – The point they got in their opening game was hailed as a miracle for New Zealand, read into that what you like given the opposition was Slovakia.

Nigeria – Massacred in a 1-0 defeat to Argentina, they will be ok if their goalkeeper keeps up the form he showed in that game.

North Korea – Fantastic start, strong favourites to win the tournament, well back home at least. In all seriousness the Koreans showed real passion against Brazil and even got a consolation goal. Unlikely to progress but their compact style may harm the chances of one of the other ‘top’ sides in the group.

Paraguay – Secured a great result against the holders, but may need to play with more attacking intent to progress.

Portugal – Things just don’t seem right in the Portugal camp, a draw in the opening game is ok, however much more is needed.  Only so much can be done as a one man team.

Serbia – Having lost their opening game, the Serbians look to be limping out of the tournament; however there is talent in this side. This will need to shine through if they are to reach the second round.

Slovakia – Having failed to beat the worst team in the competition in their first game, I think the Slovakians are finished in the tournament before it has really begun.

Slovenia – Top of England’s group with a win, Slovenia have a real chance to upset the apple cart and qualify ahead of the USA or England in group C.

South Africa – Full of heart and with their nation behind them, it looks like this will not be enough to help Bafana Bafana progress. Two gutsy displays have not made up for a lack of discernable talent, only a win against France and a miracle will see them through to the next stage.

South Korea – After winning their first game in an impressive fashion, the Koreans will dream of a repeat of 2002 or even better. Combining a strong work ethic with touches of flair. Despite  losing to Argentina, this team has the potential to have a stellar World Cup.

Spain – The favourites lost their opening match to Switzerland, potentially setting up a second round tie with Brazil. Still not out of the running, their Rolls Royce midfield engine needs to start ticking over, and fast.

Switzerland – After beating Spain this team must feel on top of the world, the second round may be their target, but they have certainly already made their mark on the competition.

United States – Brilliant result if not performance against England, confidence must be at an all time high. Slovenia must not be underestimated though and Friday’s game will be key to their campaign.

Uruguay – Almost through to the next round, they looked good against France and South Africa. Manchester United fans may not recognise the Diego Forlan of this World Cup compared to his days in England as he fires Uruguay forwards in the competition.

So this is where we stand after one week, in the next few days the group pictures will become a lot clearer and we may start to lose teams.

If you have backed Brazil or Germany you should be very happy with your investment, those following Slovenia, Switzerland, Chile or Uruguay may have been pleasantly surprised by last weeks games.

As we move forwards every team still technically in with a shout, each team is now  just 6 games from immortality.

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The World Cup is here; there is nothing better than watching the games with friends, having a few drinks and watching a game of football. 

In case the football is not quite enough on it’s own to entertain you, this World Cup bingo/drinking game could possibly make things more interesting.

The rules are simple watch the games and watch out for the cliché events both on the pitch and in the commentary box and tick them off/drink as directed. 

As the events below happen mark your score/drink as per the point system below 

One Point/Drink 

• A goal is scored
  • Double Points if the player celebrates through gymnastic display (e.g. somersault, forward roll, backflip)
• A player is booked
• Commentator describes a carnival atmosphere in the stadium
  • Double points if the camera pans to a beautiful woman in the crowd at this point
• The camera pans to a beautiful woman in the crowd at anytime
• Commentator talks about a nation having a chance to be the first African nation to lift the trophy
  • Double points if no African nation is involved in the game being played
• If a free kick is awarded and the commentator talks about how much David Beckham or Christiano Ronaldo would relish an opportunity from this range (non-Portugal games only)
• Any mention of Roger Milla (Legend) by a commentator
• Any mention of 1966 either by a commentator or in the studio at half time
  • Double points if  England, Germany or North Korea are not playing
• Any time an injured player is mentioned outside of the announcement of the teams
• The phrase ‘group of death’ is used by anyone!
• There is a Mexican wave
  • Double points if Mexico are playing at the time
• A commentator mispronounces the name of one of a player
  • Double points if they try to correct themselves and still get it wrong 

Two Points/Drinks 

• The commentator mentions how close the Irish team were to the final
  • Double points  if France are not involved in the game being played
• Any mention of the ‘Hand of God’ incident (drink to forget the pain)

 Ten Points/Down your Drink

• A player is sent off
• A referee does a ‘Graham Poll’ and books a player twice without sending them off
• A manager is sent to the stands 

These are the basics and can be used for any game however you can tailor these to specific games if needed. 

I have put together some PDF score sheets for the bingo and drinking game separately which can be obtained by emailing Kristian_uk@hotmail.co.uk  

Join the World Cup Drinking Game Facebook Group

Maximise your access to the latest World Cup News by Downloading the EPL talk toolbar!

*It is not recommended that you drink ever, so please do not blame the author if you cannot be responsible

Every country has its historic matches that will never be forgotten and England’s rich World Cup history provides many celebrated games. Say phrases like “1966 World Cup”, “hand of God”, “David Beckham free kick”, “Gazza”, or “losing to penalties” to an England fan and watch his eyes light up with pleasure or grief thinking about the matches that define the England National Team.

Sometimes these great, historic games are not the matches that you remember (for no other reason than maybe not being alive at the time). You may take these famous matches into historical perspective but you actually remember the games that, for some reason, speak to you in some way or other. It could be as simple as a goal that you find stunning, the debut of a player you particularly like, or your club players carrying the side. It could just be that the game represents to you a particular time in history for the team.

Here are five England matches (and an honorable mention) I find particularly memorable.  While not necessarily a list of the best England matches I’ve seen, these are the ones I will never forget.

• Against Scotland in 1996

What I most remember about this match is Gazza’s flick over the Scottish defense that was followed by the famous celebration in this two goal win.

• Against Argentina in 1998

I fondly remember this match for a very young Michael Owen dribbling past the Argentine defense to score an inspired goal. Not so fondly remembered is the David Beckham red card and loss to penalties.

• Against Germany in 2001

If beating Germany wasn’t enough, this game featured three of my club’s players score five goals against the opposition.

• Against Greece in 2001

The amazing David Beckham spot kick merits this match an inclusion on my list of memorable matches.

• Against Argentina in 2005

I’ll never forget this back-and-forth match that resulted in a win over Argentina. By now, you can probably guess who my favorite England player was in the past.

• Honorable Mention – Against Croatia in 2010.

To relate this back to the approaching World Cup we’re all anticipating, I find this recent match memorable because it displays the goal scoring ability of the current crop of players.

Well the 30 players named in Fabio Capello’s England squad have had multiple trainng sessions and two games to earn their place on the plane to South Africa.

Now is the time that this squad must be trimmed to 23 players, meaning that 7 players will soon receive the dreaded phone call ending their World Cup dreams for at least four years if not forever.

I have analysed the squad and named the squad I would name for the World Cup; based on form, formation and ability.

In my opinion the following players should not make it into the final England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Michael Dawson

Matthew Upson

Stephen Warnock

Gareth Barry

Tom Huddleston

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Emile Heskey

In an attempt to rationalise and justify my choices, the list below shows the 11 players that I would consider guaranteed a place in the squad.

100% On The Plane

Defenders

With the goalkeeping spots decided by default, defence is the first area where a reduction in numbers needs to be made.

I will start by deciding who should definitely make the plane, due to the return from international retirement of Jamie Carragher, it can be deduced rightly that due to his versatility and experience, he cannot be left at home.

Alongside Carragher I would also include Ledley King in the squad, he has just about proved his form and fitness during a long and successful season with Tottenham.

With these decisions in mind, I think the first casualty of the squad reduction should be Matthew Upson, after playing consistently in one of the worse defences in the Premier League, he has shown little to warrant selection ahead of Ledley King or Michael Dawson.

I also think that Michael Dawson should be axed, as despite his solid form the inclusion of Jamie Carragher means that England already have four players that can play in the centre of defence.

The defensive quandaries are therefore reduced to deciding who should deputise for Ashley Cole at Left Back.

I would take Leighton Baines as a dependable back up option, with Stephen Warnock missing out in what feels like an unimportant coin flip between the two.

Midfielders

This is probably the hardest part of the decision process, as there are many players who have had flashes of brilliance, yet not shown enough to warrant automatic selection.

On the right there is a choice between Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright Phillips. The guaranteed spot should go to Aarron Lennon who is stronger, more consistent and a better all round footballer than the other two. I would then include Theo Walcott as an impact player from the bench if required.

The other wide options would be made up of James Milner and Adam Johnson who have both excelled this season and can play on both wings.

In the centre, I would make my most controversial choice by omitting Gareth Barry, he is injured and therefore is unlikely to be at his best for the competition. England have had enough experience of playing with unfit players to know it is better to cut their losses on this occasion.

I would replace Gareth Barry with Scott Parker, one of the most underrated players qualified to play for England, there is a reason that he is the only West Ham player not for sale this summer.

Finally I would omit Tom Huddlestone from the squad, opting to include Joe Cole as he offers something creative which in limited Chelsea and England appearances he has shown this season.

Attackers

Arguably England’s achilles heel, the partnership  options involving Wayne Rooney have not quite been resolved. Based on form Emile Heskey is the man to make way, having not scored since February and unable to hold down a regular starting berth at his club, it is time to accept that dispite his obvious qualities, he is not an international class striker.

Therefore Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent and Peter Crouch join Wayne Rooney as England’s striking options.

Overview of Preparations

The most worrying part of England’s preparation for the tournament has to be a lack of depth, with all the questions raised during the recent friendlies; I hope that Fabio Capello has more of a clue of his best 23 than I do.

The only comforter from recent performances is that very rarely are these true indicators of tournament performance.

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