Brazil 2014: A challenge to relish or fear?

Now over three weeks since the group stage draw took place for the World Cup in Brazil next year, there has been plenty of time to reflect and think about England’s chances of progression at next summer’s eagerly anticipated tournament.



Let's hope it is all smiles in Brazil.

Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica await the Three Lions in Group D and football supporters have mixed opinions over the national side’s chances of reaching the knockout stages. Optimism fills some, who view the group as a fitting challenge to see if England really deserve to go far in the World Cup, whereas others are much more negative. The view that England are already out, though it seems ludicrous, is not a sparse opinion by all means. Even Greg Dyke, the chairman of the Football Association, seems to sense that England will find it extremely difficult to get through after he made a cut-throat gesture following the Group D draw. It is hardly encouraging to see the most senior figure of English football’s national governing body act in such a way.

However, it seems that some supporters are picking out individual opponents to be afraid of rather than the whole teams themselves. Luis Suarez has been a more popular name than Uruguay, which is understandable based on his current form for Liverpool. The controversial striker has arguably been the club’s most consistent performer in the last few years, only seldom being criticised for his footballing performances, and is undeniably enjoying his best ever season so far. If it was not for such negative baggage from the past, Suarez would surely be one of the top three nominees for the Ballon d’Or award, which will be given to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Franck Ribéry in January, 2014.

Other notable performers for Uruguay include Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani, suggesting that England will have to deal with a powerful strike force. Those three players don’t make the entire team, though, and England are more than capable of defeating Uruguay. Italy look to be the most dangerous opponents but England competed with them for 120 minutes at Euro 2012 only to lose on penalties. Revenge would be sweet but England’s ambition will be winning for three points in the group, not for personal vengeance. That is merely a bonus.

Costa Rica should, realistically, be three points guaranteed but they are not in Brazil to make up the numbers. They will be as hungry and motivated as any of the other teams in that group so England must not become complacent. After the 2-0 friendly defeat at home to Chile in November, it is difficult to imagine that being a problem.

Yes, it is a tough group and, yes, it will be a challenge for England to get through. But is this not what England supporters want? Huge fixtures against fully competent teams on the international stage, providing stern challenges and, hopefully, thrilling entertainment. I for one eagerly anticipate our opening game against Italy. To win the World Cup you have to beat the best teams in the world, whether you face them in the group stages or later on in the competition. It is best to get on with the competition and play the strong teams from the very beginning. Playing games of this magnitude can only help the England side. They will surely be more determined to win because of the higher incentive value of success. There is a much stronger sense of achievement when the probability of success is reduced, which in this case, albeit to a small degree, is true.

If a top Premier League football club, such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City or Chelsea, is playing against what is considered to be a much lower team, there isn’t as much interest or anticipation in the match compared to when they are playing against each other. Why should it be any different for England?

If England do go through, they, along with the supporters, will be filled with confidence and belief that they can go even further in the competition having overcome talented opposition. If they’re knocked out, it will confirm most people’s views that England are not yet capable of winning the World Cup.

Of course, any fan wants their side to go as far as possible because it means there are more games to look forward to. It is not just a match; it is an occasion, regardless of how stressful it can be watching England. Whether that is having friends round for a few drinks, or going up the local public house to get a sense of the atmosphere, it is an event to be excited about. Having said that, if we are going to endure misery, we may as well be put out of it early on. Otherwise, we can enjoy the tournament and relish the challenge that awaits our nation’s most gifted players.