I hate this bit - Day 9

Norway beat Brazil in that memorable classic from France 98

Today marks the start of the section of a major international tournament that I hate (probably not hate, but I don’t like it as much as the rest of the competition), the final round of group matches.

The first set of games is the best bit. Seeing teams and players for the first time in the competition, for the first time in 2/3 years or for the first time (in a competitive international fixture) full stop. There’s always a sense of, “Ooh [Major footballing nation] are playing tonight!”

Then there’s the next set of games. You’ve formed some opinions based on what you saw the first time around, which end up either being reaffirmed or shot to pieces. Some teams are eliminated, others cement a place in the next round. It has a purpose, and there is still an excitement.

Finally there’s the last round. Silly season. Some teams are desperate, others couldn’t care less. It’s like the end of every season when Sunderland turn into Barcelona and go on an 8 game winning run to stay up, with Borini playing like Neymar. This is the time, in days of old, where Brazil would give Denilson and Edmundo a run out, Holland would do the same with the likes of Zenden and France would start with the tracksuit-bottomed Lama in goal instead of Barthez.

Most of the games will now feel like testimonials. They don’t care, nobody does, unless you’re a team that regularly lives on the edge of the precipice that is elimination, like England or Spain 20 years ago. And in that case you’ll probably win anyway because Albania’s 2nd choice goalkeeper isn’t up to much!

Bring on the 2nd round! No penalties though!