THIS year’s World Cup was a joy to watch, at times. Some of us have already made our opinions known about our dear old England, but I was very impressed with the Germans and also Holland.

Brazil proved they are a one-man team, Chile were the surprise package and Germany showed they are a very talented bunch, and deserved to win.

I only drank alcohol once during the tournament, while watching England versus Italy, and that too was a personal best for me, as I usually like to sink a frothy ale while watching the Three Lions. Therefore, I was able to observe the games in more detail instead of jumping from side to side in front of the TV, brandishing yellow cards and blowing a whistle at my family.

I am not sure how Argentina’s Lionel Messi won the Golden Boot award, as Chile’s James Rodriquez was the player of the tournament for me, but credit must also go to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who bossed Germany’s midfield.

I am not sure if this was the best World Cup of all time but it certainly was a fine tournament.

Well played, Brazil. I hope that your government will now spend some of the cash it raked in on the needy and poor in your country.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.

  • Columnist Chris Lloyd is unavailable this week.