World Cup Brazil 2014 / Weltmeisterschaft Brasilien

[El Gordo]

No surprise that a Liverpool player was the difference between the two sides... Stevie G at fault for both goals. I've never understood the hype around him - trouble is, he's the best we've got. It may seem unfair to make scapegoats, but it's frustrating to see all the great pretty good attacking work undone by schoolboy errors from the most experienced player on the pitch. And the number of set pieces wasted over the two games so far has been shocking. Basics, boys.

I'd have to disagree with you about Gerrard, undoubtedly one of the best and most inspirational players of his generation, and someone who has sometimes appeared to single-handedly take on opponents when all seemed lost. Think of the CL final in Istanbul, or the FA Cup final against West Ham in 2006. I've heard both these matches called "the Gerrard final". And these are just two of the best known. He does that sort of thing much less visibly in league games.

Unfortunately for him, the middle of 2014 will always be remembered for his 2 errors -- against Uruguay and against Chelsea in the Anfield defeat -- that have contributed to defeats in key matches. So perhaps we're starting to see signs of his decline. But over his career, it's hard to fault the guy.

Just my 2c, as they say.