As a bit of a soccer dilettante, I refrained from commenting on the World Cup while it was ongoing. But it’s fair game now.

I thought the group stage was brilliant. There were a few clunkers, but the teams were playing for the win. But the knock-out phase brought a return to form - teams started playing not to lose rather than win.

Germany is a worthy World Champion. But I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if the Argentina had the extra day of rest rather than Germany - they had early scoring opportunities, but they weren’t sharp and let them slip away.

The 2014 World Cup is over. Time to start the countdown for Euro 2016.