Tag Archives: Brazil

Venezuela’s Exodus

The northern Brazilian city of Boa Vista must have the cleanest car windscreens in the entire country. This is because on almost every street corner, at every junction, and around every roundabout, there is a Venezuelan, or four, offering their services. Their partners and children sheltering from the sun in some nearby shade.

Whether they were teachers, builders, doctors, carpenters, chefs, farmers, bankers, or shop assistants previously, they are now self-employed car washers and roadside salespeople. Cardboard signs serve the dual purpose of promoting their work and potential, whilst also providing some cover from the intense heat which accompanies their daily 12-hour shifts.

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World Cup Post Mortem

Do we look back at this World Cup and see the self-destruction of Brazil? The worst ever England performance at an international tournament? And another instance of Luis Suarez feeling peckish?

Not particularly positive messages to take from one of the best international tournaments that I can recall. Although the tournament had those aspects, it was also the stage for new stars to shine, James Rodriguez in particular, doing his reputation no harm. It was the moment when a decade and a half long project finally achieved its target, with Germany lifting an international trophy. It was the moment when Miroslav Klose became the greatest ever World Cup goalscorer. And it was also perhaps the moment when US Soccer fans finally fell in love with the game.

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About A Roy

As predicted a few weeks ago, England have slumped out of the World Cup. I am not surprised in the least, and my pessimistic mood is set to continue now that Roy Hodgson has been given another two years as manager.

The blame can be placed on the players, on the heat, on the long season, or on whatever else you wish to turn to, but the fact of the matter is that the manager is ultimately responsible.

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