Dion

And I even forgot the always-forgotten goalkeepers. Weidenfeller and Neuer were also gigantic.

Or maybe we don't need a single star. We could be like Dortmund and Bayern, teams where it is really difficult to point THE star of the team. I wouldn't know who to point as the star of Dortmund team between Götze (when they had him), Reus, Lewandowski or even Gundogan. It's hard for Bayern too - Ribery, Bastian, Muller and Robben were all key to their success last season. What's the problem about having both Mata and Hazard as our key players? Or Mata, Hazard, Oscar, KDB? The more the better.

Yep, that's the point. If your team is losing by three goals and being completely dominated, it's really hard to do anything by yourself, still, Mata created the chance that would put Spain back on the game. Had Pedro equalized, Spain would probably get a confidence boost to fight Brazil back. He's not at fault when his whole team is playing badly. Not even Messi can dribble past a whole team and score in every game. And Mata is awesome, but he is no Messi.

Bar Madrid and Barcelona, I don't envy anyone's star players. Not even Ribery or Pirlo.

Sometimes a single moment of brilliance is what wins you a match. If Spain was nowhere to be found but Mata could still give a teammate a golden opportunity to score almost single-handedly (he starts the play, with a one-two with Torres, makes the run, brings all the defenders to himself and pass to Pedro who was totally unmarked), you really can't say he doesn't make an impact. There are few players in the world who could have done that. Not to say I disagree with everything you said, I just think you are unfair showcasing Spain's game. He didn't play badly by any means. If anything, I thought he was one of the standouts.

Actually, if not for David Luiz's out-of-the-world saving, the only goal Spain would have scored would have come with his good assist to Pedro.

Yep, now that you mention it he's a bit Gerrard-esque indeed. Still, he looks more skillful than Gerrard.

What I would really like to see is 4-3-3. With Oscar, KDB and a DM in the mid. That would be a hell of a midfield. Oscar and KDB seem suited to help defending and they're high energy players, we would have plenty of creativity for attacking purposes and we could press like crazy all game long.

Impressed with his passing range. I'm a fan of long passes. He looks like the type of player I enjoy the most to watch, I have a feeling he might be my favourite Chelsea player in the future.

I don't think I have ever seen native speakers confusing both, weird. She 'learned' me one or other thing (this expression does exist in english, doesn't it?)

Yeah, let's say I've seen that happening many, many times

Is it a common belgian thing to use learn instead of teach? Welcome to the forum, mate! Hope you enjoy it as much as @Stingray does.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But I really like the way you guys speak the 's'. Like "shh".

Portuguese accent is so nice!

He needs to be rested urgently if he is to improve his game and gain a bit of muscles. I hope we give him a break.

DAVID GODIZ I LOVE YOU! U FUCKING BEAST!

WOW, JUST WOW. It really gave me chills. I started watching the game at 2:00 mark, I hadn't seen that.

And still he performed better than this regularly for Santos last year. I still feel he hasn't reached the confidence level he has playing for Santos. Hopefully he will in time for the World Cup. We need him.

This is the first time in a long time I've seen Neymar performing for the NT close to how good he is for Santos.

This is the first time in a long time I've seen Neymar performing for the NT close to how good he is for Santos.

And I thought I was hiding it so well

Come on! I love you too On topic: I'm just glad the deal didn't include KdB. Really curious to see how his situation will be handled next season.

No, guys! Keep on the animosity, I'm kinda sad and this day is going to be boring without some fighting.

If Benitez couldn't, Mourinho won't.

True that. I've got only 9 days left before she leaves. I'm feeling sad already.