World Cup day 15: Capello’s reputation couldn’t be lower, and England fans deserve better from Hodgson
Adrian Durham takes you behind the scenes of life reporting on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Here, in his latest diary entry, the Drivetime presenter reflects on a memorable trip to the Maracana, as Fabio Capello's World Cup woes continued, and explains what Roy Hodgson must do to retain his backing.
Another brilliant day! Up early to get to the Maracana to work on the early kick off - Belgium v Russia.
Was I the only person on the planet who really enjoyed this game? I thought it was a fascinating contest. Three things: 1) How Fabio Capello stifled the Belgian attack - he struggled to contain Dries Mertens first half but did a job on Eden Hazard. 2) How Belgium coped with the inevitable Russian spell of pressure - Russia missed a sitter, but Vincent Kompany and the veteran Daniel van Buyten were excellent. 3) Could Hazard impact the game - for 85 minutes he was useless, and then he came alive and won the game for Belgium. Marc Wilmots deserves credit for not taking him off.
Brilliant tactical battle that only those who truly understand football would have enjoyed. Capello’s reputation since switching to international football couldn’t be lower.
The England debate raged on - to clarify my view, I think this has been a shockingly bad World Cup from England. We looked ill-prepared tactically for the opposition. My big hope for this tournament was that we wouldn’t be embarrassed - but we were. We played better than 2010, but to go out after just two games is pitiful, and Hodgson said in his press conference today it was “unfortunate". Sorry boss, you’ve got to do better than that - England fans aren’t stupid. If you have the privileged job of England manager, you need to explain why we were beaten twice in two games, and England fans deserve better than “we were unfortunate".
I don’t want Hodgson sacked, but he needs to give us a detailed plan for 2016 or I may well change my mind. I’m an England fan who pays for every Wembley game so I - and you - deserve an explanation.
A quick word for my producer Millwall George (pictured below): he produced his first ever World Cup tie today - he was first class, he will go far.
I worked with our commentator Jim Proudfoot at a stadium for the first time in a long time today - I’ve known him a long time and never known him have an off day - true genius. And Stan Collymore’s analysis of the game was excellent, the best I’ve heard from him at this World Cup. A joy to work with. And he found time to meet up with some wannabe Fellainis after the game.
The Maracana is such a special place given its history - built for the 1950 World Cup when 200,000 packed the place to watch Uruguay “steal” the final from Brazil, and rebuilt for these finals - but always in the shadow of the favelas. Check out this picture I took of a favela from outside the Maracana...
The Maracana’s proximity to the slums and favelas was summed up in this banner we saw after the game as we were heading for the tube...
After that it was back to the Copacabana to meet up with a good friend Charlie and his pals, including his dad. Gooners, top guys, proper England fans - thoroughly brilliant night watching Portugal 2-2 USA with them. (Me, George, Charlie and Charlie’s dad below).
What a shame they spent a fortune coming out here to this historic occasion, and are on their way to Belo Horizonte tomorrow, for a meaningless England game.
I’ll say it again - massive opportunity wasted by Roy Hodgson.