Hi guys,

As I've mentioned before, I’m launching my blog on Scorum. I'll do my best to make it as interesting for you as possible.

The World Cup is the hottest topic at the moment and it’s probably the most unpredictable WC I've ever seen, and this makes it interesting. In previous years there have always been some definite favourites who reached semifinals or final, but in Russia everything is really complicated. The closer it gets to the showdown, the bigger suspense is. There are many narrow wins, as they call it – a lot of emotions. Everything is really great.

We’re all impressed by Russia's performance at the tournament. I am most surprised not by their play, but by their will and determination. This is great. Not everyone can eliminate Spain. Well done lads! They were defending well against the opponent, showed great commitment and were ready to die for each other. It was a nice match to see. Although the Spaniards were in control and set a passing record, only winners are remembered. Hopefully the Russians will keep this determination for the Croatia game.

Both Germans and Argentinians who failed to qualify for Round of 16 were equally disappointing. Both team did not have any structured performance, any organisation. That was just chaotic movement on the pitch with everyone playing for himself. As if they had forgotten that football is a team game. I am really frustrated by that.

I cannot understand why such a great player like Agüero is on the bench when he has the ability to decide the fate of a match with just one touch. Whoever made this decision, be it the coaching staff or Messi, it cannot be explained.

There are no really standout teams. France had a good game vs Argentina, but I think any well-organized team could have beaten this Albiceleste.

We have seen a lot of tackles and evenly contested games. England was lucky we could say. Colombia played well with a lot of aggression. Sometimes they crossed the line, but they lacked just a little bit. Belgians vs Japan… The Japanese seemed to be in control, used quick counterattacks, moved the ball well, but they conceded three goals. Probably, Vertonghen's goal when the ball went above the goalkeeper added some emotions to Belgians and Japanese were on the contrary shocked, they started to be too cautious and make mistakes.

Let's continue watching. Hopefully the remaining games will be equally entertaining and closely contested.

In June I visited Rosický's farewell game. I felt a wave of nostalgia as I met old friends again. We haven't seen each other for a long time – since we played for Arsenal. I met only Cesc when he played for Spain against Belarus.

I was really happy to see everyone. We recalled years spent together, exchanged news on what was going on, our families and careers, everything. We joked a lot about everyday life and sports. It was such a pity I arrived injured and could not participate in the game. Anyway we have a lot of positive emotions. Tomáš did well to have gathered us.

Now I have almost recovered from my injury. I had my torn back muscle. I started to train with FC BATE. At the moment I am not 100 percent fit and I will need about one more week of training to avoid a similar injury in the future.

I thought about a farewell game as well. So I asked Tomáš for more details. He said Puma and the Czech football federation covered all expenses. The game was great for the federation as it was both a farewell to Tomáš and a veteran game for ex-Czech national team players. Rosický said he could not have afforded it himself as it would have been too expensive. I would love to hold something similar, but what I saw in terms of the organizational level costs a lot to pull off.

Organisation stuff aside, I would want to see Henry Iniesta and Xavi in such a game. Probably Messi if it were possible. The second team would have to be the Belarusian national team where I played for a long time. My brother would feature for sure.

That's it for now… I hope you liked it and will wait for my next entries. I am waiting for your questions and comments. My replies are coming next time.

Thanks for your attention.

Alex Hleb