Why I loved the World Cup - apart from the football and Cristiano Ronaldo

By Robbie Savage

Published 23:02 01/07/10

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I had a brilliant time covering the World Cup in South Africa. Except for most of the football.

I loved commentating for Five Live, writing for the Daily Mirror and talking tactics with the likes of David Moyes and Jan Molby. But in terms of quality this must be the worst tournament ever.

I’ve been so disappointed by so many teams wanting to shut up shop and not be embarrassed. Thank God Portugal went out with a whimper after barely bothering to attack Spain.

And after another petulant show from a player who refused to join his team-mates in singing the national anthem and then spat angrily in front of the cameras at the final whistle, I’m not sorry to see the back of Cristiano Ronaldo either.

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This World Cup will change English football - and I don’t mean the noise of the vuvuzelas which will be making their way from South Africa to our terraces.

The tournament has proved conclusively that 4-4-2 is dead and you can expect to see lots of 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 and 4-5-1 in the Premier League and Championship this season.

Fewer teams will play with out-and-out wingers and more teams will look to drop their most gifted players in the hole.

It may be stifling at first but hopefully it will see an increase in more adaptable and intelligent British players freed from the soldier-like, rigid formation of their past.

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