One of the fears coming into the World Cup was that it would be too difficult for a European team to win it – it had never happened before, so why would it now? Many put this down to the extreme change in climate, something most European sides aren’t used to.

Well, whatever the case, Germany broke the European duck, lofting the World Cup high at the end of the tournament – no excuse for anyone else heading into the next hot tournament.

Australia are of course acclimated to that kind of environment – it’s always sunny in the land down under!

Don’t we know it? Sure, the weight of expectation wasn’t as heavy as usual, but still – for a football nation such as ours, one point out of three games just isn’t acceptable. Well, there’s always next time lads!

So now we begin the waiting game – four years until the next competition begins. It’s going to be a whole different kettle of fish though – extreme heat will be switched up for…a less humid temperature, lending itself to (hopefully for England) a better chance for the European teams. Though as this one shows – you have to expect the unexpected in football!

If there’s one thing the English can take from this World Cup, it’s that their up and coming young players were actually the strongest of all – the Three Lions' only point came from a rotated line up which held Costa Rica to a draw. With the Euro in between, they’ll be more mature and have a lot of experience by then – ready to have another crack at it! Hopefully this guy will be back by then too!

After Tim Krul’s heroics in the previous penalty shoot-out, the Dutch found themselves in the same position against Argentina, only sans a substitution. Cillessen in goal was much less effective, and the Netherlands bowed out 4-2 on penalties.

Contrary to the poor Cameroonian performance, Nigeria came out of the tournament with their heads held high – keeper Enyeama being their stand out player throughout, stopping almost everything before being knocked out by France in the quarter finals.

A phenomenal performance from the Algerian side saw them (perhaps unexpectedly?) make it out of their group alongside Belgian before they ran into the unstoppable German side – though they almost stopped them! Late heartbreak saw them fall 2-0 down in the 120th minute, before Djabou clawed one back a minute later; though it sadly wasn’t enough to see them through.

German keeper Neuer was already regarded as perhaps the best keeper in the world, and (as much as it may upset me) this World Cup may have confirmed this – I mean, he did pick up the Golden Glove for his efforts in goal.

That said, his contributions didn’t end there – he wanted to come out to defend – he wasn’t content staying on his line! Also, the risks he took at times were…well, pretty unexpected!

It was a toss up who would miss out – it was certain that two of England, Italy and Uruguay were going through. Not the case at all, as Costa Rica saw off challenges from Italy and Uruguay before drawing with England in their final group game to finish first in the group. They eventually went out to the third place side – the Netherlands – on penalties.