Local experts give their opinion

The 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil kicked off to massive fanfare last Friday (NZ time) and already the event has delivered some exciting results and upsets, an abundance of fine goals and goalkeeping, along with all the usual skills and theatrics expected from some of the finest players of their generation.

Of note was the opener where Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 albeit a match defined by a questionable penalty, the Netherlands absolutely tearing world champions Spain apart by 5-1 on day two (Saturday), and Germany dispatching Portugal 4-1 with Teutonic precision earlier this week.

Naturally, it's all being played out to a chorus of grumbles from the local rugby elitists - and they are legion in the district - generally doing their utmost to let anyone in earshot know they weren't the least interested in the biggest sporting event in the universe, and heaping scorn upon the lack of contact and diving antics for which the round-ball game holds a certain notoriety. All water of a duck's back for the local football enthusiast of course.

So, to get an expert insight into what's been happening at this year's tournament, the Age sportsdesk decided to approach local footballers and ask them for their opinion on proceedings after day three was completed on Sunday.

English-born Jim Brooks who manages the Kerikeri Bay Builders, current Northland men's premier division champions, said he was doing his utmost to keep calm and carry on under the Three Lions' tradition of promising so much only to end up struggling at past tournaments: "So much expectation, I'm trying not to get too excited about it," he said of England's hopes.

Kiwi-born Jeff May, the player coach for Bay Cosmos in the Northland men's 2nd division and also coach of the Bay Cosmos side contesting the Northland women's premier division, said he generally picked either Brazil or Spain. "But you couldn't be more impressed than with the Netherlands, they were pretty good. Ask John Doevendans [Dutch-born former Bay Cosmos coach]. Still, they always start good. I'm picking Spain will come back, I'm going for a Spain-Brazil final."

Further north, Kaitaia United Justa Plumber player coach Andrew Booth was still coming to grips with the fact his Scotland hadn't qualified for this year's tournament. But that hadn't put the man currently leading the resurgence of football in the Far North town from gorging himself on the quality and action which had been on display.

"You have got to pick the Dutch at the moment. Some team, the most entertaining team. There's been 24 goals in eight games," he said, adding they were "good goals too" thanks to the tournament ball which appears to be flying well.

Elsewhere, Anna Liddington of Kerikeri Siteworx, contesting the Northland women's prem div title, said she was in football heaven: "I don't watch the European leagues or anything but I enjoy watching the World Cup. I'm loving it!"

Her standout game had been the Costa Rica upset over Uruquay 2-1 in Group D on Sunday. And, like the others, she had been impressed by the accomplished Netherlands performance too. Having drawn one of the tournament powerhouses, Germany ,out of a hat in her local sweepstake for $5, she was backing them but admitted she preferred the South American style of playing the Beautiful Game.

"I want to say Brazil but really it's Argentina [who are my favourites]."