Luck, skill, good management have been important elements in the early success enjoyed by Brazil, France, Holland and Italy in this World Cup
MORE ALAN HILL
You will see plenty of match reports elsewhere so I thought I’d concentrate on the World Cup opening ceremony in Brazil.
Views on Sepp Blatter and his claim of racism, support for England and Danny Welbeck's injury as well as Brad Friedel becoming an Ambassador for Tottenham.
Alan's thoughts on the FIFA bribery allegations on the Qatar World Cup, England's preparations for Brazil and Terry Venables rallying call in Born to Manage.
In the build up to England's World Cup campaign, Paul Scholes' comments on Wayne Rooney are unhelpful as Roy Hodgson's side completes its preparations.
Tottenham news with thoughts on the success of Southampton's Academy and the FA Commission Report's proposal for B Teams.
A week For Tottenham old boys and local heroes
As England prepare for the World Cup with the first of their pre-tournament matches against Peru at Wembley on Friday, some thoughts on Roy Hodgson's squad.
Is history repeating itself and have Southampton become the new West Ham?
Alan's Summer Diary looks at a contender for "Goal of the Season" and enjoys England's success at Under-17 level while considering England's World Cup hopes.
A summary and review of the FA Commission’s Report on the obstructions to the development of elite English players and the solutions along with reaction.
A summary and review of the FA Commission’s Report on the obstructions to the development of elite English players.
Alan’s views on recent events in football and the world of sport - Louis van Gaal, Richard Scudamore, West Ham United and Sam Allardyce.
Uefa have announced the final punishments being applied to the teams that broke the FIFA financial fair play rules.
I have stumbled across another instalment of Carrie Brazen’s Diary on the web. She is the commercial director of East End Cockneys, the London Football club.
Views on the past week in football on Tottenham, Alan Hansen, Sepp Blatter and the FA Cup Final.
Tottenham bid farewell to Tim Sherwood as other managers wait for news of their futures and Alan's summer diary looks at transfer news in the Premier League.
The final week of the Premier League brought an exciting climax to the 2013-14 season even if the conclusion was not quite as Tottenham might have hoped for.
Alan's Diary on Tottenham, Jose Mourinho and foreign managers in the Premier League.
Tottenham have missed out on a top-4 and Champions League finish so where now for Spurs and where can they find a manager to solve the problems at the club