Formula 1 - Felipe Massa's cruel mistress

The 2008 season was Felipe Massa’s coming of age – the year he finally delivered on his promise and the expectations which had been accompanying him ever since his move to Ferrari. It wasn't just the final race; in which Massa thought he was the champion as he took the chequered flag after a faultless weekend, only for Lewis Hamilton to overtake a creeping Timo Glock on the last corner of the race and snatch the Championship. It was the maturity shown by him, often conspicuous by its absence in the past, during the whole season which led experts and fans alike to laud Massa’s performances. 

Mixing consistency with speed, Massa would have been a deserving champion, and his coronation in his home nation of Brazil would surely have been a spectacle to endure. Alas, it wasn’t to be. 

Analysing FIFA's eligibility rules

Diego Costa chose to represent Spain - but not before appearing for Brazil twice.

Diego Costa's decision to turn out for La Roja and shun the Selecao's famed yellow jersey has put the spotlight back on the choices available to players in picking a national team to play for. But it is by no means an isolated incident – only the one with the highest profile.

This year’s World Cup is ripe with numerous such examples.

Why Wayne Rooney should not play in midfield for Manchester United

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (L) scores their second goal during the English Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

Manchester United - and David Moyes - haven't exactly had a fruitful season. They lie in sixth place after 27 games - level on points with Everton in seventh, who have a game in hand. They were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, in front their own fans. They displayed the fighting spirit of the bygone Fergie era to score in the last minute of their Capital One Cup semifinal, only to surrender meekly in the penalty shootout, a dismal act witnessed again by the Old Trafford faithful.

They face Olympiakos in the knockout stages of the Champions League this week; a tie they will be expected to win. But, should they get through, it would not be remiss to claim that the bookies' odds would be stacked heavily against them when they come up against any of the European powerhouses in the quarter-finals.