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.