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.

Zonal Marking: It's not as evil as you think it is

Zonal marking at corners – defending pre-assigned zones, rather than sticking to a specific opponent – is generally ridiculed in British circles. Pundits and commentators claiming to be experts of the game latch on to zonal marking errors and are quick to blame the entire idea and system. By doing so, they flaunt their ignorance to the world; and in turn, instill a similar ignorance in the large proportion of football viewership which is exposed only to English football.

Goals from corners can, more often than not, be put down to individual mistakes. Both zonal and man marking demand very high – and sometimes, unrealistic – levels of concentration from defenders and keepers alike. Blaming the system and the tactics of the manager is a rather bull headed approach, employed by those who only choose to see what is in front of their eyes when a little analysis will often point the finger at the real issue.

Chicharito: Showing smartness on the pitch and off it

Javier Hernandez, on Sunday, re-tweeted (and later removed) a Carlos Vela interview in which he said that his compatriot would have to think about leaving United if first team opportunities continue to be slim. Vela claimed - and rightly so - that Hernandez is one of the best finishers in the Premier League and that a player of his quality deserves to play more games.

This in itself is hardly a revelation for United fans. The United faithful, and presumably the management as well, have long lauded Chicharito’s importance to the team and realized that his performances merit a more regular starting role. But there arises a feeling of helplessness when it comes to figuring out just how to make this possible.