The festival has begun and has reached the nail-biting, heart breaking stage. As always I started to follow World Cup picking Germany as my first team and a distant second as Argentina. The only dark horse that I expected to surprise the world was Belgium with their star studded team. Colombia looked very intelligent with the ball and stood out in many ways as no one in this world expected them to go to second round without talismanic striker Falcao but they showed they are more than what Falcao is.
Before naming few of the players I felt stood out in the game, I would like to share my thoughts on the World Cup so far. Due to work demands, I had to start watching the first World Cup match in a local pub near to work. Expecting a cracker from Brazil even though I am not a huge fan of Brazil as I think they are a team which doesn't need much support with the kind of resources they have on the field, I felt it was more than unfair to Croatia who could have beaten Brazil in that match. As always people thought they would pick up as the tournament progresses but doesn't seem to be there yet. Netherlands or Holland usually are the South African cricket team when it comes to football. They played some amazing games in the group stages and were phenomenal in throwing out the defending world champions from the World Cup. Not only they won the match comfortably but I should feel guilt free to use the word demolished morale and confidence of the whole Spanish campers. Chile played wonderful football but fell out in the penalties as luck was already favouring the not so brave Brazilian team this time.
Considering 'D' also stands for death, the group D showcased one of the toughest games of the group stages with both England and Italy packing home early. As a tribute to England for allowing me to work here, I have written a separate blog on their master plan which looked like being allowing opponents to do what they want and we would just play the same boring game which we did in club football.?
Uruguay was not convincing except for Suarez and without him due to his bad habit they stood no chance to progress. Costa Ricans deserved some credit and respect for what they have done. They played quick, powerful football and were very direct to attack which paid off well do far and credited to be giant killers from the group of death. Even though French team is not getting much media attention maybe due to the absence of giants from club football, I felt they are a dangerous team and one of the main ones to watch in next stages. They midfield seems to be working well compared to most other teams. They have strong, creative and tactically advanced midfielders on their arsenal which I could very well say from my limited experience that Brazil, Argentina or other biggies can envy. As of now I don't see Argentina going much forward because of the lack of good midfielders and over reliance on Messi.
Even though USA didn't reach next stage, I felt they need a mention for the fighting spirit and excellent game plans. I think Klinsman really deserves a salute for what he did. Germany has all the things they need to win the World Cup but personally I would complain about their tactics and team selection which has made their games more difficult than what it was. I am not a huge fan of playing Lahm as a midfielder. Maybe it worked for Bayern Munich but this German team doesn't actually need his skills in that center of the pitch, where he is most needed is on the right back as we all know he is one of the best in that trade. Germans looked vulnerable defending without proper balance on the middle and wing back areas. I felt with Khedira playing in the center, the team has more balance and it should he used rather than trying out these new formulas on a World Cup match. This might look simple but just with that made you are sure to witness difference. Belgium, as I said earlier was one of my wild card entry and it had proven to be like that so far. But they too lack balance in the middle and are very quick and dangerous on counter attacks.
Unlike previous world cups where one or two teams surprise the world. This time almost all the teams have given their fans something to cheer for. No team looked small and no match looked easy. Every team gave in a fight and made their opponents sweat and fight for a win. This has been one of the best ever World Cup which I had watched and felt those days are not far when more than 10 teams would stand a chance to win the cup. The next 4 matches would be a must watch for any football fan and trust me being a neutral you are going to be in for a roller coaster ride. All 8 teams has chance to win the World Cup which makes it more exciting.
Many players stood out in the World Cup but some of the main take aways from the group and pre quarter stages for me are James Rodriguez & Juan Cuadrado of Colombia, Robben, Van Persie & Blind for Netherlands, Messi silenced some of his critics still a long way to go & Di Maria (Argentina), Muller needs to introduction to world stage(Germany), Joel Campbell for Costa Rica, Yeldin & Bradley for USA, Matuidi & Valbuena for France,
even though sparingly used I felt Fernandinho looked good for Brazil along with Neymar for his hard work.
Don't be surprised if you find a Colombia Vs Costa Rica final because they deserve it as all other 6 teams too. Another interesting fact is that only the top teams in the group stages has come to the Quarterfinals and this looks like indicating finally the group system is working for once. Without boring you more, let's all prepare to get mesmerised by the magic of football by these magicians. And enjoy the moment before the wait for next 4 long years starts.
bye para agora e de volta ao futebol!
Good one Arun
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