Germany Edge Into Quarters, But Are They Still Teutonic?

Schweinsteiger holds his head in agony
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Volkswagen has always been termed as 'The People's Car.' Die Manschaaft now, seem a lot like 'The People's Team.' But something is amiss. The German essence, of being efficient, is conspicuously nowhere to be found.

German teams of the past used to resemble efficiency at its finest, similar to that of the Mercedes-Benzs' and big Audis of this world. They do a job, but nothing excites you. Some have even labelled them off as too boring. Now though, this crop of players are more like a flashy Maserati, with looks to die for, curves like that of an hourglass, with an ability to sway with the wind. But as with all flashy, aesthetically pleasing things, can they last the distance in a race on the Autobahn?

After spurning a number of chances, Ozil rifled the winning goal.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Kroos and Ozil are marvelous passers of the football, Thomas Muller is a chip off the old block and they have probably the most complete central-midfielder in world football, in Bastian Schweinsteiger, but are they Teutonic?

Mario Gotze hasn't showed up, they have no proper full-backs with Boateng and Howedes being played out of position. Philip Lahm at the very least should revert to type, and their defence has horsepower of the old beetle, while modern day forwards are equipped with turbochargers.

Joachim Loew spent quite a bit of time praying to the heavens.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

They were lucky against Algeria. Facing a water-tight defence, they just could not find a way through, with, dare I say it, 'tiki-taka' football being played in front of the Algerians, lacking that efficient finish. This group is crying out for a Miroslav Klose, a Michael Ballack even, one who would make opponents shiver even before crossing the white line. But they have only 'nice players', if that phrase can be used.

If there is no tactical tweak in the quarterfinals, we could be saying farewell to the Germans before too long, as the French will push them to the utmost limit. Their display against Nigeria could be best put as understated, coming up against a tougher opposition than the ones facing Germany, France managed to avoid a potential banana-skin against Africa's best representatives.

This French lot should not be taken lightly.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Nigeria have very good counter-attackers in Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Peter Odemwingie but the French defence was up to the task, although in their own attack, Karim Benzema was wayward. Power and pace epitomises this French outfit, and do not be surprised to see them rattle Germany. 

Tonight's matches. 

Argentina v Switzerland

Los Albiceleste have flattered to deceive in their group games, and have a certain Lionel Messi to be grateful to. He has conjured up something out of seemingly impossible situations in the three group games, especially that strike in injury time against a defiant Iran. 

Plays with Ronaldo at Madrid, and Messi in Argentina. Good omen?
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Ottmar Hitzfeld seems confident that he can whip up an omelette to 'thwart Messi', but that is easier said than done. Argentina though, have to find a way in order to distribute the attacking responsibility, and that is where Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria come into play. Over reliance on Messi could get Argentina into the 'Portugal syndrome', where teammates could end up admiring Messi's brilliance on the field of play.

Switzerland could find it a bit tough if they were to be expansive, as gaps could start appearing. Defensively, they have to be as precise as the famed Swiss watches. With the outlook of the Argentinian side, it might be wise to explode against them on the break, as pace at the back is lacking. Still though, it would be tough to go against Alejandro Sabella's men. 

My take: Argentina 4-2 Switzerland

Belgium v USA

Categorised by quite a number as outsiders to lift the trophy, the Red Devils have not gone full tilt. Yet. There is a vast amount of potential in this team, but with doubts surrounding Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany's fitness, their back line could be thread bare against the USA. 

Hazard has yet to sparkle in Rio.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Eden Hazard hasn't performed at his usual level, and Romelu Lukaku has not come flying out of the blocks. All 6 group winners have won thus far, but this game is the likeliest to cause an upset. Much of it would centre on the fitness of both defenders, and Wilmots altering his tactics to nullify the USA's threat on the break. Belgium's waffles have tasted flat so far, but the Americans performed admirably against Portugal and Germany, and this could be an upset. 

My take: Belgium 0-1 USA