Don't Cry For Me Argentina. The Truth Is, Die Manschaaft Were Too Good.

Lionel Messi: "Don't cry for me Argentina. The truth is, Die Manschaaft were too good."

Four-time champions, Germany.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Truly, they were. As they'd put it, Wunderbar. And what a World Cup it has been, with 180 goals of all kinds, it has been absolutely fantastic. Maybe there is a little magic about football and Brazil. Not the Brazilian team though.

From Berlin to Frankfurt, and Hamburg to Munich, the Biergartens will be filled to the brim, with Bratwurst and lager overflowing, and it is probably well-deserved. They dismissed off Portugal without much sweat, hobbled over the line against Algeria, had it relatively easy against France, tortured and slaughtered Brazil, and nicked it against a very solid, if unspectacular Argentine side.

Mario Gotze with a tremendous goal.
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But there is nothing individualistic about this crop of Germans. It was undoubtedly a collective effort, from Manuel Neuer to Miroslav Klose, everyone had a role to play. A well-drilled, well-oiled German machine this was, so much so that no team could find a way to dismantle their efficient setup. Even the great Lionel Messi found it tough against this lot.

A golden opportunity spurned by Rodrigo Palacio.
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It would've been quite different if Gonzalo Higuain had grabbed his chance in the first half. Or if Rodrigo Palacio (with the most ridiculous of hair-does) put the ball past Manuel Neuer. For Argentina, it was a case of 'Ifs and Buts'. Germany though, efficient as they always are, went out on that marvelous playing field and did the job.

A mammoth of a player, Bastian Schweinsteiger.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

This team could go quite far, though not as good I think as compared to the Spanish matadors who ruled the world for 6 years. Well deserved champions I'd have to say, being the first Europeans to be crowned Kings in South America.

Rio has delivered a fabulous World Cup, for billions around the globe to savour. Spain were shockingly but deservedly knocked out, in what could surely be the end of a spectacular generation of football players. Asia disappointed, with no team offering as much as a slight threat. Africa's best representatives were Nigeria, who have a young and capable squad, but no team from that continent has got past the last eight before.

It was always going to come down to a battle royale between Europe and South America, and I can't help but think that Chile would have given the Germans a run for their Euros, had they got a bit more luck against Brazil. Columbia and James Rodriguez (golden boot winner with 6 goals) were mesmerising at times, entertaining not only with their style of play, but their dance moves too.

The Maracana.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

The Oranje meanwhile surprised many by ending up with a 3rd place finish, but were mightily close to Argentina. But no one, no one will ever be able to erase from memory the extraordinary capitulation of Brazil in the semifinals. A wake up call for the nation, at the hands of truly a class-filled group of footballers.

Battered and bruised, Germany found a way. Argentina needed an Eva Peron moment from their talisman to win the World Cup.

This picture says it all.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Lionel Messi had a frown on his face, of which Michaelangelo would've been gifted to paint. He never desired fortune or fame, but the World Cup still eludes him. "Don't Cry For Me Argentina. The truth is, Die Manschaaft were too good."

Thanks to all who read the posts on this blog, it has truly been a spectacular World Cup, arguably the best ever to date.

Till next time.

Argentina Could Light Up The Maracana In Rio

(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

The 'Zeitgeist' (Spirit of the time) has seen many people flock to get behind the black, red and yellow of Germany, what with them having putting on a footballing clinic in the hosts backyard. Many would put the traumatic experience sorely down to Germany, their efficiency, ruthlessness and craft, in going through Brazil like a knife through butter. 

On the other side of the fence, there is a collection of men from Buenos Aires who have that will in them to win. They have a knack of getting across the finishing line, being resolute in defence, feisty in midfield and lethal up front, the Argentinians have ingredients necessary to spoil the German bratwurst and lager party throughout biergartens in Munich and Berlin. 

So who will come out on top then?

Berlin, known quite a bit for it 'Schuhplattler' dance, a style of dance where the focus is on getting the rhythm spot on, being in sync with time much like clockwork, and keeping in context the ability which one possesses. A tonne of work and training is required to perfect it, and if pulled off, is tough to match. It however, rarely excites its audience. 

How these three play will determine Argentina's success.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Buenos Aires has the ever magnificent 'tango', relying a lot on speed, both of movement and thought, and heavily as well on emotion. Technique and a whole lot of zest is required to perfect the Argentine tango, and one of the very few styles which requires pure skill instead of a focus on hard work and training. 

The Schuhplattler and Tango are perfect analogies of what the German and Argentinian sides are, and they couldn't be more different. Truth be told, this German side aren't really as good as people believe them to be, putting aside the game against Brazil. So close to being knocked out against Algeria, drawing against Ghana, and narrowly beating France, it was more down to Brazil losing their heads due to a blackout, rather than Germany displaying football brilliance. 

These lot when pushed, can crumble. Ghana and Algeria proved it.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

De Nationalelf are very good at retaining the football, but have proven to be vulnerable when teams get at them, provide them with a physical contest. Ghana and Algeria did that, and came ever so close to succeeding. 

This bunch of tango stars from Argentina will not submit without a fight against Die Manschaaft, as they will harry, chase and even resort to kicking their opponents tonight, maybe even bending the rules. But they also know how to tango with the ball at their feet. It's not only Messi they have to deal with. There is Angel di Maria on one flank, Ezekiel Lavezzi on the other, and Gonzalo Higuain at the tip of that fearsome foursome. 

His 'sweeping' could be key tonight against the speedy merchants.
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It could turn out to be a Bayern Munich v Real Madrid match tonight, as the style of play of these teams are similar to the club sides. Germany will rely on possession, as barring Oezil and Muller, they lack pace not only in offence, but defence too. Argentina have in their armoury, lots of pace to burn. With Javier Mascherano and Pablo Zabaleta, there is steel in this side too. 

He hasn't scored yet, but Aguero has a knack of popping up with a winner.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

In the World Cups since 1998, teams with the better defensive record in the run-into the final have gone on to win it, barring Germany in 2002. France (1998), Italy (2006), Spain (2010) have all won not so much on attacking prowess, but retaining the ball, and sometimes hitting teams on the break. Argentina have done that, and till now let in only 3 goals to Germany's 4. Not a lot, but it comes down to fine margins in a final. 

La Albiceleste got the gold in 1986, Germany rebounded in 1990. In 2014, in Brazil, in the Maracana, the Argentinians would love to do it in the backyard of their fierce rivals. And if they tango with finesse and effervescence, blue and white confetti might just rain in Rio. 

My take: Argentina 2-0 Germany

Germany Dream As Brazil Have Seven Nightmares in Belo Horizonte

Fans left shocked at Belo Horizonte.
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One of the most brilliant minds to ever live, Albert Einstein, said, "Gott wurfelt nicht" or "God does not play dice." Well, Germany does not play nice. In years gone by, whenever 'football' is brought up among friends and colleagues, minds have a tendency to go on a 'Wanderlust' and look at the yellow of Brazil, the green lining on those remarkably striking outfit, donned by many of the greats of this game. From Pele to Zico, Carlos Alberto to Romario, Rivaldo to Garrincha, and most recently Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. There was an aura of invincibility about maestros who put on that jersey. But as is usual with all great things, it must come to an end. 

Picture says it all.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

And what an end was it last night. Prior to the game, 200 million in Brazil, and millions more watching were waiting in excitement similar to Christmas Eve. Little did they know, the Grinch was coming in the form of Germany to give them seven wonderful presents which had little tags on them stating, "Once scored, not reversible." On a night when the 5-time champions disappeared in 6 minutes allowing the German Meisters to end up with 7 goals, Brazil and their fans were left dazed, with many still are. It could have been much worse. 

'Do we need an ambulance?'
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In a match where the defence and midfield had to put on the performance of their lives, they actually did. But it was the worst, unlike what was actually required. From the moment Thomas Mueller put the Black, Red and Yellow ahead, Brazil's players went berserk. David Luiz was lost, Dante was Germany's best player and both full backs left gaps wide open. Fernandinho and Luiz Gustavo never had any fight in them, allowing Germany to fully impose to perfection the Blitzkrieg. Some of Brazil's players may never recover from this.

Fans who said this was due to Neymar and Thiago Silva not playing were clearly not watching the same game. Neymar could not have possibly have helped reduce the goals conceded. As good as Germany was on the night, Brazil were absolutely disastrous with it being a complete annihilation. They practically handed the game to Die Manschaaft, who gladly obliged. And Wunderbar they were. 

A really superlative lot, but can the better the Spanish achievement?
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Brazil need to go back to the drawing board, as for all their might, Selecao have only triumphed twice since 1970. Germany though, have been in at least the semifinals four World Cups running. Tonight, Munich and Berlin will be elated in Schadenfreude as Rio and Sao Paolo mourn the end of Brazil being Kings in football. The Dutch or Argentina had better be afraid or be in line for another vernichtungsgedanke. (It is ver-nich-tungs-ge-danke.)

Argentina v Netherlands

Messi ran the show against Belgium.
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Both teams have got to forget about the prospect of facing Germany and deal with what faces them tonight. I do not for one moment think there will be eight goals tonight unless one of them do a doppelganger of Brazil. The pressure will firmly be on Argentina and Lionel Messi, for him to run the orchestra like he did against Belgium. There was more than a bit of Maradona in him that evening, as he picked the ball from deep, ran at one, then two defenders, past a third aiming at a fourth, and laid the ball off to a teammate. 

Alejandro Sabella got the game plan bang on against Belgium.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

But Louis Van Gaal and his Oranje troops will be wary of that, and have some sort of plan to stop him, and stifle Argentina. Di Maria will be out today, but Sergio Aguero is slated to be drafted in after recovering from a thigh strain. Alejandro Sabella's group have had the most possession of any team in the World Cup to date, and that could play into the hands of the Dutch. With Robben, Sneijder and Huntelaar (RVP might be injured), they are set up perfectly to act on the counterattack, similar to what went on against Spain. 

It will certainly be a tight game and for the sake of football and Latin America, my heart is going with Argentina on this one. My head though, says it could be an all-European final. 

My take: Argentina 0-1 Netherlands. 

A Win For Brazil Without Neymar Will Rock Belo Horizonte

(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

"Nosotros poder ser campeones. Brazil son pentacampeones," said some Brazilians after Neymar was ruled out of the World Cup. "We can be champions, Brazil are the five time champions." When Brazil play, there is no pressure. Football is not a game for these players, it's a way of life. Some take lying on a couch with a tub of ice-cream as a way of life but for the little ones in Brazil, getting a ball and having a 5 v 5 in the back alley is a way of life. As the fan rightfully pointed out, 5-time winners.

A 'kickabout' in Manaus. A way of life.
(Pic Courtesy of the New York Times)

Yes, they have Neymar out. And yes, their captain is suspended. And true, this is one deadly German outfit. But we are far away from Munich. This is Belo Horizonte we are in. As Vin Diesel put it perfectly, 'This is Brazil.' With 200 million supporters tonight, it will be a sea of yellow, and the Germans have to be wary or they might sink.

David Luiz is a gentle giant.
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And in their stand-in captain, they have a superb defender and a graceful attacker, in one lethal package. A member of Brazil's delegation remarked, "“Look at him, our very own Mother Teresa of Calcutta. If he decided to run for the senate tomorrow, he’d get elected.” Hulk has labeled him 'one of the greatest persons I've ever known.' And what a performance he put on against Colombia. You could see it in his eyes, how much he wanted it.

Hulk vying for the ball with James Rodriguez.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

And Brazil have to want it tonight. They must take what they want, as the Germans will not be too kind otherwise. Willian will be key tonight, but the feeling is that both Oscar and Hulk have got to put in the performance of their lives in this match to counteract the loss of Neymar.

Who will fill his boots?
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If Dante comes in for Thiago Silva, it would not be too much of a problem, as he knows full well how the Germans play, having been rock solid for Bayern Munich this season. They will have to do without the ball for large periods of tonight's game, but if they can spring on the break like lightning, Germany could be caught out. Hummels and Boateng are very good defenders, but lack pace. That can be exploited by Hulk, Willian and Oscar.

If Paulinho and Fernandinho keep the midfield tight, and explode with their energy, they could go right down the spine of Germany and test their mettle. Marcelo and Dani Alves/Maicon have got to be disciplined and pick their moments to go forward.

These three will be key to how Germany play.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Germany will be content to be with the ball, try and drag Brazil out as Joachim Loew is masterful at what he does; setting his team out to do a job as seen in the game against France. He's already begun mind games by saying that it'll be tougher against Brazil without Neymar and Thiago Silva. With that logic, what if Germany did not have Thomas Mueller and Manuel Neuer?

Could Manuel Neuer be beaten today?
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

This lot of Germans could be the most talented 'Die Manschaaft' in history, but as said before, there isn't much 'German-ness' about this team. They have yet to be tested. Teams have been afraid of them even before crossing that white line. Manuel Neuer has been brilliant though, between the sticks.

Man of the tournament in 2002, the Luis Ronaldo.
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I have never sided with Brazil ever in my life, rooting for Germany to win the final in Yokohama, in 2002. Many always go with the bigger teams, the developed nation. But there is more to football than that. Going with the underdog somehow brings an element of excitement into the game, which one will find hard to put into words.

Germany are favourites. But as Vin Diesel said, 'This is Brazil.' Pentacampeones.

My take: Brazil 1-0 Germany

Krul on Costa Rica As They Go Out In A Shootout

Costa Rica players in the penalty shootout.
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They knocked out England, beat a masterful Italy, humiliated a toothless Uruguay, snuck past the Greeks, but had a Krul defeat in a penalty shootout against the Dutch. But Costa Rica were phenomenal in their World Cup endeavour. No one gave them a chance after being drawn against three giants, but the little men with giant hearts proved that if you work hard enough collectively, great things are not only a dream but within one's grasps and even if you fail, you'll at least know that you gave it your best shot.

Krul coming up with clutch saves in the shootout.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Jose Luis Pinto's troops did have the roll of the dice on more than one occasion against the Netherlands, with Wesley Sneijder hitting the bar twice, Robin Van Persie spurning a glorious chance with a seemingly open net, allowing Yeltsin Tejeda to clear off the line. Keylor Navas was man of the match. Wait, he was the man of the tournament for Costa Rica, that's how good he was.

RVP had a poor showing in the match, but Wesley Sneijder rediscovered some of his form, with Arjen Robben being a usual menace for the opposing defence. It will be a tough semi-final indeed, and Louis Van Gaal will have lots to do, to get his team in sync to topple Argentina. I still however find it quite perplexing that there are some out there who think Van Gaal is overhyped. Amazing.

Many of Argentina's fans were hoping for Costa Rica to get through, for obvious reasons. Again though, they did not impress, so much as doing just enough against a Belgium side who seemingly mimicked their French counterparts the day before. Devoid of ideas in attack, Sergio Romero barely had to flinch throughout the game.

Higuain with a snapshot, sending Argentina into the semis.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

The Red Devils did a job on Messi, but were left wanting as Gonzalo Higuain had a snapshot courtesy of Vincent Kompany's moment of madness of trying to dribble out in front his own box, lost possession of the ball, in about 10 seconds later saw Belgium a goal down.

Messi had a one v one chance in the final two minutes but was saved by Thibaut Courtois. That was it really, in what proved to be a very tasteless game, where a Belgium side, famous for it's scintillating waffles, offered stale ones.

Argentina fans

Brazil fans, distraught after losing Neymar.  

                   
                                                                                                                                          

Fans of Oranje

Germans were very confident against France

After 60 matches involving 32 teams, we're down to the final four. Could Brazil win on home soil without Neymar and Thiago Silva against a masterful German side, or could Argentina rub salt into their rivals' wounds by winning on opposing ground? Of the four teams, only the Dutch have yet to win the golden trophy, being finalists on three occasions but they have an in-form trio of Robben, Van Persie and Sneijder. Can Messi be ruled out though? Or will the Germans, who haven't won the tournament since the Berlin Wall was brought down, finally get rid of their 'Semifinal Specialists' tagline and come good?

It's anyone's guess.

Till next time.

Neymar and James Rodriguez Exit In Tears, As Brazil March On

James Rodriguez and David Luiz after the quarterfinal.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Jogo Bonito is something Brazil are used to being labelled as. For tantalising individual brilliance, or a collective team filled with supremely talented players as in 1970. Last night though, this group of players got through not with craft, but with lots of graft, often seen deploying the 'thou shall not past at any cost' tactic, against their Colombian opponents. This was epitomised in the 70th minute when Marcelo, in his own half, hoofed the ball out into touch with only Neymar in the opposing half.

Neymar with the ball against Zuniga. Fabulous shot.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

This was Brazil alright, but without their much-famed Samba style.

In a night where both 'number 10s' were expected to shine, ended in tears for James Rodriguez and Neymar as both are exiting the 2014 FIFA World Cup. With a broken vertebrae, or “transverse process fracture of the third vertebra”, Neymar will not feature in the semis, and further if Brazil progress. As one fan put it when queried about Neymar, "First comes God, then family and then Neymar."

Neymar in agony before being stretchered off.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

James Rodriguez was the best player in Fortaleza, winning a battle of nerves with Julio Cesar as he slotted in Colombia's penalty, and played a part in what should have been a goal, had it not been for a woeful performance from the referee.

Fernandinho and David Luiz would have been given a card each, if not more, on any other night. Thiago Silva though, hats off to the man. You could not stop him from stopping others. Almost every Colombian attack was snuffed out by him in the most graceful fashion. Similar to watching Roger Federer play tennis, a marvelous sight. With him due to miss the semis after collecting another yellow card, and with Neymar ruled out, it could be a premature end to Brazil, unless the 200 odd million Selecao supporters can drag their team through.

Colombia have to feel proud of the way they played, not only in this, but the other matches as well. It was unfortunate that young guns like these lot and Chile are no longer in the competition, as they've been a joy to watch.

Mats Hummels reels off in delight after grabbing the winner.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

On a night when the favoured teams went through, Germany never got out of second gear, coasting past the French team. Joachim Loew did a bit of tinkering with his team going back to type, with Lahm at right back and Miroslav Klose coming in at the tip of the German front line.

Germany seems like the most supported team in this World Cup.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Throughout the match, I can only remember Manuel Neuer making two saves, one from Valbuena and the other after a piledriver from Karim Benzema in the dying seconds. The other French attacks were nullified by the defiant Berlin Wall in Mats Hummels. Yes, he did get the winning goal, but his defending was absolutely superb. Barely a week ago, he was not even fit to travel to the stadium to watch Germany take on Algeria in the previous round. Tight semifinal with Brazil in store.

Tonight's quarters.

Argentina v Belgium

In the previous two matches, both the favourites found a way through. That will be key tonight, can Argentina find a way past this solid Belgium crop? Argentina have performed at 70% of the potential thus far, but that was in the group stages. Belgium on the other hand haven't had an encouraging performance in the earlier rounds, but were extremely effective against U.S.A.

Will it come down to Messi's magic again, or could Eden Hazard rediscover his Chelsea form and provide a deadly finish? Going through both teams, the Belgians have a better goalkeeper, a more solid defence, a hard and fast midfield, but Argentina have a certain Lionel Messi.

As a football fan, I have been hoping so dearly for an upset, and this could be one, albeit a low-scoring encounter.

My take: Argentina 1-2 Belgium

Netherlands v Costa Rica

Coming into this match as the clear underdogs, much will not be expected of this magnificent crop of Costa Ricans, taking out the likes of Uruguay, Italy and England, many of whom thought will give the Central Americans a right spanking. Oscar Duarte will be missing at the back due to suspension, but the Dutch are also without Nigel De Jong's services, ruled out of a thigh injury.

Can they actually pull off a Houdini and knock out this Dutch side? This team though, are not out-and-out attackers, with only the trio of Robben, Van Persie and Sneijder given license to wreck opposing defences. Louis Van Gaal is a master tactician and will instead try to turn the tables by playing on the counter.

Many neutrals might be hoping for Costa Rica to win this one, and I'm in the same boat. The Netherlands got lucky against Mexico, but they could come up trumps against Costa Rica.

My take: Netherlands 3-1 Costa Rica

Could Colombia Dance Into The Semifinals?

It might come down to Neymar again.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

It's a way of life to them Brazilians. They live, eat, breathe and adore the game of football, more so than any other nation throughout this globe, or any around it. With a football at their feet, it is more of a cha-cha cum tango session, rather than a game with 22 men on a football field, with millions the world over tuning in. The records speak for themselves, 5 World Cups already to their name.

But since 1970, they've only got 2 medals, with them being in 1994 and 2002. The rest have caught up, and possibly gone ahead of them. A game usually decided solely on individual brilliance has undergone a paradigm shift, with it now being more a game of chess, with the two players on the touchline, putting their pieces to vie for a tactical advantage.

Brazil used to sway and move without any contest. But the Colombians can now dance with them, and have terrific moves up their sleeves too. And with Jose Peckerman being a master tactician, they might just go into this game with a slight edge.

He's been absolutely fabulous in Rio.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

David Ospina knows his way between the sticks, Camilo Zuniga is a flying wingback, and the duo of James Rodriguez (or Hamez if you like) and Juan Cuadrado can shake the spine of any team. And the Brazilians do not have much of a spine. Boogeyman David Luiz can be got at, and with Alves and Marcelo who spend more time in the attacking half of the pitch, it could play right into Colombia's hands.

Juan Camilo Zuniga has been a marauding right wing back for Colombia.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

In every game Brazil has scored in, they have also conceded. The defence is not watertight, unlike the one at Pekerman's disposal. Great offensively, Los Cafateros have also got a rock solid defence, with only two goals conceded in 4 games. They however have to come up with a plan to contain Neymar, as he has single-handedly dragged Brazil into the last 16.

History is on Brazil's side, but the here and now? I have to side with Colombia in this one.

My take: Brazil 0-2 Colombia

In the clash featuring Europeans, Germany and France go head-to-head in what could prove to be a stunning match. But as I have stated in an earlier piece, Germany are not just Germany. A team which used to rely on stout defending before thinking of going forward, they have now seemed to alter their approach, whereby little 'number 10s' run the show, playing with a 'false 9' even, however more is needed to get over this French side.

Manuel Neuer in the match against Algeria.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

In Manuel Neuer though, they have a sweeper and a keeper who is in a class of his own. The problem though lies in the defence in front of him, as pace is severely lacking. In a footrace between Karim Benzema and Per Mertesacker, I'd shudder to think of the consequences. What would happen if an Alfa Romeo goes up against a Daewoo?

Can Mertesacker be solid enough?
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

The Parisians have much about them, speed, strength, agility, and a cohesiveness rarely seen in French teams of yesteryears. When it comes to the attacking department, both Germany and France could be said to be equally adept at getting a goal. At the other end though, I'd certainly have to give the edge to Didier Deschamps men. Koscielny and Varane are both quick, and Yohan Cabaye does a marvelous job of screening the back four.

It will be a tight one, but somewhat of an upset on the cards.

My take: Germany 0-1 France.