World Cup 2010 - Semi-Finals
Today is the last day of my week long medical leave. They took out the tooth but the wisdom was left intact. There is enough wackiness left in me. I have warned you before that if you knew your soccer and bet, you will lose. Those who know less may win but ultimately all punters will lose whatever you are gambling in. That's why I don't gamble. Don't agree? Want to bet? With stitches in the gums, you can't eat too much but you keep thinking of eating even the half balls that a few friends are trying to entice you with but I refuse to bite.
The problem with the World Cup at this stage now is that some teams no matter what the reputation have been sent packing. We are at the end stage and it will be over very soon and suddenly you will feel a void in the dead of night not knowing what to do anymore and with an extra $70 in your hands saved from cable TV's money counting machines. Don't worry EPL soccer is gonna be back soon early August.
Quarter-Finals
Holland v Brazil (2-1)
You can't expect a better start as the Dutch gifted a goal so early on. Holland had trouble before they even started when their first choice defender Joris Mathijsen got injured during warm up and was replaced by 36 year old Andre Ooijer and I suspect this caused the misunderstanding resulting in that howler. It certainly was not an ideal start for them as much as it was a great one for the Brazilians. Going one down so early on and in a World Cup and against Brazil and when the proceedings were in favour of Brazil, few would expected the end as the Dutch had belief and other ideas. Many will remember the name Melo who created that opening goal then went on to scored an own goal which was partly a surprising misjudgment by Julio Cesar rated the world's best and finally when his team was down 1-2, he got himself red-carded.
Latin teams like Brazil can sometimes get too emotional and was bothered by Arje Robben on the right. Robben is left-footed but plays on the right because they believe it is useful for him to turn back and cross or shoot with his left foot this way just like how England wanted Gerrard to do on the left and explains why left-footed Messi played on the right and right-footed Ronaldinho played on the left when they were together at Barcelona. That left Wesley Sniejder to do the destruction too easily on Brazil first with his threatening and floating cross then to get his head onto the ball and into the net with all of his 1.70m height hardly considered even as average in a World Cup.
Lucio tried, Kaka and Robinho pounded to no avail and when Kaka took that delightful curling shot towards the left top corner only to be equalled by Maarten Stekelenburg's full stretch dive and saved by his finger tips, you know the heavens have turned Oranje. A new chapter was written, Brazil will have a horrendous time back home while the Dutch rejoiced. The Dutchmen flew but they were not yet Flying Dutchmen and the Brazilian's added resilience and more defensive game all adds up to nothing. Will they do better had they stuck to the original Samba?
In 1982, Brazil have a wonderful Dream Team - Socrates (a doctor and the captain), Falcao, Eder, Zico, Junior nd others like Dirceu, Renato. Cerezo, etc. was clearly the best team ever but they lost to Italy even before the final and some quarters in Brazil believe that a more Continental approach with a more defensive attitude was necessary. For me, I say it is partly true but bring back someone like Tele Santana anytime as he was the one respoonsible to stringing that 1982 Brazil. Let me show you how they played then and you can compare against today's Brazil and the entire World Cup, they will just walk through the 2010 World Cup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZxvYy5-ekI
Latin teams like Brazil can sometimes get too emotional and was bothered by Arje Robben on the right. Robben is left-footed but plays on the right because they believe it is useful for him to turn back and cross or shoot with his left foot this way just like how England wanted Gerrard to do on the left and explains why left-footed Messi played on the right and right-footed Ronaldinho played on the left when they were together at Barcelona. That left Wesley Sniejder to do the destruction too easily on Brazil first with his threatening and floating cross then to get his head onto the ball and into the net with all of his 1.70m height hardly considered even as average in a World Cup.
Lucio tried, Kaka and Robinho pounded to no avail and when Kaka took that delightful curling shot towards the left top corner only to be equalled by Maarten Stekelenburg's full stretch dive and saved by his finger tips, you know the heavens have turned Oranje. A new chapter was written, Brazil will have a horrendous time back home while the Dutch rejoiced. The Dutchmen flew but they were not yet Flying Dutchmen and the Brazilian's added resilience and more defensive game all adds up to nothing. Will they do better had they stuck to the original Samba?
In 1982, Brazil have a wonderful Dream Team - Socrates (a doctor and the captain), Falcao, Eder, Zico, Junior nd others like Dirceu, Renato. Cerezo, etc. was clearly the best team ever but they lost to Italy even before the final and some quarters in Brazil believe that a more Continental approach with a more defensive attitude was necessary. For me, I say it is partly true but bring back someone like Tele Santana anytime as he was the one respoonsible to stringing that 1982 Brazil. Let me show you how they played then and you can compare against today's Brazil and the entire World Cup, they will just walk through the 2010 World Cup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZxvYy5-ekI
Now look at Johann Cruyff and Holland's Total Football in 74 World Cup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8yCT7xxYOg
Would you ever see a goal like when from George Best at the end of trying to revive his career when he was already not very good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMR0Srd-axc
Cruyff said he wouldn't buy tickets to watch Brazil or Holland this World Cup as the Samba and Total Football were now gone as both teams play to a defensive 4-2-3-1 system. Now Holland must fancy their chances with Sneijder in top form and any team having disposed of Brazil must believe they can win. You must know that Sneijder became a reject at Real Madrid and went to Inter where Jose Mourinho and him plotted their historical triumph in their domestic league and cup and then Europe.
This is like a mother of all comebacks and he could now be considered worthy of becoming the top scorer and or win the best player award. There is no better time for Sneijder and Holland to win their trophies since Brazil (Kaka), England (Rooney), Portugal (Ronaldo), France, Italy, Argentina (Messi) are all out. Finally, looking on the bright side, fans of Brazil should take heart that they have lost and out goes Dunga's negative tactics and hopefully the Samba returns in 2014 with Brazil as host. This would not be possible had Brazil won and the real culture of Brazilian soccer as art would be gone.
This is like a mother of all comebacks and he could now be considered worthy of becoming the top scorer and or win the best player award. There is no better time for Sneijder and Holland to win their trophies since Brazil (Kaka), England (Rooney), Portugal (Ronaldo), France, Italy, Argentina (Messi) are all out. Finally, looking on the bright side, fans of Brazil should take heart that they have lost and out goes Dunga's negative tactics and hopefully the Samba returns in 2014 with Brazil as host. This would not be possible had Brazil won and the real culture of Brazilian soccer as art would be gone.
Uruguay v Ghana (5-3 on penalties)
It was a scrappy game but a physical Ghanaian side with the African continent's backing and a plucky Uruguayan side cancelling each other out but Ghana was looking stronger towards the end and Gyan was everywhere, looking dangerous and doing everything right but score. Extra-time beckon and the match was heading for penalty kicks when Ghana's last attack ended with a goal mouth melee and scramble resulting in Suarez using his hands intentionally to make a save. It was 120 minutes on the clock and all Gyan had to do was to put the ball in and Ghana will make history for the African continent to be the first African to go to the semis. Alas, it was not to be as his shot hit the crossbar.
During penalty kicks, Ghana missed one and look dead and buried but then Uruguay gave them a second life when they too missed. Ghana fluffed their chance again with another miss and Abreu step in to score an audacious penalty by cheekily chipping a light shot sending the goalie the wrong way. You can say that in life and at the WC you need a bit of luck but Uruguay has a double dose. Will they get lucky again when they meet the Dutch? It was not just pure luck but they worked very hard. The question I would like to ask is how does FIFA tackle the issue of Suarez blocking a sure goal with his hands? Does Suarez become a hero as he cheated to gain victory for his country? Where is justice again when you needed it? Let the Dutch beat them prim and proper. The referee can only apply the rules he doesn't make them.
During penalty kicks, Ghana missed one and look dead and buried but then Uruguay gave them a second life when they too missed. Ghana fluffed their chance again with another miss and Abreu step in to score an audacious penalty by cheekily chipping a light shot sending the goalie the wrong way. You can say that in life and at the WC you need a bit of luck but Uruguay has a double dose. Will they get lucky again when they meet the Dutch? It was not just pure luck but they worked very hard. The question I would like to ask is how does FIFA tackle the issue of Suarez blocking a sure goal with his hands? Does Suarez become a hero as he cheated to gain victory for his country? Where is justice again when you needed it? Let the Dutch beat them prim and proper. The referee can only apply the rules he doesn't make them.
Argentina v Germany (0-4)
In soccer, you need colour and character. Maradona is one such person. I love it for Argentina to win for just two reasons - Lionel Messi who is such a joy to watch and because Argentina dare to Tango and has been cavalier in their attitude without compromise. This is the same reason I have always love Kevin Keegan led teams for their swashbuckling soccer.
The consolation for England must be at least they got two goals with one not given. Remember what I told you about what Gary Lineker said - soccer is a game with 22 players chasing a ball and at the end, the German wins? The Germans were meticulous in preparation and in using a relatively young team, they have outsmarted everyone. Firstly, even the Germans do not think they are going to win with a young team and by and large were not so well known to their opponents and face less pressure. In every game, they look more energetic, less tired and were faster then all their opponents. They have been supremely fit. Key players were from the German Under-21 team that thrashed England 4-0 in the European Under-21 tournament. Like the previous generation French team, they have players like Mesut Ozil (Turkish), Podolski (Polish), Khedira (Tunisia), Philipp Lahm (Cantonese?), Joachim Loew or Low (Teochew?) named after our national flower and of course their own Thomas Muller.
Their soak and strike strategy work perfectly but not every team using such a strategy can make it work so effectively and to deadly effect. They work very well like a well-oiled machine. They let you play and wait for an opportunity to strike and when they get a goal they continue the same way. England dominated possession with 58% and Argentina has 62% and the Germans won with only 42% and 38% possession respectively. This was exactly how Jose Mourinho won with Inter when they beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Joachim Loew is brilliant in that he could conjure a system to draw the strength of each player and make them play as a solid unit.
By the second half with a goal down and 45 minutes left you have to come forward in strength to equalise and that is when they strike. How Argentina did not see it coming is beyond me and now you can't accuse Germany of being boring as they have scored 4 goals three times. Thomas Muller will be missed when they face Spain due to two yellow cards but he will end up with a trophy for top scorer, Best Player or Best Young Player. Can they go on to win this edition? They look very capable of doing it. Meantime, don't cry for me Argentina (movie -Madonna and concerts of Elaine Paige, Sinead O'Connor, Rose Jang versions), each one representing a goal:
Well, the consolation is that watching Maradona running with a ball to his feet in his twenties is awesome but to watch him run naked when he is 50 is a no go.
Paraguay v Spain (0-1)
The pass master Spain played more than a routine game but gutsy Paraguay didn't flinch and gave them a game. Gerard Pique did the dumbest thing pulling his opponent in full view to give away a penalty which fortunately Iker Casillas saved. Immediately after this, it was Spain's turn as they were awarded a penalty. Xavi Alonso swept in a unstoppable shot to the right hand corner but the inept referee blew for retake citing that the Spanish players rushed into the box just a split second before Alonso hit the ball. Slow motion proved it to be correct but it also showed the same thing happened to the earlier penalty at the opposite end.
From the retake, Alonso changed his shot to a low left which was parried by the goalie and in the ensuing melee, Fabregas was actually brought down by the goalie but no foul was awarded. How is that for drama? Spain patiently laboured until yes David Villa scored. Not sure now if it is a pity not being able to see Larissa Requelme and Maradona strip and run naked. Maybe they are quite sure they don't have to do that in the first place.
From the retake, Alonso changed his shot to a low left which was parried by the goalie and in the ensuing melee, Fabregas was actually brought down by the goalie but no foul was awarded. How is that for drama? Spain patiently laboured until yes David Villa scored. Not sure now if it is a pity not being able to see Larissa Requelme and Maradona strip and run naked. Maybe they are quite sure they don't have to do that in the first place.
Semi- Finals
It is getting difficult now. Luckily the Final will not be between Paraguay and Ghana. No disrespect to these teams but we all want an awesome Final. Holland after beating Brazil will believe it is their year and no one could stop them, well at least not Uruguay. Uruguay by getting here has already exceeded their expectations. The Germans too having beaten both England and Argentina, not just beating them but trouncing them convincingly and will relish a meeting with Holland to create a deja vu of 1974. Spain for all their efficiency has not really played at their peak. They have reached a World Cup semis for the first time and are Champions of Europe. Will they allow youthful exuberance to overcome them or will they their master class prevail?
Holland V Uruguay
Uruguay has been stretched and will be a bit more tired than Holland. They have already exceeded expectations and will have no pressure but several of their players are out injured or suspended. The Dutch are smart and like Spain they were winning without peaking. They were actually dominated by Brazil in the first half and only played to their potential in the second. Sneijder is on song and they are playing as one unit and not fighting internally. This is their chance and if they were to face Germany all the better as it offers the opportunity to bury the ghosts of 1974 once and for all. It will be close with Holland to win 2-1.
Germany V Spain
This young German team has already exceeded expectations. They have lots of energy to spare. They studied England meticulously knowing John Terry can be pulled wide and Gerrard and Barry often leave their positions. They have done the same to Argentina so surely Spain? But Spain is a different class who play their game nonchalantly and yet at times can be harassed by more physical opponents. In the last few years Spain has shown they know how to win matches and games. The Germans know how to frustrate opponents and have patience to wait for a strike. They are purring like their BMWs, VWs, Audis, Porsches. Seemingly unstoppable. If they could get past Spain they shouldl win the World Cup. This World Cup may have come a bit too prematurely? Watch them as they will even be better by 2014 in Brazil. Spain 2-1? But is Spain appearing all like England with too many stars as you know too many cooks may spoil the soup?
Golden Boot
Now the odds are for Spain's David Villa, Holland's Wesley Sneijder and Germany's Miroslav Klose or Thomas Muller to slug it out for the Golden Boots. Muller is out of the semis due to suspension with two yellow cards so Klose has a better chance but Klose was scoring simple goals by virtue of his team mates creating many chances but then that is the hallmark of a great striker but he may not get the space at this stage. Klose has even outscored Pele at the World Cup but he will face off with David Villa who is Spain's all time scorer but Villa has been playing a bit wide on the left. Sneijder will have it tougher as a midfielder. The answer is direct as both teams face their destiny soon.
Best Player
The big three - first Rooney was non-existent then Ronaldo was not much better. Messi, probably the most entertaining did not score and is now out. The top four remaining in the competition in my opinion are Wesley Sneijder (Holland), Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller (Germany) and David Villa (Spain). Maybe Spain's Xavi and Iniesta will sizzle now or even Germany's Ozil but the first four names has a greater direct impact so far for those remaining. Unfortunately, it is still a poor World Cup without players of the stature like Pele, Cruyff, Beckanbauer, Platini, Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo or Ronaldinho or even a Gascoigne (also affectionately known as Gazza) whose crying alone would make that turf he stood on the Gazza strip.
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