World Cup 2014 - Last Eight
If I have a choice, I would make Latin and Central American teams face off with European teams. I love the World Cup because of its contrasting styles but for me, Latin soccer is the best. It is colourful, passionate, full blooded with flashes of sublime skills.
Do you noticed that European teams are methodical while the Latin teams are naturally full of flair? Didn't the ex players and soccer experts say that in these days with the money, technology, conditioning, etc. climate will play a lesser part on the outcome? I beg to differ. Clearly, the European teams are suffering more from the sweltering heat and humidity. Well, it was the first time that I saw soccer matches having 3-minute water breaks in each half.
Before I rant further, here are some of the best goals - Best Goals of World Cup 2014:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=745983918777535&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theaterBefore I rant further, here are some of the best goals - Best Goals of World Cup 2014:
My prediction for the last 16 have been much better including perfect scores on Holland beating Mexico 2-1, Costa Rica and Greece drawing 1-1 and France beating Nigeria 2-0, Belgium and the USA will go into extra time and got all them last 8 teams correct. So who are the best players and best teams so far? How will they fare, what kind of matches do we expect in the quarter-finals?
The Players
The top scorers are 5: James Rodriguez (Colombia), 4: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), 3: Kareem Benzema (France), Arjen Robben, Robbie van Persie (Netherlands). The others with their teams are out of the competition.
The best players for this World Cup should come from here. Whether they will be named the best player depends on their continued good form and contribution, the impact they make for their respective team and how their team responds to support these players. It helps a lot that their teams go all the way to the final as you increase your chances to make even more impact given the additional playing time. James Rodriguez has been nothing short of amazing. Only 22 and leading the charts, his goal against Uruguay could be the goal of the tournament. He chested the ball while turning and in a single fluid moment volleyed the ball that hit the underside of the crossbar into goal. He has impressed me enough to say that he could destroy Brazil if the host got careless. He is making a major impact simply because he has scored in every match and he is only a midfielder. A good match against Brazil especially if Colombia get a result will enhance this new found legend.
(Rodriguez's goal)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=746152822093978&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater
Lionel Messi carries the burden of Argentina, He scored and created when it mattered. To me there is no one better than Messi. As I have said before, when Messi gets the ball you expect something to happen. The opponents does not know what he is going to do because even he himself does not know until his instincts kick in. Even Cristiano Ronaldo could not dribble like him. However, Argentina have not been playing their best and the team will let him down if they do not get going real soon.
Neymar is Brazil's new saviour. He is the closest type of player to Messi for Brazil and the world. The impact that he could make and at 22, he could be the next Messi. The problem is that like Messi, he carries Brazil on his young shoulders and Brazil like Argentina have not been stellar. Neymar shacked out against Chile towards the end and not only him but Brazil are in danger if they could not raise their game against Colombia.
Thomas Muller is not the same type of player like Messi or Neymar. He lurks, steals in and is clinical. The Germans were really good but were out of depth against Algeria. If they repeat that performance, Muller and his team could be left disappointed. Muller's strength is in scoring in big tournaments. Muller could outscore the rest and be the best but he will need all the supplies.
Kareem Benzema was outstanding during the group stage but he seemed to have drifted in and out of games. France like the Germans have not been as impressive but yet they eke out win over a tough Nigeria. Benzema could prosper against a slow German defence and if he could overcome Hummels he has a chance.
Arjen Robben is the fastest player around. He is no spring chicken so it is testimony to the talent he has but his antics for being a diving champion has left a sour taste in the mouth. If biting is an offence, why not cheating? Why does a player with so much ability need to cheat? With Robbie van Persie looking past his best (after the group stage), Robben is key to Dutch fortunes.
The Last 8
The Players
The top scorers are 5: James Rodriguez (Colombia), 4: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), 3: Kareem Benzema (France), Arjen Robben, Robbie van Persie (Netherlands). The others with their teams are out of the competition.
The best players for this World Cup should come from here. Whether they will be named the best player depends on their continued good form and contribution, the impact they make for their respective team and how their team responds to support these players. It helps a lot that their teams go all the way to the final as you increase your chances to make even more impact given the additional playing time. James Rodriguez has been nothing short of amazing. Only 22 and leading the charts, his goal against Uruguay could be the goal of the tournament. He chested the ball while turning and in a single fluid moment volleyed the ball that hit the underside of the crossbar into goal. He has impressed me enough to say that he could destroy Brazil if the host got careless. He is making a major impact simply because he has scored in every match and he is only a midfielder. A good match against Brazil especially if Colombia get a result will enhance this new found legend.
(Rodriguez's goal)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=746152822093978&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater
Lionel Messi carries the burden of Argentina, He scored and created when it mattered. To me there is no one better than Messi. As I have said before, when Messi gets the ball you expect something to happen. The opponents does not know what he is going to do because even he himself does not know until his instincts kick in. Even Cristiano Ronaldo could not dribble like him. However, Argentina have not been playing their best and the team will let him down if they do not get going real soon.
Neymar is Brazil's new saviour. He is the closest type of player to Messi for Brazil and the world. The impact that he could make and at 22, he could be the next Messi. The problem is that like Messi, he carries Brazil on his young shoulders and Brazil like Argentina have not been stellar. Neymar shacked out against Chile towards the end and not only him but Brazil are in danger if they could not raise their game against Colombia.
Thomas Muller is not the same type of player like Messi or Neymar. He lurks, steals in and is clinical. The Germans were really good but were out of depth against Algeria. If they repeat that performance, Muller and his team could be left disappointed. Muller's strength is in scoring in big tournaments. Muller could outscore the rest and be the best but he will need all the supplies.
Kareem Benzema was outstanding during the group stage but he seemed to have drifted in and out of games. France like the Germans have not been as impressive but yet they eke out win over a tough Nigeria. Benzema could prosper against a slow German defence and if he could overcome Hummels he has a chance.
Arjen Robben is the fastest player around. He is no spring chicken so it is testimony to the talent he has but his antics for being a diving champion has left a sour taste in the mouth. If biting is an offence, why not cheating? Why does a player with so much ability need to cheat? With Robbie van Persie looking past his best (after the group stage), Robben is key to Dutch fortunes.
The Last 8
France v Germany
This has potential to be a classic. Flashback 32 years to Spain in 1982 where the most terrible happened in the World Cup. German goalkeeper Toni Schumacher came crashing through France Patrick Battiston - several broken teeth, broken ribs and a broken vertebrae and totally left unconscious. As good as or worse than a car crash. Only difference was it was a football match. Germany have a bigger reputation over France during qualification and their World Cup pedigree over many years. Obviously the French are talented.
During the group stage I saw them as equal. The French were all-conquering and were more impressive in their last knock out match than the Germans. European teams are feeling the heat. The match will not be like as in a group game. It will be tactical. They will play at controlled pace sizing each other up. In this heat and humidity, the brain can play tricks on you. Which team has more endurance. Which player could seize the moment and an opportunity first. Which team or player makes a mistake and shall get punished?
Whenever France got through the first round and that was on five occasions, they have reached the semi-finals. There is nothing more consistent than the German machinery as they have reached the semi-finals of the last three World Cups. No nation has ever made the last four in four successive tournaments and they have been unbeaten in 15 matches. One of these records have to go to the cleaners.
According to Gary Lineker, football is a game with 22 players and at the end Germany always wins. For football reasons, I am actually more inclined that France for their overall qualities can win it but Germany have the history and pedigree and what Lineker said. So a France win for soccer form right now but a Germany win because they have quality players that could turn a game around. As for me, it would be a draw at 1-1. Stick around for extra-time and it may even extend to penalty kicks and at the end the German wins.
This has potential to be a classic. Flashback 32 years to Spain in 1982 where the most terrible happened in the World Cup. German goalkeeper Toni Schumacher came crashing through France Patrick Battiston - several broken teeth, broken ribs and a broken vertebrae and totally left unconscious. As good as or worse than a car crash. Only difference was it was a football match. Germany have a bigger reputation over France during qualification and their World Cup pedigree over many years. Obviously the French are talented.
During the group stage I saw them as equal. The French were all-conquering and were more impressive in their last knock out match than the Germans. European teams are feeling the heat. The match will not be like as in a group game. It will be tactical. They will play at controlled pace sizing each other up. In this heat and humidity, the brain can play tricks on you. Which team has more endurance. Which player could seize the moment and an opportunity first. Which team or player makes a mistake and shall get punished?
Whenever France got through the first round and that was on five occasions, they have reached the semi-finals. There is nothing more consistent than the German machinery as they have reached the semi-finals of the last three World Cups. No nation has ever made the last four in four successive tournaments and they have been unbeaten in 15 matches. One of these records have to go to the cleaners.
According to Gary Lineker, football is a game with 22 players and at the end Germany always wins. For football reasons, I am actually more inclined that France for their overall qualities can win it but Germany have the history and pedigree and what Lineker said. So a France win for soccer form right now but a Germany win because they have quality players that could turn a game around. As for me, it would be a draw at 1-1. Stick around for extra-time and it may even extend to penalty kicks and at the end the German wins.
Brazil v Colombia
He chested the ball with great control and simultaneously changed direction and in one fell swoop bang!!! 22 years old, 5 goals - three in each group match and now two more. He is going to light up this World Cup if not already have. This is what the World Cup is all about. This is why some folks stay up late to watch matches live. The clubs are getting their cheque books ready. All this sounds like I was describing a young Zico and though he is wearing a yellow jersey and play like a Brazilian, James Rodriguez is that name and player the world has been waiting for but he is Colombian. Watch:
James (pronounced Ha-mes) Rodriguez:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=746191378756789&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=746185825424011&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater
Brazil have not impressed me this World Cup. They played like a European team. They have the advantage of playing in their own backyard and they luck on their side on some occasions but like I mentioned many times before, World Champions do not necessarily or on most occasions peak so early. The fear for Brazil is will they peak because there is no time not to peak or have they already peaked? You saw Thiago Silva, Neymar and David Luis crying after they had beaten Chile. Was that a sign of relief or a weakness? Chile to me were the better team. They have not made a greater impact further than the quarter-finals since 2002 so this is their chance.
Let me tell you this - Colombia is not all about James Rodriguez. They have other individuals like Juan Cuadrado (who has already provided four assists) who is also a delight to watch and they have a "team". In fact they have the most impressive team in this tournament meaning that they are even stronger and better than Chile in my books. On a soccer pitch based on what I have seen so far, Colombia is very capable of beating Brazil. Their obstacle is not Brazil but six inches between their ears and since this is the first time they have made the quarter-finals in their World Cup history, will they have butterflies in the tummies? The last time they have beaten Brazil was way back in 1991 in the Copa America. If I were Brazil, I would be worried. Scolari will have to be at his tactical best to fathom a way to victory. This will be a very different game. Will it be back to old history or will new history be made? I predict a very closely fought game that is even and interesting and played at a high level and will end one apiece. 1-1. In extra-time, Colombia will win and if it comes to the penultimate penalty kicks. I take Brazil to win. If Brazil lose, there may be chaos. Their economic situation is not that good and political situation worse but I like Colombia, the new Brazil.
He chested the ball with great control and simultaneously changed direction and in one fell swoop bang!!! 22 years old, 5 goals - three in each group match and now two more. He is going to light up this World Cup if not already have. This is what the World Cup is all about. This is why some folks stay up late to watch matches live. The clubs are getting their cheque books ready. All this sounds like I was describing a young Zico and though he is wearing a yellow jersey and play like a Brazilian, James Rodriguez is that name and player the world has been waiting for but he is Colombian. Watch:
James (pronounced Ha-mes) Rodriguez:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=746191378756789&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=746185825424011&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater
Brazil have not impressed me this World Cup. They played like a European team. They have the advantage of playing in their own backyard and they luck on their side on some occasions but like I mentioned many times before, World Champions do not necessarily or on most occasions peak so early. The fear for Brazil is will they peak because there is no time not to peak or have they already peaked? You saw Thiago Silva, Neymar and David Luis crying after they had beaten Chile. Was that a sign of relief or a weakness? Chile to me were the better team. They have not made a greater impact further than the quarter-finals since 2002 so this is their chance.
Let me tell you this - Colombia is not all about James Rodriguez. They have other individuals like Juan Cuadrado (who has already provided four assists) who is also a delight to watch and they have a "team". In fact they have the most impressive team in this tournament meaning that they are even stronger and better than Chile in my books. On a soccer pitch based on what I have seen so far, Colombia is very capable of beating Brazil. Their obstacle is not Brazil but six inches between their ears and since this is the first time they have made the quarter-finals in their World Cup history, will they have butterflies in the tummies? The last time they have beaten Brazil was way back in 1991 in the Copa America. If I were Brazil, I would be worried. Scolari will have to be at his tactical best to fathom a way to victory. This will be a very different game. Will it be back to old history or will new history be made? I predict a very closely fought game that is even and interesting and played at a high level and will end one apiece. 1-1. In extra-time, Colombia will win and if it comes to the penultimate penalty kicks. I take Brazil to win. If Brazil lose, there may be chaos. Their economic situation is not that good and political situation worse but I like Colombia, the new Brazil.
Argentina v Belgium
Argentina is in the same situation as Brazil. They have been winning by small margins and now meeting a talented Belgium team that have not been very exciting. They have been playing strategically right and getting the right results to be here. Some people are suggesting Eden Hazard could suddenly rise and shine but I have my doubts as he has not been brilliant and Hazard can shine brighter against European teams but not the Argentinians or other Latin teams. Argentina have to peak soon if they harbour hopes of going all the way. It is time to rise and shine or never. Argentina have not been tearing other teams apart but have been knowing how to win unlike say England. Belgium is the same. Unfortunately, this would be a tight match but because of the magic of Messi I think it could be settled in regulation time with Argentina winning by an odd goal. Messi! This is his year. 1-0.
Argentina is in the same situation as Brazil. They have been winning by small margins and now meeting a talented Belgium team that have not been very exciting. They have been playing strategically right and getting the right results to be here. Some people are suggesting Eden Hazard could suddenly rise and shine but I have my doubts as he has not been brilliant and Hazard can shine brighter against European teams but not the Argentinians or other Latin teams. Argentina have to peak soon if they harbour hopes of going all the way. It is time to rise and shine or never. Argentina have not been tearing other teams apart but have been knowing how to win unlike say England. Belgium is the same. Unfortunately, this would be a tight match but because of the magic of Messi I think it could be settled in regulation time with Argentina winning by an odd goal. Messi! This is his year. 1-0.
Netherlands v Costa Rica
This will be the most contrasting match in the last eight. Everyone should give a standing ovation to the Costa Ricans for their amazing run. If you need to take a leaf on belief, this is it. As much as I would be rooting for them, I am afraid their run may come to the end. The Dutch are very good and they have a special coach in Luis van Gaal who could make his team play from a 5-3-2 that can easily switch to 3-5-2 and then to 4-3-3 means he has got his boys to go through the system well before hand. Having seen former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt playing on the left, then switching to right back and finally joining the attack made a mockery of other managers who does not know how to pick their players, their team or how and where to play them. Except for his hard work, Kuyt is no Cruyff. And if all else fails, you have Arjen Robben. He could in the blink of an eye, create and score a goal or fashion a dive.
Do not at any time think that the Dutch will have them for lunch because Costa Rica will run you ragged. All you have to do is to ask Uruguay (lost 3-1), Italy (lost 1-0), England (drew 0-0) and Greece who got K.O. These cannot be luck. It is opportunities that come after you have put in lots of hard work.
The Netherlands will play like they did Mexico, cleverly conserving energy and pounce stealthily and swiftly like a Jaguar. The Dutch will lose if they play at the pace of Mexico or Costa Rica so they have to control the pace of the game. The idea in a knockout format is not to concede. If you were to concede, switch mode to Plan B. No other team in this World Cup is more versatile than this Dutch team. Is this the new total football? (Will Manchester United be playing like this?) Does it matter how it was won? What if you played beautifully and lost? This match could be a long and arduous task for both teams. 1-1 (if Robben did not dive late on). The Dutch will win in extra-time.
I wish you a rocking good World Cup soccer weekend!
This will be the most contrasting match in the last eight. Everyone should give a standing ovation to the Costa Ricans for their amazing run. If you need to take a leaf on belief, this is it. As much as I would be rooting for them, I am afraid their run may come to the end. The Dutch are very good and they have a special coach in Luis van Gaal who could make his team play from a 5-3-2 that can easily switch to 3-5-2 and then to 4-3-3 means he has got his boys to go through the system well before hand. Having seen former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt playing on the left, then switching to right back and finally joining the attack made a mockery of other managers who does not know how to pick their players, their team or how and where to play them. Except for his hard work, Kuyt is no Cruyff. And if all else fails, you have Arjen Robben. He could in the blink of an eye, create and score a goal or fashion a dive.
Do not at any time think that the Dutch will have them for lunch because Costa Rica will run you ragged. All you have to do is to ask Uruguay (lost 3-1), Italy (lost 1-0), England (drew 0-0) and Greece who got K.O. These cannot be luck. It is opportunities that come after you have put in lots of hard work.
The Netherlands will play like they did Mexico, cleverly conserving energy and pounce stealthily and swiftly like a Jaguar. The Dutch will lose if they play at the pace of Mexico or Costa Rica so they have to control the pace of the game. The idea in a knockout format is not to concede. If you were to concede, switch mode to Plan B. No other team in this World Cup is more versatile than this Dutch team. Is this the new total football? (Will Manchester United be playing like this?) Does it matter how it was won? What if you played beautifully and lost? This match could be a long and arduous task for both teams. 1-1 (if Robben did not dive late on). The Dutch will win in extra-time.
I wish you a rocking good World Cup soccer weekend!
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