World Cup 2014 - Final Analysis Part One
One solid month was over and four solid years to wait. Copacabana, Christ The Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro and the land of the beautiful game was a world spectacle except that unfortunately Brazil no longer play the game beautiful but congratulations to Germany! Credit too to Argentina for pushing them to the limits and giving them a good contest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unERy12bwaE (B. Manilow)
We fell in love at the Copa, Copacabana. Sports, especially soccer and no other sports unite the world like soccer. Even people who were waging civil war, stopped to take a break to watch the World Cup. Even North Korea reported they were in the 2014 World Cup final after beating many teams. Put all your money on North Korea! Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPPyhs-sI1w
Before each live game kicked off, you saw all the players singing their national anthems up close. My observation was that while they do soccer very well, they can't sing to save their lives!
Finally, the telcos responsible for overcharging us, there is a chance for them to do it right for the next one and not take Singaporeans for fools and continue to test our patience. Do not mistake patriotism and kindness as weakness. Time to wake up!!!
You have seen once again how sports especially soccer can unite the world. Stop fighting and go play more sports. Engage in sporting activities and stop the violence!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unERy12bwaE (B. Manilow)
We fell in love at the Copa, Copacabana. Sports, especially soccer and no other sports unite the world like soccer. Even people who were waging civil war, stopped to take a break to watch the World Cup. Even North Korea reported they were in the 2014 World Cup final after beating many teams. Put all your money on North Korea! Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPPyhs-sI1w
Before each live game kicked off, you saw all the players singing their national anthems up close. My observation was that while they do soccer very well, they can't sing to save their lives!
Finally, the telcos responsible for overcharging us, there is a chance for them to do it right for the next one and not take Singaporeans for fools and continue to test our patience. Do not mistake patriotism and kindness as weakness. Time to wake up!!!
You have seen once again how sports especially soccer can unite the world. Stop fighting and go play more sports. Engage in sporting activities and stop the violence!!!
Golden Ball (Best Player)
I was surprised that Lionel Messi was named the tournament's best player and awarded the Golden Ball. He certainly did well with four goals, his assists, dribbles and passes but there were others who were outstanding too. Messi has been the world's best player for many years and he has broken all records for goals scored, assists, etc. and had the World Cup been in those years, he would be basically untouchable but in this World Cup he was not at his best given his own high standard. Flashback your mind to Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Javier Mascherano, Bastian Schweinsteger and quite a few more but for me it has to be Colombia's James Rodriguez. Not only was he so good, he was the top scorer with 6 goals. In the meantime, this is the real Messi, for those who have never really seen him play - watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqKmSxR53ic
Golden Boot
James Rodriguez, top scorer and to me best player:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr29-FtwdMs
Golden Boot
James Rodriguez, top scorer and to me best player:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr29-FtwdMs
Golden Teeth (Best Bite)
Luis Suarez - One bite and he was off to Barcelona for a lot of money. Liverpool will miss him as he combined so well with Sturridge but at Barcelona Messi is king and there are many others like Neymar, Iniesta and so on. Liverpool built around Suarez in a way so Suarez may not shine at Barcelona just as Messi has shone less for Argentina. They have different systems and players. Sometimes, after parting, both sides are never the same again but life goes on.
Golden Nose
Joachim Loew is fantastic coach. Some has his name as Low so I suspect he may be at least half Chinese and he has some secrets to his and Germany's success. He also shares a habit that I noticed many Singaporean drivers do when they stop their car at a traffic light. Once, I saw a female driver doing it. It may be giving them some special protein. Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZbn0D101RI (Freshly picked and eat).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIvXyu1N5Yw (Buffet)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWfIX4Gecic (Victim)
Golden Glove
There have been a number of excellent goalkeepers in this World Cup but as I told you that your chances increased when you go farther in the competition. It means you have done well to keep your team going and you have more chances for displays. Exciting goals are brilliant to watch but nothing equals that than an superb save! Germany's Manuel Neuer has been a top keeper for some years and deserve the accolade.
The others who kept their team around longer with their bravado (not in order of excellence):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42D96jnS6tQ (Keylor Navas, Costa Rica)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHolIsV0ZGg (Guillermo Ochoa)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSssTjuoFXI (Claudio Bravo, Chile)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsO5DCbO7hU (Tim Howard, USA)
Germany
It was written in the stars that Germany won and that new star, the fourth one is now permanently stitched onto the crest of their jerseys. Sami Khedira's name was not announced in the line up, you thought something was going amiss as he was replaced by Christoph Kramer after a calf injury during warm up but Kramer also got injured and in turn replaced by Andre Schurrle. Ironically it was Schurrle who made that left wing run and cross which was decisive as his assist was converted by Mario Goetze, Germany's Messi as they called him. They are so good that you could even use their names to write a story - ''Germany was Klose and "they finally Goetze it!''
Some may say they got lucky but luck is when hard work meets opportunity. There was not a better team in this World Cup than Germany. The signs were there over the years as they missed out in the semi-finals of major tournaments. I have said from the beginning that they have the same team and set up but with more experience. They dominate play by controlling the ball and play with a high defensive line. They were confident and have faith in the system and in each other but fate could have dealt a cruel hand if Toni Kroos' headed mistake was converted by Gonzalo Higuain but he fluffed his shot with only Neuer to beat. Messi's shot could also have gone in and so too Rodrigo Palatio's to seal the match and for Argentina to close the game. Though the Germans have high possession and control, the gilt-edged chances went to Argentina.
In such a high level match where it was water tight, a single mistake or a single chance was all it took to win a match. If you have those chances and did not convert you might get punished and it was exactly what had happened. Argentina did not take theirs the Germans did. I can only feel happy for the Germans for playing their game positively and they did not stop here. I noticed that each time a German player fouled their opponent, they were apologetic and offered a sincere handshake or arms around the shoulder. When Miroslav Klose was taken off, he shook the referee's hand to say thanks. It wowed me to have the culture. All soccer teams could learn much from the Germans not just in their soccer style but their manners on the pitch and their humility despite their success.
Germany have come full circle in their soccer revamp and winning the World Cup, a first for a European team outside their continent is testament of the process and progress made. There are more than 300 centres developing soccer players, more than 1,200 qualified coaches and a successful Bundesliga with lots of local content would carry the German flag for some years to come. The Germans did it patiently, faithfully and confidently and when at the top you get things right, the rest shall flow. Thomas Muller, Mario Goetze, Toni Kroos and some others are no older than 24 so they will be at the right age and at their peak prowess when the European Championship in France and the World Cup in Russia comes around. Will there be an emergence of a South American team that could win the World Cup outside their continent? Who could challenge Germany? I am in discussion with my father now on how to use some of my savings to pick Germany.
Argentina
Played as expected. Tight and compact, defend with your life and hit with fast counter attacks. It would have been more interesting if Angel di Maria were fit and fielded. They allowed Philipp Lahm too much space to make his forays up front. Lavezzi were at times dangerous as he whipped in the crosses but why did Sabella bring in Aguero who was not sharp nor match fit. Messi was lost in his role and at the end looked jaded and forlorn. Except for a few moments of magic, where he left the German defence for dead and nearly scored, but alas, it was not his day. Messi will be 31 by the next World Cup. While he may still be very good, he may not be the same player at his peak. Will there be another Mascherano? They will need a new generation of players and even a new cult hero. Who shall it be?
Netherlands
The Oranje were really good and they left without being defeated during regulation time. Tactically, they were the best team as Louis van Gaal toyed with the most surprising things. Playing Kuyt on the left, in defence and to the right in attack, substituting a goalkeeper just before the penalty kicks, etc. Only thing is Father Time will take its toll on Robbie van Persie and Arjen Robben by the next World Cup edition but they have youngsters to blood in.
Among European teams, they were the closest to Germany and you can count on them to continue their development and do well in the European Championship and next World Cup. I actually wish to see the Dutch win the World Cup for the first time.
The Oranje were really good and they left without being defeated during regulation time. Tactically, they were the best team as Louis van Gaal toyed with the most surprising things. Playing Kuyt on the left, in defence and to the right in attack, substituting a goalkeeper just before the penalty kicks, etc. Only thing is Father Time will take its toll on Robbie van Persie and Arjen Robben by the next World Cup edition but they have youngsters to blood in.
Among European teams, they were the closest to Germany and you can count on them to continue their development and do well in the European Championship and next World Cup. I actually wish to see the Dutch win the World Cup for the first time.
Brazil
The original founders of the "Beautiful Game" left a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. It will take some time for them to sort out what went wrong and how to correct it and get back to where they belong. They were in real shambles like never before. Brazil's most brilliant attacking and beautiful team in 1982 lost to a defensive, counter-attacking Italy. Since then, Brazilian coaches have been adopting a more European style of play and tactics. If you have watched Brazil in this World Cup, they are no longer the same. Mexico, Chile and Colombia were better and more exciting than Brazil.
Did Scolari pick only all the most physical players with Neymar as their fulcrum? Or were Brazil really lacking in talents such that Scolari knew that he has no choice but to name such a squad and use such tactics to get as far as possible. If it was the latter than Brazil has got further than expected. I would think that Chile and Colombia would have been more worthy opponents for Germany.
When they won in 2002, Scolari had Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. Those were the reasons they have won. Are young Brazilians having more distraction and getting less interested in soccer these days in our modern times that there is now a dearth of talents? What I can tell you is that Brazil must return to their roots. You may learn from European teams but the culture and soul of Brazilian soccer is in the samba rhythm. I say bring it back.
Sao Paulo was where it all began. A certain Charles Miller brought the sport of kicking a round ball there back in 1894. His father is Scottish and mother Brazilian. He returned to live in Sao Paulo and got the ball rolling. He brought along two footballs and a book about the rules of the game. The rest is history. So be careful what you bring back, good or bad, it could create history. Brazil will slowly but surely come back to glory but how soon or how well depends on what they will do. As long as there is hunger for success and thirst for the beloved game, it shall come.
Spain
Talking about rhythm, nobody for some period of time has more rhythm than Spain. Think of the Flamenco guitar music, Matadors in bull fights, Zorro. Passion. Tiki Taka was born when Rinus Michels, coach of the Netherlands 1974 Total Football team was manager of Barcelona and later his Dutch captain Johan Cruyff who also played for Barcelona took over his rein as manager. This was where it became further expanded into tiki taka.
Like the Brazilian beautiful game that took the world by storm. tiki taka reign supreme for many years. Then the USA and Switzerland had Spain finally beaten. Bayern Munich conquered Barcelona subsequently in devastating fashion. Pep Guardiola took his tiki taka from Barcelona to Bayern Munich and got thrashed. Holland did that to Spain in this just concluded World Cup and so did Chile. What it means is there is a life span in your style of soccer. When people could read you and figure you out, they devise a way around it. The German way is the new power forward? Yes, at least they have taken over the throne from Spain not just as World Cup winners but a new style of soccer.
France
Besides Germany and Holland with Spain in current relative decline, France have the potential as evidenced by what we have seen this World Cup. They have a pool of talented players including many young ones and have been contributing to the soccer leagues in Spain, Germany and England.They could even afford to drop Samir Nasri for the World Cup. Didier Deschamps was just unfortunate not to have made it further in the World Cup. As host of the coming Euro Championship in 2016, France have a good chance to claim a new crown before the World Cup in Russia.
Italy
Italy have been great World Cup competitors but of late they have not been the most exciting. The used to have the best defensive system to win matches. Ask Brazil in 1982 where even the most wonderful attack was strangled. Italian players are technically very good. Other than Brazil, Germany and Italy are next to equal and one day dethrone them. The Italians themselves are in need of their Golden Boy like a Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio or Del Piero. Balotelli is fleeting and mostly erratic.
Belgium
Belgium have some wonderful players in the past but have been in the wilderness for some time until now where they have what I would call a Golden Generation. In almost every position they have a player capable of giving their opponent a run for their morning. A steady defence, a competent midfield and a good strike force.
I felt that they were too conservative during the World Cup. This would have been a good experience for them like Germany in the previous World Cup and they would come back stronger for the next one provided their more experience and older players can maintain their standard for the next four years.
Colombia
Colombia's soccer was attractive, colourful and adventurous. I would say they play the type of soccer I would like to see Brazil play. Had they qualified instead of Brazil they would have given Germany a really good test. They have good exciting players and still play like a team. When Falcao is back and James Rodriguez adds a few more years he would be the next best player of the world. Watch Colombia in the next few years.
Chile
The Chileans are not far off from Colombia. Play a hot-blooded game. A wonderful outfit that plays attractive attacking soccer. They deserve more. They must tap on their good performance and arouse even more interest back home which I believe they already had before this World Cup.
Mexico
The Mexicans wear their hearts on their sleeves. Just look at their manager. They must have live life with so much zest and play soccer with lots of passion. I like they attractive style and wish that they had gone further.
The original founders of the "Beautiful Game" left a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. It will take some time for them to sort out what went wrong and how to correct it and get back to where they belong. They were in real shambles like never before. Brazil's most brilliant attacking and beautiful team in 1982 lost to a defensive, counter-attacking Italy. Since then, Brazilian coaches have been adopting a more European style of play and tactics. If you have watched Brazil in this World Cup, they are no longer the same. Mexico, Chile and Colombia were better and more exciting than Brazil.
Did Scolari pick only all the most physical players with Neymar as their fulcrum? Or were Brazil really lacking in talents such that Scolari knew that he has no choice but to name such a squad and use such tactics to get as far as possible. If it was the latter than Brazil has got further than expected. I would think that Chile and Colombia would have been more worthy opponents for Germany.
When they won in 2002, Scolari had Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. Those were the reasons they have won. Are young Brazilians having more distraction and getting less interested in soccer these days in our modern times that there is now a dearth of talents? What I can tell you is that Brazil must return to their roots. You may learn from European teams but the culture and soul of Brazilian soccer is in the samba rhythm. I say bring it back.
Sao Paulo was where it all began. A certain Charles Miller brought the sport of kicking a round ball there back in 1894. His father is Scottish and mother Brazilian. He returned to live in Sao Paulo and got the ball rolling. He brought along two footballs and a book about the rules of the game. The rest is history. So be careful what you bring back, good or bad, it could create history. Brazil will slowly but surely come back to glory but how soon or how well depends on what they will do. As long as there is hunger for success and thirst for the beloved game, it shall come.
Spain
Talking about rhythm, nobody for some period of time has more rhythm than Spain. Think of the Flamenco guitar music, Matadors in bull fights, Zorro. Passion. Tiki Taka was born when Rinus Michels, coach of the Netherlands 1974 Total Football team was manager of Barcelona and later his Dutch captain Johan Cruyff who also played for Barcelona took over his rein as manager. This was where it became further expanded into tiki taka.
Like the Brazilian beautiful game that took the world by storm. tiki taka reign supreme for many years. Then the USA and Switzerland had Spain finally beaten. Bayern Munich conquered Barcelona subsequently in devastating fashion. Pep Guardiola took his tiki taka from Barcelona to Bayern Munich and got thrashed. Holland did that to Spain in this just concluded World Cup and so did Chile. What it means is there is a life span in your style of soccer. When people could read you and figure you out, they devise a way around it. The German way is the new power forward? Yes, at least they have taken over the throne from Spain not just as World Cup winners but a new style of soccer.
France
Besides Germany and Holland with Spain in current relative decline, France have the potential as evidenced by what we have seen this World Cup. They have a pool of talented players including many young ones and have been contributing to the soccer leagues in Spain, Germany and England.They could even afford to drop Samir Nasri for the World Cup. Didier Deschamps was just unfortunate not to have made it further in the World Cup. As host of the coming Euro Championship in 2016, France have a good chance to claim a new crown before the World Cup in Russia.
Italy
Italy have been great World Cup competitors but of late they have not been the most exciting. The used to have the best defensive system to win matches. Ask Brazil in 1982 where even the most wonderful attack was strangled. Italian players are technically very good. Other than Brazil, Germany and Italy are next to equal and one day dethrone them. The Italians themselves are in need of their Golden Boy like a Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio or Del Piero. Balotelli is fleeting and mostly erratic.
Belgium
Belgium have some wonderful players in the past but have been in the wilderness for some time until now where they have what I would call a Golden Generation. In almost every position they have a player capable of giving their opponent a run for their morning. A steady defence, a competent midfield and a good strike force.
I felt that they were too conservative during the World Cup. This would have been a good experience for them like Germany in the previous World Cup and they would come back stronger for the next one provided their more experience and older players can maintain their standard for the next four years.
Colombia
Colombia's soccer was attractive, colourful and adventurous. I would say they play the type of soccer I would like to see Brazil play. Had they qualified instead of Brazil they would have given Germany a really good test. They have good exciting players and still play like a team. When Falcao is back and James Rodriguez adds a few more years he would be the next best player of the world. Watch Colombia in the next few years.
Chile
The Chileans are not far off from Colombia. Play a hot-blooded game. A wonderful outfit that plays attractive attacking soccer. They deserve more. They must tap on their good performance and arouse even more interest back home which I believe they already had before this World Cup.
Mexico
The Mexicans wear their hearts on their sleeves. Just look at their manager. They must have live life with so much zest and play soccer with lots of passion. I like they attractive style and wish that they had gone further.
Others
You can take a leaf from the other smaller or less powerful teams. Even Australia showed us what could happen if you are brave like the way they took the game to the Dutch. USA defied Ghana and Portugal and lost to eventual winners Germany by 1-0. Algeria proved to us by stretching Germany without conceding in regulation time and Costa Rica played out of their skins to defy everyone. Those that did well will inspire a new generation or two. The trick is to keep the momentum going relentlessly.
Asia represented by Japan, Iran, Korea were at a low after their 2002 high. I would like to see Asia and Africa giving a better fight the next time. Why can't the most populous nations of China and India produce a World Cup team and then a winning team? If we based on probability these two nations could produce anything. Even Russell Peters thinks so:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypujqwv-ano
As most Singaporeans and a several Asian countries have been bred on English Premier League, I shall tell you more about England in another article soon. Watch this space.
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