World Cup 2014 - Semi-Finals Post Mortem And Third Placing
Two more matches and it is all over. Another four-year wait to unite the world. I think they should just do away with third placing as it bears no significance nor purpose. Who would remember who were the third and fourth best teams?
Every team goes home from the World Cup with a different future direction, some to devastating effect but there have been so much to learn and to glean from. We now know it will be a Germany versus Argentina final. Germany playing so well and consistently throughout are favourites and ready to add to several new records already set by being the first European team to win outside their continent while Argentina playing pragmatic soccer have yet to play a more exciting match.
Meantime, I know how these footballers feel. Win and you are heroes, lose and you get pelted with eggs. When people follow my blog predictions and win, no hugs and kisses, lose and I do not even get eggs or omelette. It was not my intention for anyone to punt. I just write and share on soccer but people were saying why not put a score? It takes a bold man to predict scores. As you know someone punted $100 @ 1:150 for any other scores and made $15k while another put $200 for 8 goals on the Brazil v Germany game at 1:165 and he made $33k. Those were authentic as confirmed in the papers. I have a friend who punted on Iran to win the World Cup at 1:300. I think he wanted to buy a house.
Please do not follow my predictions. I do it for fun and my secret is this - for example, I wrote down the four teams in the semi-finals and I threw them into the waste paper basket. Two that got in first were my pick for the final. Now that my secret is out, please do not follow my predictions.
I use this method because I could not afford to buy some birds like these to do it. Everyone has their madness in their methods.
Now, let us take a look at the semi-finals at first:
Meantime, I know how these footballers feel. Win and you are heroes, lose and you get pelted with eggs. When people follow my blog predictions and win, no hugs and kisses, lose and I do not even get eggs or omelette. It was not my intention for anyone to punt. I just write and share on soccer but people were saying why not put a score? It takes a bold man to predict scores. As you know someone punted $100 @ 1:150 for any other scores and made $15k while another put $200 for 8 goals on the Brazil v Germany game at 1:165 and he made $33k. Those were authentic as confirmed in the papers. I have a friend who punted on Iran to win the World Cup at 1:300. I think he wanted to buy a house.
Please do not follow my predictions. I do it for fun and my secret is this - for example, I wrote down the four teams in the semi-finals and I threw them into the waste paper basket. Two that got in first were my pick for the final. Now that my secret is out, please do not follow my predictions.
I use this method because I could not afford to buy some birds like these to do it. Everyone has their madness in their methods.
Now, let us take a look at the semi-finals at first:
Brazil v Germany
From day one of my previous and subsequent reports, I have said that this Brazil team is weak while Germany have been playing the best soccer for years. Only the climate, Neymar and home ground advantage could help Brazil. I vividly remembered Brazil in 1970 but the 1982 squad topped my list and even inspired me to play soccer and expect soccer to be played that way. The Brazilians soon found out to their detriment that playing beautiful alone has no meaning if you do not win titles. So they became more pragmatic and began playing more like the Europeans.
Germany went on the reverse in that when Juergen Klinsmann took over as their manager/coach, the same old boring German team who were experts with square passes, closing shop after scoring a goal became passe and gave birth to a more dynamic and adventurous style of play which current coach Joachim Loew, his former assistant, continues with. Again, playing pretty did not guaranteed results as the Germans lost in semi-finals and the final of major tournaments.
Loew added versatility to the team so that they could adjust their game to be more pragmatic when they need it. Loew has been greatly helped by the success of their domestic league which saw Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund became successful in Europe. The difference between the Germans and the English are that the Bundesliga while also having foreign players are flushed with lots of local talents that have emerged over the years such that the supply to the German national team has been so good that Germany today has the best and most complete squad and deep enough to have every position in the team covered by an equally or almost equally good player if they were hit by injuries or loss of form.
Loew added versatility to the team so that they could adjust their game to be more pragmatic when they need it. Loew has been greatly helped by the success of their domestic league which saw Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund became successful in Europe. The difference between the Germans and the English are that the Bundesliga while also having foreign players are flushed with lots of local talents that have emerged over the years such that the supply to the German national team has been so good that Germany today has the best and most complete squad and deep enough to have every position in the team covered by an equally or almost equally good player if they were hit by injuries or loss of form.
What Happened To Brazil?
Those who watched the game were shocked and in disbelief. A World Cup semi-final between top teams. Brazil, home ground, all expect at least a good fight even if the Germans were favourites. From the beginning, I knew and expected Chile and Colombia were better than Brazil but they lost to Brazil. With Neymar injured and Thiago Silva suspended, those wee huge blows but I expected a physical Brazil to play like they did Colombia and stretched Germany to at least a draw because I did not feel Brazil could beat Germany and then take them as far as possible.
However, Brazil started by piling the pressure on the Germans for a good ten minutes but what followed was a horror show that unfolded and made their fans cry. Four goals in just six minutes at the Belo Horizonte created history as Thomas Muller put Die Mannschaft one up at 11 minutes. It could have been more. The humiliation was so bad I was thinking to myself if I were a player, how am I to come out in the second half to play and just hoping that it was just a real nightmare to awake from. Brazil had more possession but the Germans took 14 shots, 10 were on target and converted 7.
To think that Loew even has the audacity to field old man Miroslav Klose who added a new item in the history book by scoring what was his 16th goal after 4 World Cups at the same time beating Brazil's Ronaldo by a goal to become the top scorer of all time. Though I salute Klose for his great achievement he is no Ronaldo. Ronaldo was a super player for Brazil, probably one of the most exciting strikers in the world. We have not seen another like him.
Another new record was achieved for being the first team to score 7 goals in a semi-final as the German machine steam-rolled on to an unprecedented eighth World Cup final appearance. While these were happening, many in their hearts were shouting "kelong!" I won't blame you. Not only that, the anti-gambling campaign's ad looked really bad at the part the boy said: "I hope Germany will win, my dad bet all my savings on them". It has since spawned into various parody which are so laughable.
Another new record was achieved for being the first team to score 7 goals in a semi-final as the German machine steam-rolled on to an unprecedented eighth World Cup final appearance. While these were happening, many in their hearts were shouting "kelong!" I won't blame you. Not only that, the anti-gambling campaign's ad looked really bad at the part the boy said: "I hope Germany will win, my dad bet all my savings on them". It has since spawned into various parody which are so laughable.
Firstly, when you missed Silva and especially Neymar, get over it. Germany are able to replace like for like but not Brazil. Just like my friends Fred and Jo, theirs were mayhem unto themselves. When they beat Chile they were crying. When Neymar got injured they were crying deep down but putting a false front saying that they could cope. At the kick off, Neymar's jersey bearing his name and number were carried when they were singing the national anthem. Usually this is done only when a person was dead. They were already in mourning. Instead of getting over and getting on with the job at hand, they continued to lament. The Germans saw through their fragility.
Maybe Scolari wanted to surprise Germany with an open attacking game, get a goal then sit back. That was why we saw Brazil piling the pressure for 10 minutes but when Muller scored, no one was even close to him. Unbelievable. This is thee World Cup not a school backyard. Brazilian defence went to sleep. Germany's greatest strength is in their final third especially the inter-play among their forwards. Algeria has shown how the Germans could be frustrated and stopped. Scolari only wanted physical players. Why didn't he bring along Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho or Pato the experienced and creative players. These are the type of players he needs when Neymar breaks down. Scolari must bear full responsibility for this epic failure. It will take a long time for Brazil to forget and come back. They should even reveal if they should go back to their roots, their hearts and soul and play like Brazilians again like the world once feared. Instincts should be harnessed not suppressed.
The other reason was the Germans are truly magnificent especially Toni Kroos as I have told you he would be the one to watch. Not only have I like the way they played since Klinsmann but do you notice that Germany are very special? Klose became the all-time top scorer but he took it like nothing has happened. No fanfare. There was report that they were quiet in the changing room during half time and after the game and wanted to be respectful to Brazil and be humble, they hugged and consoled the Brazilian players after the game. They were so respectful and gentlemanly. Did you notice that in the German team there are no stars? They are a team. This is a lesson not just for soccer but for business organizations as well. No ego is the way to go lest you still could not understand.
Netherlands v Argentina
Like the other match, this was similar in that one is Latin the other from Europe. The Netherlands were swashbuckling at times like how they downed Spain and came back to beat Australia and similarly Mexico with Robben seemingly unstoppable but Argentina were not so easily cowed.
Unbeaten and winning by small margins have been their way. They have been difficult to beat and a player like Messi just needed a moment of magic. It does not take a rocket scientist to plan what to do so the Netherlands put two men on him - Vlaar who had a magnificent game and he only plays for Aston Villa (not some hot shot defender in the EPL) and De Jong. They stayed so close to Messi that I could hear them breathing down his neck. As a result, Messi had to play from much deeper. At times, three to four players swarmed him when he got the ball.
The best player on the pitch to me was Javier Mascherano. He gave a solid and masterful performance. He was the only patrol in a midfield ocean and he had the dual role of also shepherding Arjen Robben and he did so successfully that Robben was nullified and on the odd occasions Robben got away, he made such perfect tackles including saving a situation where Robben could have scored. How Liverpool must have missed him! Argentina need another colossal performance from this 1.74m midfield monster to take on the mighty Germans. The now renowned tactical nous of Louis van Gaal came to an end thanks to the penalty-saving skills of Argentina goalkeeper Romero who was once trained by van Gaal himself. Taking about the irony of life.
Third-Placing - Brazil v Netherlands
Way back in the 80s, I was already wandering why they even bother to have this match in the first place. Beaten and disheartened and you have to go through another match to be third or fourth. Is this a kind of punishment? In a swimming competition, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th come in together.
How will Scolari and van Gaal motivate their players? Will pride or the chance to salvage what is left of their pride enough for both teams to raise their game? Will both coaches use those players who hardly have a match to play now since there are no prizes to be won except a consolation?
These were the head to head results in the World Cup: They have met four times with Holland having won twice and Brazil once. The other match was a draw. Brazil have scored 5 and Holland 7. In 1974 Holland won 2-0 (2nd round). 20 years later, Brazil won 3-2 in the 1/4 finals. In 1998, they drew 1-1 in the semi-finals, followed by extra-time and Brazil went on to win 4-2 on penalty kicks. Finally, in the last World Cup 1/4 finals, Holland won 2-1.
Shaheen the camel has picked 17 correct winners out of 28 matches and here is his latest pick but he may be shot dead soon.
http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/brazil-2014/interactives/shaheen-the-camel-s-world-cup-prediction-of-the-day-1.1345963
It has picked Holland. Can Holland win it? Yes, they can. They have been one of the best teams in this World Cup and I thought they do deserved to be in the final and could give the Germans a really good game for a repeat of the hurt of 40 years ago. Somehow, they could not find a way past Argentina and bowed out through the dreadful penalties which FIFA should seek to change it to sudden death where you continue to play till a goal is scored - the Golden Goal.
Can Brazil win back some severely dented pride after that dreadful German debacle? I feel sorry for Brazil, a soccer-crazy nation affected by economic hardship and political problems where hosting the World Cup only served to benefit some of the people. It will be nice for Brazil to win this to soften the blow but to do it they have to rise to the occasion and forget what happened in their previous match. Something that is not easy and without Neymar, who else could lead their front-line with gusto?
It should be a close game and if Holland fields their first team members at full strength, I expect them to win 2-1. There will not be extra time. Who would want to prolong the pain. Much as I wanted Brazil to win, I just could not fathom it. It might as well be so as to prompt Brazil to take a hard look at their soccer and bring about fresh revamp. Bring back their soul for where has the samba gone?
Watch this space for the low down on the grand final soon.
Maybe Scolari wanted to surprise Germany with an open attacking game, get a goal then sit back. That was why we saw Brazil piling the pressure for 10 minutes but when Muller scored, no one was even close to him. Unbelievable. This is thee World Cup not a school backyard. Brazilian defence went to sleep. Germany's greatest strength is in their final third especially the inter-play among their forwards. Algeria has shown how the Germans could be frustrated and stopped. Scolari only wanted physical players. Why didn't he bring along Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho or Pato the experienced and creative players. These are the type of players he needs when Neymar breaks down. Scolari must bear full responsibility for this epic failure. It will take a long time for Brazil to forget and come back. They should even reveal if they should go back to their roots, their hearts and soul and play like Brazilians again like the world once feared. Instincts should be harnessed not suppressed.
The other reason was the Germans are truly magnificent especially Toni Kroos as I have told you he would be the one to watch. Not only have I like the way they played since Klinsmann but do you notice that Germany are very special? Klose became the all-time top scorer but he took it like nothing has happened. No fanfare. There was report that they were quiet in the changing room during half time and after the game and wanted to be respectful to Brazil and be humble, they hugged and consoled the Brazilian players after the game. They were so respectful and gentlemanly. Did you notice that in the German team there are no stars? They are a team. This is a lesson not just for soccer but for business organizations as well. No ego is the way to go lest you still could not understand.
Netherlands v Argentina
Like the other match, this was similar in that one is Latin the other from Europe. The Netherlands were swashbuckling at times like how they downed Spain and came back to beat Australia and similarly Mexico with Robben seemingly unstoppable but Argentina were not so easily cowed.
Unbeaten and winning by small margins have been their way. They have been difficult to beat and a player like Messi just needed a moment of magic. It does not take a rocket scientist to plan what to do so the Netherlands put two men on him - Vlaar who had a magnificent game and he only plays for Aston Villa (not some hot shot defender in the EPL) and De Jong. They stayed so close to Messi that I could hear them breathing down his neck. As a result, Messi had to play from much deeper. At times, three to four players swarmed him when he got the ball.
The best player on the pitch to me was Javier Mascherano. He gave a solid and masterful performance. He was the only patrol in a midfield ocean and he had the dual role of also shepherding Arjen Robben and he did so successfully that Robben was nullified and on the odd occasions Robben got away, he made such perfect tackles including saving a situation where Robben could have scored. How Liverpool must have missed him! Argentina need another colossal performance from this 1.74m midfield monster to take on the mighty Germans. The now renowned tactical nous of Louis van Gaal came to an end thanks to the penalty-saving skills of Argentina goalkeeper Romero who was once trained by van Gaal himself. Taking about the irony of life.
Third-Placing - Brazil v Netherlands
Way back in the 80s, I was already wandering why they even bother to have this match in the first place. Beaten and disheartened and you have to go through another match to be third or fourth. Is this a kind of punishment? In a swimming competition, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th come in together.
How will Scolari and van Gaal motivate their players? Will pride or the chance to salvage what is left of their pride enough for both teams to raise their game? Will both coaches use those players who hardly have a match to play now since there are no prizes to be won except a consolation?
These were the head to head results in the World Cup: They have met four times with Holland having won twice and Brazil once. The other match was a draw. Brazil have scored 5 and Holland 7. In 1974 Holland won 2-0 (2nd round). 20 years later, Brazil won 3-2 in the 1/4 finals. In 1998, they drew 1-1 in the semi-finals, followed by extra-time and Brazil went on to win 4-2 on penalty kicks. Finally, in the last World Cup 1/4 finals, Holland won 2-1.
Shaheen the camel has picked 17 correct winners out of 28 matches and here is his latest pick but he may be shot dead soon.
http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/brazil-2014/interactives/shaheen-the-camel-s-world-cup-prediction-of-the-day-1.1345963
It has picked Holland. Can Holland win it? Yes, they can. They have been one of the best teams in this World Cup and I thought they do deserved to be in the final and could give the Germans a really good game for a repeat of the hurt of 40 years ago. Somehow, they could not find a way past Argentina and bowed out through the dreadful penalties which FIFA should seek to change it to sudden death where you continue to play till a goal is scored - the Golden Goal.
Can Brazil win back some severely dented pride after that dreadful German debacle? I feel sorry for Brazil, a soccer-crazy nation affected by economic hardship and political problems where hosting the World Cup only served to benefit some of the people. It will be nice for Brazil to win this to soften the blow but to do it they have to rise to the occasion and forget what happened in their previous match. Something that is not easy and without Neymar, who else could lead their front-line with gusto?
It should be a close game and if Holland fields their first team members at full strength, I expect them to win 2-1. There will not be extra time. Who would want to prolong the pain. Much as I wanted Brazil to win, I just could not fathom it. It might as well be so as to prompt Brazil to take a hard look at their soccer and bring about fresh revamp. Bring back their soul for where has the samba gone?
Watch this space for the low down on the grand final soon.
Comments