FIFA World Cup Football Week 5

 It was Germany who had the last laugh. In a tense final that went to  extra time , Germany found the winner through diminutive Gotze . Gotze showed perfect technique to chest down a cross and slam it for the winner. Till then it was Argentina which had more chances. Germans had more possession close to around 64 % .  Messi was so well marked that he hardly got free space .Germans, I think were well prepared for the entire tournament and  it was no surprise that they won this title . And I think that they will not end with this. The team is very young ( yes it has veterans as well but more of the youngsters ) and is a sure bet to retain the title in 2018 in Russia four years from now.  Do not laugh this off – See my link from the 2010 FIFA final – How true it was the Germans will be ready for this title and that  Thomas Mueller will be a star in the 2014 eidtion ?
See: http://srisweeklymagazine.blogspot.com/2010/07/fifa-some-of-my-thoughts.html. 
Gotze is just 22 and the average age is around 26.. So I bet that they will be there in Russia defending their title.

The two semifinals were  contrasting. Germany just overran Brazil in the first semifinal --- If one thought Neymar would be missed , it was not just Neymar , the entire Defence  of the Brazilian  team went missing from their duty on that day. Germany could have pumped in few more goals but just missed them in the run of play. Brazilians simply did not have a plan . David Luiz their stand in captain was the man for the occasion for the Germans. Luiz found himself most of the times out of position and whatever he did ended up with Goal scoring opportunities for the Germans. A through thrashing ( 7 -1 ) that will haunt Brazilians for a long long time to come. And it did not end with that . In the match for the third place , Dutch again put them in place with a resounding 3-0 victory. Brazil simply did not have it in them to play well and it was a cake walk for the Dutch. A  lot regrouping needs to happen with the Brazilian team if they are going to win any more trophies on the future. 

In the other semifinal , Argentina played for extra time and penalties. While the Dutch tried hard , it was clear Argentina wanted to go the extra time and to the penalties. Dutch did not have the services of Tim Krul who helped them out in the penalty shootout with Costa Rica as they ran out of their substitutions . With Argentina’s goalkeeper  making two crucial saves , it helped them in to the final.

Overall an exciting tournament – clearly South American sides like Chile , Columbia and of course Costa Rica providing surprises and progressing well beyond expectations.

For the 2018. I still believe that Germany will keep its  due and watch out for the  USA team ..They will have a good tournament as well. Spain will bounce back , few African nations will cause stir but will not get to the Podium.

Comments

Krishna Chakravarthy said…
I am dissapointed on Argentina's loss. but what i am happy is the way in which Klose's experience was used by young German team. Messi was totally blocked, probably that was the strategy!
11:25 PM
CGB said…
The preparation for 2014 WC started in the year 2000. German FA started a youth camp at Bayern. Players from that camp are Holger Badstuber, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, David Alaba Thomas Muller,Mats Hummels. If atleast 4 players from the current 11 play..def they have a chance in Euro and WC.
12:49 AM
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