Pre-Match Thoughts
In which, we reach the conclusion, a repeat of both the 1986 and 1990 finals, though Germany had the "West" prefix back in those days.
The big news is that German midfielder Sami Khedira got himself crocked in the warm up and is replaced by a guy, Christoph Kramer, who has only put in 12 minutes on the pitch so far. Yikes! Khedira has been a huge part of the engine room of his team and his loss will be felt.
Argentina, again, will look to Messi to be the icon that Maradona was in 1986. The Dutch spent most of their game plan fighting his influence, to the detriment. Mascherano, the former Liverpool man, has done a lot of their donkey work and it was his last ditch tackle in the semi-final that might well have seen them reach this game.
On Friday, I was backing a 2-0 win to the Germans, though with the last minute tactical switch, the South Americans may fancy their chances more. Got to stick with my original thoughts, though!
Drink?
Despite work tomorrow, it's the World Cup final, so fuck it. Only comes every four years.
First Half
Despite the lack of goals, there's been plenty to watch. Germany have perhaps have the bigger share of possession, but it's their opponents who have had the best chances. Messi has been mainly quiet, but been able to waltz through a couple of times.
The usual reliable Toni Kroos made a disaster of a header that put Higuain clean through, though the Argentine somehow managed to spanner it wide. To compound his misery, he then had a goal (correctly) disallowed.
It perhaps should have been one up to the Germans, seconds before half time, Howedes should have put away a ball from a corner, but managed to conspire to head it at a weird angle, hitting the post.
Sadly, poor Kramer got sparked out in a bad accident early on, ruining his big night. The poor guy looked totally lost, as if he had done 12 rounds in a boxing ring, forcing more unwanted changes for the Germans.
More of the same from both will see goals.
Second Half
The game has reduced, somewhat, to a slugging match with two teams tiring quickly. Neither goalkeeper has been tested to any real level. Germany perhaps just looked the most dangerous, though Messi squandered a good chance early in the half.
Into extra time, then.
Extra Time
Go Germany, then. Extra time looked for a long time like it would go the distance, to penalties.
In the end, it took a moment of top class not from Messi, not from any of the big name players hyped before the World Cup started, but a 22-year-old who only got on the pitch as a sub. Mario Gotze goes down in history as scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final, and a superb goal it was too. Gotze has shown plenty of promise in his career so far and a moment like this could see him rise to the top.
Germany are the World Champions in 2014. Looking back, perhaps they deserve it. No other team was as well organised and worked as a team as well as them, the Algeria game aside. Their 7-1 drubbing of Brazil will long stand in memory and the relative youth of their squad will make them favourites for the 2016 European Championships.
And the Bad News Is...
No more football worth mentioning till August 16th. Fuck.
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Saturday, 12 July 2014
Day 31 - Netherlands v Brazil
Pre-Match Thoughts
To which, the most pointless game of the whole affair. Neither teams wants to be here, both would prefer to be chilling out, reflecting on getting so near to the final. Or, in Brazil's case, trying to forget abject humiliation.
Some panic-mongers predicted mass riots after the German game, which don't seem to have happened. Perhaps the scale of defeat made it simply too absurd to be angry about - a 4-0 may have brought a different outcome. But 7-1? That's just silly.
The Spain game apart, the Dutch did well to get so far without ever being fantastic. Van Gaal picked his tactics right in the main, but I think he showed a lack of adventure against Argentina. This is his last game in charge before taking over at the Greatest Club in the World, so I'm hoping he'll want to go out with a bang. Let's say 2-1 to der Orange Boys.
Drink?
Well, I did spend most of the afternoon boozing with my main man Simon... but why not?
First Half
Perhaps my prediction was too easy on Brazil! Within a minute, the Dutch had a penalty. It wasn't a penalty, as the foul was outside the box. But then, the defender should have walked for the foul, when he only got a yellow. Robin van Persie didn't need to ask twice to slot it away - his fourth goal in a tournament in which he's rarely been at his best.
Not long after, David Luiz once again threw his odd shapes to head a simple clearence into the path of Daley Blind to finish in style. Ouch.
Since then, Brazil have made some attempts to resolve some pride, to no results.
Second Half
Slight non-event in which the best part of sod all happened until the last few minutes, when the Dutch decided to see their boss off in the style and score another. Not many happy campers in the stadium there.
Result
3-0 to Netherlands, who are the third best team in the world, presumably.
In Honour of Tommy....
Hey! Ho! Let's go! Hey! Ho! Let's go!
To which, the most pointless game of the whole affair. Neither teams wants to be here, both would prefer to be chilling out, reflecting on getting so near to the final. Or, in Brazil's case, trying to forget abject humiliation.
Some panic-mongers predicted mass riots after the German game, which don't seem to have happened. Perhaps the scale of defeat made it simply too absurd to be angry about - a 4-0 may have brought a different outcome. But 7-1? That's just silly.
The Spain game apart, the Dutch did well to get so far without ever being fantastic. Van Gaal picked his tactics right in the main, but I think he showed a lack of adventure against Argentina. This is his last game in charge before taking over at the Greatest Club in the World, so I'm hoping he'll want to go out with a bang. Let's say 2-1 to der Orange Boys.
Drink?
Well, I did spend most of the afternoon boozing with my main man Simon... but why not?
First Half
Perhaps my prediction was too easy on Brazil! Within a minute, the Dutch had a penalty. It wasn't a penalty, as the foul was outside the box. But then, the defender should have walked for the foul, when he only got a yellow. Robin van Persie didn't need to ask twice to slot it away - his fourth goal in a tournament in which he's rarely been at his best.
Not long after, David Luiz once again threw his odd shapes to head a simple clearence into the path of Daley Blind to finish in style. Ouch.
Since then, Brazil have made some attempts to resolve some pride, to no results.
Second Half
Slight non-event in which the best part of sod all happened until the last few minutes, when the Dutch decided to see their boss off in the style and score another. Not many happy campers in the stadium there.
Result
3-0 to Netherlands, who are the third best team in the world, presumably.
In Honour of Tommy....
Hey! Ho! Let's go! Hey! Ho! Let's go!
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Day 28 - Argentina v Netherlands
Pre-Match Thoughts
There's a slight bit of "how do you follow that?" with this game in regards to last night. Germany have set down a marker that they are capable of destroying any team that shows weakness. Neither of their potential opponents have shown much of that, but they haven't shown too much in the way of power too much, the Dutch's first game excepted.
For our friends from the Netherlands, there remains the constant title of "The Best Nation to Never Win the World Cup"... even England have won it! Finalists in '74, '78 and 2010 and now into the last four despite it not being a classic Dutch team. Louis van Gaal appears to be playing a careful tactical approach where he adapts to every situation rather than playing one single system.
As said before, Argentina are designed around Messi. If van Gaal can work out how to put the mockers on him, half the battle is won. I'm putting confidence in the future Manchester United manager and saying 2-1 to the Orange boys.
Drink
No work tomorrow, so hit me.
First Half
About an uneventful first half as you could wish for. Neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested, though the Dutch have had more to deal with. None of their attacking threats - van Persie, Snijder or Robben - has managed to make any impact. Argentina have looked *slightly* more threatening, but that's not saying much. Time for the teams to lively up themselves, or this is heading the distance.
Second Half
Pretty much as I feared, on some levels. There were two chances, one to either side. Argentina hit the side netting, then in dying moments, Robben had a chance, but left it too late to shoot. Therefore, extra time awaits, somewhat predictably.
Extra Time
It seemed through most of this that penalties were an inevitability. Which they turned out to be and this time, the Dutch's luck ran out. They missed two, Argentina scored all of theirs.
Result
Argentina win on pens, to play Germany in the final. The Netherlands will play Brazil in a totally pointless play-off for 3rd/4th place.
Sitcom of the Day
"Citizen Smith", as I'm on strike tomorrow. Power to the People!
There's a slight bit of "how do you follow that?" with this game in regards to last night. Germany have set down a marker that they are capable of destroying any team that shows weakness. Neither of their potential opponents have shown much of that, but they haven't shown too much in the way of power too much, the Dutch's first game excepted.
For our friends from the Netherlands, there remains the constant title of "The Best Nation to Never Win the World Cup"... even England have won it! Finalists in '74, '78 and 2010 and now into the last four despite it not being a classic Dutch team. Louis van Gaal appears to be playing a careful tactical approach where he adapts to every situation rather than playing one single system.
As said before, Argentina are designed around Messi. If van Gaal can work out how to put the mockers on him, half the battle is won. I'm putting confidence in the future Manchester United manager and saying 2-1 to the Orange boys.
Drink
No work tomorrow, so hit me.
First Half
About an uneventful first half as you could wish for. Neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested, though the Dutch have had more to deal with. None of their attacking threats - van Persie, Snijder or Robben - has managed to make any impact. Argentina have looked *slightly* more threatening, but that's not saying much. Time for the teams to lively up themselves, or this is heading the distance.
Second Half
Pretty much as I feared, on some levels. There were two chances, one to either side. Argentina hit the side netting, then in dying moments, Robben had a chance, but left it too late to shoot. Therefore, extra time awaits, somewhat predictably.
Extra Time
It seemed through most of this that penalties were an inevitability. Which they turned out to be and this time, the Dutch's luck ran out. They missed two, Argentina scored all of theirs.
Result
Argentina win on pens, to play Germany in the final. The Netherlands will play Brazil in a totally pointless play-off for 3rd/4th place.
Sitcom of the Day
"Citizen Smith", as I'm on strike tomorrow. Power to the People!
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Day 27 - Brazil v Germany
Pre-Match Thoughts
The World Cup seems to be in danger of fizzling out after little in the way of excitement in the quarter-finals, the Dutch sneaking through on pens excepted.
Brazil have been hit with Neymar cracking his back, though his impact against Colombia was minimal in any case. For them, it's an issue of whether they can handle the pressure having had to scrape past in their last two games, with only one clean sheet out of five. There's plenty of potential for goals against this team.
Whether Germany can manage it depends on their midfield. Once again, they've stuck Klose up top, despite him being well off the pace against the French. He may, perhaps, have more luck against a less well organised back line.
Prediction: 1-1 after 120 minutes, Germany to win on penalties.
First Half
Well... erm... not sure what you can say about that 45 minutes.
The Germans set themselves up perfectly and all the concerns about the Brazil team expressed thus far have finally come to fruition. They were hopeless and Germany took full advantage - most notably when Klose was able to find the time and space to become the top scorer in World Cup Finals history.
But five??! Did anyone predict that, anywhere? They've managed to make everything click that didn't quite against Algeria and France, pressing hard, playing a brilliant short passing game and showing total ruthlessness.
Worth noting Brazil's David Luiz should have been sent off for one of two elbows he threw out.
Second Half
Naturally, nothing could live quite up to that. Yet there were chances galore, with Neur in the German goal having to make some good saves. The slight kamikaze approach from Brazil allowed the ruthless Germans to grab another two goals.
It could have been more, but for Ozil's hopeless finishing. From that, Brazil went up the other end to score the most pointless goal all summer.
The fallout from this game could be felt for while to come. Brazil have seemed on the verge of a bad defeat, but nothing on this level. It'll be interesting to see where they go from here.
Memory of Another 7-1
Back in the Spring of 2007, I had a camera shoved down my gob at hospital, which required sedation. A friend, let's call them "Ricky", got me home and after buying me a sausage roll before leaving me to my drug-addled state. That night, Manchester United played a very good Roma side and won 7-1, leading me to ring my dad to check I wasn't tripping out or something.
The World Cup seems to be in danger of fizzling out after little in the way of excitement in the quarter-finals, the Dutch sneaking through on pens excepted.
Brazil have been hit with Neymar cracking his back, though his impact against Colombia was minimal in any case. For them, it's an issue of whether they can handle the pressure having had to scrape past in their last two games, with only one clean sheet out of five. There's plenty of potential for goals against this team.
Whether Germany can manage it depends on their midfield. Once again, they've stuck Klose up top, despite him being well off the pace against the French. He may, perhaps, have more luck against a less well organised back line.
Prediction: 1-1 after 120 minutes, Germany to win on penalties.
First Half
Well... erm... not sure what you can say about that 45 minutes.
The Germans set themselves up perfectly and all the concerns about the Brazil team expressed thus far have finally come to fruition. They were hopeless and Germany took full advantage - most notably when Klose was able to find the time and space to become the top scorer in World Cup Finals history.
But five??! Did anyone predict that, anywhere? They've managed to make everything click that didn't quite against Algeria and France, pressing hard, playing a brilliant short passing game and showing total ruthlessness.
Worth noting Brazil's David Luiz should have been sent off for one of two elbows he threw out.
Second Half
Naturally, nothing could live quite up to that. Yet there were chances galore, with Neur in the German goal having to make some good saves. The slight kamikaze approach from Brazil allowed the ruthless Germans to grab another two goals.
It could have been more, but for Ozil's hopeless finishing. From that, Brazil went up the other end to score the most pointless goal all summer.
The fallout from this game could be felt for while to come. Brazil have seemed on the verge of a bad defeat, but nothing on this level. It'll be interesting to see where they go from here.
Memory of Another 7-1
Back in the Spring of 2007, I had a camera shoved down my gob at hospital, which required sedation. A friend, let's call them "Ricky", got me home and after buying me a sausage roll before leaving me to my drug-addled state. That night, Manchester United played a very good Roma side and won 7-1, leading me to ring my dad to check I wasn't tripping out or something.
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Day 24 - Netherlands v Costa Rica
Pre Match Thoughts
A real "David v Goliath" match up, to dip into the realms of cliché once again. Netherlands are three time finalists against Costa Rica, who are in the quarter-finals for the first time.
The Americans may well regret having not finished the job against Greece in better style, needing to go to extra time and penalties. Especially when they are up against a fancied Dutch team, with Robben on fire and the likes of van Persie hunting for goals.
Costa Rica have been the hero team so far in this tournament and I have tons of admiration for them. They may be long-shots, but in a one-off game there is always a chance. Navos in goal has been in top form throughout and Bryan Ruiz is capable of scoring, but by playing five at the back, it suggests they're looking to contain and perhaps even last out till penalties.
Though I'm going for 2-0 to the Dutch, feeling confident after getting the last game on the money.
Drink?
Keep 'em coming, boyo.
First Half
Turned out to be my worst fears, with Costa Rica playing the safe game. To their credit, their back line has held up very well and the goalie has dealt with any issues comfortably. There's not been much to write about in terms of action... the Dutch may well be biding their time and hoping the other side tires out first.
Second Half
The Dutch have taken the term "making it hard for themselves" to new levels. It's been nearly all them throughout the second half but they've not managed to get the ball in the net. A free kick hits the post, van Persie misses a sitter and then sees a shot cleared off the line.
With Argentina waiting, the last thing these teams want is an extra 30 minutes to toil through. But that is what they've got.
Extra Time
The first half was pretty dead, except for a moment where Costa Rica should have had a penalty, a decision the ref seemed to totally bottle. The rest of the game was fairly equal, though the Dutch came closest when Wesley Sneijder, whose free kick hit the post, hit the bar.
Therefore, the game went to pens, with van Gaal making the decision to bring on Newcastle's Tim Krul on as goalkeeper to face the shoot-out.
And what a decision it turned out to be - the Dutch lads converted their penalties nervelessly, and Krul saved two out of four. The Dutch made far too much hard work out of this game and the extra shift put in may prove to be fatal. Big improvement needed if they are to make the final...
Result
0-0, Dutch win 4-2 on pens. They'll play Argentina.
Crap Relevant Joke
Q - What's the difference between Amsterdam and scoring in American football?
A - One is a touchdown, the other is a Dutch town
A real "David v Goliath" match up, to dip into the realms of cliché once again. Netherlands are three time finalists against Costa Rica, who are in the quarter-finals for the first time.
The Americans may well regret having not finished the job against Greece in better style, needing to go to extra time and penalties. Especially when they are up against a fancied Dutch team, with Robben on fire and the likes of van Persie hunting for goals.
Costa Rica have been the hero team so far in this tournament and I have tons of admiration for them. They may be long-shots, but in a one-off game there is always a chance. Navos in goal has been in top form throughout and Bryan Ruiz is capable of scoring, but by playing five at the back, it suggests they're looking to contain and perhaps even last out till penalties.
Though I'm going for 2-0 to the Dutch, feeling confident after getting the last game on the money.
Drink?
Keep 'em coming, boyo.
First Half
Turned out to be my worst fears, with Costa Rica playing the safe game. To their credit, their back line has held up very well and the goalie has dealt with any issues comfortably. There's not been much to write about in terms of action... the Dutch may well be biding their time and hoping the other side tires out first.
Second Half
The Dutch have taken the term "making it hard for themselves" to new levels. It's been nearly all them throughout the second half but they've not managed to get the ball in the net. A free kick hits the post, van Persie misses a sitter and then sees a shot cleared off the line.
With Argentina waiting, the last thing these teams want is an extra 30 minutes to toil through. But that is what they've got.
Extra Time
The first half was pretty dead, except for a moment where Costa Rica should have had a penalty, a decision the ref seemed to totally bottle. The rest of the game was fairly equal, though the Dutch came closest when Wesley Sneijder, whose free kick hit the post, hit the bar.
Therefore, the game went to pens, with van Gaal making the decision to bring on Newcastle's Tim Krul on as goalkeeper to face the shoot-out.
And what a decision it turned out to be - the Dutch lads converted their penalties nervelessly, and Krul saved two out of four. The Dutch made far too much hard work out of this game and the extra shift put in may prove to be fatal. Big improvement needed if they are to make the final...
Result
0-0, Dutch win 4-2 on pens. They'll play Argentina.
Crap Relevant Joke
Q - What's the difference between Amsterdam and scoring in American football?
A - One is a touchdown, the other is a Dutch town
Day 24 - Belgium v Argentina
Post Match Thoughts
I'm hoping for a better day of football, though this game doesn't offer much encouragement. I've not seen much from either team to suggest they've played as well as they could. For all the talk of this being the best generation Belgium has ever produced, they've been little more than functional for 99% of this World Cup so far, needed Roman Lukaku to wake up and do a job to get past the USA.
In the same way, Argentina have (more obviously) relied on the magic of Messi to put them into contention. Throw in the news that Brazil have lost Neymar with a broken vertebrate and there will be a feeling amongst everyone else that their odds just got better.
Somewhat surprisingly, Fellani stays in the team despite a poor showing in the last game while Lukaku stays on the bench, though Kevin Mirallas starts. ITV TV have tried stirring a little by suggesting the real power in the dressing room lies with captain Vincent Kompany rather than coach Marc Wilmots, which seems hard to believe.
1-0 win to Argentina seems a fairly likely outcome here.
Drink?
It's Saturday, it's warm. Of course I want a beer!
First Half
As I expected, not the most thrilling of games, with I think only one shot on target. Sadly for Belgium, Higuain pulled off a perfect finish for his first goal of the tournament. Since then, both goalkeepers may as well have brought a book, such is their lack of work. The pace of the game has been essentially as quick as me, though if anybody else is going to score, it'll be the South Americans.
Second Half
Argentina perhaps knew this result was solid, as they rarely pushed too hard and Belgium never offered much in the way of any threats. Indeed, the best chance of the half came right at the end when Messi was clean through, only to squander an opportunity.
Belgium may look back on this World Cup as a wasted opportunity. Eden Hazard especially was poor and it was their lack of attacking threat that means they're not in the final four.
Result
Argentina win 1-0 and will face Germany.
Beer O'Clock
Why does anyone drink the American Budweiser (which is total piss) when the original is infinitely times better?
I'm hoping for a better day of football, though this game doesn't offer much encouragement. I've not seen much from either team to suggest they've played as well as they could. For all the talk of this being the best generation Belgium has ever produced, they've been little more than functional for 99% of this World Cup so far, needed Roman Lukaku to wake up and do a job to get past the USA.
In the same way, Argentina have (more obviously) relied on the magic of Messi to put them into contention. Throw in the news that Brazil have lost Neymar with a broken vertebrate and there will be a feeling amongst everyone else that their odds just got better.
Somewhat surprisingly, Fellani stays in the team despite a poor showing in the last game while Lukaku stays on the bench, though Kevin Mirallas starts. ITV TV have tried stirring a little by suggesting the real power in the dressing room lies with captain Vincent Kompany rather than coach Marc Wilmots, which seems hard to believe.
1-0 win to Argentina seems a fairly likely outcome here.
Drink?
It's Saturday, it's warm. Of course I want a beer!
First Half
As I expected, not the most thrilling of games, with I think only one shot on target. Sadly for Belgium, Higuain pulled off a perfect finish for his first goal of the tournament. Since then, both goalkeepers may as well have brought a book, such is their lack of work. The pace of the game has been essentially as quick as me, though if anybody else is going to score, it'll be the South Americans.
Second Half
Argentina perhaps knew this result was solid, as they rarely pushed too hard and Belgium never offered much in the way of any threats. Indeed, the best chance of the half came right at the end when Messi was clean through, only to squander an opportunity.
Belgium may look back on this World Cup as a wasted opportunity. Eden Hazard especially was poor and it was their lack of attacking threat that means they're not in the final four.
Result
Argentina win 1-0 and will face Germany.
Beer O'Clock
Why does anyone drink the American Budweiser (which is total piss) when the original is infinitely times better?
Friday, 4 July 2014
Day 23 - Brazil v Colombia
Pre-Match Thoughts
Once again the host nation steps up, having counted themselves lucky to swerve a shock defeat to Chile. In open play, they've won half their games, while Colombia have been victorious in all four, though tonight is a bigger fish than what they've been hooking so far.
Naturally, the attention will fall on both Neymar and James Rodriquez, who have been stand out players so far in essentially functional teams. Of course, the occasion may end up in a footballing bonanza as both go all out for victory to prevent extra time and the additional leg work/exhaustion that brings with it. Or it could end up another slightly tedious affair like today's earlier game. It'd be a shame if a World Cup that's so far been very entertaining in the main would drizzle out in the later rounds.
I think this one could go all the way, with 1-1 the score at 120 minutes. I need to pick up my prediction skills after backing France last time!
Drink?
Budvar!
First Half
The early goal may prove decisive, with the Brazilian captain bundling the ball home from a corner. It seems to have release a bit of a pressure valve in the team, who have been the best side here. Colombia look nervous and uncertain, especially when on the attack.
Colombia are going to have the chill the fuck out if they are to stand any chance of scoring here. Both star men have yet to make any kind of mark on the game, so the Colombians have to make sure to get their man rolling while keeping Neymar quiet.
Second Half
It all seemed to be the same story as the first when David Luiz slammed in an unstoppable free kick. Most of the time, they end up in the back of the stand, but law of averages states they have to go in eventually. Colombia seemed undisciplined, never testing the Brazil keeper... until a ball was put through and a penalty was won. Rodriquez kept his nerve to put it away - scoring in his fifth game in a row.
Yet even after the goal, Colombia continued to give away stupid fouls which hampered their odds for getting the equaliser, though one of them did manage to result in Neymar being carted off.
But it was their lack of discipline that led to them being unable to muster any real pressure, which is disappointing given their previous performances. For some reason, I've taken a dislike to their Brazilian side, perhaps due to the whole media nonsense about this being their "fate" to win the World Cup.
Result
2-1 to Brazil, who will play Germany in the semi-final.
Minor Triumph of the Day
I won a pound on a quiz machine in a pub.
Once again the host nation steps up, having counted themselves lucky to swerve a shock defeat to Chile. In open play, they've won half their games, while Colombia have been victorious in all four, though tonight is a bigger fish than what they've been hooking so far.
Naturally, the attention will fall on both Neymar and James Rodriquez, who have been stand out players so far in essentially functional teams. Of course, the occasion may end up in a footballing bonanza as both go all out for victory to prevent extra time and the additional leg work/exhaustion that brings with it. Or it could end up another slightly tedious affair like today's earlier game. It'd be a shame if a World Cup that's so far been very entertaining in the main would drizzle out in the later rounds.
I think this one could go all the way, with 1-1 the score at 120 minutes. I need to pick up my prediction skills after backing France last time!
Drink?
Budvar!
First Half
The early goal may prove decisive, with the Brazilian captain bundling the ball home from a corner. It seems to have release a bit of a pressure valve in the team, who have been the best side here. Colombia look nervous and uncertain, especially when on the attack.
Colombia are going to have the chill the fuck out if they are to stand any chance of scoring here. Both star men have yet to make any kind of mark on the game, so the Colombians have to make sure to get their man rolling while keeping Neymar quiet.
Second Half
It all seemed to be the same story as the first when David Luiz slammed in an unstoppable free kick. Most of the time, they end up in the back of the stand, but law of averages states they have to go in eventually. Colombia seemed undisciplined, never testing the Brazil keeper... until a ball was put through and a penalty was won. Rodriquez kept his nerve to put it away - scoring in his fifth game in a row.
Yet even after the goal, Colombia continued to give away stupid fouls which hampered their odds for getting the equaliser, though one of them did manage to result in Neymar being carted off.
But it was their lack of discipline that led to them being unable to muster any real pressure, which is disappointing given their previous performances. For some reason, I've taken a dislike to their Brazilian side, perhaps due to the whole media nonsense about this being their "fate" to win the World Cup.
Result
2-1 to Brazil, who will play Germany in the semi-final.
Minor Triumph of the Day
I won a pound on a quiz machine in a pub.
Day 23 - France v Germany
Pre-Match Thoughts
Into the Quarter-Finals then: eight teams left, with a fair few (six, I reckon) who have a decent shout at being the champions. Two of them in this game.
France have maintained a steady approach up to this point, with only two goals conceded so far - and those came after they were 5-0 against the Swiss. Paul Pogba in midfield has impressed with Karim Benzema up top will be hunting for more goals to push his claim for the Golden Boot.
The German struggled for large parts of their last game against Algeria and have made some tactical changes. Miroslav Klose, 34 years old, makes his first start of the tournament - the first time his team have played with an out-and-out striker so far. One more goal for Klose will make him the all-time top scorer in World Cup history. Not many bigger motivations than that!
On balance, I think the French look the stronger outfit and I'm having them down to win 2-1.
First Half
The Germans have livened up themselves since the Algeria game, as they put on all the early pressure and it paid off when Hummels headed home a well-taken free kick for his second goal in this World Cup. Their failure to take further advantage may come down to Klose being well off the pace - it'll be a surprise to see him last much past the hour mark.
The French are far from out of this game, but they need to move faster if they're going to survive.
Second Half
The term "damp squib" springs to mind regarding the rest of the game. France rarely seem too urgent with their play and their lack of aggression made any attacks they had easy to pick off. As it was, the Germans missed the best chances to increase the scoring, though they were squandered. I only hope the rest of the games in this round are better!
Result
1-0 to Germany
Summertime?
Not in Northern England. Constant rain all day from Southport to Manchester tells it's own story.
Into the Quarter-Finals then: eight teams left, with a fair few (six, I reckon) who have a decent shout at being the champions. Two of them in this game.
France have maintained a steady approach up to this point, with only two goals conceded so far - and those came after they were 5-0 against the Swiss. Paul Pogba in midfield has impressed with Karim Benzema up top will be hunting for more goals to push his claim for the Golden Boot.
The German struggled for large parts of their last game against Algeria and have made some tactical changes. Miroslav Klose, 34 years old, makes his first start of the tournament - the first time his team have played with an out-and-out striker so far. One more goal for Klose will make him the all-time top scorer in World Cup history. Not many bigger motivations than that!
On balance, I think the French look the stronger outfit and I'm having them down to win 2-1.
First Half
The Germans have livened up themselves since the Algeria game, as they put on all the early pressure and it paid off when Hummels headed home a well-taken free kick for his second goal in this World Cup. Their failure to take further advantage may come down to Klose being well off the pace - it'll be a surprise to see him last much past the hour mark.
The French are far from out of this game, but they need to move faster if they're going to survive.
Second Half
The term "damp squib" springs to mind regarding the rest of the game. France rarely seem too urgent with their play and their lack of aggression made any attacks they had easy to pick off. As it was, the Germans missed the best chances to increase the scoring, though they were squandered. I only hope the rest of the games in this round are better!
Result
1-0 to Germany
Summertime?
Not in Northern England. Constant rain all day from Southport to Manchester tells it's own story.
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Day 20 - USA v Belgium
Pre-Match Thoughts
It seems the Americans have got a bit excited about this World Cup, with the pre-match guff I'm watching featuring the likes of Barry Obama and Hulk Hogan (who seems to think they're playing Germany?) offering words of encouragement. They seem very confident, in any case.
And against Belgium, they certainly have a chance. Tim Howard is a solid goalkeeper, Michael Bradley holds the midfield well enough and Clint Dempsey is always capable of scoring. Their main strength comes from having Jurgen Klinnsman as coach - he's brought a German efficiency (ah, sweet cliché) to their game.
Belgium won all three of their games, despite never looking impressive, and they'll look to Eden Hazard to be their playmaker with Fellani being the plan B (ie hoof it long). I'm going for a 1-1 draw here, with the winners on penalty being your guess as good as mine.
First Half
Open stuff from both teams, though the only clear cut chance came in the opening seconds, with Tim Howard having to make a decent team. Either team could get the opener here, though Belgium still look the most likely.
Second Half
A second half of wasted chances, mainly from Belgium though credit has to go to Tim Howard for keeping his nerve. The Americans haven't tested the opposite keeper much, though in the last moments it seemed for a microsecond that the US would win it. But a virtual open goal was somehow missed, sparing blushes. Doubly so, as the flag was raised incorrectly.
No goals, and extra time again!
Extra Goals
Ah, precious goals. Like last night, the deadlock was broken early in ET, with Belgium getting the opener. Roman Lukaku, who has done next to nothing all tournament until being brought off the bench today, then smashed home a fine finish to make it appear game over as we headed into the second 15 minutes.
At which point, the Shermans, like in any cheesy Hollywood flick, got a surge of energy that resulted in a goal. The Belgians panicked and nearly conceded another a minute later, Jermaine Jones going just wide. A crafty American free kick routine needed a good save.
Perhaps that used up the last of the juice. They didn't get close again, leaving Belgium to go forward.
Result
Belgium win 2-1 and will face Argentina.
Lost Hope
Of United selling Fellani after a somewhat useless showing. Wither Adnan?
It seems the Americans have got a bit excited about this World Cup, with the pre-match guff I'm watching featuring the likes of Barry Obama and Hulk Hogan (who seems to think they're playing Germany?) offering words of encouragement. They seem very confident, in any case.
And against Belgium, they certainly have a chance. Tim Howard is a solid goalkeeper, Michael Bradley holds the midfield well enough and Clint Dempsey is always capable of scoring. Their main strength comes from having Jurgen Klinnsman as coach - he's brought a German efficiency (ah, sweet cliché) to their game.
Belgium won all three of their games, despite never looking impressive, and they'll look to Eden Hazard to be their playmaker with Fellani being the plan B (ie hoof it long). I'm going for a 1-1 draw here, with the winners on penalty being your guess as good as mine.
First Half
Open stuff from both teams, though the only clear cut chance came in the opening seconds, with Tim Howard having to make a decent team. Either team could get the opener here, though Belgium still look the most likely.
Second Half
A second half of wasted chances, mainly from Belgium though credit has to go to Tim Howard for keeping his nerve. The Americans haven't tested the opposite keeper much, though in the last moments it seemed for a microsecond that the US would win it. But a virtual open goal was somehow missed, sparing blushes. Doubly so, as the flag was raised incorrectly.
No goals, and extra time again!
Extra Goals
Ah, precious goals. Like last night, the deadlock was broken early in ET, with Belgium getting the opener. Roman Lukaku, who has done next to nothing all tournament until being brought off the bench today, then smashed home a fine finish to make it appear game over as we headed into the second 15 minutes.
At which point, the Shermans, like in any cheesy Hollywood flick, got a surge of energy that resulted in a goal. The Belgians panicked and nearly conceded another a minute later, Jermaine Jones going just wide. A crafty American free kick routine needed a good save.
Perhaps that used up the last of the juice. They didn't get close again, leaving Belgium to go forward.
Result
Belgium win 2-1 and will face Argentina.
Lost Hope
Of United selling Fellani after a somewhat useless showing. Wither Adnan?
Day 20 - Argentina v Switzerland
Pre Match Thoughts
There's not too much in the way of insight many can offer here. Argentina aren't especially exceptional on paper and from the brief looks at this World Cup so far, appear to be a bunch of steady workhorses who labour purely under the orders of protecting and looking for Lionel Messi. Which isn't too bad a plan, really. Older English fans may recognise their coach Alex Sabella as the man Sheffield United decided to opt for over a young Diego Maradona. Doh.
The Swiss are here after two wins over Ecuador and Honduras, but a 5-2 kicking from France showed their lack of real quality. Unless one of their number boots Messi ten feet in the air early on, it's hard to see them getting much of a foothold. I'm going 3-0 to the lads from the Argentine.
First Half
Contrary to just about all expectations, the best chances so far have fell to the Swiss. The first came from a cut back that the striker should have done better with, though it brought a solid save, the second failed miserably after the Swiss man through on goal lost all nerve and tried a tame chip when a simple blast would have been the obvious option.
Wake up time for Argentina, who have been well muzzled so far.
Second Half
A second half enough to send my tired bones to sleep, with the Swiss seemingly deciding to dig in and hold on for penalties or a chance for a breakaway. Messi has shown signs, but he'll be getting frustrated with the occasional rough treatment dished out. Argentina have been pretty disappointing, though, for a team supposedly amongst the favourites. Extra time, then
Extra Time
Which was all rather dull, with knackered players seemingly unable to create much. It seemed to suit the Swiss, who looked happy taking the lottery on the shoot-out. But then, with two minutes to go, Messi was finally put into space, rode a tackle and found di Maria, who had been pretty crap all day but managed a cool finish to win the day. Yet even then, there was still time for the Swiss to mount one last assault.
Alas, like Brazil against Chile, the Argentines had a friend in the woodwork.
Result
1-0 to Argentina.
Song to Listen to Very Loud
Son of Mustang Ford by Swervedriver. Give it a go.
There's not too much in the way of insight many can offer here. Argentina aren't especially exceptional on paper and from the brief looks at this World Cup so far, appear to be a bunch of steady workhorses who labour purely under the orders of protecting and looking for Lionel Messi. Which isn't too bad a plan, really. Older English fans may recognise their coach Alex Sabella as the man Sheffield United decided to opt for over a young Diego Maradona. Doh.
The Swiss are here after two wins over Ecuador and Honduras, but a 5-2 kicking from France showed their lack of real quality. Unless one of their number boots Messi ten feet in the air early on, it's hard to see them getting much of a foothold. I'm going 3-0 to the lads from the Argentine.
First Half
Contrary to just about all expectations, the best chances so far have fell to the Swiss. The first came from a cut back that the striker should have done better with, though it brought a solid save, the second failed miserably after the Swiss man through on goal lost all nerve and tried a tame chip when a simple blast would have been the obvious option.
Wake up time for Argentina, who have been well muzzled so far.
Second Half
A second half enough to send my tired bones to sleep, with the Swiss seemingly deciding to dig in and hold on for penalties or a chance for a breakaway. Messi has shown signs, but he'll be getting frustrated with the occasional rough treatment dished out. Argentina have been pretty disappointing, though, for a team supposedly amongst the favourites. Extra time, then
Extra Time
Which was all rather dull, with knackered players seemingly unable to create much. It seemed to suit the Swiss, who looked happy taking the lottery on the shoot-out. But then, with two minutes to go, Messi was finally put into space, rode a tackle and found di Maria, who had been pretty crap all day but managed a cool finish to win the day. Yet even then, there was still time for the Swiss to mount one last assault.
Alas, like Brazil against Chile, the Argentines had a friend in the woodwork.
Result
1-0 to Argentina.
Song to Listen to Very Loud
Son of Mustang Ford by Swervedriver. Give it a go.
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