My World Cup Review

Germany 0 : 0 Argentina

Germany 1 : 0 Argentina (aet)

The World Cup final is here. We will have a winner. Either Germany or Argentina will come away from Brazil the champions of world football for the next 4 years. 

Can Germany bring their devastating form into this match after the very public humiliation of the hosts, Brazil. Or will it be a moment of magic from the most gifted footballer of modern football, Messi?

Many expected the game to be a tight affair with both teams taking their time to settle, but it was quite the opposite. Germany kicked off and immediately went on the attack. They had brought the confidence into this game.  Their passing tidy, slick, effortless. Argentina on the ball, direct, with pace looking to surprise the German defence. So far the game is showing signs of an epic. The first chance of an opening goal fell to Higuain. A careless header back from Kross was intercepted by the Argentinian but he rushed his shot and it went wide. Germany let off the hook and Kross can breath again. Higuain did put the ball in the net but he was correctly flagged offside. Argentina became more of a threat as the half continued and Lavezzi was causing a few problems of his own. Germany were a little rattled. They weathered the storm and found their rhythm again. Messi is winning the running race against the German defence as he got through again. No end product yet but you feel it's coming. A glorious chance for the Germans as a free header from Howedes struck the post. He should have done better. 

For a 0-0 in a World Cup final this first half was a thoroughly enjoyable 45 minutes. More of the same please, but let's have a few more goals. 

The second half exploded into action with Argentina already into an early assault on the German goal and this time it was Messi breaking through. Surely he is to score? No! It went narrowly wide. Germans again with a sigh of relief. There was another nasty collision as Neuer came running out to punch the ball but clattered into Higuain, but the ref gave a foul against the striker. It was reminiscent of the horrific incident between Schumacher and Battiston in 1982. 

The game became more unsettled as there were little niggley challenges creeping into the game. More yellow cards were being brandished. A different tale to the first half. Messi again trying to weave his way through but even he was finding it difficult. As the half drew to a close the Germans were taking their turn in dominating the game. They were pressing high and looking dangerous. 

The game finished and we now have extra time again in the final. Will we get a winner or will it be decided by penalties?

Wow, what a start to the extra time. Both teams taking turns to attack. Schürrle with a good shot saved. Palacio clear through and a lob going wide. No one is backing down or sitting back. 

15 minutes to go, anyone willing to take the game by the scruff of the neck? 

We really do have blood sweat and tears. Schweinsteiger was caught in the face from a flailing arm from Aguero. Naughty. Tempers increasing. The German bench not happy. 

WE HAVE IT!! A goal!! Germany scored. The young Gotze with a cool finish. Schürrle with a run down the left, clipped in and the German controlled on the chest and dispatched the ball into the goal. 8 minutes remain. Argentina HAVE to go for it, but this will leave them light at the back. Are those 2 chances from Higuain or Messi haunt them? 

That's its, it's over GERMANY - WINNERS OF THE 2014 WORLD CUP!! 

The game was a right affair, and it was a great game to watch for the neutrals. Germany over the years have been building up for this. Their philosophy of young players being bedded into a team and given the opportunity to grow. Now they are world champions after 24 years. 

Argentina still wait for their next World Cup win, heartbreaking to watch but it wasn't their year. 

Congratulation Germany

My World Cup review

Holland 0 : 0 Argentina 

Holland play Argentina in the last semi final and to play for a place in the World Cup final. Where the winner will play Germany. 

Both teams will have seen what Germany did to Brazil so they will know that they must play well to reach the final, but that they then have to face a destructive German squad. 

The game started in a cagey fashion as both team tried to cement authority on the game, yet not give anything away with what's at stake. Both were not over committing, just happy to sit back and see how everything unfolds. A dangerous free kick for Argentina was well saved by the recalled Dutch 'keeper Cillessen. Argentina were starting to become the dominant side by 25 minutes as they had registered a few shots and corners starting to add up. Holland struggling to get a foot hold as it stands. After 30 minutes the game remained goalless (whereas the Germans were already 5-0 up from the previous game) and Holland were finding it difficult to break down Argentinas defence. They were shutting out both Robben and Van Persie and doing it well. The rhythm of the game died down and the feeling was a little subdued. It wasn't as intense as the first semi final and both teams need to step it up. 

The orange men were more attack minded at the start of the second half as they pressed higher and started to gain more possession. They still were unable to launch any direct threat at the argentine goal but the warning signs are starting to light up. A great last challenge header from Janmaat stopped a certain goal as he  jumped in front of Higuain and cleared the danger. Hollands possession continues to increase as the half progressed but yet again there was no end product. Now Argentina were starting to struggle and even Messi was not having the impact we all thought he would as he blazed a free kick well and truly over. Around 80% of the stadium thought we got the first goal as a pass was skimmed into the box on the wet ground found Higuian sliding in and his shot hit the side netting. So close! This did give the game a lift, but not by much. No one threatened again up until the final 5 minutes. Holland this time had a glorious chance as Robben found his way through on goal but another last ditch tackle from Mascherano prevented the striker getting a clean shot on target. Full time was called, now we head into extra time. 

It was Holland that continued with the dominance as the extra time started. Fatigue has set in and the players are now struggling to inject any speed into the game. But there is something in the back of your mind which thought that both Messi and Robben could still produce a moment of magic out of nothing. 

Into the last 15 minutes of this game and it started with a thud as Zabaletta was (accidentally) knockout out momentarily from a 50/50 challenge from Kuyt as the Dutchmans shoulder made contact with Zabalettas head. The possession traded between both teams. This is surely heading to penalties. A chance?!? Wasted. Palacio couldn't convert which looked to be a glorious chance. A last ditch effect from Holland ends with nothing. 

The defence wins in this game as it finished 0-0. It's going to be decided by penalties.

Holland - XOXO

Argentina - OOOO

Argentina win the penalty shootout. 

Germany face Argentina in the final. And if it is to be judged on the semi final performances Germany will easily win. However, luckily for Argentina they have 4 days to recover and revise. 

My World Cup Review

Brazil 1 : 7 Germany 

It's semi final time and Brazil take on Germany. This has been a match we have been looking forward to. 

Brazil are without two of their instrumental players Neymar (injured) and Silva (suspended) whereas Germany field a full strength squad. 

As expected Brazil on the front foot from the beginning and Germany happy to soak it up. When they had possession of their own, Germany also passed the ball well. They were showing Brazil that they will be up for this game. It took 10 minutes for the first goal and it's a goal that stuns the stadium to a hollow silence. Muller gets a gift from a corner as no one is picking him up on the 6 yrd box and he volleys past Cesar. Can Brazil break down a well structured Germany team? They are rattled, they give the ball away time after time and Germany continue to look dangerous on the counter. Klose becomes the all time goal scorer in World Cup history as he scored Germany's second goal. And again it was all too easy. Slick passing found Klose with a simple finish and Germany didn't stop there. It was 3 within 25 minutes, Kross finished another great passing move with a sweet strike from the edge of the box. It's 4!! As I write this I cannot keep up with what is happening. Straight from kick off Germany pounce on sloppy passing at the back, Kross has another tap in. Tears are flowing in the stadium. Brazil have crumbled in spectacular style. Have they really relied on 1 player to win the World Cup? That's not the Brazil way, they need to collect themselves and quick! It's going to be a cricket score! 5-0!! Really?! Is this happening? Khedira adds his name to the score sheet. Germany have got everything right, tactics have been spot on, Brazil are not looking good. 

The world will be in stunned silence, even the Germans. As the half concluded, Germany continued to taunt Brazil. Their passing, their tactics, everything they were doing was just adding salt into a very open Brazilian wound. Boo's ring out at half time. 200 million Brazil fans not happy. 

Scolari has one hell of a team talk. He has stuck to his squad selection every time, but this squad has let him down. 

As the teams take to the pitch for the second half, Brazil kick off and immediately go on the attack. They need to score early just to give themselves and their fans 'hope'. They look better, but Germany are now sitting back. They don't need to rush at all. Neuer for Germany keeps his clean sheet in tack with a great reaction save. That man is a brick wall. Even though Germany are more 'relaxed' they still look dangerous on the attack. A brilliant save from Cesar kept out a Muller shot which was heading for the top corner. They went through on goal but again for Cesar, the score remains the same. The inevitable happened as Germany score their sixth. Again direct and accurate passing gave Schürrle another tap in. Fred was booed off as he was substituted which was harsh as yes he has been poor, but Scolari insisted on continuing to pick him. 

It continued in the second half in the sense that Germany would not let Brazil breath or get anything from this game. They scored a wonderful 7th as Schürrle got his 2nd with a sweet strike from a cute angle into the roof of the Brazilian goal. Even the Brazilian fans had enough and they 'olè' the Germans passing. They realise this has been impressive. Ozil had a glorious opportunity to get an 8th but his shot went wide. 

Oscar scored the most pointless of World Cup goals as an uncharacteristic German error let the Chelsea man to score. The German 'keeper is furious. 

The 'Canarinho' have let themselves and their fans down. It was a shambolic performance from all players on the pitch, but it wasn't helped by a well structured German machine. 

They are in the final, and either Argentina or Holland will face them, that's if they want too. 

A great game to watch, for the neutrals. World Cup 2014, epic. 

My World Cup Review

Holland 0 : 0 Costa Rica

The last of the World Cup quarter finals. Holland against Costa Rica and the winner faces Argentina. 

Again Costa Rica are considered underdogs against a very strong Dutch squad with Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben in their line up. The opening quarter of the game was dominated by Holland, they had numerous chances and Navas made some good saves to deny the Flying Dutchmen. Costa Rica didn't sit back as they also looked dangerous on the counter attack. Robben also has a point to prove after his comments about his sportsmanship in the previous game and it looked as though he was making a conscious effort to be more 'honest'. How long it would last, we will never know. He went down off the ball and won a free kick. The Costa Ricans said he dived but he had been brought down. The free kick was well saved again by Navas. More orange pressure towards the end of the half but both teams leave the field all square. 

Holland continued in the way they finished the first half. They controlled the play but unable to get that all important goal. Costa Rica also looking dangerous on counter attacks. Everything that the Dutch did, the Costa Ricans were able to stop. They were defending like true warriors and the longer the game progressed, the Dutch looked more nervous. The closest any team got to a goal was in the 81st minute when a wonder free kick crashed against the post from Sneijder. He managed to whipped the ball in, over the wall from a difficult angle. Unlucky. Tempo finally increased to another notch as Holland wanted to finish this game in the 90 minutes. Another free kick on Robben resulted in a shot from RVP but that 'keeps Navas again was in the way. He has been incredible. A glorious chance fell to Van Persie but he missed the ball. In the last minute of added time Holland could have won it when the ball was skimmed in and the players in the middle missed, fell to RVP and his shot was defended on the line, deflected up onto the bar and cleared! Frantic. Full time and this Match somehow finishes goalless. 

Another 30 minutes to be played. A tidal wave of orange was what the Costa Rica has faced all throughout this match and the onslaught continued against their goal. How Holland are not winning is anyone's guess? Costa Rica though did have a claim for a penalty as Vlaar clumsily stumbled into Urena but nothing from the ref. 

The second half of extra time turned into an epic 15 minutes as costar looked like the team that may nick the win. Urena somehow wiggled his way into the Dutch box and a great save from Cillessen kept the game tied. Holland then went straight on the attack (again) and Sneijder struck the ball from 30 yards which smashed against the bar. Then a bizarre decision from Van Gaal as he subbed the Dutch 'keeper Cillessen with Krul in the last minute ready for penalties. I have never seen that before. 

Penalties

Netherlands - OOOO

Costa Rica  - OXOOX

Have we witnessed a great tactical mind in work? Or an ego getting a bit of luck? What every the outcome Holland progress to face Argentina. A tasty encounter. 

My World Cup Review

Argentina 1 : 0 Belgium

Quarter final number 3 as Argentina take on Belgium. Argentina are out to prove that they do not rely on one man whereas Belgium are out to stop one man; Messi. 

Both teams full of great players looking to take authority early on, took time to settle. On the 10th minute Messi got the ball in the centre of the pitch, twisted and turned and fed the ball out wide. When played in it deflected to Higuain who instinctively shot first time which caught Cortuois off guard. 1-0. The tempo slowed and Argentina were controlling the game, Messi showing his class with an exquisite pass like a hot knife through butter found Di Maria who's shot was blocked.  Belgium managed to contain Argentina but it took them until the 41st minute to threaten as a Mirallas header just went wide. A predictable end to the first half and Argentina lead. 

Argentina started the brighter of the two in the second half and a great run from Higuain gave him the opportunity to unleash a fierce shot which skimmed the top of the bar. Considering that Belgium are playing for a place in the semi final they had no urgency about their play, they looked out of ideas. This wasn't helped though as Argentina continued to command the game. The attitude of Belgium was summed up in the 75th as they won a dangerous free kick and with it a chance to cause damage. Instead Mertens went for goal and went well wide. His teams mates perplexed with his decision. As the time ran out, Belgium's attitude changed and they attacked more. They could not get through and they were very nearly punished for be too adventurous as Messi went 1 on 1 with Cortuois but he pulled off a great save and still gave his team that 1 last chance. They did get it but Lukaku's pull back was cleared and the follow up volley went sky high. 

Argentina now face either Holland or Costa Rica in the semi final and whoever they face, it's going to be a great encounter. 

My World Cup Review

Brazil 2 : 1 Columbia

The second quarter final as Brazil take on Columbia who many have capped as Brazils toughest game yet. And it is also the battle of the number 10's. Neymar against Rodriguez. 

As expected the atmosphere is deafening. Support for both teams amplified.  Will Brazil cope with the expectations?  Tempo is high from the off and Brazil are into the flow straight away and a delicate pass through the Columbian defence set the tone of the game. Everyone looks to be in the mood. An early corner for Brazil found its way through to Silva who reacted well to poke in. The hosts lead. They are passing the ball well, crisp, slick. Brazil are not allowing Columbia to take any control on the game. There were no real chances for Columbia during the first half as Brazil succeeded in making them rush their play and in doing so, restricted them in their attacks. 

The second half started and there were the odd challenge from both teams which broke the play up so the game lost it's fluidity. It took a good 10 minutes for the game to pick up. The tempo picked up again and Columbia attacked with pace. They won a free kick and as it was taken the flag went up for offside. None of the players knew and as the ball went in they were livid that it didn't count. There will be questions asked about the referee in tonight's game as when Rodriguez committed a foul (his first) he was booked, and he remonstrated that he had been targeted throughout the match and seemed as though no punishment was given. The free kick from Luiz was a thunderbolt. Struck with power, the ball dipped and swerved and there was nothing Ospina could do. Emotions are high and in Luiz's celebration you could see what it means to the hosts. The last 10 minutes were made extremely interesting as Columbia were awarded a penalty as Cesar brought down Bacca and Rodriguez very cooly dispatched. Columbia had to push on at Brazil, but they didn't help themselves as even though time was against them, they continued to give away silly free kicks. And this resulted in Brazils poster boy being taken off on a stretcher after being kneed in the back. He looked in pain.   With 5 minutes added time, Scolari was furious, it gave Columba the chance to get that equaliser. A free kick was whipped but Yepes headed sky high. Full time was called. 

The party continued for Brazil as they now face Germany in the semi final. Their fist semi final since they won their last cup world 12 years ago. Can a well structured German squad stand in the way? 

My World Cup Review

Belgium 0 : 0 USA

Belgium 2: 1 USA (aet)

The final game in the first round of knockouts aiming for the last place in the last eight if the World Cup. 

USA started slowly in the game and Belgium took 40 seconds to register the first decent attack in the game. This unsettled USA and it took time before they relaxed and steadied themselves. Belgium looked dangerous. Origi, Hazard, De Bryne all looked to drive forward at Howard's goal. And in the 25th minute Belgium had a shot cleared from the line. The tempo has been high, with both teams attacking but none found that clear cut chance. Another decent save from Howard towards the end of the half and both teams equal at half time. 

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first. Belgium were very strong on the attack and had the USA on the ropes. USA escaped the early onslaught and when they settled into the flow of the game they passed the ball well and caused a few problems of their own. We were now watching a great game of end to end football. The stats were showing that Belgium were dominating the play, with their corners, shots on and off target exceeding those of the USA. But they could not convert any chances. The man of the moment was Howard. He had made 4 great saves to keep his country in this game. When it looked as though Belgium would be breaking the goal duck he was rock solid and blocked every shot coming his way. The tempo did not drop, players were seriously fatigued, couldn't put any more effort in, but somehow they kept going. In the last minute the miss of the World Cup was witnessed (luckily for Wondolowski, he was waved ((incorrectly)) offside and the match goes to extra time. 

An immediate impact from Lukaku as he powered down the right, played the ball across goal and De Bryne cooly slotted in. This early goal still gave the Americans opportunity to get back into the game. The tactical change to bring on Lukaku paid dividends as another great break from Belgium playing in the big centre for forward who smashed home the second. 

Can the USA pull 1 back and get back into this game? Yes they can. A  lovely goal by Green made the score 2-1. Ball into the box, Jones?!? GOAL-kick. So close. Team USA was being chanted in the stands. A well worked free kick fell to Dempsey and if Courtois hadn't saved it would have been a brilliant goal. They are throwing everything (including the kitchen sink) but they did not get that important goal. 

It's finished 2-1 but we have watched an epic game that was full of ingredients that make a fascinating game of football. Tempo, heart, commitment, it had it all. USA should be very proud of their squad and their attitude. Belgium, looked great and if it wasn't for Howard they would have scored 5-6. 

My World Cup Review

Argentina 0 : 0 Switzerland

Argentina 1 : 0 Switzerland (aet)

Messi leads Argentina against Switzerland in this first round knockout. Both teams looking to progress and set up a quarter final game against either Belgium or USA. Switzerland defended well, and they had to with Messi on the opponents team! They kept him at bay not giving him any opportunity to cause any damage. Switzerland had a glorious chance to take the lead. A through ball found Drmic who had plenty of time and space but he may have seen the headlines in his head and went for a cute, delicate chip but Romero just stood there and grateful caught it easily. Will the Swiss regret that chance?

Argentina continued to dominate and  the second half was mainly one sided. Argentina had numerous chances but no one could convert. Switzerland tried to conjure up attacks of their own but as they entered the final third they seemed to lose ideas. Even though Messi has had one of his quieter games he almost produced a wonder goal with a fierce volley from out if the box. The more the game progressed the more Argentina increased their intensity. And with this added pressure the more Switzerland 'parked the bus' and stifled out any dangerous attack. Though the Argentines looked the dominant Messi looked lonely in regards to being the only player to get the goal. He really needs to rally his team if they are to progress. Switzerland are looking to try and take the game to penalties. 

90 minutes were up and it remained goalless. Extra time next up. 

After the first half of extra time the story of the game continued. Argentina were knocking at the door but unable to get in. Switzerland controlled everything that was being thrown at them. 

The players are exhausted, can they muster enough strength to be able to cope with another 15 minutes? The game looked destined for penalties. But in a quick break Messi found Di Maria the slot home with only 2 minutes remaining. Have they won it? The referee added 3 minutes for added time and the Swiss 'keeper was up joining the attack. A corner was put in and a header hit the post. Unlucky! Argentina hang on. 

An overall poor game, both teams victim of nerves. It's only going to get worse for Argentina.