2014 World Cup Thoughts
This past week saw the conclusion of the Round of 16, and the Quarter-Final matches, and once again we were treated to some magnificent football. You might recall from last week, I called Belgium vs. USA for the States, and Brazil vs. Columbia for Columbia. As it turned out, those were the only two I got wrong. I still believe the US had a talented team that could have beaten Belgium. They simply didn’t play to their strengths, and left it too late to bring on Julian Green–a kid just turned 19, who had played only 45 minutes of professional football prior to this game–who scored the only US goal of the match. Expect great things of this young man! Of course the hero of the game was Tim Howard, the US goalie, who made a startling 15 saves in just this one match. That statistic alone not only speaks of Howard’s skill as a goalie, but it also tells the tale of the game, since the Belgian goalie didn’t get nearly as much of a work-out. If the US learn the lessons from this tournament, they should do very well in 2018.
Brazil faced Columbia in their Quarter-Final match, and, again, I stand by my statement that Columbia had the talent to beat Brazil. Things just didn’t come together for them on the night, however, and Brazil beat them 2-1 to go forward to the Semi-Finals. Surely one of the most touching moments of the 2014 World Cup was the scene at the end, when a distraught James Rodriguez, star striker for the Columbian team, was being comforted and encouraged by the Brazilians. James certainly has nothing to be ashamed of, having scored a goal in every game they played. Brazil go on to face Germany, and while I think Germany are more than capable of pulling out a victory against the home side, they have the added bonus of playing against a Brazil minus star players Neymar and Silva. Silva received a second yellow card during the Columbia game which, along with a yellow from a previous match, suspends him from the Semi-Final. Neymar sustained a serious injury that, while treatable without surgery, ends his participation in the World Cup this year. Brazil think they can manage without them, but against this German team? I share the skepticism of many.
Belgium might have looked impressive against the US, but they were no match for Argentina who are in fine form this tournament. Messi is certainly their star player, but they have plenty of talent all round to make them a force to be reckoned with. I was torn between the Netherlands and Costa Rica for their Quarter-Final game. The Dutch team, when they play their best, are a treat to watch and play some great football. The Costa Ricans have come from nowhere and taken the game by storm this year, so to see them go further would be great for them, and a major upset. Both teams played well, and it’s to Costa Rica’s credit that they held the Netherlands to a goalless tie. Costa Rica can be proud that their first defeat of the tournament was at this penalty shoot-out. They’re another team to watch for 2018.
The last games of the 2014 World Cup will take place over the coming week. Here are the game times:
Tuesday, July 8 (4pm ET): Brazil v. Germany
Wednesday, July 9 (4pm ET): Netherlands v. Argentina
Saturday, July 12 (4pm ET): The losers of those games play off for third place
Sunday, July 12 (3pm ET): The final game to decide the winner.
The only team I’m not certain of for the final is Brazil. Without Neymar and Silva, I don’t know they’re good enough to beat Germany, the Netherlands, or Argentina. But these are all strong teams, and each has played well enough to win the tournament. However, for the fun of it, I’m going to predict Germany and the Netherlands in the final, with Argentina coming up third. And I think Germany will win. But I’m glad I’m not a betting person, because I wouldn’t want to put money on that prediction!
What do you think?
