Fergie's World Cup Chewing Gum #7
James Rodriguez of Colombia (FIFA World Cup)
Wildcard's Word
Holy Haahmes, Batman! Once the world starts pronouncing your name in the dramatic Spanish way, you can usually say you’ve made it. James Rodriguez is the breakout star of this World Cup, bar none. I was sold completely on the kid when he scored that silky goal against Japan, but then he topped that with the goal of the tournament.
It’s gonna be the main talking point for Uruguay, probably, but I think that the Luis Suarez factor is overrated. Let’s be honest, his two goals against England were both from defensive errors, and he didn’t have a good game against Italy. And don’t forget he’s playing hurt. They did have more direction with him in the team at least, as he was able to stretch their play by making those darting runs in behind the defensive lines. Still, it seems like it was a mental thing of belief more than anything and Suarez or no Suarez, Colombia woulda shredded them either way.
Just quickly, Arjen Robben dived, sure, but it was still a penalty. Marquez doesn’t get a free pass for a lazy lunge because Robben threw his hands in the air and bellowed. Louis Van Gaal keeps making risky decisions that pay off for him. Dirk Kuyt was surprisingly great playing in about three different positions and the Dutch deserved to win. Mexico were valiant, but though they dominated the first half, it felt like the Dutch were holding back their energies for when things got necessary. They clearly struggled in the heat, but after Giovanni Dos Santos’ lovely opening goal, it was all Oranje.
We saw the yin and yang of penalty shoot outs over the first two days of knockouts. Brazil vs Chile saw some really poor spot kicks, with players clearly intimidated by the pressure and the occasion – with the exception of this effort from Charles Aranguez.
Almost every kick was saveable, too close to the middle of the goal, or just too soft. But the thing about penalties is if the keeper dives the wrong way, you’re gonna be in luck. Ironically, one of the best ones was the final kick that condemned Chile to the loss, with Gonzalo Jara’s kick hitting the inside of the post and flying back across the goal. It’s a cliché, but an inch to the left and that’s in. Those are the margins of error that you play with in this tiebreaker. Four years of hard work can crumble in a split second. It’s brutal, but that’s what it takes. Brazil were off their game yet they were the team that you felt were more likely to win it – Mauricio Pinilla's crossbar shaker aside.
Then in the Costa Rica vs Greece game, almost every penalty was well struck and well placed. Keepers were diving hopelessly while kick takers fist-pumped with relief. Whichever team takes the first penalty has a huge advantage, (at least until they miss one…). When both teams keep scoring though, the pressure piles up on the team going second, even though stakes seem even. Stepping up each time knowing that they had to score or the game would slip away… it’s too much. Compare that to taking a penalty with scores tied, knowing that you’re kicking for the lead, and not just to hang in there. Even still, it took a great save to deny the Greeks.
There’s a beautiful art to the perfect penalty, and no sure science. Ultimate glory and ultimate failure entwined in an athletic lottery. I love it.
Mystery Doc's Word
Remember when Greece won the Euro comp a few years back? Before Spain started their reign? They kinda snuck through the tournament and ended up winning the final, somewhat similar to what's happening to ... Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans defeated Greece on penalties this morning and the main difference between them and the Greek team that snuck through to the European championship is that the Costa Ricans ain't doing no sneaking. They're blowing the World Cup wide open.
They're not doing it in spectacular fashion though, they're doing just enough ... whether that just enough is them at their best, who knows. Bryan Ruiz kind of sums it all up. He failed to make much of an impact with the now relegated Fulham and ended up on loan with PSV Eindhoven. He's now leading Costa Rican and allowing this small nation to dream.
Now that this side of the draw has it's quarter finalists confirmed, I'm pretty darn excited about this Brazil vs Columbia QF. You've got James Rodriguez who has taken the World Cup by storm, leading Columbia with some fine performances ... fine enough to earn himself plenty of spotlight from the big clubs in Europe. You've also got a Brazilian team who were a little underwhelming in their victory against Chile and a slightly injured Neymar. Brazil are the type of team who can fall victim to a team with nothing to loose, a team with more enthusiasm and energy, a team like Columbia.
Best of Social Media
Hi-5s
James Rodriguez (Colombia) – The first player since the greats Ronaldo and Rivaldo to score in the first four games of a World Cup. That’s some fine company.
Costa Rica – Expected to be the whipping boys of Group D, they not only topped the group, but are now headed for the quarter finals for the first time in the nation’s history. Leading 1-0 over Greece, they were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute, and conceded a heart-breaking equaliser in injury time, only to hold on through extra time and take the game on penalties.
Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Netherlands) – He only made about 8 touches, but one was an assist and another the winner from the spot. Given he was dropped as the Schalke spot kick taker this last season, that was quite a moment.
Hugs
Chile – Losing like that, on penalties? It’ll take more than a few hugs to ease that hurt, but at least they leave the tournament with their heads held high. Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez are two of the most talked about names in the transfer columns now.
Greece – Yeah, thy lost on penalties too, but they had 64 minutes with a 1 man advantage so they got what they deserved. They get hugs for the fact that the players have all turned down their World Cup bonuses so that the financially embattled nation can build a new national sports centre for the Greek team to train and be housed. In a letter to the Greek Prime Minister, signed by all 23 players, they wrote:
“We do not want an extra bonus, or money. We only play for Greece and its people.”
Slaps
Sepp Blatter – Because there really aren’t many people worthy of slapping. Maybe Robben? Maybe Marquez? No, that’s unfair to two guys who’ve had superb tournaments. So we’ll just go back to this old well. If Sepp hasn’t done anything dumb yet, he will soon.
This Guy – Smashing your TV in celebration of Brazil beating Chile is not an appropriate way to act. Enjoy trying to stream the quarter final online, amigo. At least it was funny.
Golden Boot Watch
5 - James Rodriguez (Colombia)
4 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
4 – Thomas Muller (Germany)
4 – Neymar (Brazil)