Wildcard’s Word

Well, you’ll struggle to find two more contrasting semi-finals. One, an open, high scoring shocker, and the other a predictably tight, defensive show. Brazil did their best to out-passion the Germans in the build up with their operatic renditions of their anthem and the funeral service for Neymar. But once the thing kicked off it was a different story. Before the tournament I wrote that the Brazilian defence would be their strong point despite him. I was very wrong. David Luiz is a known calamity, and Dante, a player I usually like, was awful – granted he had to play both centre back positions with Luiz MIA. Their midfield is weak and can’t control a game. Basically, they just weren’t good enough to win a World Cup. We kept talking through their dodgy performances as them still finding their feet – turns out that was the team that really they are all along. How many players in this team would make the great 2002 team? Maybe Thiago Silva. Maybe. Not even Neymar could crack the legendary triumvirate of Ronaldo/Rivaldo/Ronaldinho. Still, there’s no excuse for their crumbling performance in that game.

Things that Brazil did wrong:

• Not marking at set pieces
• Standing around and watching the Germans pass
• Being too direct with desperate through balls
• Getting sucked in by the forwards runs
• Diving in and not winning the tackle
• Not getting back on defence
• Giving up after conceding a couple of goals
• Conceding a couple of goals after conceding a couple of goals

As for Holland vs Argentina, it was no surprise how that one went. A sick RVP, a pair of tight, committed defences playing at the top of their game (and completely minimising the threat of Messi and Robben), and two coaches happy to let the game go on that way. Yeah, Van Gaal didn’t sub on Krul. He didn’t have the chance. He had to risk half-fit Van Persie and De Jong, and tactics claimed his other sub. As soon as Ron Vlaar stepped up to take the first kick it was over anyway. Argentina were more confident, and that’s often the difference in a shootout. They deserved it. Though Cillessen could at least have tried to seem intimidating. 

Mystery Doc's Word

To save myself basically repeating what my dear Wildcard friend has written above, I'm going to keep it brief ...

If I hear the phrase 'German efficiency' used one more time, I seriously might loose the plot. 

Argentina vs the Netherlands? Well that's the type of game you get when both teams show up and don't wanna loose. A chess match, people like chess and when it comes to sport, I love chess so an absorbing sporting contest always goes down nicely.

The thing that could put me in to some sort of clinic is if I hear - German efficiency vs Messi. Yes, this is a fantastic opportunity for Messi to stamp his mark and make this his World Cup, but damn, Argentina are gonna need a lot more from the supporting cast if they going to beat this efficient, mechanical German side. Shit. I've had enough. 

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Hi-5s

The Entire German Team – Damn they were slick. Not a weak link in the bunch. As bad as Brazil were, and they were abysmal, Germany were ruthless and clinical. They’ll be tough to beat.

Miroslav Klose (Germany) – It was almost lost among the drama, but Klose surpassed the great Ronaldo’s World Cup record goal tally – and he did it in Brazil… and against Brazil… with Ronaldo commentating. He’s never been on the same level of superstar, still he’s one of the greatest poachers and goal-scorers not only of his generation, but ever.

Alejandro Sabella (Argentina) – People think that the Argy coach is just Lionel Messi’s puppet. Well, he did a job with Messi basically shut out of proceedings. Just look at how well organised they are, and how reinvigorated Javier Mascherano is having been moved back into midfield by Sabella.

Hugs

Luis Felipe Scolari (Brazil) – It wasn’t his fault.

Ron Vlaar (Netherlands) – A shockingly bad penalty to open the shootout, which got the Dutch off on the wrong foot and they never wrestled it back as is so often the case in penalties. If Louis Van Gal is to be believed, Vlaar only took the kick because two others bottled it when asked to go first. You still gotta do better, son. He gets a hug because he didn’t deserve this after a brilliant display over 120 minutes – shutting down no less than Lionel Messi.

Slaps

David Luiz (Brazil) – I expect if you watch the replay, you’ll see Luiz was out of position for every German goal. Sideshow Bob goes darting forward like a maniac, then doesn’t bother getting back and defending. The world’s most expensive defender? Brazil are sure counting the cost.

Brazil – But the rest of them don’t get off lightly either. Even with Neymar and Thiago, they probably still woulda got pasted. They simply seemed intimidated by the occasion. All disorganised, nothing close to a cutting edge and generally lacking direction.  

Golden Boot Watch

6 – James Rodriguez (Colombia)

5 – Thomas Müller (Germany)

4 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)

4 – Neymar (Brazil)