Germany vs Argentina

The pinnacle game to the World Cup 2014 made its way last Sunday to millions of viewers. Both Germany and Argentina displayed superb football skills and embraced their passion for the football game as well as for the pride of their nations as they went on the field. The game intensified towards the end of first half as both sides let of steam to score goals towards the second half. During the game one could wonder that it might have just led up to penalties in end. However, in an unexpected score from Gotze it brought the end to the Argentina dreams of World Cup glory in just a matter of seconds. Lionel Messi for whatever reason did not have what it takes to clinch a victory for Argentina and throughout the game he was relatively unimpressive as almost on the sidelines. Even his last free kick could not hold any surprise hope at the last remaining minutes of the game. As Germany celebrated their victory, the Argentina team could be seen utterly distraught. However, both sides played an impressive game. Argentina throughout the game had many chances of scoring and yet they kept missing to the surprise of the Argentina fans. The celebrations in Germany will mark the well deserved performance of their national team and provide for much shared learning of their efficient game plays during the whole World Cup. It seems the World Cup came and swiftly left us. For some it was filled with surprises while for others it was the real passion for the game. One must wonder what will Brazil do now after the event. Will they attempt to resolve the real issues of their nation or continue to spend on such events while their people struggle through economic hardship on the streets. It seems as many watched the World Cup, the reality often is left bare towards the end. All things come to an end as we look back to the games, and then look to the future.

Brazil vs Netherlands

Brazil were at a loss from the start. Their hopes and dreams had already vanished from the previous game with Germany, having horribly beaten on their own turf. As the game turned a few Brazilian fans could be heard in distance cheering for the team amid the disappointment of the majority. To add further dismay, a penalty was given which put Netherlands in the lead. Further reducing Brazil to an even darker hole of gloom. Their weaknesses in defense outshined throughout the game as evidence in the goals that Netherlands further mounting at them. The more goals that were scored, the less Brazil was seen to fight back. Perhaps, they just did not have the muscle left or the reason to fight. Was third place not good enough to fight for? It seems Brazil were still in the shadows of dealing with what they lost to even find reason in their game play with Netherlands as they had nothing left to lose. Netherlands dismounted their prowess and brought on the mighty goals to further clinch their win to the end. It was a one sided game from start to finish. Not a thing left to be shocked as so many anticipated Netherlands position against Brazil. 

Netherlands vs Argentina

One very intense game with no goals scored on either end even with overtime. Both sides were relentless and working as a team. However, by the second half one could witness that the pressure and frustration was catching up with the Netherlands team as they were falling and pushing all over the place. Netherlands team does seem to have tendency of falling over very easily to grab a free kick or a penalty. Other times, they were literally pulling and tugging the Argentinian players. One could tell they were losing steam and getting desperate. However, going into penalties is a dangerous endeavor for any World Cup team, if it means going against Argentina, who have one of the best forward players. Ultimately, it was the penalties that provided a clear break for Argentina right from the first shoot out. Overall Argentina proved to be a far better team to qualify into the finals. Germany vs Argentina will be the pinnacle of World Cup 2014 in a very intense match. On one side we have the well oiled machine of Germany and on other hand we have the artful attacking plays by Argentina. Both, solid in their team spirit and working together to clinch the goals.

Germany vs Brazil

The world cup game between Germany vs Brazil was clearly very astonishing. Not so much in the way Germany beat Brazil. But, more in the manner with which so many weaknesses emerged in the Brazilian team. It appears Brazil have a very weak defense line. Most of them just appeared to stand there motionless as Germany bombarded their attack for the goal. Germany were relentless through very early on in game. And, it seemed that the first goal from Germany really shocked Brazil. The Brazil team also rely way too much on one man to bring them to a victory. However, for Germany, it is a clearly different story throughout the game. Germany have for so long played as a team. And, it was their lack of arrogance and great set of passes that clinched them the victory. Germany are very solid team where almost every player in set pieces is doing their bit. Perhaps, it was an understatement of anyone to assume Brazil had any chance without Neymar. Even with him on it would have made no difference. One man against an entire team would be unbeatable especially when it comes to the talents of Germany. It would be one amazing final when it turns out to be Germany vs Argentina.

World Cup Predictions

As quarter finals are close, we can attempt to predict on who ultimately will go into the finals. It seems likely that it will be between Brazil vs Argentina vs Germany vs Netherlands. These are the four teams that have come out as head of the table ranks in their performance to date and are most likely to win a tally of games to come. Germany and Netherlands have some serious contenders to play against before they can qualify. They also have the hurdle of either crossing France or Argentina in process. The road to the finals is nearing. However, some very close and exciting matches to be had to determine the final outcome. The below link from Bloomberg provides for a visual view of predictions and their associated merits. One can personalize their own accordingly. Argentina are a formidable team and Lionel Messi is in form. However, Brazil are relying on Neymar. Netherlands also have a couple key players. Germany has an entire team playing together like they always do. Unfortunately, the likelihood of France going past either of those teams is quite slim. 

Bloomberg World Cup Visual Data 

England vs Costa Rica

Not sure what positives one can take away from that game other than the fact that England were terrible and Costa Rica were relentless. In all fairness, it could be very well predicted that England would lose as they had a very slim chance of even scoring a goal, let alone drawing. Furthermore, it is even worse to state that by losing they were taking back a learning experience. How many learning experiences in losing do they need to finally be able to win games or at least score? England not only struggled to win games, they struggled to even score, let alone play as a team. We find the same patterns develop in every game, time and time again. Moreover, England seem to be the only team that somehow find solice in losing by clapping at themselves as if the fans were in some way pleased at their performance or just plain disgusted to having flown so many miles to watch such an awful team play at an international level. Most people have literally given up on the odds to England games because everyone knows what the outcome will be, there is no real odds to apply. One can also wonder if, they are all that serious about the games and performing when they go out representing the flag as well as their country at an international level. Also, why does the manager always have to be fired? Over the years, there have been so many managers fired for representing England at World Cup that it seems quite apparent that it surely is not the managers fault, but that of the players as well as the team dynamics. How badly did the players want to win? Did the players have a constructive strategy? Did they even have a fighting spirit? What about all that climate conditioning? Not all teams have so much excessive care for their players as countries like England. This does beggar belief that even when England players get all the support they could possibly need they still come out losers.  

England vs Uruguay

England were understood to have a sure defeat. The players are just everywhere on the field and completely disorganized. How many times did they miss and have chances at scoring goals. They rarely if ever seem to play as a team. England players are just way too arrogant. Each player wanting to score a goal on their own and that is exactly how they make mistakes. There is very little talent that could be seen on field from the sidelines when England play. Often opponent goals are scored because England are just giving the ball away from lazy game plays. One could tell as an audience most felt let down, yet again. When Rooney scored the first goal, one could tell his arrogance would kick in and he would again be everywhere looking to score on his own and still miss. One could also tell Gerrard, being the captain, was asking other team players to set him the game for a goal score. As a captain one would imagine he would be looking to play the game out as a team. Gerrard is also possibly the most useless captain to have on the England squad let alone even as part of the team. These players get paid way more than their mediocre skills. And, for what exactly, do they repeatedly get selected on the international games. Perhaps, the lack of international successes shows that the football talent in UK resides completely at the hands of foreign players. At least, that is so apparent with all the really good players in premier leagues also being foreigners. England no matter how many practice and climate training they do they still do not appear to understand that physical training is just as important as mental training. There is a very good chance that England will be out of the World Cup fairly soon. One also needs to acknowledge and concede they just do not have what it takes to win in international games no matter how highly specialized training they get, a natural flare and talent is just undoubtedly lacking in English players.

England vs Italy

A fairly predictable game. An outstanding but a slow effort by Italy. We may just see Super Mario changing his mohawk hair color at each game if we are lucky. This sort of a meandering and effortless play could be expected from the hype of England. Instances of good plays by England are usually only few and far between and almost rare on most occasions. The players are often overpaid at premier level and pampered way beyond what is necessary. Even after going through scores of climate training and conditioning they still struggled to score goals or at least win the game. Even, as per the press conference, the grass pitch was also perfect to play on. No matter what any one says, effort alone is not enough. It is the winning the game that counts. After all, it is a competition and it has been long awaited for time when England bring home the World Cup. Unfortunately, haphazard and brain-dead plays by England leaves little hope and an eventual defeat. One can imagine that even USA will be able to beat England at their own game. Why is it that English suck at all the major sports that they have so historically developed and formalized over the generations. Apart from, the usual games that simply adapt to the visit to a bar or pub. It seems for much of the new generation the will to fight to the end has seemingly been lost through sympathetic and humanistic ideals. Even materialistic values have overshadowed the patriotic drive which is often necessary in international competitions. The fighting spirit and the competitive mindset is what is seriously lacking in England players. 

Spain vs Netherlands

What a sheer level of thrashing and demolition derby came in full force from the Netherlands in an immense 5-1 victory against Spain. Pretty much leaving Spain in their tracks and dumbfounded. Yes, dumbfounded is an exactness. Cheating has been the cornerstone of the game play of Spain for much of the past World Cup events. But, not anymore will they overtake the gaping pool of talent and achievement woven in the fabric of Netherlands football over the years. World Cup almost always brings a sheer amount of surprise and excitement. And, this game was no different in surprises. The quality of play on display was spectacular, possibly even better than Brazil from day before. The first couple of goals in many respects left a jolt through Spain for much of the game. While, Netherlands were relentless on the field and finished with a very fruitful result.

Brazil World Cup 2014

As preparations are under way to a start to a blazing new World Cup one can undoubtedly expect the unexpected. And, with that a series of exciting events through the nationalist passions and triumphs of what can only be uniquely reflected in a sport of football, especially at such sheer global scale. Also, an interesting aspect of the World Cup is the representative mascot and the face painting that is adorn by fans and football art on women, in particular. Often such aspects bring their own sense of identity to the games. New talented players will also emerge to glorify their country on the field. With the richness of the Brazilian culture there are bound to be a massive hoopla of a party every single night. Unfortunately, British fan expectations might just test the patience of the Brazilian security during the after hours. For most, the ultimate teams really are Argentina, Germany, and Brazil. Those are the three teams that truly make the World Cup so unique and for whom the domination is so clearly displayed in the spectrum of their successes and within their consistency of game plays. And, one can yet only hope for the best for the England national team. Unfortunately, many pundits are well aware that the betting odds are usually stacked against them.  And, as many await in anticipation, it is only in time when the pubs and bars globally will be set alight with football fans willing and eager to watch the games on the big screen and over many a cold pint of beer. No sports game has yet conquered the world as football has and the way it can grab so much solidarity, fervor, and move people to the depths of their core.

Brazilian World Cup Mascot 
Brazil World Cup 2014 Stadium