World Cup Review

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World Cup Review

Postby sussexpob » Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:01 am

When the final whistle blew one could not help but feel for Lionel Messi; as a small player who relies on quick feet and close control, one has to assume that his last World Cup at his peak will be his last opportunity to take the top prize in World Sports. While this is itself is not an injustice, one cannot help but feel the slight unfairness that Messi, such a prodigious talent, had to suffer Maradona’s crazy tactics in 2010, and arguably the worst Argentina team in decades in 2014 from which to work his assault on the World Cup. Without anyone else and with top players dropping to fitness issue, Messi was the sole playmaker, goal score and creative force in the side at most times. Football is cruel, and deep down regardless of all those things, Messi was 3 inches away from winning it for his team had he finished his golden opportunity. This should not take away from the fact that Messi, like Maradona, had his own way of dragging a sub-par team through a tournament.

The fact that Germany won the tournament, however, does feel fair. No other team could call on the pure footballing resources that they could in their 23 man squad, and that freshness in being able to place guys like Goetze and Schurrle on the pitch when other teams were flogged to death was a main component for their victory. Yet on another day, could we have seen them fail had Neuer, who’s forceful head height knee to Higuain’s head, would have resulted in a penalty and red card, and probably could have conceded 4 very good goal scoring opportunities.

Fortune favours the brave, but also the wise. What Germany achieve moving on from last night, and indeed in the last month, has been the result of a clear and detailed reflection on the state of their game. Unlike England, who are incapable of making good decisions in the national game, Germany have quickly and remarkably shaped their national team with high level, skilled talent. Its scary to think the core of this team may not even be at their peak, and will certainly make 1 if not 2 more World Cup’s….. a victory for common sense, of investment in youth, of a widespread and superb standard of coaching, of the importance of technique. The World is being sent a message by Germany, and they need to listen quickly, and enact their own systems, or we may see utter domination of German football for a long time.

For Brazil, the realisation that they have fallen behind the chasing pack must be daunting one. The truth is that regardless of some selections problems, some way ward tactics, and their ill-discipline, this was a pretty poor Brazil team that needed helping a few times by dubious refereeing and their opponents uncertainty in making them pay. Had Chile and Colombia not been playing a side so often their destructor, we might have seen both teams knock them out. Brazil have to go back and find players who are more creative with the ball, and not only ones with physical presence. Chile and Colombia need to erase their fear factor of Brazil, and embrace the positive qualities that they have in abundance. Ecuador need to stop thinking that football is a form of karate, and Uruguay are clearly a team that is based on the strength of two or three individuals.

For Spain, the World Cup was a cruel underlining that their style is becoming found out, and that they need a fresh approach. For Italy and England, it has been an underlining of the lack of quality in their domestic players, and a need for better focus and consolidation of interests. For Holland, the pragmatic style is working, but they need to realise that more flair at critical times rather than sinking into a dirty, negative style, is the only way that can take that final step.

For CONCACAF, there will be an immense sense of pride, and the hope will be that the USA’s success can build the interest of the sport to new levels, in Mexico they have found a coach who has brought organisation out of chaos, and in Costa Rica they have shown that even the less glamorous nations from Central America are not whipping boys, even Honduras seemed to achieve their goal of 300 fouls in the group stage.

The main negative of this tournament will be the African and Asian teams showing. Nigeria managed to get out of a poor group, but were no match for France. Korea, so often a bright Asian prospect, have lost all sense of technical quality. Japan, also having their fair share of hard working players mixed with some technique, have digressed. All over the African teams, sadly we are seeing a move towards satisfying hard working stereotypes, rather than development of key ball skills, a far from encouraging sight. Algeria and Iran were negative in mind-set, but seemingly played much better when they had the guts to be positive.

Player of the Tournament – In an attacking tournament its often the popular choice for go for the top goal scorer, or as FIFA did, the world’s best player, there was no one who played for the shirt more than Javier Mascherano did for Argentina. This may come as a surprise as I previously have had a personal dislike to Mascherano, but he was a pure solider in this tournament. He took a forceful bang to the head in one match, a painful rake to the ankle in another, and apparently tore his anus saving Argentina against Holland, yet his tireless work rate made a flaky and porous defence going into the tournament, a cloak of steel in it. His tears at the end of the tournament were hard to take as no one deserved a winners medal more than he did.

Goal of the Tournament – Schurrle’s seventh against Brazil was a sublime run and finish, Gotze won the tournament with a worthy control and volley, Messi’s cut inside and swinging shot against Iran was breath-taking, and Van Persie and Tim Cahill found inventive and skilful ways with taking an aerial ball and slamming it in, but James Rodriguez’s effort vs Uruguay has to be the best for me. The control, the perfect contact with the ball, the swerve, the power, the unstoppable accuracy. We didn’t see a better goal than that in the tournament, and probably won’t see a better goal than that in all forms of top level for football for some time.

Overachievers – Algeria’s first half destruction of Korea and subsequent frightening of Germany deserves a worthy mention, Mexico’s shady pre-World Cup form transforming into a cohesive unit that came out of a tough group is another, but no one expected Costa Rica to get a single point, yet alone win their group with a game to spare. They were a penalty shootout away from being a three time finalist, defended with discipline, and counter attacked like a lightning bolt.

Underachievers – Thanks to Spain, England will be delighted to miss this award. Tiki-taka was simply too slow in the group of direct, counter attacking teams, and could not find the touch to beat the incredible pressing of Chile. The lack of a plan B has been the Achilles heel of Spanish sides when they lose, and it was apparent here also. They fell apart badly after a couple of brilliant goals, and duly exited the tournament before anyone else. Abhorrent performance.

Best emerging U-21 player – Ricardo Rodriguez (Switzerland) – Full of energy, pace, and one of the few direct and creative outlets in a team of pure defensive dearth, he won’t stay at Wolfsburg for much longer.

Manager of the tournament – Alejandro Sabella – While Van Gaal’s goalkeeper swapping may stand out, and Herrera’s wonder work in getting Mexico competitive and organised so quickly was worthy of mention, Sabella’s ability to turn Argentina’s greatest weakness into their greatest strength was a work genius, and nearly won them the tournament. Van Gaal’s negative, spoiling tactics in the semi-final lose him a possible win along with allowing a CB to take his teams first penalty, and Joachim Loew’s idiotic refusal to play one of the greatest right back in his specialist position, along with not playing Kheidra until late, lost him it.

Villain of the tournament – Luis Suarez – It’s an obvious choice….. yet 23 men and their manager from Brazil made their best to change that with their semi-final performance.

Hero of the tournament – Bastian Schweingsteiger – Idiots who know little about football wrote him off before the tournament, and told us he was finished after his serious injuries and operations… they even told us the same after his first match in the tournament. Yet Bastian is made of stern stuff, and has proved before that he is more than a match to those that write off his immense qualities. It almost seemed right that he ended the match battered, bruised and bleeding from his face from a nasty cut. Schweini is a warrior, a creative force, and goal threat rolled into one. It’s great to see for once that the often overlooked brilliance of his all round game took centre stage. Mascherano deserves an also honourable mention in this category.

Funniest moment – Thomas Mueller – Luis Suarez’s fantastic dive after biting Cheillini deserves mention, as does Sabella leaning back and making himself fall over. In another world cup, the fact that someone coupled the tallest mascot child in the World Cup with a 5ft 4in Valbuena would have won, particularly when the camera panning the team in the national anthems made it look like France were missing a player, or that he was hiding from the public behind the world’s tallest 8 year old…. Yet Thomas Mueller’s impressive pre-free kick dummy dive has to take it, especially when Howedes tried to blag it was part of the actual routine…. Nothing like a training ground move that falls flat on its face.

Best XI

Goalkeeper – Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) Manuel Neuer will receive most of the plaudits, but the truth is he had very little to do in the final rounds against France and Argentina, and I can’t get away from his recklessness that should have seen him sent off imo for his knee to Higuains head, and should have punished him against Algeria. Navas from Costa Rica kept on making saves, and Tim Howard was like a wall against Belgium, but my award goes to Ochoa from Mexico though, he produced three top close range reaction saves that saved his team, and it took a crushing finish and penalty to finally get passed him after several matches looking impregnable. They say Ajaccio fans are very disappointed he will be leaving, and no doubt a big move is on the cards.

Left back – Pablo Armero (Colombia) – Armero was solid in defence, but his real use to Colombia came with his counter attacking prowess on the break. His pace and direct running set the tone for Colombia through the tournament, and while James will take much of the glory, it was Armero who often instigated Colombia’s swift transitions of play. Power, pace, passing, crossing ability and creativity…. With skills like this, it’s a wonder Sam Allerdyce hardly played him.

Right back – Zabaleta (Argentina) – Not the usual marauding presence that we are used to seeing for Man City, but as a defence force he was as good as ever. He gave Argentina a solid foundation to build their world cup around, and let hardly anything through. Could argue that he could have done more going forward, but he had to be wary of the lack of pace to his left side. Top quality player.

Centre back – Ron Vlaar (Holland) – Someone took away the donkey that haunts Aston Villa’s defence, and replaced him with a beast. Vlaar defended powerfully, winning aerial battles and using his large frame to hustle players off the ball. He marshalled the defence and set the tone for Holland’s impressive defensive display, made even the more better when considering that Spain/Argentina and Chile could only manage one goal against them in 5 hours of football….. Man United fans might be delighted to know it was all in the watchful gaze of their new boss. Showed bravery when absent in others in taking a penalty.

Centre back – Mauricio Isla (Chile) – Defended like a brick wall against Spain, Holland and Brazil, Chile’s early exit had nothing to do with his effort in getting a pretty poor on paper defence turned into a solid and cohesive unit. It was a shame that Chile were knocked out after such an effort.

Right side attacker – Arjen Robben ( Netherlands) – Often a one man show, Robben was a constant threat when he had the ball. By the end of the tournament he was Holland’s only creative output, and his drop the shoulder style and constant menace made sure all of Holland opponents had to remain firm to the end of matches. Single handily got Holland past Mexico with his persistence when confronted with a very organised side.

Left side attacker – James Rodriguez – Often the benefit of the space created by others, James played brilliantly in dropping from his wing and making critical runs, and showed his cool and quality in finishing.

Central midfield – Bastian Schweingsteiger – see above. Honourable mentioned for Toni Kroos.

Defensive Midfield – Javier Mascherano – see above

Number 10 – Lionel Messi – When given space he made teams pay, and his sheer presence on the field made sure most teams didn’t even attempt to threaten Argentina going forward. It wasn’t vintage Messi, but playing in a midfield where he was expected to create and score goals as a number 10, and drop deeper to play as a deep line playmaker, his ability shone through at critical teams, and much has been ignored with some of his fantastic set piece play in the tournament.

Striker – Thomas Mueller – He isn’t a classic number 9, but Mueller was a constant thorn in the side of defence, and when required could drop back into areas that helped his team create chances. Took a few knocks for his team, and his bravery was rewarded time and time again.
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Re: World Cup Review

Postby shankycricket » Mon Jul 14, 2014 6:06 pm

Can't argue much with that. I'd have Hummels for Vlaar but thats about it!
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Re: World Cup Review

Postby KipperJohn » Tue Jul 15, 2014 8:31 pm

If FIFA want to be viewed as being even-handed they should review the video evidence of the final and take appropriate disciplinary action against at least one player, if not more. The Aguero challenge should have been a straight red as well.

The referee missed the Suarez incident but it was rightly dealt with.

It's double standards if they don't do the same.

I enjoyed most of what I saw at the WC but far too much play acting for my liking - it's like crying wolf and when someone gets seriously hurt.....
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Re: World Cup Review

Postby The Waugh Twins » Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:25 pm

Nice piece there Sussexpob.

Messi just had too much to do in the end. I am left wondering what might have been if Tevez were in the side. I guess he's just not pretty enough for the match photo.
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Re: World Cup Review

Postby mikesiva » Thu Jul 17, 2014 8:06 am

sussexpob wrote:
For CONCACAF, there will be an immense sense of pride, and the hope will be that the USA’s success can build the interest of the sport to new levels, in Mexico they have found a coach who has brought organisation out of chaos, and in Costa Rica they have shown that even the less glamorous nations from Central America are not whipping boys, even Honduras seemed to achieve their goal of 300 fouls in the group stage.


:lmao
A brilliant piece, SP....
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Re: World Cup Review

Postby Gingerfinch » Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:12 am

Nice one, sussex.

I'd have Neuer as GK. He not only made some good saves, but swept up well, behind at times, a slow flat defense.

In the end Messi look knackered, injured, or both, but like you say, he dragged Argentina to the semi finals, with goals, and assists.
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