Champions of the World

Today the world stands still for a football match. The biggest day in the footballing calendar. It is the day of the FIFA World Cup Finals. 

Rio De Janerio has been at its very best entertaining football fans for the best part of 1 month. Last night was something else, an atmosphere that would have the footballing world to take their hats off to this wonderful city. Rio was home to the greatest party on earth.

It had been a wet 3 days at Rio. It wasn’t rain; it was Brazilian tears falling thunderously all over Rio. The water making the Pitch at the Maracana very smooth. This would have arguably made the Germans happier of the lot. 

Die Mannschaft having to make a very late change to replace Khedira who pulled a muscle during the warm up. This gave opportunity to the 23 year old, Christoph Kramer to make his first start for Germany at the World Cup Finals in Brazil. A very intriguing choice by the German coach, Jogi Loew. 

The match started with Argentina looking like a better bet to score early in the first half. Messi was at his lethal best when he took on Hummels as early as the 10^th minute, leaving the German defender huffing and puffing. A beautiful cut back from the diminutive forward was cleared by the extremely hard working Schweinsteiger.

In the 18^th minute Christoph Kramer, who was a late replacement for Khedira, nearly had the daylight knocked out of him. A very unfortunate collision with Garay had the young Monchengladbach midfielder asking his physios what day of the week it was. You could weep for this kid; it was supposed to be the greatest day of his life, playing for his country in the World Cup Finals, but it just wasn’t meant to be. He was eventually replaced in the 29^th minute.

Germany’s most reliable player, Toni Kroos nearly hit the Self-destruct button. What should have been a routine high ball, was calamitously headed back towards his own goal. To his disbelief Higuain was there to take it and make a run towards to the goal with only Neuer to beat; to Argentina’s disbelief Higuan missed the target from less than 12 yards, let alone score the goal. It was a sitter for a player of his quality but he couldn’t produce it when it mattered most.

It was Germany who had the lion’s share of the possession, but it was Argentina who had made clear in-roads towards the German goal. Sabella had the Argentinian team immaculately drilled to play against the explosive German midfield. The men in white couldn’t find an ounce of space in what looked like a brick wall of Argentinian defence. Half an hour into the match and that took the tally to 7 hours since the Argentinians last conceded a goal from open play. A superb record considering the lightweight bench in terms of defensive players.

Lavezzi making the run down the wings and sends a perfectly weighted cross for Higuain to score and Argentina had the taken the lead at the world cup finals, but a big NO says the referee. Higuain was clearly in an offside position when the ball was sent towards him.

The Germans would have considered themselves lucky to go to the first half all square. Argentina had missed some gilt etched chances which would come back to haunt them in the latter stages of the game. Germany however ended the half the stronger team with attacks after attacks on Romero’s goal. Howedes with the best chance after he headed a Kroos corner towards goal only for the post to come to Argentina’s rescue. It was a brilliant first half, completely worthy of a World Cup final.

Sabella decides to bring on the most clinical player in attack at his disposal, Kun Aguero, in place of Lavezzi who had a decent first half. Higuain would have been the fans choice to be replaced but the manager had complete faith in him.

The second half started with a huge chance for Messi. Germany leave a large gap at the edge of the box for Messi to exploit and he doesn’t disappoint them. Driving his team forward he whips a shot at goal which harmlessly rolls wide. You could literally feel the Maracana holding its breath. 

After a period of unproductive action Germany attack with Schurrle but it all seems a bit hasty. With electric players all across the pitch the game somehow lacked that killer pace. Germany for one would have sorely been missing their injured star Reus at this point. The German defence looked to shackle one of the smaller Argentinian player in the shape of Aguero, but his big big biceps and humongous heart brought him out as the winner more times than one. 

Away from the Maracana, Christ the Redeemer looked absolutely breath-taking, standing tall in front of the beautiful Rio sunset. If this sight doesn’t take your breath away then, well I hope god helps you. 

The game had gone into monotony with just 15 minutes to play. Both teams taking precaution and playing it safe as both were aware of each other’s prowess in front of goal. 

Germany now seemed to have gone into 5^th gear as they were zipping the ball across the turf with precision of an archer. One of Germany’s most impressive players on the night, Mesut Ozil, was causing all kinds of problems for the opposition defence. A very smart move saw him thread a ball which only he could, to the onrushing Kroos who looked to pass it into the net. He would have been better off curling the ball into the top corner which he is more than capable of. 

Klose departed the international Stage for the last time to a rapturous applause from both sets of fans and was replaced by a the man who would eventually decide the Finals, Mario Gotze. The final whistle came and like previous 2 world cup finals, extra time will be needed to decide the result.

The question remained, who would become this World Cup Finals Andres Iniesta. Who would go on to become a national hero. Either Low will be the next Beckenbauer or he won’t. Either Sabella will be the next Carlos Bilardo, or he won’t. The Maracana was a picture of nerves. 

The Extra-time was an edge of the seat affair. Bastian Schweinsteiger took an elbow to the face which led to him having stiches. A battle scar for a true warrior. Both teams had good chances to score a goal. Palacio had a great chance when he was one on one with Neuer but lifted the ball over him and also over the elusive net. 

Someone had to step up to be the hero, the question was who would? With seven minutes to go Schurrle made a brilliant run down the left and sent a beautiful ball in for gotze who chests it down and stabbed it across Romero and into the net. The Justin Bieber faced assassin had given Germany a new Hero. What a moment this was for the young kid. A goal that would bring his grandchildren to tears. He would have made history by making the Germans the first nation to win a world cup on South American Soil.

 It wasn’t over however. Argentina had a chance in the injury time of extra time with a free kick on the edge of the box. If you would have asked Messi to pick up the ball and place it for a free kick that’s exactly where he would have put it. A billion people held their breaths for the master to dazzle them again. As soon as he hit, he knew, Argentina knew, the world knew that it was all over. The ball flew high over the net and we had new WORLD CHAMPIONS. Germany had defeated Argentina to lift the most elusive crown. 

The Germans won’t need a plane to go back to Germany. They will fly without wings to Hamburg and Berlin and Munich and Dortmund. They took the long road but they got there in the end. An Epic performance from the most consistent team on the International Stage. Chokers no more! 

Angela Merkel would be a proud lady today as she shook hands with the heroes, the Men who would shape this Generation of German football. The most deserving team always wins the World Cup, and so it proved. 

Is this a start of World domination? You won’t be wrong for thinking so cause on this performance they just might become the greatest team the country has produced. Its curtains to Brazil 2014. The long road to Russia 2018 will now begin, but not before we cherish this victory and dance long into the night. 

Ole Ole Ole Ole Ole, GERMANY ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!

One man's Pain is another man's Pleasure

I have never seen a sight more disheartening than the Brazilian team standing in the middle of the pitch, wondering the gravity of what has transpired over the last 4 days. The home team walking back with their heads bowed down in humiliation, rapturously being booed by the Brazilian fans assembled in the stadium today to see a dysfunctional Brazilian team. As a football fan it brings tears to my eyes. 

It was a match that would have no consequence to either of the teams. They both knew exactly what they were taking back with them: Netherlands with Respect and the pride of playing some wonderful football and Brazil, well Brazil were taking back Humiliation. 

There were talks about Brazil playing for pride and giving something back to the crowd that so passionately supported them throughout the tournament. The truth is, there was no pride left to be played for. It had washed away into thin air. This was exactly that was portrayed throughout the match. 

The first goal coming in as much as the 3^rd minute of the game. Yes it can be argued that the shirt tug was maybe outside the box, but what cannot be argued is that a goal was inevitable. One of the most frightening sights in football is when Robin Van Persie is rolling up his socks in anticipation of taking his penalty, and so it proved. One Nil to the Dutch and at this point you would wonder if this would be another romp for the Home team. 

Mr. 50 Million, David Luiz horribly misjudging a header led to the second goal scored by Daley Blind. Such shambles was the defending that it provoked the commentator to compare the Brazilian defence with a SIEVE. Could there be a bigger insult as a defender?? I don’t think so. 

At this point Brazil had conceded 13 goals, which was 2 more than the maximum they have ever conceded, way back in 1938. They are now only the 3^rd nation to concede more than 12 goals in the FIFA World Cup. Brazil were surely creating some new records this world cup, but definitely of the type the country never dreamt about. 

A very enthusiastic and hard-working Oscar was trying his level best to take his team forward and singlehandedly lift the spirit of the nation. Unfortunately for him his best efforts on the day were not good enough to outsmart the Oranje defense . He did get into some very good positions but as luck may have it, never resulted in anything of note. Maicon, who was so poor against Germany, performed admirably today by getting into some very good attacking positions. His crosses however always missed to find a Brazilian player in the box. 

Ron Vlaar, Stephan De Vrij, and Bruno Martins Indi will go down as part of one of the best defense the dutch team has ever put across in a world cup. Ron Vlaar who has been absolutely monumental this tournament showed once again why he is the first name of the team sheet for manager Louis Van Gaal. A player who idolises Jaap Stam, gave a performance that even Stam would be proud of. There was a moment in the second half when Paulinho was through on goal with just Vlaar to beat. What we saw next was a tremendous tackle from the Aston Villa defender to deny a clear goal scoring opportunity.  

With Robben full of running and RVP looking menacing, a 3^rd goal was inevitable. Arjen Robben with some very effective dribbling released substitute Janmaat down the right wing who crossed it for an easy finish for the impressive Wijnaldum. 

One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. With the final whistle the jubilant Dutch were seen celebrating with the crowd and the heartbroken Brazilian team was seen walking back to the dressing room with shame. 

Hats off to one of the most brilliant minds in world football at the moment Mr. Louis Van Gaal for leading what could be said as an average Dutch team to a commendable 3^rd place finish in the FIFA World Cup 2014. Scolari and Brazil have a lot of thinking to be done if they are to recapture any of their past glory. 

Ladies and Gentlemen brace yourselves, for now it’s time for the biggest event of them all. The finals of the FIFA World cup 2014. An event that is awaited by literally millions and millions of people around the world. Tomorrow night all eyes are going to be at the historic Maracana where we will definitely see history being made. Lionel Messi’s destiny lies just 90 minutes away from him. Will he finally be able to claim the tag as the greatest player that ever was?? Or will Muller and co. spoil the party and take away the prize back home??

 Only time will tell.

12 Yards of Glory

If the Germany vs Brazil game was a shockingly open match, this was a chokingly tight match. In a game where the light blue of The Albiceleste came out all trumps, there weren’t really any winners from the night, except of course Sergio Romero. 

                                              Photo Credits: bleacherreport.com

It is expected that teams containing the likes of Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, Lionel Messi and Higuain will light up the stage with some dazzling football. In all fairness the match failed to live up to any sort of expectations. One game which you would most likely put in the Stinker pile of 2014 World Cup. 

Both the teams looked to have taken the German romp of Brazil a bit too seriously. The match was labelled to be a cagey affair by the pundits considering the defensive solidity of both these teams. Caution and safety must have been in the team talk of the 2 managers before the start of the match.

When we speak of Argentina vs Netherlands, we speak of the legendary 90^th minute goal by Dennis ‘The Iceman’ Bergkamp at France 98 World cup. Frank De Boer booting a 50 yarder ball towards the arsenal striker who controlled it with a feather light touch and finishing it with aplomb, sending the commentator Van Gelder into an absolute frenzy. The hopes of hearing him going crazy once again were dashed by two teams not ready to take any sort of risks. 

                                                  Photo Credits: news.bbc.co.uk

The first half started and ended without giving us any sort of edge of the seat stuff. Some neat reverse flicks by the below average Higuain were the only highlights of a forgettable first half. There was a moment when arguably Argentina’s best player of the world cup so far, Javier Mascherano went down in a heap. The sight of a wobbly mascherano must have brought hearts in mouth of every argentine out there.  Fortunately for the them and my Fantasy premier league team he seemed fit enough to continue*phew*. 

If one player in the bright orange stood out, it was their towering defender Ron Vlaar. Time after time being in right positions and marshalling the defence of the Oranje highlighted his importance to the team. He prevented a clear goal scoring opportunity with a spectacular tackle on Lionel Messi. It says a lot about the team when their defender is the only one worth mentioning out of the playing 11. 

Messi was shackled, Robben was fettered and Van Persie was just disappointing. It seemed fair that the match had to be decided on the lucky draw of the penalties. A DOZEN YARDS, A MILLION DREAMS.  That’s exactly what world cup penalties are all about. 

It seemed extremely harsh that the best player of the match missed his penalty, but at the same time it seems awfully weird that a centre back taking the first penalty in a team comprising of Robben, Huntellar, Sneijder and Kuyt. Louis Van Gaal couldn’t work his tactical magic this time as he was out of substitutions. 12 yards of glory seemed too far away for the Dutch. Argentina received a new hero in the shape of their often criticised goalkeeper, Sergio Romero. The save from the Sneijder penalty in particular will make him a proud man. 

This will not go in the history books like the first Semi-final, far from it. It will however give a Messi led Argentina a chance to win the greatest prize of them all at the home of their arch levels giving them bragging rights for the foreseeable future.

 It is definitely going to be a mouth-watering clash between the world’s best player and the world’s most feared midfield. Will Messi fulfil his destiny of winning the world cup? Will Germany finally lose the tag of Chokers? Only time will tell. 

Until next time. Stay safe.

Home Turf Advantage!!!

Welcome to the Black day in the world of Football!! 

Embarrassing, Disgraceful, utter shambles are not even words enough to describe what we witnessed last night. We were watching the most successful nation in World football. The team that has won the maximum number of world cups. The team that has had the honour of playing in the finals for an unprecedented 7 times. It was built up as the clash of the titans. What we saw has left the world speechless.

A performance that typifies the nature of each of the teams: RUTHLESS Germans and TOOTHLESS Brazilians.

I have always felt this Brazilian team is the weakest I have ever seen. The brilliance of Neymar and Leadership of Thiago Silva covered the deficiencies of a team riddled with mistakes and over-enthusiastic players who fail to perform the job that they are chosen to do. Despite the Brazilian weakness we have to take our hats off to the germans who simply never stopped. Being a Germany fan myself I was really hoping the referee stops the game midway through first half and save the yellow army from further embarrassment.

Last nights performance was a prime example of what happens when you make an attempt to be a jack of all trades and master of none. Dante looked rusty. Maicon was overrun at every possible opportunity. Marcelo was non-existent in the defence when the Germans were bombing forward. Luiz, well last night typified all the flaws in the game of this flair player with no defensive discipline. There was a moment in the first half when Mueller was bombing down the wings and Marcelo was not even on the TV screens and Luiz was making a lung busting run from the opposition half to get back into position. One basic rule of defending, you do not go haywire when your facing one of the most potent attacks in football.

The German Midfield gave a masterclass of a performance on a night that mattered. If one man stood out, it had to be Toni Kroos. The young lad would have at least 25 minutes from last night’s performance in his highlight reel. A new definition to the term Masterclass. The most complete midfield performance that has ever been given by this young explosive deadball specialist. Brazil had no answer to the might of the Bavarian.

Sometimes huge scorelines paint an artificial picture of a team’s dominance on the given day. This wasn’t. It was a performance to showcase the huge gulf of class between two historically great footballing nations. If there was ever true dominance on the football field, this was it.

This isn’t the end of Brazilian football. Far from it actually. This should serve as the catalyst to greatness. Its time for them to dig deep into their reserves and unearth a few more stars. It shouldn’t be difficult considering every man, woman and child is brn with flair and skill in this crazy footballing nation. But for now they need to apologize to the fans, to the world and to the entire footballing fraternity as they have served upon us a new BLACK DAY in football.

Until next time.