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.