Another eight days have gone by since I last penned down few thoughts on the FIFA world cup. The results of these eight days have been mixed and more than surprising, especially when one looks in the history.
When I look at the line-up of final 16, I am certain of one fact for sure i.e. only three European Teams are going to qualify for quarter finals. Even since the concept of quarter finals has been introduced in the world cup, European teams have been in the thick of stuffs and always dominated the listing of final 8. Never ever their performance has gone this low. This just goes on to prove that African and Asian countries are on a rise and they really believe that they can match up the standards set by European League teams. A factor for downfall of European Teams could be preference of overseas players to local players in their country leagues.
Most disheartening performances have been from France, Italy, Denmark and Switzerland. While Denmark showed Great Spirit in their game against Cameroon, Switzerland also raised the bar higher in their tie against Spain causing first upset of the tournament. They lived up to my expectations early on which were encouraged by the fact that other teams in their groups were less competitive than them. But, then final games of the league round sent them packing which meant that Chile and Japan qualified to the next round. If this was not too much, champions and runner up of last world cup disappointed every football fan around the globe. Their team composition did not let one believe for once that their campaign would end so early. Credit must go to Mexico and Slovakia for aggressive and confident show.
England, Germany, Portugal and Spain on the other hand raised the level of their games after a shaky start to the tournament. Rooney played a great final game to help England ensure a berth in final 16 and Portugal trounced North Korea with a whopping 7-0 score. Germany and Spain surged ahead with the win in their final games to meet England and Portugal in the final 16. Wow! What can be said about these battles – definitely pulses will see maximum oscillation during these two encounters.
Netherland, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina continued fantastic performances and moved to next round with ease. Argentina and Netherlands were the only teams who could manage to win all the league matches. Brazil and Portugal battle turned ice cold which had no significance on the fate of either team. Phew, Uruguay on the other hand has been surprise pack of the competition. They have already eliminated South Korea in knock-out stage and are all set to meet Ghana in quarter finals. Ghana on the other hand is playing outstanding game of football. Led by Asamoah Gyan, they ended USA’s dream of making it to final 8. Finally, USA ran out of all the energy which they always demonstrated in last minutes of all three league matches.
It has been a great world cup for South American teams with at least four of them likely to qualify for quarter finals. Raise a toast for their magnificent performance and raise one more for Ghana for keeping African hopes alive!
Anything can happen now… No team is a definitive favourite! Most consistent and outrageous show can only guarantee a step closer to the beautiful trophy. Sayonara for now! Waka Waka!
When I look at the line-up of final 16, I am certain of one fact for sure i.e. only three European Teams are going to qualify for quarter finals. Even since the concept of quarter finals has been introduced in the world cup, European teams have been in the thick of stuffs and always dominated the listing of final 8. Never ever their performance has gone this low. This just goes on to prove that African and Asian countries are on a rise and they really believe that they can match up the standards set by European League teams. A factor for downfall of European Teams could be preference of overseas players to local players in their country leagues.
Most disheartening performances have been from France, Italy, Denmark and Switzerland. While Denmark showed Great Spirit in their game against Cameroon, Switzerland also raised the bar higher in their tie against Spain causing first upset of the tournament. They lived up to my expectations early on which were encouraged by the fact that other teams in their groups were less competitive than them. But, then final games of the league round sent them packing which meant that Chile and Japan qualified to the next round. If this was not too much, champions and runner up of last world cup disappointed every football fan around the globe. Their team composition did not let one believe for once that their campaign would end so early. Credit must go to Mexico and Slovakia for aggressive and confident show.
England, Germany, Portugal and Spain on the other hand raised the level of their games after a shaky start to the tournament. Rooney played a great final game to help England ensure a berth in final 16 and Portugal trounced North Korea with a whopping 7-0 score. Germany and Spain surged ahead with the win in their final games to meet England and Portugal in the final 16. Wow! What can be said about these battles – definitely pulses will see maximum oscillation during these two encounters.
Netherland, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina continued fantastic performances and moved to next round with ease. Argentina and Netherlands were the only teams who could manage to win all the league matches. Brazil and Portugal battle turned ice cold which had no significance on the fate of either team. Phew, Uruguay on the other hand has been surprise pack of the competition. They have already eliminated South Korea in knock-out stage and are all set to meet Ghana in quarter finals. Ghana on the other hand is playing outstanding game of football. Led by Asamoah Gyan, they ended USA’s dream of making it to final 8. Finally, USA ran out of all the energy which they always demonstrated in last minutes of all three league matches.
It has been a great world cup for South American teams with at least four of them likely to qualify for quarter finals. Raise a toast for their magnificent performance and raise one more for Ghana for keeping African hopes alive!
Anything can happen now… No team is a definitive favourite! Most consistent and outrageous show can only guarantee a step closer to the beautiful trophy. Sayonara for now! Waka Waka!
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2 comments:
Nice round up. Yes European countries have been eclipsed - part of the problem I think is that they play too much and that there is too much money even for mediocrity in club football.
I am going to struggle to keep up now as matches shift to late evening which is 2.30 AM my time. I am feeling my age !!!!
@ Ramesh - Very true, there are a few teams only which are keeping European hopes alive. Germany was absolutely fascinating to watch Yesterday and Netherlands is no less either.
However, final four should be Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and Spain in my opinion.
For a sports fan like you, there is no age. Your passion is matchless and knowledge is impeccable. I am sure you would not miss at least few of those great matches!!!
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