No team is a definitive favourite! Most consistent and outrageous show can only guarantee a step closer to the beautiful trophy. Indeed, that is what I thought. But, never did I think that most consistent and outrageous would come from teams that were not the hot favourites.
As expected four South American teams battled it out with one African and three European teams in the quarter finals. First of these four matches was tipped as a cakewalk for the giant Brazilians. I had the opportunity to witness this match on bigger screen – thanks to my employer. By half time, we all were gung-ho about what was in the offing. Least did we know that a storm called Wesley Sneijder had other plans for the night. He contributed to both the goals that kept them separated from Brazil till the end. They really played outrageous and aggressive football and ripped apart Brazil’s defence. What could one say about Brazil? They were the better team on the day and before too. But, that is life. Sometimes, outcomes are not so pleasing. Brazil’s defeat definitely let me down and my fever was more dependent on the next day’s clash between two giants again, as I wanted to suffer from this fever till 11th July.
But, then it was not meant to be again. This time around, Argentina definitely were not better than Germany. I had the feeling that Germany was indeed capable of doing this. The way they thrashed England was enough of a dosage to send my fever in disarray. I was hoping Argentina would further inject few exciting viruses to prolong my illness. But a dismal performance from one of the most consistent and powerful teams meant I should better give up the fever. Worst of the performance if I could say. Buoyed by the youth’s exuberance, Germany played it flawlessly. Friedrich, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Klose, Mueller and Lahm – they are playing outstanding as a team with Schweinsteiger as backbone of their attack. I put my money on them for the title now.
But spare a moment or two for Ghana and Paraguay. While Ghana was denied a certain victory by Suarez, Paraguay found a special Spanish at the nets – Casillas. Villa did the rest for Spain as usual. Uruguay on the other hand ensured a semis berth on a penalty shoot out. Though there are many stories being made out of “God of Hand” of Saurez, I thought they played well enough to be at the position where they are.
All in all, the great entertainment and excitement still continue. Heartening to see that Germany, Spain and Netherlands are keeping European flags high at South Africa. It seems like Germany is almost ready to clinch their fourth title. Let us keep our fingers crossed!
PS – Fever also suffered a major setback when Fedex bowed out of Wimbledon paving way for Berdych’s first major finals.
As expected four South American teams battled it out with one African and three European teams in the quarter finals. First of these four matches was tipped as a cakewalk for the giant Brazilians. I had the opportunity to witness this match on bigger screen – thanks to my employer. By half time, we all were gung-ho about what was in the offing. Least did we know that a storm called Wesley Sneijder had other plans for the night. He contributed to both the goals that kept them separated from Brazil till the end. They really played outrageous and aggressive football and ripped apart Brazil’s defence. What could one say about Brazil? They were the better team on the day and before too. But, that is life. Sometimes, outcomes are not so pleasing. Brazil’s defeat definitely let me down and my fever was more dependent on the next day’s clash between two giants again, as I wanted to suffer from this fever till 11th July.
But, then it was not meant to be again. This time around, Argentina definitely were not better than Germany. I had the feeling that Germany was indeed capable of doing this. The way they thrashed England was enough of a dosage to send my fever in disarray. I was hoping Argentina would further inject few exciting viruses to prolong my illness. But a dismal performance from one of the most consistent and powerful teams meant I should better give up the fever. Worst of the performance if I could say. Buoyed by the youth’s exuberance, Germany played it flawlessly. Friedrich, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Klose, Mueller and Lahm – they are playing outstanding as a team with Schweinsteiger as backbone of their attack. I put my money on them for the title now.
But spare a moment or two for Ghana and Paraguay. While Ghana was denied a certain victory by Suarez, Paraguay found a special Spanish at the nets – Casillas. Villa did the rest for Spain as usual. Uruguay on the other hand ensured a semis berth on a penalty shoot out. Though there are many stories being made out of “God of Hand” of Saurez, I thought they played well enough to be at the position where they are.
All in all, the great entertainment and excitement still continue. Heartening to see that Germany, Spain and Netherlands are keeping European flags high at South Africa. It seems like Germany is almost ready to clinch their fourth title. Let us keep our fingers crossed!
PS – Fever also suffered a major setback when Fedex bowed out of Wimbledon paving way for Berdych’s first major finals.
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4 comments:
That's the glory of sport, isn't it ? The unpredictability. Anybody can be beaten. Yes, this world cup has had its shares of twists and turns and I think we are not done yet - more twists till the 11th.
@ Ramesh - Yes, that is the glory of sports. But, there are few persons/ teams with whom a fan such as myself is attached like anything. Just cannot see Federer loose a single match.
You are right. Who knows... if Uruguay does something extraordinary and emerge as a winner today!
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