In a delightful doco, “In the Hands of the Gods”, Diego’s injunction is to “Love the ball, love the game”. I love the sentiment and its simplicity. And I love the fact that he can still say it after all the game has brought him, and wrought upon him. Now on the sidelines, he is still that “extraterrestial” kid juggling a ball on a patch of dirt. But I’ve always been a Maradona fan. I say forget the “hand of god”, but remember and marvel at the second. Peter Reid et al will be forever remembered.
So, I do hope Argentina beat Germany. I think they will. Argentina was one of my pre-tournament fancies given the strength of their squad, along with Spain, for similar reasons. I saw the Argentina v Brazil qualifier, and although Argentina lost 3-1, they were better, but just defended absurdly. Their defence is still their chink. Which German “ruthless efficiency” and dogged tenacity may exploit.
The two best players in the tournament will be on show: Messi and Ozil. Messi plays with a devastating incisiveness and a prodigious imagination. The simplicity of his dribbling reminds me of Best and of course Diego. He has an insatiable appetitie for the ball. Ozil is a delightful player, subtle, cultured but very effective.
Again, I say England lost because they were inept, not because the Germans were that good. Although they carved them up in a very similar manner to Australia. The first two goals were farcical. To see Terry running forward on the long ball from the German goalie, have it go over his head by about 20 metres and leave a huge hole behind him was perplexing. Combine this with James’s dithering about whether to attack the ball and then arrive too late, and its a comedy of errors. Add to this James’s charge from the near post when Podolski had no angle, only to be beaten through his legs and it is just slapstick!
Holland v Brazil will be an absorbing encounter. Holland’s play is not to my taste. Too slow, over-elaborated, ponderous from what I have seen. Brazil is efficient, all are comfortable wih the ball and it has players who can create chances out of nothing and who can score.I love watching its players move for each other. It’s like embroidery with the pattern never repeating. I think Brazil, but it could go to extra time.
In the other matches, I think Spain will win in what could be a dour struggle. Xavi and Iniesta play some delightful soccer. And finally I think Uruguay will beat Ghana.
Just think what could have been. I thought Australia in 10 in the second half were the better side against Ghana.
I think Messi is the equal of Best but both were better than Maradona as both could control the ball closer to their feet and so could thread their way through territory they never should have been allowed. however Cruyff was easily superior to either .not surprising given he is the best player ever.
What a shame George never played in a world cup match Cruyff before Cruyff.
I do hope the Argies play Joga Bonito and thrash the Krauts.
I still think Spain will win though and they can play Joga bonito
they didn’t
Looking more and more like Oz has run into the ultimate world champs early on in successive World Cups now. Just how good are those Germans with their ability to knock in 4 goals regularly in 90 minutes at this level?
Oh I love watching Germans shred Argentines. I had tipped Brazil to win but I thought that the disciplined defences of Germany and Holland would be a challenge for the South Americans. Argentina had already exceeded my expectations.
I didn’t realise that Germany could counter-attack so devastatingly, however they have not played a team as tightly organised as Holland yet. Germany v Holland will be an amazing game and the winner will surely be a most deserving world champion. I can’t see Spain making it they are fundamentally a Latin team and will get shredded like the other latin teams.
Watching Uruguay lose will be satisfying as well. Spain could score 4 goals against them :)
Well, that part of the prediction came true all right. Germany’s last next two matches (assuming they win the semi) will probably be grinding, defensive affairs, with their opponents adopoting the Serbian model.
Thanks for posting on the WC again, Gaby. A brief preview of the final would be good, if you have time.
Spain can’t and Holland won’t, so not sure if that is right James.