World Cup Days 21, 22, 23 & 24
[Sunday 6th July 2014]
Whilst this entry focuses on four days and just four games,
there’s only two people being talked about – Neymar and Tim Krul. Yes,
Newcastle United’s Tim Krul. Bit strange to read that, isn’t it? More on him
later, because there is a whole country mourning the spinal injury suffered by
this World Cup’s poster boy, Neymar. It feels like a tragedy and that’s because,
in some ways, it is. When Colombia’s Juan Zuniga put his knee into Neymar’s
back, it seemed innocuous and the striker’s rolling around seen as excessive time-wasting.
Yet he was one inch away from being paralysed for life. Those are the fine
lines we deal with in football. So, whilst football fans grieve for this middle
finger to destiny, a young man is just happy to be able bodied today.
Undoubtedly, this tournament doesn’t feel right without the
idea of Neymar leading Brazil to Maracana redemption but those are the cards we’ve
been dealt. It’s hard to stomach. In fact, the idea of Brazil in the Final at
all now seems dubious, as the unconvincing selecao have to face Germany without
not just Neymar, but their leader and defensive lynchpin Thiago Silva. Germany
haven’t been convincing either, but they’re Germany – nothing else needs to be
said. The rematch of the 2002 Final sees, arguably, football’s two biggest
goliaths face off in Belo Horizonte.
Brazil’s clash with Colombia wasn’t quite the football feast
we all anticipated but it was certainly as memorable. Carlos Velasco Carballo
was the referee who can be held responsible for Neymar’s injury. In a
performance described by Tim Vickery as “deplorable”, Carballo allowed 54 fouls
to take place, only handing out yellow cards near the end. He encouraged an
environment of brutality, where almost anything was allowed. Fernandinho, in
particular, was outrageously rough with James Rodriguez, as the Colombian
superstar was abused all game. It was such a shame to see a nation synonymous
with beautiful football resort to such disgraceful tactical fouling.
When the Colombians saw how soft
Carballo was being, they decided to join in. FIFA chose the four most lenient
referees for the quarterfinals and their message was clear – don’t let top
players get suspended. We often see Finals ruined by star suspensions, so it’s
easy to see why FIFA instructed this, but there is a huge middle ground between
the extremes. A middle ground where footballers feel safe and able to express themselves,
rather than preparing to be hacked down again. By setting such an early
precedent, Carballo let the game descend into farce and, as a result, we’ve
been robbed of the World Cup’s golden boy.
Carballo was poor in other ways. After the way Rodriguez was
treated, his one feeble tackle was met with a booking! David Luiz scored a
screamer with the resulting free kick. He allowed Brazil to encroach on a
Colombian free kick so that the shot was blocked as it was being hit! Julio
Cesar should arguably have been sent off for Colombia’s penalty, which saw
Rodriguez stutter in his run up. I hate that. He then celebrated with a
grasshopper.
Thiago Silva will be a huge loss in the semi final, with
Dante expected to replace the skipper. At least Dante knows most of his
opponents, after Germany beat feeble France 1-0 earlier on. The French had been
impressive all tournament but chose to go out with a whimper when it mattered
the most. It was disappointing that they could be so lacklustre, barely
attempting to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Jogi Low’s tactical changes
paid off, with the Schweinsteiger-Khedira axis allowing Lahm to play at right back
to nullify Griezmann. It worked, as Mats Hummels celebrated his return to the
team by scoring the winning goal – almost identical to Fellaini’s equaliser
against Algeria. A poor game, the Germans held on to reach a record fourth
consecutive semi-final.
Argentina finally pulled out a performance to dispose of
Belgium, although they faded towards the end. Let’s hope they have another gear
or two, otherwise they won’t make the Final. Gonzalo Higuain decided to show up
at this World Cup by scoring the winner and hitting the bar later on, something
which Alejandro Sabella found shocking.
Lionel Messi was once again sensational, playing a huge part in the goal and later playing a phenomenal through ball to Angel Di Maria – one of the greatest passes I’ve ever seen. It’s another clean sheet for the Argies, as Belgium were mediocre and, whilst a quarterfinal finish is about right for their abilities, they’ve not been impressive in this tournament. Basanta played well in place of Rojo and Mascherano was imperious, although Di Maria’s injury doesn’t look so good. They’ll face Holland in the other semi-final, a rematch of the 1978 Final.
Holland barely scraped past the incredible Costa Rica. How
on earth they got out of that group, made the quarterfinals and took Holland
all the way is a tough question to answer. Keylor Navas was sensational, as Van
Gaal’s tactics didn’t seem to work. He chose Kuyt and Depay as wing backs! The
match was dull, as Sneijder hit the woodwork twice but, in truth, Holland were
poor. Van Persie had a nightmare of a match, whilst Robben’s torturing of the
Costa Rican defence couldn’t lead to a goal. As the game progressed, Costa Rica
actually twisted and went for the win! They got scarily close as well, with two
clear penalties turned down by the referee.
But, to all, Van Gaal’s final substitution was a memorable stroke
of genius. As Newcastle fans will tell you, Tim Krul’s penalty record is poor –
he’s only ever saved two from 20. Yet Van Gaal chose to replace Cillessen with
Krul in the 120th minute. Was it just mind games, or was Krul
genuinely a better choice for facing penalties? As it turned out, Krul was the
hero, saving 2 of them and (just!) sending Holland through to the final four. I
was shaking; I was on such a high for the adopted Geordie keeper. The
substitution was unprecedented and an incredible moment, although Krul’s poor
sportsmanship left a poor taste in many mouths.
Who should be more insulted – Cillessen, the #1 goalkeeper
humiliatingly told he’s not trusted with penalties? Or Krul, good enough for
penalties but not deemed good enough to play normally? Perhaps they’re both
insulted. Anyway, Van Gaal has already confirmed that Cillessen is back in goal
for Wednesday’s semi-final. How do I see the games going? Well I’d love Brazil
vs Argentina in the Final but fear neither will make it. As unimpressive as
Holland were against Costa Rica, Van Gaal is a great coach and should outwit
Sabella. Both teams rely on their key men to drag them through and I think
Robben will terrorise Rojo.
Still, no teams insist on standing out at this World Cup,
all with clear and visible weaknesses. Germany have looked ordinary but I
expect them to conquer a Brazil side that lacks their two key men. That is a
titanic blow to Scolari and co. Then again, it can’t be underestimated how far
a paid-off referee can take you.....
