Sunday, July 13, 2014

World Cup 2014 - Final thoughts


  • Year of the Horse driven predictions were spot on - except that I got a little cute and bet on Brazil vs Argentina finals. We all now know how that turned out.
  • Just like in 2010, every person in my office thinks Germany is the best team ever. They are the best team in the tournament no doubt, but the semi-final result like an Arsenal like Brazil betrays some of the troubles they have had in the earlier rounds. Lots of possession, but at times no incisive penetration. Just like Bayern Munich in the Champions league this year. So to believe that Germany is going to walk it, just makes the odds better on ARG.
  • Most articles I read talk about it going to be a match up between the best player Messi vs the German machine. Yes, Messi has got them important goals this tournament, but its the organisation of the midfield (Masceranho being the man) and defence thats held them out. Infact, I think Messi has in a way stopped from their other attack minded players from hitting top gear - not his fault, but it happens. I wager that Aguero will be the key man patrolling the front for Argentina today.
  • My money is on Argentina as I think they will win, but my emotional favourites remain Germany. 
  • Louis Van Gaal is Mourinho mark 1. So all Man Utd fans need to forget attacking flowing football from now and get prepared for highly anal tactical maneouvring, which I hope will fail more often than not. And life begins and ends with Louis Van Gaal - just like his prodigy.
  • Alexis Sanchez has signed. An early signing - whats going on, I say? Lets hope that we have half as many injuries this year - its time that we deserve that luck on that front.