Despite my various failures last week, when it came to decision time for this article, I decided I very much so wanted to fail again. So far the knock rounds of the tournament have gone as we would expect, the group winners go through to the quarters, and the higher seeded team of each Quarter go through to the semis. If things were to follow like this then this would be the one the easier articles I had to write, but at this stage of the tournament things become more…. interesting to predict.
So without further adieu
Germany Vs Brazil.
A replay of the classic 2002 final, this will only be the second time in the history of the World Cup that these two (arguably the two most successful) sides will meet. Before the tournament the Germans were ranked second favourites by the NZ TAB despite having potential injuries to key players and Brazil now find themselves in a similar position.
Much has been said about the reliance of Brazil on Neymar, and several people have analyzed Brazil’s options without him, but I feel the more important loss could be their captain Thiago Silva. Dante will most likely step in for the Brazilian captain, and he definitely no slouch, but Thiago is the best centre back in the work. His leadership will be missed.
The Germans looked extremely comfortable against France, and now that they are playing Philipp Lahm on right back, all looks right in the world. Mat Hummels has probably been one of the best defenders all tournament and his ability to distribute the ball and run the line gives the Germans several options at opening up defences.
The Germans will be mindful of the fact that they have historically fallen at this point of the tournament, and they will face a partisan Brazilian crowd.
Prediction – Germany 2 Brazil 2 at full time and extra time. Germany go through on penalties.
Argentina Vs The Netherlands.
A replay of the 1978 final, but other than the teams and maybe the uniforms they will wear, there are really no other similarities. Before the tournament most people predicted Argentina to be here at the business end of the tournament, and IF Holland could overcome Spain and top their group, most expected them to be here too.
It is tempting to bill this as a matchup of Lionel Messi vs. Arjen Robben, but I feel much of what occurs in this tie will depend on the actions of the two coaches. Both Alejandro Sabella and Louis Van Gaal are known for their tactical acumen, and for having their own particular style they like to bring to the teams they coach. Neither coach has had that luxury this tournament. Sabella is lacking a pivotal central midfielder in the vein of Juan Sebastian Veron or Juan Roman Riquelme to build the team around; he has built a team around his mercurial captain Lionel Messi. Van Gaal has decided to play with three (or five depending on who you ask) at the back, and Holding midfielder to shield defensive line further.
Both coaches have shown they are not afraid to make changes mid-game and have plenty of tricks up their sleeve.
Argentina has arguably grown less and less reliant on Messi as the tournament has gone one, and his performances have incredibly somehow improved with that, conversely the Dutch had a strong team performance to begins with but their superstar Arjen Robben has picked his game leaps and bounds, showing incredible vision and speed.
No defence this tournament has managed to shut Messi out, and arguable no defence has managed to shut Robben out either, making this encounter even more baffling to pick.
Predictions Argentina 2 – Holland 2 at full time Argentina 2 Holland 3 after extra time.
That is right I am predicting an all European final.
NineSixFourTwo 