So finally we have reached the quarter final stage of this excellent World Cup, and many things have not turned out quite as expected in the long and tedious build up to the competition; Spain whimpering out, Costa Rica flying and only a few riots to see. Even the stadiums were ready on time. But now the real heavyweights are out to brawl it out to the bitter end as we edge ever closer to the finale. With many big names and a few swashbuckling new faces in the mix with no clear frontrunner, who will prevail and rise like a balloon in the wind to soar to victory, and who will burst and tumble back to earth? Here is my assessment of the contenders.
France
Key Player: In Karim Benzema they have an often impressive and occasionally infuriating front man. Despite always looking on the verge of tears, he has the ability to convert any half chance that presents itself and is a serious menace to the opposition, and I mean that in the nicest possible way.
How have they done? So far so good for Les Bleus. They battered Switzerland, were strong against the physical and often brutal Hondurans, and were comfortable enough against Ecuador knowing they had qualified already. They were also good against Nigeria and have looked the least troubled team so far in the competition.
Their chances? Pretty good, I think. They have quality players in every position and even have the luxury of having good players on the bench too (think Sagna for instance) and most importantly are looking like a coherent unit, in stark contrast to the mutinous and divided team of 2010. They have yet to be seriously tested but the manner in which they brushed aside Switzerland, who went on to scare Argentina, suggests they could have enough to beat the Germans.
So, their chances? (out of 10) Probably 9/10
Are you brave enough to make a prediction? Er sure, I boldly predict they will end up as champions. Brave start, huh?
Germany
Key Player: Per Mertesacker. Only joking. Thomas Muller. He’s fast, never seems to get tired and is remarkably good at being in the right place to grab a goal.
How have they done? It’s been a pretty mixed tournament so far for them. The destruction of Portugal aside (who were not helped by the actions of that perpetual maniac Pepe), they were exposed against Ghana and weren’t all that brilliant against the USA either. Needing extra time to overcome a spirited Algeria side is also not the greatest confidence booster, although finally prevailing does at least demonstrate great fitness and determination.
Their chances? They have looked good going forward and weak at the back. Joachim Loew’s perseverance with a high defensive line, despite having the plodding Mertesacker, also suggests a tactical ineptitude that must worry German fans. I also still don’t understand the desire to play Lahm in midfield, a position full of talented options like Kroos, Khedira and Shweinsteiger, instead of right back where a centre back has been forced to deputise, and could prove a weakness against a pacey French team. Neuer, who is determined to be an on-field player and acts like he’s in a five a side team, always seems likely to make a mistake at some point and either get sent off or be closer to the halfway line than his own goal whenever someone shoots. But they are good going forward and can potentially rectify their defensive weaknesses.
So, their chances? (out of 10) 7/10
Are you brave enough to make a prediction? Having said before that France will be runners up I have to say they’ll lose at the quarter final stage.
Brazil
Key Player: Neymar. The poster boy of the Brazil team, there is serious pressure on the young lad, and so far he has managed to perform.
How have they done? They have been decent if unexceptional. It took a penalty shootout to get past Chile, drew with Mexico and were average against Croatia and Cameroon. Admittedly Chile are a good team with tremendous energy and spirit, but were outwitted by the Dutch in the group stages so Brazil should perhaps have been expected to finish them off in normal time. They have a good team but have been dependent on Neymar for their trademark flair and skill and have not looked as big a threat as other Brazil teams in the past.
Their chances? They have a serious weakness in their goalkeeper and how they cope with the expectation is a perennial worry. Fred upfront has thus far been unconvincing and leaving Willian out of the team seems an oversight. However, they have done what has been required and with the vociferous support they enjoy they may well grow and become the threat they were last year in the Confederations Cup.
So, their chances? (out of 10) 8/10
Your brave prediction? Semi-finalists, obviously
Columbia
Key Player: James Rodriguez. Young and immensely talented, he has arguably been the tournament’s standout performer, and is rapidly building a big reputation for himself.
How have they done? Very well. They have coped with the absence of Falcao remarkably easily. Columbia cruised through the group stages, overcoming the all-out defence of Greece, battling through the Cote d’Ivoire and shrugging off Japan in some style. Rodriguez and co were unperturbed by the fired up Uruguayans, who were missing their talisman Suarez, and have looked in complete control throughout the tournament.
Their chances? They are looking good but are coming up against the home team who I think will just manage to see off Columbia. However, if Brazil push too far forward they are weak to Columbia’s pacey counter-attacks, so I see it being a close game.
So, their chances? 7/10
Prediction? Will just lose out to Brazil. But if they beat Brazil they’ll probably win it because beating the home favourites will be such a confidence boost they will be unstoppable afterwards.
Argentina
Key Player: Silly question. Messi.
How have they done? Alright. They are labouring and being made to work a lot harder than should be the case, but are limping through nonetheless. They had arguably the easiest group but struggled against Iran, were held off for a long while by Bosnia-Herzegovina and were run pretty close by Nigeria. This theme continued against Switzerland and they have not had the comfortable ride that was expected.
Their chances? I just don’t see it happening for them. Messi is good and all that but I don’t know if he is at his best when playing for his country for whatever reason, and I just cannot see him pulling Argentina through. Di Maria has also looked out of sorts, although did score that crucial goal in the last 16 so may gain confidence.
So, their chances? 6/10
Brave Prediction? Hmm tricky, but I reckon maybe lose at the quarters. Having said that this World Cup has been hard to predict so maybe Messi will score 20 goals and Argentina will triumph, but I just don’t feel like it is their time.
Belgium
Key Player: A difficult one, but probably Kompany since he is one of the best defenders out there and is a strong leader. He has also won stuff, which is a nice experience to share.
How have they done? Well apart from producing the best game of the World Cup against the USA they have looked far from the finished item. That said, they have always found a way to win and finish games strongly, and have been reliant upon some inspired substitutions to see off opponents.
Their chances? They look weak, very weak, and a strong team will send them home. That said, Argentina also look weak so hopefully we will get another match like the USA-Belgium game.
So, their chances? 6/10
Be brave; Meh, quarters or semis, nothing more and depends how they deal with Messi. Van Buyten is slow and plodding so maybe that won’t go so well.
Netherlands
Key Player: Robben. Ah Robben, no one seems to care about the fact he gets faster as he ages and focus instead on his terrible diving affliction. I personally don’t think he dives, he just doesn’t react to gravity in the same way the rest of us do, which explains why he sometimes launches into the air then crashes down unexpectedly. Poor Robben, he’s so misunderstood. He is a good player when upright though.
How have they done? On the whole pretty well. They humiliated the defending champions in the most unequivocal manner and have looked pretty strong since, seeing off Chile and Mexico (which had nothing to do with Robben’s affliction), both of whom caused Brazil problems. The wobble against plucky Australia aside they have been imperious.
Their chances? Pretty good. Very good in fact. Not only have they been in fine form but they have the easier half of the draw and are probably favourites to reach the final. They must continue to perform and utilise their two star players but they should do well.
So, their chances? 9/10
Prediction? Were you not paying attention before? As I said, finalists.
Costa Rica
Key Player: Good question. Joel Campbell maybe. He’s fast and hard to handle.
How have they done? Well, of course I saw this coming, but everybody else thought they’d be the whipping boys of the group, served up like a platter at a wedding for the hungry guests to devour without a second thought. But they should have paid attention because now England and Italy have gone home early with food poisoning and Uruguay did not last long either. So yeah they’ve done very well and exceeded all expectations. And I compare them to food-poisoning bacteria in the kindest and most complimentary way of course.
Their chances? Well, they were written off before and look how that turned out, but now they are facing a team in fine form and have proven they can punish teams. Do they have any more upsets left? I hope so because it is a great story but I do have my doubts.
So, their chances? (out of 10) 5/10
Prediction; To lose valiantly to the Netherlands sadly
hmm manifesto 