FIFA World Cup 2014: Brazil and Germany

Brazil

Arguably the bets match of the tournament took place in Fortaleza. As always, Brazilians started with great passion, inspired by the 12^th player. They got an early goal thanks to Thiago Silva, who joined the team for a corner kick. Both teams were showing some quick moves and anything could happen in such a typical South American match. However, although the tempo of the match was very high, and the teams were determined to score goals as soon as possible, the early goal played its huge role. Brazilians were more attentive in the back, understanding that even a 1-0 win will be fine for them. The result of this was that the Colombians, despite the great football shown by James Rodriguez, weren’t able to create any danger for Julio Cesar. Thiago Silva and David Luiz, helped by Fernandinho, were solid in defending the lead. The picture changed after David Luiz’s incredible free kick, which made the score 2-0. Colombians had no other tasks than attacking. This earned a penalty for James Rodriguez, but the score never changed any more. Everyone claiming that Falcao’s absence didn’t affect Colombia’s play in the World Cup turned wrong. Pekerman’s team needed him in this match.

But now it is time to meet Germany. The tough match against Colombia was won, but the price was too high. The best two players of the quad, Neymar and Thiago Silva, will not play in the semi-final, which automatically leaves Germans in the role of marginal favourites. The chance for Scolari’s team is to start aggressively and score an early goal. Defending it might not be that difficult, considering the fact that
Bayern’s Dante will be commanding the Brazilian defence against his club teammates Mueller, Kroos, Schweinsteiger and others.  David Luiz is expected to show his leadership skills in this vital day in Brazil’s history.

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 10 - 4

Topscorer (s): Neymar (4)  

Team marks: 3,5 + 4,5 + 5,5 + 5,5 + 5,0 = 24,0
Average mark: 4,8
Best player: Neymar (5,0)

Place among 32: 5
Chances to win the World Cup: 23,72%

Germany

Joachim Loew finally introduced the so-much-missed 4-5-1 with Lahm as a wingback, Schweinsteiger and Khedira as defensive midfielders, and Klose as a lone striker. The quality of attack didn’t improve much, but the defence was perfect, containing the dangerous French attackers. In fact, the early goal scored after a free kick didn’t leave Germany any other choice than defending the lead. Neuer had yet another great evening.

The 4^th World Cup semi-final in a row must be played against hosts from Brazil. The confident play of the Germans in the quarterfinal and the absence of Brazilian leaders might make the German task easier. Loew will most probably play the same tactics as against France, although Klose didn’t perform as expected, and Oezil is yet to find his form. And again, an early goal might kill the game, but Germans are not going to be hurrying to score. They have Manuel Neuer, whose role gets bigger and bigger as the World Cup developes.  

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 10 - 3

Topscorer (s): Mueller (4)

Team marks: 7 + 5,5 + 4,5 + 6,0 + 4,0 = 27,0
Average mark: 5,4
Best players: Mueller (3,5)

Final place among 32: 4

Chances to win the World Cup: 26,22%