Now that the dust has settled after the conclusion of the second round, it is time to have two days rest, reflect on what we have seen so far and look ahead to the high-powered end of the world cup.
All the favourites except for Spain and Holland are in the final eight. Ukraine are lucky to be there; France's poor showing in the group stage meant that Ukraine got away with a second round clash against the Swiss. France and Spain should really be there. Holland were extremely unlucky because only two out of Argentina, Holland, Portugal and Mexico could go through to the quarters. But otherwise, this is the strongest final 8 at a world cup in my memory. Argentina and Germany are running hot at the moment. France and Brazil are warming to their tasks nicely whilst Portugal is also on the improve. England and Italy have demonstrated their ability to win without playing well; England through Beckham and Italy because of diving. Ukraine are the only weak link in the final 8. They have played poorly in all their games and look certain to lose to Italy.
It is unfortunate that Germany has to play Argentina so early. I think both teams deserve a semifinal spot. Michael Ballack will be the key player in this match because the Argentines have several playmakers; the Germans have only one. Ballack's passing game through the middle is outstanding; his vision to release strikers Klose and Podolsky is particularly deadly. What makes him dangerous is that he is a powerful runner with the ball and also a fine long shooter. He has all the options at his feet making him the most complete midfielder in the world today. His defensive strength will make it difficult for players like Riquelme to have time on the ball and his pairing with Frings in the centre of midfield is crucial for Germany. Ballack is also a strong header of the ball to boot. While Argentina have played the best attacking football of the tournament so far, I think Ballack has been the single most influential player. Beckenbauer did it 32 years ago; it feels as if the time is right for his rightful heir to lead Germany to the title.
Personally, I am still siding with Portugal. But after past disappointments, I am cautiously optimistic this time around because of two factors. Firstly, Scolari is a tough coach who means business. This sort of professionalism has been lacking in Portugal; the prime example being Humberto Coelho. He was a superb, knowledgable tactician, but lacked the tencacity to get into a scrap and motivate his players to play hard. Scolari, not the brightest of strategists, is nonetheless, a powerful motivator, and sticks up for his players regardless of insults and derogatory remarks. As a result, this team is far more resilient than Portuguese teams of the past. I can imagine that the Portugal of Euro 2000 and WC 2002 (and even Euro 2004) would have lost the game against Holland. They would have melted in the heat; but this team displayed a marvellous resilience to hold out the Dutch. Their next opponents are an out of sorts England who will rely on Beckham heavily. Free kicks and corners are the key to Beckham's brilliance. He is also capable of stunningly accurate passes in open play, but in recent years, his sluggishness at ground level has meant that his threat is mainly from set pieces. Portugal will have the game won is they deny England free kicks. Costinha being suspended is probably a good thing as he does not think twice about diving in at an opponents feet. The Portuguese defence will be too cluey for the English to break down in open play; the only exception is Joe Cole, who by some accident was born in England, not in Spain or Portugal or France, because his style of play is very much continental, not British.
Despite being bitterly disappointed with another Spanish failure, I was happy for the French.....well for Zinedine Zidane mainly. For a champion like Zizu to end his world cup career after the nightmare of Korea/Japan '02 would have been tragic. So I am extremely pleased that he gets one more chance to play against archrivals Brazil. The way the French team rises up around Zizu brings a feeling of nostalgia; the good old days when soccer teams were hero-centric. The Portuguese team of '66 comes to mind led by the legendary Eusebio. Also Cruyff in '74 (though he'd be furious with accusation that his team was hero-centric); Maradona in '86 and even Baggio, Romario and Stoichkov in '94. Soccer has changed into a truly team game these days with only vestiges of the old way remaining e.g. the no.10 jersey. But the French team represents somewhat of an anachronism in this sense. Lilian Thuram came through the French youth teams with Zizu but the rest of the current squad would have been eager teenagers watching the action on TV when Zidane hit the world stage in the early 90's. He was their hero growing up and now they are playing at a world cup with him. More than a teammate and captain, he is a father figure and mentor to the likes of Vieira, Henry, Makelele, Trezeguet, Gallas and co. They are desperate that Zizu retire a world cup winner, just like Deschamps and Blanc in '98. But they have the toughest of tasks in the quarterfinals against Brazil. The champions will be eager to take on one of the heavyweights. While they would have enjoyed the tournament so far, this is the sort of encounter professionals thrive on. A wounded but resurgent France will be a perfect test for the Brazilians to guage their progress. This will be the moment when they can truly show what they are capable of. They were harpooned for their defensive display against Ghana; and surely if they dont improve on that aspect of their game, Zizu and Henry will make them pay. Of course, we shouldnt forget that it was Zizu's head that won the final for France in '98, courtesy of lazy marking from Junior Baiano and Aldair. I'm sure Lucio and Juan have been adequately reminded of the folly of their predecessors..... This game is shaping up to be one of the world cup classics; high emotions, passion, and most importantly, skill and speed. I dont know what to predict except for a fantastic 90 minutes (or more) of entertainment.
Italy-Ukraine I wont say too much about. It will be boring!!!
World Cups are synonymous with transfer rumours. This time around is no different. Australian players have featured heavily in transfer talk due to the Socceroos' eye-catching performances. Lucas Neill, according to Barcelona-bound Johan Neeskens, is more than good enough to join Rafa Marquez and Carles Puyol at the Nou Camp. Barcelona, incidentally, are also linked with impressive German leftback Phillip Lahm. Bresciano will apparently move to Palermo with the prospect of Champions League football being the main attraction. Luke Wilkshire has been encouraged by Hiddink to get out of England and play in Holland or France where he feels his game will develop more. While there has been no rumours about him, I am sure Vincenzo Grella will feature on shortlist around Europe. Aloisi has been looking for another club ever since his Spanish team Osasuna got relegated. Hopefully he will stay in Spain and be joined by a few more Socceroos.......
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