Jogo Bonito is the real deal. Awesome Brazil (2) over feisty, energetic Mexico (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDpKjb3yXbU&feature=onebox
On paper the result was quite predictable. Mexico was the clear underdog and on paper inferior in almost every position. But they came to play full of confidence and belief (after all they beat the mighty Germany) Unlike Russia they came out swinging and hemmed Brazil in their own zone for the first 15 minutes during which time Brazil did not have a touch inside the Mexican 18 yards line. However, Brazil warmed up and began to click attacking the Mexican goal with inventive, skillful darting combinations and always very dangerous. Mexico held its own in the first scoreless half and made some good attacking combinations throughout the game but lacked the finishing touch. 11 shots on goal is not a bad number but 1 shot on target throughout the match tells the tale. By contrast Brazil demonstrated why (now that the Germans and Argentinians are out, but even notwithstanding) they must be considered the favorites to win it all (Belgium may disagree) Flashes of brilliance from Neymar (who rolled on the grass more than it was necessary) and especially Willian, my pick for the man-of-the-match) pretty-well decided the match. Neymar flick for a give and go created the first goal and his layoff to Firmino for the second was text book Brazilian football. Brazil ended up owning the final third that eluded the Mexicans. The major surprise (?) was the sturdy well organized Brazilian defense (even without Marcello) depriving Mexico of any chance to score. The quality of the match was superb. In the end Brazil has proven that the Jogo Bonito (their brand of the Beautiful Game) with purpose and attack minded zeal is in fact the real deal
It’s not over till it’s over and the fat lady sings. She did for Belgium (3) on the last kick over Japan (2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA1nn1O3P1I&feature=onebox
The Belgian fat lady waited for the last kick of the (so far) most thrilling match of the 2018 World Cup. The Japanese must kick themselves for their gutsy move to decide the game on a last-minute corner by coming forward in numbers. A brisk counter attack by the Belgians and game over. This World Cup doesn’t seize to amaze with giant teams (Germany, Argentina) being slain, Mediocre teams advance (Russia) and Japan (almost) sent home Belgium. The supporters of both teams better check themselves into a clinic to test their blood pressure. If a beautiful game is one where drama, excitement and suspense are at a premium – This was an incredibly beautiful game. No amount of well deserves consolation compliments will alleviate the pain that the Japanese team and its people must endure. Japan took the match by the scruff of the neck and to everyone’s (mostly the Belgian team) shock were leading 2:0 in the second half on well deserved goals. Moreover, they continued to stymie the (on paper) far superior Belgians at their end and threatening to go for more at the other end. Belgium came back to win the game (something that no team has done being two goals behind in the second half at a World Cup) by proving that unfortunately in football size matters.
Their first two goals came from headed high balls that the demure Japanese could not defend. Belgium deserved to win the game on the strength of their quality, skill and style, but as a neutral observer your heart goes out for Japan. Best of all brace yourself to a Brazil-Belgium Quarter Final later in the week.
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