The (somewhat) better team France (2) into the semis over Cavani-less Uruguay (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UIsxO0w3L4&feature=onebox
This French team appears to be far more relaxed and confident than prior French teams in world Cup. Their talent is far superior to that of Uruguay especially the constant threat of Mbappe (who did not shine as much as versus Argentina), Griezman and Giroud. Uruguay was handicapped from the start with the absence of Cavani. Nevertheless, they made a good account of themselves, but their attacks lacked the penetration and bite needed to beat a sturdy French defense. This match has proven once again to football aficionados that a ground game is far more effective than an aerial game. The contrasting styles were evident, and the proof is in the result. France had 2 shots on target and scored on both Uruguay had 4 and none. Surely the uncharacteristic mistake of Uruguay’s usually extremely reliable veteran goaltender Muslera knocked the wind out of the Uruguayans and contributed to a fair result. Some observations about players: Someone needs to tell the young Mbappe not to practice drama lessons during the match. Someone has to explain to Jose Gonsales that there is no crying in football and someone has to explain to me why Pogba commands such an enormous salary.
The unofficial final of the World Cup ended with Belgium (2) winning the mental & tactical battle over Brazil (1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfShsz-7WBA&feature=onebox
In a “Hitchcockian” tense battle of two of the best football teams in the world (sorry France and Croatia) too bad that someone had to lose. This is of no interest to the jubilant Belgian team, manager and supporters. They out witted the Brazilians with their lethal counter attacking prowess with the trio of Hazard, De Bruyne and Lukaku at one end kept them at bay at their own end with spectacular goal keeping by Courtois and disciplined and stubborn defense plus some lucky horseshoes when the ball refused to go in from sure goal opportunities by Brazil. So, did Belgium win the game or did Brazil lose it? Brazilian football is beautiful to watch but football is not a beauty contest. Brazil were trying to dissect the Belgian defense through the middle and did not vary their tactics until late. In hindsight Doug Costa should have been called upon earlier. Their nerves and at time a hint of arrogance may have been their downfall. The outcome was in doubt to the last second and brazil may bicker about some bad (no) calls in the box in the last few minutes, but they have only themselves to blame but nothing to be ashamed. Belgium emerged as the favorite to win it all on July 15th.
Leave a Reply