Costa Rica did kind of formation figure football. Their system obviously is extremely effective, and they are very functional and disciplined in implementing it. Being destructive for the opponent's play is not only a valid tactic, but is - once again - effective. Klinsmann has warned of Costa Rica since years now. And not for no reason, as we now have seen.

Clockwork Oranje just played - or tried to - as I expected. It makes them a strong team, and that is what it is about. But they depend a lot on Robben. And they can be beaten, I do not see that they are invincible.

Argentinia is a team of minimalists, who are very effective in managing a wanted score. Once they got their goal, they do not give it up again that easily - but also do not add much more to deliver a second punch. As somebody said already, they depend a lot on Messi. But they can be beaten.

Brazil - I think the Germans can compensate Brazil's individual class by their team spirit, on which Gary Linneker had this to say short while ago:

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28172835

With two of their three most important players gone, only Luiz remains to be a major threat to the Germans' plans. That does not mean that the rest is harmless, obviously it is not like that, but Brazil has suffered two real weaknesses by these losses, and the goalie of theirs also is problematic.

It may surprise some people, but I think the Germans are favourites now, though only by a very small margin.

The duels next week?

Robben vs Messi
Hummels vs Luiz
Neuer vs the world

:D

Simply another tactic matey and perfectly legal.

Many can pick out 'divers' in national teams...Holland being no exception.

71% of the world is covered by water.
The rest by Neuer.

The Brazilians imo try to play foul: they have demanded FIFA to neutralise the yellow for Silva, arguing on basis of article 37 of FIFA's disciplinary statutes.

I would support Brazil if by magic and mircale they could bring back Neymar. But Silva acted unfair and unsportsmanlike and stupid, and I do not see why the rules should be bend on behalf of such a fool's interests. We already have seen a massive erosion of the meaning of rules and cards. And now this should get trough?

No to Silva. He kicked himself into that yellow, and he should suffer for it. If he brought a disadvantage over his team by his action, then that hopefully will teach him and them a well-deserved lesson.

Something tells me that the Brazilians' chance with corrupt FIFA are not as bad as one may think at first. Its all policy these days.

http://www.welt.de/sport/fussball/wm...elbsperre.html

Did you know?

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28128439

The Dutch baby :yep:

No I didn't and I'm not sure I wanted to :)

According to German tabloid "Bild", the chief referee of FIFA has given a secret order before the tournament that refs should avoid yellow cards "as long as possible" and should not give them "too early" in matches anyway.

The report coincides with a very obvious and lousy performance on display by referees at this tournament. If the report is true, it would not longer be only coincidence, but a causal explanation why a festival of fouls of increasing brutality has to be celebrated at this tournament and why players with outstanding technical skill are declared fair game by refs.

The German football association is absolutely critical of the desastrous referee performances at this tournament, attacking FIFA for accepting to damage the health of players.

http://www.focus.de/sport/wm-2014/he...d_3971108.html

Brasil : Germany "0:2"

My predictions for the semi-finals, Germany to beat Brazil and Argentina to do the diving cheating clog wearers :yep:

Schweinsteiger is concerned with over the limit tough tackling style of Brazil.
Against Columbia they amassed 31 fouls.

And remember the ref from Uruguay v Italy game, where Suarez, the other vampire played?

Well, he's reffing Germany v Brazil game :down:
Marco Rodriguez.

God help Germany.

Brazil to beat Germany and Argentina to beat Holland.

It will be an all South American final but there is always a chance there will be an all European final which would be a turn up for the books.

I bet against you, Jim. :salute:

I read somewhere a good argument, saying that in both Europe and
South America, they nowadays play one and the same football style - the European. And I think the Europeans know better how to play that, than the South Americans.

With latest news just in, saying that Silva indeed is out now and Brazilian protests at FIFA have been blocked, Germany has even better chances.

I think there will be a an all European final. Germany-Netherlands: ein Knaller.:yeah:

At least if Löw does not coach the German advantages away again, like he did four years ago. That he listened to to the massive criticism now and changed his lineup, gives reasons to hope he has learned something.

All expectations calculated before any FIFA secret ref order interferences come into play. :-? The refs cannot be trusted anymore. :shifty: