By Telema Davies
As Brazil takes to the pitch in one of World Cup’s most enticing encounters against Germany, the global football family can expect a thrilling and entertaining game. The host nation will be playing for pride and nationalism in front of their home fans and across the world. They have come under pressure to reclaim the FIFA World Cup trophy which they last won 12 years ago, 2002 to be precise. That edition was jointly hosted by Asian tigers, Korea and Japan and interestingly, both nations in today’s semifinal meet were in the final of that year’s event with Brazil dealing the decisive blow on the Germans in a 2-0 win. The Germans today, are in an entirely different frame from their 2002 compatriot.
Unlike the Brazilians who have shown dependence on the individual brilliance of Neymar Jr., Germany look the better side in terms of overall team quality. Though they haven’t been at their football best as is the case with Brazil, yet the Germans have shown the right spirit in getting the result that has brought them this far in the competition. Technically and tactically, Germany have been better disciplined contrary to their Brazilian counterparts who in one game (against Colombia) mopped up unimpressive 16 fouls. So we look certain to having a feisty encounter on our hands.
Both teams have not been short on goals in their head-to-head. A total of 65 goals between them goes to show that this should be just as entertaining and emotional as being at a live opera. At this tournament both teams have created numerous chances for conversion. But the Samba Boys might be considered the more dangerous side given their conversion rate. Germany’s highest goalscoring game was against European rivals Portugal, and thereafter they seemed to have run dry like an abandoned well in the African desert.
As the Netherlands go against a Lionel Messi-captained Argentine team, this is another mouthwatering match with a tricky value to it. The Netherlands are the second best team in technical terms and its all down to soon-to-depart Louis Van Gaal’s quality as a rare football genius. Many might state a case of Holland vs Messi, but it looks more likely a case of LVG vs Messi without necessarily a mention of coach Alejandro Sabella in the mix. The ‘fraud-like’ bit to this face-off is that one of both men will be throwing his instructions and reviewing over and over his tactical formation and player inclusion while the other will be on the pitch doing what he knows best to do: being Lionel Messi!
As is the case with the first game, both Argentina and the Netherlands have also not being at the expected best. Though the remarkable qualities in both sides have been apparent, but as a team they are still short in the exactness the football world has come to appreciate of their history. The Netherlands have the skills and flair to entertain, but it is doubtful that LVG would rely on such values in securing the desired outcome: a place in the final. Who comes out on top in this one, will be down to brains and not just brawns and talent because as John Maxwell has pointedly informed us,’Talent is NOT just Enough’.
