by Colin the King » Mon Jun 28, 2010 1:10 am
I know Maradonna's a bit of a twat at the best of times but it's hard not to like Argentina, they're a joy to watch when they get going. And it just feels surreal to see Tevez thumping in a goal like that in the World Cup, and knowing he's a City player. Goosebumps stuff.
Been really unimpressed with Spain, Villa's brilliance has carried them this far and I think they'll find Portugal really hard to break down (only side not to have conceded so far). Japan have been a nice surprise, boundless energy and workrate but plenty of flair and technical ability too, I think they know hitting long balls is pointless given their lack of height so short, sharp passing is their only option- but they do it so well. Think they'll squeeze past Paraguay on Tuesday.
Brazil have been unimaginative and basically a bit boring so far. They seem to be content with pushing on, getting a few goals and sitting on that, passing it around aimlessly for most of the game. They'll get past Chile no danger but I hope Holland put them out in the quarters.
Germany, gutted about today but full credit to them, they took advantage of the weaknesses in the England side and reaped the rewards, even if Lampard's goal had been allowed (which it obviously should have been) I don't think 4-2 necessarily flatters them. Ozil, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Klose, Podolski, all excellent. I think what benefits them is there's no out and out 'superstars', so they all just get their heads down and work hard. It's really hard to call their game with Argentina, they're both pretty devastating going forward but both also have weaknesses (that haven't yet been properly tested) defensively. I have a sneaking feeling the Germans will just edge it, maybe 3-2, and full credit to them if so. Löw is a top coach, not afraid to blood young players and whatever he's saying to motivate them is working pretty fucking well. We could learn a thing or two.