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The Lion Roars No More
I really wish I had been wrong in my World Cup Final prediction…
Back on June 12th, I wrote a post titled Mês de Ouro do Futebol! Within this article, there were lists of players and teams to watch for the 2014 World Cup, as well as a prediction of the World Cup Final. If you recall, I chose Germany and Argentina to play for the championship. It was a purely pragmatic choice, despite my love for the United States of America and the Dutch. As a long time fan of the Netherlands, there were many question marks for them entering this tournament. Put simply, they could only exceed expectations.
Last night, the Dutch lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Penalty maestro Krul was unable to be subbed in late and after Dutch defender Vlaar’s penalty was blocked to open the shootout, a paralyzing shock set in for those cheering for the Netherlands. While technically it was just the first shot, the momentum shifted like a tidal wave and it proved to be unrecoverable for the Oranje.
It was over.
A golden generation of Dutch superstars may never hoist soccer’s biggest trophy.
In a single word: devastating.
However, attempting to put this game aside for a slightly happier note today, Jimmy’s Daily Planet would like to offer a throwback this Thursday to a late night contest that happened a while back.
Enjoy:
Escaping in 8-minute intervals may be what it takes for Dutch fans today.
A Defining 90 Minutes Awaits
Argentina v. Netherlands
This will be a fascinating battle (with some interesting World Cup history) that will feature offensive creativity near its height once one team dares to expand its wings and go for it to earn that treasured spot in the World Cup Final against the mighty and goal-exhausted Germans. While defense wins championships, today’s match is not the championship and, therefore, offense will take center stage in what will likely be a showcase of world-class talent courtesy of the likes of Messi, Higuaín, Robben and Sneijder (to name just a few of the headliners). There will be gaps and lanes opened and created throughout, unless both coaches implement über cautious tactics. However, this reality seems unlikely given the personnel and strengths of each squad. A 7-1 final score also seems improbable, but after yesterday and all of what’s transpired in Brazil the past few weeks, who knows anymore?
It’s been beautifully crazy.
For Argentina (and Messi in particular), this is a legacy match that will go a long way towards defining the footballing strength of this South American nation that has played “little brother” to Brazil for longer than they’d wish to concede. Can Messi orchestrate a Barcelona-like performance when they were in their championship-rich years? Understanding the relative inexperience of the mostly youthful Dutch defense, Messi may shine brightest today. Will it lead to a win? That is the question in Buenos Aires today. On the other side, Argentina will have to brace for the Flying Dutchmen of Van Persie (or Huntelaar), Robben, Sneijder and Kuyt and Depay. Once the ball reaches the middle of the pitch, the Dutch love to open it up and run. It’s hard to imagine this game won’t have a few goals. But this is also a legacy math for the Oranje after a disappointing loss in the 2010 World Cup final versus Spain (both the score as well as stylistically). Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder and Huntelaar are all 30 years old, all in their prime and all cognizant of the fact they are two games away from lifting the very first World Cup trophy for their nation. Could this be destiny played out as the ultimate comeback story for the men in orange?
As my club soccer coach used to say, whichever team “let’s the ball do the work” will likely come out on top.
The night sky will either be painted light blue or orange tonight…
Will the Orange Lion Roar Again?
Australia v. Netherlands (Noon, ESPN) will likely be a match juxtaposed with a tenacity for attacking the goal on the part of the Dutch following their offensive explosion against Spain and extended periods of calming possession to build team chemistry for games in the future. The expectations will be sky high for the Oranje, but if their performance doesn’t equal last Friday’s, don’t be too quick to criticize. The Dutch made their statement/published a thrilling headline, now it’s time to write the body of their story with engaging and enduring characters and flow. The Socceroos will be hoping to hop in a goal on the still developing back-three of the Netherlands, which could add some drama (for at least part of the game). Of course, let’s not discount a repeat showcase of goal-scoring wonderment by the Dutch, led by Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben. This could be the beginning of something quite golden for the men in orange…
Spain v. Chile (3:00 p.m., ESPN) is the battle for the #2 spot in Group B: period. The Spanish side is fragile, specifically mentally. The Chileans are inspired with 3 points and understand a win will all but send them through to the round of 16. However, as it’s been stated on this blog, don’t underestimate Spain. They didn’t win all those major championships the past 6 years without knowing how to rebound from a loss or setback. Nonetheless, a loss by Spain will officially end their reign as the best national team in the world.
Cameroon v. Croatia (6:00 p.m., ESPN) is likely going to see a determined Croatian side attack, attack and (you guessed it) attack a vulnerable Cameroon defense with the return of their world-class striker Mario Mandžukić. In an already hot and humid World Cup, a big win from Croatia (and its accompanying 3 points) will add some heat to the necks of the Mexicans sitting on 4 points.
Will today prove the end of Spain’s run as footballing royalty?
Can the Dutch improve on an impressive showing in their first game?
Should we learn the names of the Croatian team?
As the World Cup has already shown us just a few days into its month-long journey, anything can and will happen.
These Games Should Be Scary Good
First of all, every fan (and team) should applaud and mimic the national pride the Brazilians showed last night by walking into the stadium for the first match of the 2014 World Cup with their hands on the shoulder of the teammate in front of them and by singing their national anthems with heartfelt passion.
It was a beautiful sight.
Three games scheduled today will continue the excitement from Brazil’s 3-1 victory against the Mandžukić-less Croatian side yesterday afternoon (the final score was a bit misleading). These matches include: Mexico v. Cameroon (Noon ET), Spain v. Netherlands (3:00 p.m. ET) and Chile v. Australia (6:00 p.m. ET). Not only will these matches provide us with a good idea of the dynamics for Groups A & B, but it’s also Friday the 13th. Just something to keep in mind. You never know what may happen?
After all, who would have predicted a Brazilian own-goal to open the scoring at this year’s World Cup?
Actually, Big Head the turtle probably picked that…
What to watch for:
Can Mexico erase the mighty struggles it endured during CONCACAF qualifying and compete at the highest-level versus Cameroon? It could go wither way for El Tri. In all likelihood, Brazil will win Group A, but it will be fascinating to watch which team will secure that coveted second spot. At this point, Croatia, Mexico or Cameroon could play themselves into the Final 16 with some purposeful and creative footballing rhythm.
Chile v. Australia will prove as a good example at this World Cup of two teams that may not be highly regarded, but who have the potential to be trouble for the teams that are better known and more heavily favored (ie- Spain and the Netherlands). As Croatia showed, a few dangerous crosses by David can put Goliath in a tricky, uncomfortable spot.
Spain v. Netherlands: a rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final. What form will Spain show up in? Will the Dutch be less physical and more fluid in possession and be more attacking-centric? The World Cup should always kickoff with the host nation before its home crowd, but this match-up warrants nearly as much hype. This game could be a nil-nil tie, a 2-2 tie or a thrilling 1-nil win or even a 3-1 domination. Don’t underestimate Spain and don’t underestimate the Dutch in 2014. The tournament is in the “games” phase right now, which means that an explosive offense can make up for early, silly defensive mistakes. Maybe not necessarily for the group stage, but this match can go a long way in defining each squad regarding its style of play and ultimate potential in its equal pursuit towards World Cup glory far beyond the round of 32.
Now, back to the Friday the 13th issue. In soccer, crazy things can and will happen. Today’s superstitious date adds just a little more spice to that Moqueca de Camarão. The question is: for what teams/players will this famed curse affect?
Perhaps keep an eye out for players wearing #13…
Mexico: Diego Reyes
Cameroon: Eric Choupo Molting
Spain: Juan Mata
Netherlands: Joël Veltman
Chile: Jose Rojas
Australia: Oliver Bozanic
Maybe the Dutch should wear black kits today, since their mascot is a lion, which is a member of the cat family…
Jimmy's Daily Planet 