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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…
The Other Beautiful Game
As player’s have regained their energy and coaches alike have had time to reflect on the group stage and exhausting round of 16 World Cup finale versus Belgium, the USMNT will likely feel equally proud, yet unsatisfied. While not all of their young and exciting talent was utilized (ie- #10 Mix Diskerud and #9 Aron Jóhannsson) and key players failed to shine to their full potential (ie- Michael Bradley), there are signs that point to a bright future for the Americans. DeAndre Yedlin showed he has world-class pace, raw talent and a skill for crossing dangerous balls into the opponent’s 18-yard box as a defender on the flank. John Brooks is clearly an offensive threat on corner kicks and Julian Green has vision that will soon impress Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola for serious senior team consideration between now and 2016 and 2018.
The rub: If the USMNT is going to take the next step and compete for a World Cup and not just in one, it must have faith in itself and dare to go for that dream. Overloading the central midfield with defense, which leaves a creative void in the middle that was desperately needed to bridge the gap with the forwards, sends a message to the team and their opponents that they are, in effect, surrendering the mental chess game.
Teams cannot win the World Cup playing only checkers, waiting to jump the competition one or two times in 90 minutes.
Speaking of daring to play and engage in a game of chess versus a grandmaster…
Seems like he’s got the mindset to be pretty good at breaking down opponents’ defenses.
If given the chance to play, he’ll be passing and/or shooting his way to checkmates left and right for the USMNT.
USA All the Way (Someday)
Despite the World Cup ending for the United States of America in a tough loss yesterday to Belgium after 121′, the overwhelming support and patriotism on display from American fans all across the United States and parts of the world was sublime. Four years is a very, very long time to wait for the USMNT to compete for (not in) the next World Cup. However, it’s always a good time to celebrate a few of those who lead cheering sections for American soccer.
Here is the story of a few of these individuals:
“I believe that we will win!”
Jimmy's Daily Planet 