Amazing last 2 weeks! Except for
inadequate sleep, it is worth every minute of it. Juggling time
between work, travel, home and games – I managed to watch 39 of
them LIVE (unfortunately, only on TV). Goals galore; 136 goals scored
in group stages. Perhaps the most exciting of the world cups since
2002. Yet, we do not have a clear favorite. Germany started well
against Portugal, but their performance in last two group games
doesn’t tag them as clear favorites. Likewise, Netherlands
demolished Spain 5-1, but take out Van Persie and Robben from that
attack and they look as ordinary as you can ever imagine. Similarly,
Brazil and Argentina are relying heavily on Neymar and Messi
respectively. Mexico, Colombia and France impressed me with their
ability to score and play attacking games – they can spring a few
surprises in the knock-out phase. Spain and Portugal were
disappointing, while England and Italy lacked scoring ability to seal
games. It’s a pity that the World Cup failed to see one of the
world’s best player Cristiano Ronaldo in full flow as club football
has clearly taken its toll on this superstar.
Round 2 looks intriguingly poised
with the favorites lined up against tricky opponents. Chile will not
be a pushover for Brazil, and so as Switzerland for Argentina.
Xherdan Shaqiri from Switzerland scored the only hatrick, although
few others came close. Just like any other major tournament, FIFA
2014 has its own share of controversies. There can’t be anything
more controversial than Suarez’s biting incident, I would have
loved to see this guy banned forever as his offences are repetitive
and detrimental to the game. Some of the spot kicks awarded,
offsides ruled are real howlers…but the goal line technology and in
particular the magic spray is a welcome innovation. So let the DEATH
GAMES begin. Enjoy !!
Here are my best 5 goals so far in
this World Cup
- Robin Van Persie(Netherlands) against Spain : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS0QWdMopC8
- Gervinho (Ivory Coast) against Colombia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2Y6MekLnMY
- Lionel Messi(Argentina) against Iran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEoulp3yfhg
- Tim Cahill (Australia) against Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb_c5btjD4c
- Xherdan Shaqiri(Switzerland) against Honduras: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDwFYxOo0yE
