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Something is missing. Someone is missing. As fascinating a competition as the World Cup is, one of the main features of South Africa 2010 so far has been the lack of individual brilliance displayed.
The tournament has been characterised by slow passing movements and teams defending in great numbers deep in their own half.
Any route one tactics have also proved ineffective as teams struggle with the combination of the Jabulani, altitude and unpredictable surfaces. Moreover, creative midfielders have had limited influence thus far except for Mesut Ozil against Australia.
Spain were unable to breakdown Switzerland, France couldn’t break Uruguay (thanks Sidney Govou), and England looked lacklustre in their first match. Brazil were painful to watch against North Korea. These teams rely on fluid team play which just hasn’t worked thus far.
It is only the superstars of football who have looked like breaking down stubborn defences. Messi was brilliant against Nigeria, and despite hitting the post Cristiano Ronaldo made something out of nothing against Ivory Coast.
Perhaps nations with individual stars will shine the brightest in South Africa. Players like Messi and Ronaldo who can beat a defender or two and change history in a few quick touches.
The Netherlands would become tournament favourites in my opinion if Arjen Robben returns fit to feature. He dominated the Champions League this season like nobody else, except for perhaps his Dutch teammate Wesley Sneijder. Lightning fast, incredible touch and in great form.
Sneijder pulling the strings, Robben and the highly impressive Eljero Elia running at players, and Van Bommel and De Jong providing the steely core necessary for world cup success. Boasting Van Persie, Van der Vaart, Huntelaar, Kuyt and Babel; the attacking depth of the Dutch is unquestionable.
The one weakness is defence, but the minnows have proved that well-organised team defence can keep a clean sheet in South Africa.
Crucially, The Netherlands are also IN FORM. I think the Dutch duck will finally be broken! (As long as they can beat a Messi-inspired Argentina).
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