The FIFA World Cup has truly hit the business stage of the competition, as four superpower nations battle it out for a spot in the final.
From the beginning of the tourne many experts were predicting we would get the ‘dream’ all South American final with Argentina meeting hosts Brazil.
Thursday morning (AEST) Lionel Messi and co. look to ensure their side do their part in creating said dream final.
Unfortunately for those hoping for a marquee Brazil versus Argentina clash will have to make due to Germany versus Argentina final.
The unfortunate late injury suffered by Brazilian superstar Neymar has taken away the home nation’s number one strike weapon, and for mine, their ability to beat the machine like Germany.
Brazil, far from a one man side, have plenty of attacking weapons, however through the loss of Neymar, now lack the flair to break down the organised Germany defence.
The German backline of Howedes, Hummels, Lahm and Boateng have only conceded three goals all tournament, which is equal second after the measly two conceded by Costa Rica.
Brazil, who will be looking to push players forward to compensate for the loss of Neymar, are susceptible at the back.
David Luiz has been one of the players of the tournament so far, but as shown during his time at Chelsea, he can be caught badly out of position by the more organised and drilled teams.
In international football, there is no team more organised and drilled than Joachim Loew’s German outfit.
This is the fourth World Cup in a row that Germany have made it to the final four, and in those three previous world cups, never have they had an opportunity as good as this.
They were broken down and played off the park by Brazil in 2002, and will be out for revenge of sorts by denying the home side their place in the final.
Coinsidently it will be the only remaining member of either side to play in that 2002 final in Miroslav Klose may hold the key for Germany.
The 36 year old national record goal scorer needs just one goal to become the most prolific striker in World Cup history, and there would be no better place to pass Brazilian legend Ronaldo’s mark than against the current equal top scorers home nation.
It will be interesting to see who the Brazilian’s back in the final should Germany beat them and go on to play Argentina, which for mine is exactly the outcome we’ll get.
Daniel Nichols
Roar Guru
Nek minnit ;-)
Mark
Guest
Sorry - I wasnt aware the Dutch had lost the semi final yet... Something about Chickens, Counting, Hatched.... Argentina arent a great team...
Albatross
Guest
I'm leaning towards an all European final. I just think that these 2 euro teams have a little more to offer than their opposition. The only thing that makes me think otherwise, is the fact it's in Brazil. Surely the tournament won't have both the SA heavyweights miss out! Let's just hope the refs don't decide the result, and we see some open and attractive football.
magila cutty
Guest
On the Dutch, yes they have, at times, been impressive but they also trailed against us. If Argentina get such an advantage i don't know that they'll be coming back. Oh and Argentina have better players than us, much better. Allez Argies.
Terrosilops
Guest
Argentina play horrible football. The players that they have and the football they play just makes you wonder. 4 across the back and two DM's. 2 wingers, a striker and a SS (messi). I don't get why they didn't bring Pastore, he hasn't played much, but he is still a class act, and they really need someone feeding the front line. It is lifeless hoofball. With a better coach they could win the world cup easily with the talent they have. Brazil, hard to see them winning with no one good upfront, and the most important player missing in T.Silva. D.Luiz is a headcase, has Dante still got the legs? I don't recall another backup. Germany is only in lack of a striker and have the team to win, only thing against them is the heat, same with netherlands, we saw how it affects them in one of the group stage matches. Netherlands are potent attack and balanced everywhere else. I think without Robben they would be long shots, he is very important, if he is shut out, then it is hard to see them winning. But I don't think Argentina are tactically sound.
Brian Orange
Roar Guru
Just watching the QF highlights show on SBS. How did Holland not score in normal time? Or extra time?
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Agreed.
Steve Kerr
Roar Rookie
Unfair to neglect the Netherlands. They have, on occasion, played some very exciting Football this tournament. More than Argentina, at any rate.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
"dream’ all South American final with Argentina meeting hosts Brazil" -- that is my nightmare final! The Brazilians have slipped through in a disorganised fashion, and will hope to continue to get help from the referees -- however, to give them their due, lots of other teams have used the same tactics and not gone through. Argentina has a tough defence, and their strikers have been used sparingly but to great effect. Germany has played organised football, and has shown attacking flair ; the Dutch have also attacked, leaving them more open in defence. Both have shown enterprise, and a willingness to play fairly. I hope that we see Germany and the Netherlands in the final.
Brian Orange
Roar Guru
Daniel you forgot to mention the other semi-finalist. I honestly can't see Argentina beating Holland. Germany will beat Brazil too and it will be a European final. Forget what happened in the quarter finals, the semis are a whole new ball game.