Almost a month since the World Cup kicked off, and we're down to the final weekend. I can't move on before I address the Brazil game. No one could say they saw THAT coming. Sure, Germany winning isn't that much of a shock, I know I picked Brazil, but it's not like I said Germany had no chance. Many are saying that is the most embarrassing loss in the history of the entire World Cup. I've only seen four World Cups, and it's definitely the worst I've ever seen. My father, who has watched 10 World Cups, says this is the worst Brazil team he's ever seen. There are no words that can describe it...to be down 0-5 within 30 minutes on your home soil. The writing was on the wall though. You can make a very good case that Brazil didn't deserve to win games against Croatia, Chile, and Colombia. Neymar was a big loss for this game, but Thiago Silva's was even worse. The defense had absolutely zero organization and leadership. Let's be clear about something though: this is a game that happens once in a lifetime, we likely won't see a game like that again. Some people have asked me what a good comparison is, because the casual soccer fan has no idea how terrible this loss really is. The best I could come up with is LSU/Auburn beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa by 6 touchdowns in the college playoff this year (I know Tuscaloosa can't host a semi-final but that's the direct comparison). In contrast, the second semi-final may have been the most boring game of the World Cup thus far. There really weren't any clear cut chances for 120 minutes, and Argentina goalie Sergio Romero stepped up in the shootout. Even though the Netherlands lost, they shut down Lionel Messi, something the Germans will surely look at. Argentina booked their place in the final, and if you think Brazil losing is bad, you have no idea how much it would hurt Brazilians if Argentina lifted the trophy at the Maracana on Sunday.
I predicted 1 out of 2 semi-final games correctly, here are my final predictions for this year's World Cup.
Third Place Game: Brazil vs. Netherlands
The big question here is how much pride do the Brazilians have left? They get Thiago Silva back so there should be much more organization on defense, but there still isn't anyone that can score goals. It definitely won't be the same as winning the title, but winning this game will restore just a glimmer of pride for the world's most successful soccer team. In my eyes, the Netherlands have already overachieved. I never thought a team with such an inexperienced back line could go this far (watch out for this team in Euro 2016). Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and Robin Van Persie were ineffective in the semi-final, and don't be surprised if coach Van Gaal shuffles his lineup for this game. Traditionally, third place games have more goals because both teams play with considerably less pressure. This one is really hard to call though because no one knows how much the destruction in the semi-final will affect Brazil. I incorrectly thought the emotion of playing for Neymar would lift Brazil past Germany. Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari may also shuffle his lineup, giving guys that haven't played a chance to show what they've got. Also, Arjen Robben's comments after the semi-final (calling the 3rd place match useless) seem to point this game means more to Brazil.
Prediction: Brazil 2 Netherlands 1
The Final: Germany vs. Argentina
This is the game everyone is waiting for. Don't be surprised if this final shatters the record for most viewers of a television event. If you expect Germany to roll Argentina like they did Brazil, you're dead wrong. For one, Argentina is yet to allow a goal in the knockout rounds. Germany's biggest concern will be stopping Lionel Messi, and they have the players to do it. Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger will likely track Messi with others helping out depending on where on the field Messi is. As far as individual match-ups, Argentina's biggest task is stopping Thomas Mueller, who seems to pop up and score timely goals in every game. But don't be fooled, soccer is a team game, and it will take team efforts from both of these countries. People point out that Argentina's defense is the weak link, but as a team, they've played good defense in every game this tournament besides the Nigeria game in the group stages. Also, Germany's biggest weakness in the last few major tournaments is their mental strength. As a relatively young team, they may be a little overconfident after trashing Brazil. At the same time, Germany is the best team overall in this tournament, so as long as they don't suffer from mental lapses, they'll be the favorite to win. I think this game all depends on Argentina's approach. If I were coach Alejandro Sabella, I would sit back a little bit (sort of like what Algeria did, but not as defensive), and then try to hit on the counter with Messi, Lavezzi, and Aguero. Argentina will also play more physical than Brazil, and they may foul often to break up the German passing game. However, fouling too close to the goal may be costly, as Germany has a clear height advantage and Toni Kroos plays delicious crosses from set pieces. I expect a game similar to the last World Cup final: tense, low scoring, and physical. Who will win the World Cup: the team that's come so close or the best player in the world?
Prediction: I'm rooting for Argentina but I think Germany will take it Germany 1 Argentina 0 (after extra time)
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