Football Ramblings

The great man is smiling again! He wouldn't have done that in the past few weeks. He was magnificent in the 40 minutes he got to play. He is back! Also, farewell to Deco, a legend. He was a big part in helping Messi become what he is now.I was privileged enough to watch him play a little for Barcelona and for Chelsea. I wish I could have seen some more of him, but good luck to him!

This is why Messi deserved the Golden Ball.

It was probably the saddest sight I have ever seen. Lionel Messi standing helpless at the final whistle of the World Cup Final, looking up at the heavens as if to say,"Why me?" He had a whole county's weight on his shoulders, but he couldn't bring a fitting end to this endless saga of the greatest player ever. He had his chance to end the debate in the 46th minute, but his shot whipped past the far post. It just wasn't supposed to be for Leo this time. He now still stands amongst the greats, just not above them. After years of non-stop babbling about Lionel Messi not being able to produce in the blue and white stripes of the Argentina kit, he did just that. He scored 4 goals in the group stage  ad got 1 assist in the round of 16 match against Switzerland. He was involved in some way in 7 of Argentina's 8 goals. Yet still, people aren't satisfied with him. They are blaming him because he did not perform in 1 match. They think a single man can win a World C...

Never has the footballing world seen such contrasting semi-finals. One, a German blitz on Brazil, and the other a very cautious tactical battle between the Netherlands and Argentina. Germany celebrated as if they just won a friendly match, whereas Argentina celebrated as if they had just won the World Cup. Argentina's dream continues, and now they are just one step away from crowning themselves world champions. They know that they will have to play a very organized and disciplined game, and they can not afford to have a repeat of the last two World Cups. The Germans will feel they deserve the trophy this time having reached the semi-finals in the past 4 World Cups, and once being runners up in the final. Will the 4th time be the charm, or will the Germans have another sad ending after being so close to the finish line? Germany is high on confidence after the 7-1 demolition of Brazil, but this could prove to be their downfall. They must know that Argentina will not be as disorganiz...

The World Cup has lost Neymar, who fractured his vertebra in a challenge with Zuńiga in the Brazil and Columbia quarterfinal. This is devastating news for the World Cup viewers, and more importantly, Brazilians. The 22 year old had a chance to carry his team all the way to glory in the Maracana. This is what he had to say in his emotional message after the injury. Now the team can't even win because they have been shocked 7-1 by Germany! That was unbelievable. This is the greatest result of this World Cup surely, but I might stress it more to be the most shocking result EVER. That is no exaggeration. Neymar's dream is over. Brazil's dream is over. It has gone horribly wrong for the host nation at the rear end of this World Cup. This is what Neymar had to say after

Round of 16 Brazil vs Chile  1-1 (3-2 on penalties) Columbia vs Uruguay  2-0 Netherlands vs Mexico  2-1 Costa Rica vs Greece 1-1 (5-3 on penalties) France vs Nigeria  2-0 Germany vs Algeria  2-1 Argentina vs Switzerland  1-0 Belgium vs USA  2-1 Quarterfinals Germany vs France  1-0 Brazil vs Columbia  2-1 Argentina vs Belgium 1-0 Netherlands vs Costa Rica 0-0 (4-3 on penalties) My Predictions: Semi-Finals Brazil vs Germany: Germany wins Argentina vs Netherlands: Argentina wins Third Place Brazil vs Netherlands: Netherlands win Final Argentina vs Germany: Argentina wins

The 24 year drought is over for Argentina! They have made it into the semi-finals ! Now they believe they can win. Things started off rather quickly, with Messi dragging two defenders towards him, laying it off to Di Maria, his deflected pass falling to Higuain, who smashed it past Courtois on the half-volley. From then on Argentina played it smart, letting Belgium have possession, defending magisterially  whenever  they got into dangerous areas. On the counter- attack, they wouldn't blaze forward like they normally would, rather slowing the game down and save their energy for the next round. However, things soured for Argentina, as Messi played a brilliant pass into Di Maria, who was one on one versus Kompany. Di Maria cut in, and took a shot, which was deflected. However as he took the shot, he hurt his quadriceps, and as he limped off, the whole nation sent prayers to the heavens that he would be fit for the semi-final with the Netherlands . However, if rumors are true, ...

This World Cup has not been normal by any stretch of imagination, and the Round of 16 stage shows why. There were clear favorites to win the 8 matches played, but in all the matches, the underdogs showed great team spirit to make it difficult for the favorites.  Only the Belgium and US game is remaining, but the 7 games so far have had thrills, spills, and nail biting moments.  The round started with the host nation taking on Chile. Brazil were far from their best, and disappointing to say the least. The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the second half being the worst 45 minutes I have ever seen from Brazil. It went into extra time, with nothing changing there. On we went on to penalties, with Brazil ultimately winning the shootout with a score of 5-4.  The next game was Columbia and Uruguay. Uruguay were not settled from the beginning, and James Rodriguez produced the goal of the tournament to put Columbia ahead. A player with talent a month ago turned int...