The German Machine

The German Machine

Can the German Machine be stopped? Traditionally; the German team has been known for their non-stop physical attacking system and Brazil 2014 is not the exception. 

The Teutons started this World Cup with the same speed and aggressiveness by mauling Portugal in their fist match followed by a tied with Ghana and defeating the US in their last group game.

They'll take you for a ride!

For some reason, I believe that if you have guys named Boateng and Bastian Schweinsteiger in your team you’re bound to win matches!

The German machine can be stopped in the regular ninety minutes of the match though. Four years ago it was Spain that sent them packing back home by using their skills, tactics and passing style. But in this tournament it seems like an impossible task to compete with the physical power of Low’s men after regular time. 

The Teutons seem to keep going with the same pace like the beginning of the match, but they sure can be stopped if their opponents manage to score on them and then freeze the game a little.

Indeed the German machine can be stopped but don’t let them take you for the long ride because then it’s over.

The Underdogs Came to Play

Is this the World Cup of the underdogs?

There is no doubt that there has been a lot of drama at this World Cup in Brazil. From the very beginning who would have thought that Spain was going to be spanked so badly by Holland.

Brazil’s game against Mexico was a thrill. The locals did not play bad at all but in this case El Tri were the underdog but luckily it was Guillermo Ochoa’s big night as he became an impenetrable wall against the strikes of Neymar and company.

Costa Rica is another squad that has stepped up very confident in the world stage. Not only have Los Ticos played so well but also they have been able to get out of the group stage by beating two bigger dogs such as Uruguay and Italy.

Colombia and Chile of the CONMEBOL have come out with young and dynamic players who could continue giving surprises to the fans. Colombia won its first two games already by beating Greece 3-0 and Ivory Coast 2-1. Chile is performing better than expected as well by beating Australia 3-1 and upsetting Spain 2-0. Colombia and Chile are definitely two teams doing really well in Brazil.

CONCACAF came to this World Cup to play! Yes indeed; we have seen it with Costa Rica and Mexico but how about the USA? Jose Mourinho arguable the best soccer coach in the world was right when he said the US team could create trouble in the group of death. He was absolutely right; The USMNT has beaten its old adversary from previous tournaments, Ghana 2-1 and what a dramatic ending against Ronaldo’s Portugal. The Portuguese team was lucky to score in the last 35 seconds of stoppage time for a 2-2 draw against the Yanks.

There is no doubt that this tournament has had a lot of drama and the underdogs have come out stronger than expected. It has been a World Cup not only with a record of goals but also amazing ones too. It is simply the nature of the beautiful game where anything can happen and even the last minute has 60 seconds.

The Spaniards Should Be Proud

Spain should be proud of their team regardless of an early exit from the World Cup. It’s very easy to criticize why things have gone wrong for them, but this is football. It happened to Italy  too who were the defending World Champions in South Africa 2010 and they were eliminated in the first round.

This group of Spanish warriors has had a fantastic run but now it is time for them to move on. Though, they have had a horrible performance in Brazil, they are a group of players that will not easily be forgotten. They are the reason why the Spaniards can proudly wear a Jersey with the star of World Champions on their chest. This fantastic group of players has created monumental memories for generations to come and for a nation that breathes football to the core.

It’s true that the critics will say that coach Del Bosque did not prepare for this competition. It is true that there will be those that will say that this national team needed young blood. There will be those that will hummer the players for not playing with their hearts for an entire nation that supports them. But the most important thing that those critics should remember is that these fantastic players that have been eliminated have also accomplished what has been unaccomplished before.

This team gave Spain a Euro Cup in 2008, a World Cup in 2010 and another Euro Cup in 2012. Indeed, a delicious sandwich that most countries would like to enjoy.

It is simply the nature of this business; unfortunately we have to say good-bye to this fantastic team. But from this experience something better will come up for them. They will have their renaissance because Spain has fantastic young team U21 European champions hungry enough for the world stage. 

Wrong Penalty Calls in Brazil 2014

Is this the World Cup of wrong calls for penalty kicks?

In the Brazil vs Croatia game there was a very controversial penalty favoring the locals.

In the Holland vs Spain; again, another wrongfully given in favor of the Spaniards.

Penalty given against Honduras during their game against France.

Controversial penalty favors Germany  (they don’t need favors) during their game against Portugal.

Hopefully this nonsense stops!

FIFA Causing Unrest in Brazil?

I'm Just Saying!

Is FIFA in trouble? Not really! Even though the Federation Internationale of Football Association claims to be helping people all over the world with their social responsibility programs. Apparently is not the case when there are thousands of protesters in the streets of Rio. It could be that the Brazilian government is at fault as they should prioritize funds to assist the people instead of over spending money for the World Cup.

It's World Cup Time!

What time is it?

Time to get a watch… Umm actually it’s that time again when the world paralyses for a month. The biggest sporting event in the Universe is upon us and Brazil is at the center of it all.

The World Cup is for us; for those of us who enjoy stepping up to have a good time with loud strangers at a bar. It’s for us who continuously enjoy talking smack with our friends about a certain goal, a play or a victory from our team against theirs.

This is it; it’s time to buckle up and enjoy the sweet ride. It’s going to be an enjoyable month in Brazil and the world. The South American nation is welcoming, warm hearted and knows how to party.

Time to get this party started!

This is truly the world’s game where a nation plays against another nation and at the end the one the gets to lift the trophy is actually a world champion.

The World Cup 2014 in Brazil promises to be spectacular! Not only because it’s held at a nation the breathes football but also because it’s a nation that continuously produces great players. The World Cup will be spectacular because of the rivalry among superstars; the stage has been set and only the strongest and fittest will survive.

As for us fans around the world; let’s grab a cold one and enjoy the beautiful game…

The Sergio Ramos' Way

The recent success of Real Madrid in winning La Decima might expand to the World Cup via a warrior-like and fantastic player named Sergio Ramos. Actually whom am I kidding! Sergio is well known and one of the best central defenders in the world of football.

Not only was he [Sergio] a key player to win the Champions League title but also on the way there he scored twice in four minutes against Bayern Munich. Sergio along with Cristiano Ronaldo was the protagonist that demolished the German team. But now the world stage has been set in Brazil and is time for the performers to do their thing at the biggest event of all.

Sergio might not be done yet and Spain is lucky to have a great guy like him on their side. Though his temperament may betray him at times; when things get tough it is necessary to get tougher, but more importantly it is essential to have defenders that are willing to attack.

Sergio Ramos’ way of playing the beautiful game has a unique characteristic not seen on many other defenders. This fantastic central defender is always there; whether that is taking free kicks, penalty kicks, and scoring goals from corner kicks.

Undoubtedly; Sergio has had a fantastic year by helping his club bring a historic piece of silverware home. La Decima has been the most desirable trophy by Madridistas. But now is time to put all of that behind and look forward to the World Cup. As a fan of fantastic football as it is displayed by La Roja; I feel confident that Sergio might put it in the net once again because he simply enjoys attacking as much as he enjoys defending. It’s is simply Sergio’s way.