Very very sad news. Neymar was injured by Zuniga in what seemed to be a kick to the back. The doctors have confirmed a broken vertebra, and with such a serious injury there is no chance he can return in time for any of the world cup matches.
I am a bit sad as I was hoping for a Neymar – Messi contest, but right now I am just hoping that he recovers quickly.
It was a decent match with Colombia trying as much As Brazil. However they could not cause an upset, though they get one goal giving them some hope towards the end of the match.
Personally I was again not very impressed by Fred, though I must admit that he seemed to be helpful in supporting roles during the set pieces. David Luiz’s beautiful free kick was the fantastic moment of this match for me.
The sad part was Silva getting a second yellow and Neymar getting injured. This means that Brazil is looking to play an in-form Germany with two of their key players. It will be interesting how the semis plays out.
The other concerning area was the aggression from Colombian players. They might have felt miffed at not getting cards but at times it looked like they wanted to incite full on violence on the field. Not something you want to see at such a world eve
Final Result: Brazil wins: 2:1
I had not seen a lot of the France matches, so Germany was my clear favourite. And they won! Nothing much more to write about it. Now, don’t get me wrong, it was not as boring as 1-0 scoreline would signify. Still it was a decent match and that’s about it. Bye Bye Le Bleu.
Now if my second prediction of Brazil come through then I am hoping for a fun semis.
Final result: Germany wins 1-0
This is one of the best World Cups ever, and all this before we even reach the quarter finals. The fact that all the group leaders went through speaks for their will power to win. Having said that almost all the matches were an absorbing affair and it has truly been a festival of goals as well as an exhibition of good goalkeeping.
As for my predictions, I seem to have sided with all the winners except poor US. So the plan progresses as per my ad-hoc dream to see a Brazil – Argentina finals :)
As it stand the quarter finals matches are as follows:
1. Germany v/s France
I am supporting German now, though I am going to change camp if Brazil meets them in the semis.
2. Brazil v/s Colombia
Brazil all the way. I do hope that they solve their defense issues and Neymar starts finding the back of the net. And I hope Fred does not start :)
3. Argentina – Belgium
No doubt Argentina are my favourites. Messi Messi!
4. Netherlands – Costa Rica
Despite the diving charges on Robben i must say he has been impressive. Sometime he looked the only European who does not feel the fatigue of the American heat. Nonetheless Costa Rica is also in form so it will not be an easy win (unless Costa Rica give too much respect to Netherlands)
I would love Netherlands to win, just because of the entertainment they have given us, and for the fact that I would like the Europeans to fight for bronze.
Let the final chapters begin.
I missed this match but heard from friends that it was quite an entertaining match. The one case where I tossed a coin turned out to be a poor gamble with US losing out. However this US team did give the fans something to cheer in these world cup finals.
Final Result: Belgium wins 2:1
