World Cup Diary 14: Football order is restored as Germany eyes the crown
The thing about the football World Cup is that it passes in a blur. It now feels like months rather than just a few days ago when Croatia scored that first goal to get us going. Since then we have witnessed perhaps the most tumultuous World Cup of all time.
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It is almost a pity that after all that turmoil off and on the field normal football order has been restored. Argentina against Germany is a bit of an anticlimax.
For most Ghanaians the World Cup ended a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday I spoke with a woman who expressed surprise that the tournament was still going on. Once the Black Stars left she lost interest, but she thought the Germany-Brazil match was the final. Of course it was not, but it felt like that. We all took it for granted, sucked in by the Brazilian hype that they would be in the finals.
Old Brazil magic
To be honest, Brazil had not been exceptional from Day One. They appeared vulnerable in defence, and despite Neymar’s genius, appeared tentative in attack. However, it appears that we hanker after the old Brazil magic of shimmering passes and feints in midfield. It was not to be. Not only that but this Brazil team made the wrong kind of history. They will never be able to forget it.
As the Chelsea Coach Jose Mourinho pointed out, coming generations would know about the 7-1 defeat in the same way that we know about the 1950 debacle. Indeed, in some way, this World Cup was to be the final eradication of the ghost of 1950 when Uruguay beat Brazil in the decisive match of the final group stage at the 1950 FIFA World Cup.
Holland power
I was disappointed to see Holland go out against Argentina. I backed Holland from the beginning to lift the trophy. I felt that they had superior power upfront and the common sense to stay safe in defence.
In Louis Van Gaal they have one of the most astute coaches in the world and as runners- up the last time I thought the quiet hunger in their bellies would take them to the top. In some way, despite the brilliance of Van Gaal, the Dutch were undone because of the predictability of their game. Put the brakes on Robben and you more or less hold them in permanent check.
Third place match
The third place match against Brazil is almost a non-event. Perhaps the Brazilian public will find the energy for one more singing of the national anthem and the men in orange will oblige and give them a match. It almost has no significance. It would have been a better feeling spectacle, if one of the many wannabees such as Costa Rica, Belgium or Colombia had been in a third place match.
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Of course, we would have relished an African team going beyond the last sixteen but it was not to be. Patrick Vieira, the former France World Cup winner, told the CNN in an interview that Africa needed five things in order to win the World Cup. According to him, these are: quality, unity, discipline, focus and luck. Mr Viera knows a lot about football so I believe him.
Germany, Argentina decide tomorrow
Today is not about the past. It is about tomorrow. Germany must be the favourites after doing that demolition job on Brazil but this is football. Some call it the beautiful game but it is also the crazy game. In any case, Argentina has a weapon known as Lionel Messi. Anything can happen.
Yes, anything can happen on and off the field. Off the field Ghana’s sad story of Brazil 2014 appears to have no end. Now, as we all know, 200 Ghanaians who went as football tourists to Brazil are said to be seeking asylum on religious grounds in Brazil. The latest trending hashtag on social media is bring back our supporters. Haba!