Brazil world cup till its quarter final stage has witnessed breath taking, nail biting tensions, fascinating contests and epic battle for survivals. After all these teams those were tipped to move after first round managed to scarp through but most only just .
Fortune favored the brave in almost all cases. Greater exposure to highly charged nerve wrecking contests of teams having past prove track records survived for still greater contests of Quarter final , semifinal and ultimate fight for the dream trophy. The quarter final line up reads.
Brazil vs Columbia , Netherlands vs Costa Rica, France vs Germany and Argentina vs Belgium.
Favorites from Groups A, C, E, F, G & H are there. But what were told the groups of death B and D witnessed the favorites fell. Reigning Champions and tipped favorite in Group B Spain made painful exit in the first round. Italy, England from Group D also made shocking exit at first round and was later joined by Uruguay from group of 16. Costa Rica is the surprise package appearing as the real giant killer and Belgium justified their Dark Horse status.
All the matches of the group of 16 were fought tooth and nail with very little and nothing to choose between the teams. There were few heart breaks and in some matches favorites only survived through the skins of their teeth.
Brazil vs Chile: Brazil 4 [ 1 +3 ( Penalty Shoot Out) ] : Chile 3 [ 1 + 2 ( Penalty Shoot out)
Host and Hexa dream merchants survived strong challenge from the red hot Chile in the first match of group five. The fast moving Chileans almost surprised the hot favorites in their own backyards. Brazil took the early lead but Chile neutralized capitalizing the sloppy defending of Brazil. Possibly a genuine Brazil goal by big Hulk was disallowed on the excuse of hand ball which on video footage appeared a marginal decision. However, Chile fought to the last taking the match to the lottery of penalty shoots out. Brave Brazilian Goal Keeper redeemed in saving the day with two spectacular penalty saves in reflex actions. It was great to see him pay back his debt to the nation after his lapse in the last world cup which turned him villain to the nation. Brazil lived for fighting another day much to the delight of their billion admirers all over the world.
Netherlands Vs Mexico: Netherlands 2: Mexico 1
Netherlands should thank their fortune in getting past brilliant Mexicans through a very last minutes orange surge. Mexicans’ were so near of pulling out a historic win with a lone goal margin. But a Dutch blitz so cruelly undid the Mexican dreams. Perhaps the winner coming from a penalty was a harsh decision. The match should have gone to extra time and even penalty shootout as Mexicans after their impressive performance throughout did not deserve to loose through a controversial penalty ( again a marginal decision).
Colombia vs Uruguay: Columbia 2: Uruguay 0.
It was Perhaps the only the only match of Group 16 where the impressive winner won without much contest or controversy. Columbia dominated depleted Uruguyans team still leaking the wounds of suspension of their star performer Luiz Suarez getting suspension for horrible offence of biting Italian defender.
Sizzling Columbian striker Rodriguez scored two smart goals taking his tally to 5 overtaking the leaders Messi, Neymar and Mueller. Columbia will now play Brazil in the quarter final on Thursday which may see the height of classic South American duet.
Brazil would have loved to have European team at this stage as matches could be more open for their touch artists. Perhaps Colombia will cause less worry for Neymar and co to operate in wider areas. But who knows.
Costa Rica vs Greece: Costa Rica 6 [1 + 5 (Penalty Shoot Out)] : Greece 4 [ 1 + 3 (Penalty Shoot Out ) }
Two surprise packages of the tournament produced a highly entertaining contest extending the match to penalty shootout through extra time. Costa Rica surprised the soccer world adanavcing from the group of death being the pre-tournament weakest team of the group having Italy, Uruguay and England.
They not only triggered fall of giants England and Italy but also topped the group playing skillfully well. On the other hand Greece playing true to their ultra-defensive strategy advanced unexpectedly behind Colombia elbowing out Cote D Voir (Ivory Coast).
The beauty of the contest was somehow impeded through another controversial decision of the referee of issuing marching order to Costa Rican Captain on the 63 rd minute of the match. How bravely the team of CONACSAF region fought with one man handicap for 27 + 30= 57 minutes in intense heat? In the penalty shootout it was natural justice that the more deserving team won through converting all their spot kicks.
Costa Rican keeper saved one and the fifth Greece spot kick was not required. They will now play Netherlands in the Quarter final. No one can now write off the giant killers. Their success so far is definitely not a flash in the pan. How sweetly the neutral soccer lovers will welcome the Ricans Fairytale to continue.
France vs Nigeria : France 2 : Nigeria 0
It was another match of neck to neck contest between fancied European team and the Champions of Africa. Super Eagles flying low were daring to land safe during the first half keeping the French troops mostly confined within their territory.
During this time Nigeria could score more than once and seal the fate of the match. But it was either French Goal keeper making spectacular saves or Nigerian strikers hesitating to deliver the final strike that did not bring Nigerian goals. After soaking Nigerian onslaughts over most part of the game better prepared French team came of their own in the last 15 minutes of the match driving the Super Eagles back home with two good goals. But definitely the final margin does not speak of the intense contest the match went through. Against superior opposition the lesser team must capitalize the chances that come their way or they get punished and rue their defaults eventually.
Germany vs Algeria. Germany 2 – Algeria 1
It was another match of high tempo and momentum. Algeria waited for long 32 years to avenge the conspiracy of West Germany and Australia depriving them of their genuine advance from the group stage after they beat Germany, Chile in the group. They came very near of shocking the tournament favorites with several goal pregnant potential attacks in the first half which they absolutely dominated.
But like their African continent mate earlier on the day the failed to cash on and suffered the ignominy of losing the contest to their experienced opponent 2-1 with all three goals coming in the extra time, the last two almost within the last 60 seconds of the match. It was a real heart break for the Algerians who fought bravely throughout the match. Algerians got defeated but not disgraced. Germany got a real scare and must thank Jesus for not getting humbled. Perhaps another time, another day in another part of the world Algerians will get another opportunity to fight the Germans.
Now Germany will play France in another epic Quarter Finals which is promising to produce a sizzling contest. Germans and French fought two World Wars with Guns. In the Second World War Germans could run over France with military might. But it may not be as easy on the football ground as French will prove a great challenger. Unfortunately one of two previous champions will have to exit from the scene.
Argentina Vs Switzerland: Argentina 1 : Switzerland 0
Had it not been the magic of the man from Outer orbit – from Marsh or moon may be Argentina the favorites of billions would have gone long by. For the fourth match in succession a piece of Messi Jewel was required to bail out the cornered Argentine Tigers after the vanquished Swish did everything to knock out the favorites other than pushing the ball into Argentine net .
When the match was about to roll into extra time great Messi cut the heart of Swiss defence with the sublime touch God gifted left foot setting otherwise struggling Di Maria free burying the Swiss hope. Argentina could deposit only a little of their Soccer Wealth in Safe Custody of Swiss Bank.
Another lucky escape of the favorites riding on Messi Horse. Argentine mid field and defense looks rugged leaving gaping holes. They may even struggle to contain the youthful exuberance of the Belgians who are their Quarter final rivals.
If they survive, either Germany or France will wait for them to deliver the killer punch in the semifinals. If they really want a much desired date of destiny with Brazil at historic Maracana Stadium Higuen and Di Mraia must pull up their shocks and more specifically defence must smarten a great deal.
USA vs Belgium: Belgium 2 : USA 1
It was a match of unbelievable USA survival. Belgium had absolute domination of the contest and could run away with huge wins had they been more precise and accurate in final delivery at the USA goal. Opportunities came their way like torrential high summer rain. But either they failed to deliver the right final strike of the American goalkeeper acted the Rock Of Gibraltar. 18 major saves he made which in itself tell the story.
The match rolled on to extra time when Fresh legs of Romeo Lukaku brought two Belgian goals which suddenly woke up the Americans from slumber. They were desperate in the last 10 minutes of the extra time when they not only reduced the margin but came tantalizing close to get the equalizer. Finally the deserving team won. Belgium started as dark horse of the tournament and continued their journey with 4 th straight win in as many matches.
They will now play tournament favorite Argentina seeking further success. There is no reason to take the blazing Belgian team lightly at all.
This world cup has seen enough of drama and excitement. Only heaven knows how the blessing will come to which team to lift the trophy. We will present previews of quarter finals as the tournament moves along.
For many reasons the Brazil world Cup will be living in the memory of all for a long long time for the quality of football alone apart from many thing else.
Engr Khondkar A Saleque Sufi is a NRB Energy Professional and free lance sports Writer, has over four decades of sport writing experience starting from his BUET days in 1970s . He lives in Australia and spends his leisure in writing on Energy & Sports in different International magazines and Journals.
BDST: 1348 HRS, JUL 02, 2014
