It is a World Cup which has swung from ordinary to good to brilliant.
The best may be yet to come, especially from the South Americans Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Ecuador.
The Germans, French, Holland and Belgium have brought crowds to their feet. Few could give a reason why the Latins have not. They are accustomed to the conditions. Their players are talented and their fitness level appear to be comparable to other teams.
It is only the Chileans and Columbians from that part of the world who have raised eyebrows.
Germany has been very well prepared, consistent and have shown the urge for success.
France has struck a high in the selection room where the young and the experienced players are gelling. Benzema has been following up his fine form with Real Madrid while Evra, and Paul Pogba have been outstanding. The Belgians have looked competent, considering the number of excellent players exposed to the major leagues in Europe.
Hazard, Yaya Toure, Wilfred have shown that Belgium has come of age.
It is disappointing that Argentina and Portugal, with two of the world’s finest players, are unable to play the kind of game that the world expected.
Messi admitted that if his team is to have a chance, they will have to play much better.
He may have been trying to get his players to rally around his individualism, but passes keep going astray, and players in defense are not showing their usual organised manner.
Ronaldo appears jaded and his loss of form has been mysterious. Varela, his team’s substitute, has given him a chance to produce the goods to get them into the next round with an outstanding headed goal against the USA.
It is only the young and superbly talented Neymar Jr. who has brought the crowds to their feet with some brilliance, not only through his goals, but his ability to combine with his fellow players.
With the tournament coming to the end of the group stage, it will not surprise me if the top guns Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, Brazil, and Argentina lift their standard. Spain and England are out of the way and who know what can happen in the three way battle between Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA.
Italy will have to play their hearts out for the right to go further, but they have the experience when playing under these circumstances.
Costa Rica, Mexico, and the USA have made the Concacaf proud with their fine display. We are all looking forward to their progress in the round of 16.
Courtesy First Citizens