Road to Rio 2014

 Road to Rio 2014

Tick Tock, Tick Tock, the clock runs with everybody just observing it, only waiting for it go quickly to the kick-off time. The moment the whole world is waiting for since over a month. It is the ultimate stage, the grand finale. A heartbreak for some, while the world for the others. It is the FIFA WC 2014 Finale. 

Germany takes on Argentina in a much awaited clash. It will take place in Rio de Janeiro at the Maracana. Both teams deservedly so, in the finale. Germany embarrassing Brasil by a 7-1 win. This is the biggest loss for Brasil in a WC. Argentina on the other hand, defeated The Mighty Dutch on penalties, to reach RIO. Netherlands of course finishing 3rd after beating Brasil over a 3-0 win. 

TEAM ANALYSIS

GERMANY: The Germans lead by a long time coach Joachim Loew, have finally reached the finale of a big tournament. Loew of course, managing Germany 3rd time in a WC. He has managed to finish 3rd in the last 2 editions. A team with great skill, GERMANY have definitely been able to show their skill, their speed, the discipline in defense, and also the experience needed at this stage. Thomas Muller their top scorer, and a 7-1 win against host's Brasil have been the GERMANY moments this WC. They have the ability to win the WC and no one would disagree.

All the players in the GERMAN squad know each other well. Many of them have served the German squad for a long time. They have really good team chemistry and a hunger to win. Loew has managed to bring all these factors to their advantage and really put the opposition under pressure. Along with that, putting pressure on the opponents mentally through his press conferences has really proven effective. The defense has been like a brick wall, not allowing the opponents to get shots on target. Manuel Neuer has been even better. Saving almost each and every shot, he has been one of the best GK's this WC. The mid-field filled with stars like Schweinsteiger, Kroos and Muller have really stood with team well. Getting balls across the field, putting in crosses, winning dead balls and making use of every free ball has been their glue to the game. Argentina better get their plans right if they have to beat this team.

 ARGENTINA: Argentina a team filled with the top players in the game, have reached the finale. Led by King LEO, and coach Alessandro Sabella have had a few bumps, but reached RIO. Sabella managing Argentina first time, at this stage, has really proved the critics wrong. Before the WC, except the supporters not many would have predicted Argentina in the finale. My DAD predicted that. Beating The Dutch 4-2 on penalties, Argentina have really won many hearts, and broke many more. King LEO's performance and a nail-biting win over Iran in the group stage have been the ARGENTINE moments.

Argentina has reached the finale after 24 years of struggle and hard-ship. With players like  Messi, Di Maria and Higuain in the front, it is one of the best trio's in the International Stage. Though Messi has not been at his best the last season, he still had a decent season. Di Maria has been the stand-out performer in RMD, and to me, the BEST player last season. He might not have scored many goals, but he has done much better, like playing through balls, getting in crosses, showing his technical ability, he was definitely at his best. Macherano has been another performer this WC. Playing at CB at Barca, not his position. Defending mid-field with Argentina, is his position. He has put in tackles, playing in inch perfect balls, he is the glue that holds the mid-field. Zabaleta the Man City RB, has put in his best in terms of defense. Overall, this team has the ability to make it big. Germany better be ready, this is not going to be a easy contest.

Overall, it is a game where excellent managing comes against brilliant technical ability. Lets see who gets to lift the beautiful trophy, Phillip Lahm or King Leo Messi. May the better team win.

Parth Patankar

St. Vincent's High School, India, Pune

Std. 10th 

  

The Round of 16

Hey Guys, 

I'm sorry I haven't been posting on RTR 2014. I've been really busy and I've been having some time management problems. Don't worry I'll start writing again. Hope you like today's post. Thank You.

The Round of 16

Halfway through the WC, it is now time for The Round of 16. The best 16 teams, of the group stage and deservedly so, want to make an impact in this round. The first 2 games over though, Brasil and Colombia have defeated Chile and Uruguay to enter the the Quarter-Finals. Brasil defeating Chile on penalties,it was a very happening game. Though Brasil the the favorites to go through, was not the Brasil we saw in the group stages. Chile played really well, and didn't deserve to be knocked out so early. But Sampaoli needs to be appreciated for the way he managed Chile.  

The other game, Uruguay vs Colombia was a total Colombian dominance. Luis Suarez received a 4 month ban after BITING Italian defender Chiellini on his shoulder, in the group stage. With star striker out for Uruguay, they really were depressed. Colombia taking advantage of this situation, stepped up and defeated Uruguay to enter the Quarter-Finals. 

Although this WC has been a delight, it has been nightmare for the some of the European nations. With a total of 13 nations contesting from Europe, only 6 have qualified, and 7 have been eliminated. Spain, Italy, England, some of the top European nations, have already been eliminated. Spain the defending champions got it all wrong against The Dutch and Chile. We saw a poor show of Tiki Taka football from Spain. It was very easy for the opposition to create a counter-attack. England and Italy both the teams from the Group of Death. Italy won the first game but lost by a mere 1 goal in the next games. England had a miserable WC. They were not able to get a single win. Lost the opening games and drew the last one. This WC has seen a very fast game. Really fast, quick passing, orthodox goals and a few things more. The oldies( many in England and Italy) were unable to adapt with the situation and hence became vulnerable when pressure acted on them to perform for their nation. The only oldie, that played really well was Italian mid-fielder Pirlo. His game was Vintage Pirlo. Quick passing, creating the play, free-kicks, long passing was done really well. 

Americans. Out of all the teams that contested from the American continents, only 2 were eliminated from the WC in the group stages. It was really a delight for the American teams. Costa Rica, Brasil, Colombia, Argentina all topped their respective groups. The biggest surprise was Costa Rica qualifying from the Group of Death. But no, they really played well. They defended well, beautiful set-pieces, and quick counter-attacks, all that is needed for a good football game, was shown by them. They qualified, and deservedly so. 

Not only good football, but it was easy for The American teams to adapt with the conditions. It was I think another reason for a poor performance by Europe.

The Asians also put up a miserable show, all the Asian nations, out of the WC. some good games were seen from them, but they never looked like the winning material. I think that's the only reason for their miserable show and nothing else. 

The Round of 16 starts. Brasil and Colombia through already. Many hearts broken, many hearts rejoiced. Let's see who performs on their Road to Rio.

Parth Patankar

St. Vincent's High School, India, Pune

Std. 10th

REVIEW: ENGLAND vs URUGUAY

REVIEW: ENGLAND vs URUGUAY

A do or die game, this game had to be a classic. England facing defeat against Italy, Uruguay broken by underdogs Costa Rica. Uruguay though were at an advantage after Luis Suarez returned from injury. Even though The British had lost to The Azzuris, the way they were knocking around the ball was very nice. Italians had to defend a lot in that game. Statistically it was going to be a tough clash.

The game started in the late afternoon hours. A very sunny weather, the crowd was enjoying itself at the stadium. The teams were more or less the same compared to the last game. Uruguay had replaced Diego Forlan by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, and the English team was the same.
The game started in a weary manner. England relishing the possession. Some good passing was seen by the mid-fielders.But even with good possession, they could not create chances. They did get many corners, but never looking confident. Uruguay on the other hand, were able to get through. Cavani was coming to help the defense while Suarez constantly on the prowl. Uruguay were playing excellent football, just like the last WC. Just 6 mins before half-time, Uruguay opened the scoring by an easy header by Suarez on Cavani's cross. Cavani's role, acting like a support frame to Suarez, was working out well. Going into the break, Uruguay having a 1 goal lead, knew the job wasn't over.

The match resumed with both teams with fresh plans. Uruguay trying to increase the lead while England trying to get an equalizer. Uruguay made the 1st change. Surprisingly though, they had brought on a striker in place of a mid-fielder. It cost them. Just 10 mins later, Rooney the Manchester United striker equalized for England. The game was back to square one. Uruguay shaken by the equalizer. Both teams looking for a winner, Uruguay now got ball in their feet. Suarez scored the winning goal for Uruguay just 5 mins before full time. Uruguay won 2-1. They were still in the WC.

England's plan mistake:
England's game plan was very similar to Spain's game plan. Pass, pass, pass, and then look for some open space. Playing the same squad as the last game, some change was required. Also, Cahill and Jagielka(center backs)were all over the place. They were not clearing the ball, they could not head it away, it was a fiasco. 5 players in English squad team-mates with Suarez, should have offered some advice how to contain him. Suarez was on top of his game, and you need that at such crucial moments. England really lacked the urge to move forward. Their campaign this WC was over after Costa Rica defeated Italy.

This WC moves on with 2 European teams out of the WC before the 'Round of 16'. Let's see then. Who qualifies, who gets eliminated. Till then, watch the WC.

Parth Patankar

St. Vincent's High School, India, Pune.

Std. 10  

The Spanish Downfall

THE SPANISH DOWNFALL

What we might be witnessing is the end of an era. International football dominated by Spain for the last 6 years, this was like a shock for every football fan. The European Champions and World Champions Spain, were eliminated yesterday after losing to Chile. A 2 lead to Chile in the 1st half went on till the 90th minute and knocked Spain, Out of Brasil.

This was a do or die game for Spain. A win would mean, they would still be able to qualify for the 'Round of 16' A draw would mean that no team from the group qualifies. A loss would knock Spain and Australia out of WC, and qualification of The Dutch and Chileans .

Though considered an easy game for the Spaniards, their miserable loss to Netherlands may have just turned the tables. They did and Spain lost their 2nd game this WC. This meant qualification of Netherlands and Chile to the 'Round of 16', and Spain and Australia out of WC 2014 Brasil.

CHILE vs SPAIN: Chile had made only 1 change, Silva had replaced Valdivia from the team that defeated The Aussies. Del Bosque took some risks while choosing The Spain squad. Xavi, who had not missed a game since the 2010 WC, was on the bench. In his place, a more attacking Pedro had been taken. Defender Pique was also barred from the 'Starting 11'. Defensive mid-fielder Javi Martinez had taken Pique's place.

The game started in an active manner. Spain enjoying the possession were not being able to break the Chilean defense. A few counter-attacks from Chile was an alarm bell for the Spanish defense. What I liked was that even though Alexis is team-mates with many of the Spanish players, he wasn't hesitant to tackle them, argue, fight with the ref, you don't get to see that much often. Back to the game. The nightmare for Spain stared just 20 mins into the game. Valencia player Vargas opened the scoring. Beating Casillas his touch to the ball ended in the back of the net. Chile leading. Not where Spain wanted to be. There have 7 teams this WC who have come from behind to win the game. It was not to be for Spain. 2 mins before half time, Aranguiz shot the 2nd goal for Chile. Spain were trailing by 2 goals before half time.
There is not much to talk about the 2nd half. Though some good attacks came from Spain, it never seemed they had recovered from the loss against The Dutch. The Road to Rio for Spain ended badly.

What we might be seeing is the not only end of Spanish domination, but also a successful plan against 'Tiki Taka' style of play. FC Barcelona known for their 'Tika Taka' have had a few bad seasons recently. Bayern Munchen, undoubtedly the best club of the last 2 seasons( not 13-14), had created the passing game after entry of 'Josep  Guardiola'. Even though they won the league, Munchen were thrashed by Real Madrid in UCL.
I don't wanna go against any team/ manager, but what we have seen is emergence of a more attacking/ counter-attacking play in the last few seasons. And it is looking impressive.

The WC carries on without defending champions Spain, let's hope for the best. But now 1 thing is sure, there will be new champions this WC.

Parth Patankar

St. Vincent's High School, India, Pune

Std. 10 

REVIEW: GERMANY vs PORTUGAL

REVIEW: GERMANY vs PORTUGAL

The opening clash of 'GROUP G' was Germany against Portugal. Both teams filled with star players, it was expected to be a very tough contest. Unfortunately it was not a tough contest. The Germans were definitely better prepared and ended up winning 4-0. 

The first half kicked-off. The Germans had kept star mid-fielder Schweinsteiger on the bench. Thomas Muller opened the scoring through a penalty just after 10 mins. The Portuguese conceded a 2nd goal through beautiful header by German defender Hummels. A perfect corner by Toni Kroos, Hummels did well to get his head to the ball. The Portugal defense was all over the place. Things became worse when a 'Red Card' was shown. Pepe known for getting into trouble, was shown a Red after head-butting Thomas Muller after catching him on the face. The Portuguese got forward. Hugo Almeida was tackled by Hummels. A rather rough tackle from Hummels, Almeida was injured as a result. The Portuguese were broken. A 2nd goal for Muller came from a good cross, but poor defensive work. Under half time, Germany was leading by 3 goals with an extra player on the pitch.

The match resumed. The Germans had started to rest a bit. Portugal got some chances, but could not score.

Things got even worse when Fabio Coentrao injured himself. Another star player down for the Portuguese.

Muller scored the first Hat-trick of this WC. A grounded cross was pushed away by GK Rui Patricio but went straight to Muller. Muller got his hat-trick and Germany were winning by a 4 goal lead.

Portugal lost miserably.

According to me, the reason's for Portugal's loss were;

Star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho not playing to their full potential.

Defense not being able to spot the run of the forwards. Defense not being able to clear chances.

Low confidence due to star players not performing.

Germany was on top of their game. There wasn't 1 player in the squad that wasn't contributing.Each every player played well. Good managing by Joachim Lowe. 

Parth Patankar

St. Vincent's High School, India, Pune.

Std. 10

THE GROUP OF DEATH

THE GROUP OF DEATH

Like world history is incomplete without 'World War 2' the same way any footballing tournament is incomplete without a 'Group of Death'. To make things more lethal, the group of death is 'Group D'.
This group consists of some of the top European and American powers. Italy and England from Europe and Uruguay and Costa Rica from the American continents, this group makes it a treat for the fans.

2 games have already been played with England against Italy and Uruguay vs Costa Rica.

England & Italy a much awaited clash in the group, was finished with The Azzurris getting 3 points. The British were playing a game different from their usual plan. It did work but they were not able to get the ball in the back of the net. Even with more shots on target than The Azzurris, The British lost the game. Juventus mid-fielder Marchisio opened the scoring for The Azzuris. Immediately after 2 mins later, youngster Daniel Sturridge equalized. 5 mins into the second half, Super Mario(Balotelli) scored the winner for The Azzuris. It was an entertaining game. What I analysed was that, England had a better game plan than the Azzurris. Being able to get more shots, having more corners, they a very attacking mind-set. Even though they lost the game, there were a lot of positives' from this game. Better finishing may have given Azzurris the 3 pts., but they need to be aware of the game, and the opposing players' run.

Uruguay & Costa Rica was a game in the shadows, as compared to England & Italy. Uruguay was certain to be the winner. But what everybody forgot is that this is the WC, anything can happen. Costa Rica emerged victorious against Uruguay. It came as a surprise to everybody. The big gamble for Uruguay was keeping Luis Suarez on the bench and not bringing him on as a substitute. Maybe that's what caused then the game.
PSG striker Cavani opened the scoring for Uruguay. Till that point, Uruguay had a control on the game. Realizing they had to do better, Costa Rica stepped it up a notch. The first half ended with Uruguay leading.
As soon as the second half started, Costa Rica were on the front foot. Under 10 mins, Costa Rica were leading by 1 goal. Though against the Uruguayans, The Ricans deserved the lead. The game carried on. Uruguay were no where close to getting an equalizer. The Ricans wrapped the game with getting a 3rd goal, 6 mins from full time. Costa Rica won.

In the opening games, Italy and Costa Rica emerged victorious. Costa Rica though leading 'GROUP D' on goal difference. Now what's interesting is that anybody can go through. Though Italy will be the favorites to go through. The other team that qualifies will be a mystery. Before the games Italy and Uruguay were the favorites. Uruguay loss will be a big blow to their confidence. Italy having finished their most important game, have a better chance of qualifying. England will be trying their luck against Uruguay & Costa Rica. Costa Rica will look to make sure that they don't lose any of the remaining games.

The next clashes will be ITALY vs COSTA RICA & ENGLAND vs URUGUAY.
The winner of the Italian & Costa Rican game will qualify directly. England & Uruguay have to make sure that they get the points they desperately need.

I still believe that Italy & Uruguay will go to the next round.  But it is the GROUP OF DEATH, anything can happen. Let's wait and watch.

Parth Patankar 

St. Vincent's High School, India, Pune

Std. 10th

REVIEW: SPAIN vs NETHERLANDS

                       REVIEW: SPAIN vs NETHERLANDS.

It was a beautiful way to kick-off GROUP B with Spain playing against The Dutch. The repeat of the 2010 WC finale, all the money was on Spain to repeat what they did in the final four years ago. Even my money was on Spain. It was not to happen when The Dutch to everybody's surprise came with a stunning 5-1 victory against The World and European Champions Spain.

 As predicted the thunderstorm did come, not only in the weather but also in the game.Though only 4 survivors from Netherlands and 7 from Spain that played in the 2010 WC finale, The mighty Dutch were able to get their REVENGE. The game had a very exciting start with both teams able to get a few shots on target. It was just before the half hour mark that Diego Costa was tackled inside the penalty area. Penalty to Spain. Unlike the last WC, Spain was able to score a penalty this time. Xabi Alonso opened the scoring through the penalty. The perfect start for Spain, just what they wanted. The game carried on. The typical Spanish passing with The Dutch able to get through sometimes. The Spanish defense was doing its work quite well before a beautiful cross was met by the head of Manchester United player Robin Van Persie.
The Dutch equalized 1min. before half time starting the road to revenge.

At half time, the experts were saying the game will end in a draw.

The second half kicked-off with Netherlands having a stronger game plan. The second goal for The Dutch again came from a cross. This time though we saw the beautiful ball control  of Arjen Robben when he went past the tackles from Pique and Ramos and got Netherlands into the driving seat. Gradually Spain was starting to lose its control on the game. The 3rd goal came from a set-piece. Wesley Sneijder delivered a free-kick past the heads of The Spanish defense and Stefan De Vrij got his head to the ball and scored. Interestingly, this was his first International goal and what a time to score it. By this time, Spain had totally lost control over the game. The expertise of Iniesta or Xavi or Busquets were of no use that time. Netherlands just kept on attacking and attacking.The 4th goal was a mistake by Spanish GK Iker Casillas when a pass by Ramos could not be controlled by him and went straight to RVP. Beating Casillas' dive the goal left open. The Dutch got the revenge they were looking for. The World champions were insulted and deservedly broken. They were to get more insulted when an open run was created by Robben. Beating Casillas he had to make sure that he finishes. Taking more steps ahead he shot the ball which ended in the back of the net. Netherlands 5 and 1 for Spain.

The World Champions have been disgraced. Only a few would have predicted this scoreline. Leaving the World in shock The Dutch have made a strong statement this WC. Hope they do well. Hope Spain does better. The WC has just begun.

Parth Patankar
St. Vincent's High School, Pune
Std. 10