World Cup 2014 Thread

[10spro]

This is as solid as I've seen Argentina defending in this WC. Two solid screens, Mascherano in front of the CB's, Biglia always in good position, the offside traps set perfectly. We move on, so glad Higuain broke his silence, he could have scored another beauty. Solid collective performance, I can continue to dream...

Felt like they were a little deep for the second half, though. That's fine if your forwards are pressuring the ball, but that's not going to happen with that group.

Belgium just haven't gotten confident with their pattern of play. Their tactics weren't unsound, but they just never demonstrated a consistent understanding of how they wanted to break Argentina down. Maybe more of a threat in the Euros, after some more time together.

Maybe they were defending a bit deep in the second half and Belgium were able to just pump a lot of high balls into the box and create half chances. Despite that, I thought Argentina were pretty impressive. The defence was very hard for Belgium to break down by any other means, which may be why Hazard was taken off and Argentina looked very in control on the ball. They've got a lot of seasoned top drawer players in the team and seem to be coming good at the right time, though if Di Maria were to be unavailable, I think they might miss him even more than say Aguero.

Yeah, he's Messi's key associate in the attack. I hear Aguero will be ready next game so if the Real player can't make it, Sabella can place Palacios in his place while moving Lavezzi to the right. Up front they could attack with Aguero, Messi and Higuain. The D kept Belgium's chances to the outside mainly as all they were looking for, were for Fellaini's locks, but at least with the changes that the coach made today, I can rest more surely that the blue line can do the job against a more dangerous team.

[XXXIV]

These two teams will be well rested in case of extra time.

[10spro]

With a 3-4-3 formation, the Dutch came for the kill but realistically I only counted 3 clear chances for the orange but were all foiled by Navas who's having a great tournament.

Los Ticos hanging in there with them.

[10spro]

I just hope that it doesn't go to a Robben dive to decide the game.

[XXXIV]

los zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz are thirty minutes away.

[XXXIV]

los siesta now just pks away now.

[pk500]

I'm happy for Tim Krul. Long one of the most underrated keepers in the Premier League for my club, Newcastle United.

[XXXIV]

I'm happy for Tim Krul. Long one of the most underrated keepers in the Premier League for my club, Newcastle United.

Im happy for all the Dutch. They earned that win. Justice finally served.

[10spro]

That was one helluva gutsy substitution. But Krul did the job as the Dutch machine just couldn't solve Navas today. Los Ticos should be proud representing CONCACAF, they had an excellent opportunity in the last couple of minutes of ET but overall the orange were always closer to victory.

It should be a great semis match up.

Just did a quick follow up on Di Maria and looks like he could be gone for the tournament too with a thigh injury. That's a big loss but let's go Argentina.

Revenge on the Dutch next Wednesday.

[XXXIV]

Just did a quick follow up on Di Maria and looks like he could be gone for the tournament too with a thigh injury. That's a big loss but let's go Argentina.

Revenge on the Dutch next Wednesday.

That sux about Di Maria. The same way it does about Neymar.

Go Argentina and Go Brazil.

Thats the final we ( at least me anyway ) want baby!

[XXXIV]

GO ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!

[MizzouRah]

Well good morning!

[JackB1]

GO ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!

OK, you sold me

[Danimal]

http://dailybuzzinsider.com/hottest-world-cup-fans

[10spro]

Without their superstar Neymar and backbone Silva, the Germans have the best chance to conquer their nemesis. They have such a deep roster that I favor them slightly to advance to the finals. But Brazil has the crowd behind them, that huge #12 should help overcome any deficit and provide the finals that I secretly wanted from day one (vs Argentina).

Dante is more than capable of taking over his captain's duty and if he's 100% Willian should take the left flank for Neymar. Or perhaps be more conservative today and have Fernandinho and play a 4-4-2 system along Paulinho and Gustavo who should be back and is the key man controlling the midfield. The 4th man of course would be the Hulkster.

Should be a great semis. And win or lose I am saying that M. Klose will break Ronaldo's record today.

[RobVarak]

As I said on Day 1. All I want is a Brazil-Argentina final, so I'm pulling for the hosts today.

[rhymes450]

If Willian does play, I hope he deals with the pressure better than when he came on against Chile. He looked extremely nervous and I was surprised that Scolari chose him to take a spot kick. The home crowd is a great advantage but the other side of the coin is that the weight of expectation can be a heavy burden. From what little I've seen of them, I'd definitely prefer Silva to Dante but anyone who gets a game for Bayern must be very good and Brazil are lucky to have replacement of that calibre. Hopefully Brazil can do it.

[10spro]

Wow, who was supposed to check on Muller?

[RobVarak]

Crap. So much harder to beat the Germans once they're up. Those slow CB's can sit deeper and the fullbacks are less likely to get caught out.

[10spro]

That blue line is softer than a jello flan. KLOSE!

It's over.

[dougb]

Wow the Germans are kicking the s*** out of Brazil - the defending has been a shocker!

Doug

[Jimmydeicide]

WE WANT 10!! WE WANT 10!!

[pk500]

SCOLARI: Adjust the slider settings! Change to Easy difficulty! This is worse than a rookie FIFA player taking on someone who has maxed out their FUT.

Cue the riots across Brazil tonight.

[dougb]

What a shambles!

Doug

[Jimmydeicide]

German precision.