Folks, I must apologize. I have been a bit busy visiting friends at home, and my computer charger finally gave out for good when I returned to Maryland. But here I am to tip the hat, point the finger, and maybe even give you a little analysis.
France, Italy out of the World Cup
Four years ago, France and Italy contested the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany, with Italy triumphing on penalties. Now, four years later, both teams are home, having crashed out at the group stage. France's exit can be blamed on the incompetent coaching and poor team selection by Raymond Domenech. Nicolas Anelka was sent home, the team refused to train, and several team officials resigned amidst the chaos. Now Domenech is out, to be replaced by Laurent Blanc, and Thierry Henry is set to meet with French President Nicholas Sarkozy. Presumably, Henry and Sarkozy won't be having too friendly a chat.
Italy's catastrophic failure cannot be blamed on any one person. The team simply failed to show up. Riccardo Montolivo failed miserably in Andrea Pirlo's role as deep-lying playmaker, Vincenzo Iaquinta was an oversized liability in attack, captain Fabio Cannavaro was far past his prime, and midfield destroyer Daniele De Rossi looked a step slow in every game. The injured Pirlo's impact, though noticeable, was restricted to a 45-minute cameo in the final group game (an exciting 3-2 loss to Slovakia). Fabio Quagliarella also deserves an honorable mention, as his goal against Slovakia, while only a consolation, was a stunner. Antonio Di Natale, capocannoniere (top scorer) in Italy's Serie A this season, did not see nearly enough of the ball to make a difference. Italy have a huge rebuilding job to do, but I should mention that a similarly monumental rebirth ended with their triumph four years ago.
US Comeback Kings fall short
Football. First it elates you, then it brings you right back to earth. Still flushed with the excitement of Landon Donovan's 93rd-minute winner against Algeria, which ensured the US won its first group in over fifty years, I was forced to watch our boys struggle against a totally beatable Ghana side. The 2-1 loss was unexpectedly deserved, after two weeks of watching us get robbed by the referees. I'm glad it happened this way, as I think it would hurt more if we were cheated out of a win.
It's a pivotal time for America soccer. Our aging defense will be mostly gone by the next World Cup, and we still lack a proven goalscorer. But American support for the team was unprecedented this year. Every bar was packed with fans, and soccer, for once, was the word on everyone's lips. A disappointing end to this tournament is not the end of the world, but the team must do their best, and soon, to capitalize on the sport's growing popularity in the United States. The midfield, led by Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, and Clint Demsey, will continue to be a strength. Jozy Altidore has much to prove after a lacklustre tournament, but he has many years in which to do it. The guard is changing, and only time will tell whether the change is for the better.
The final 8
The four quarterfinal matches are set. At this point, remember, some players are suspended for accumulation of yellow cards. Here they are, along with my snapshot of and prediction for each.
Netherlands v. Brazil
Prediction: Brazil 2-0
Brazil have looked the part of tournament favorites, dismantling Chile in coldly efficient fashion in the quarterfinal. The Netherlands finally looked something approaching their best against Slovakia, but they will have to do something special to beat Brazil. Look for the Selecao to soak up pressure early, counter-attack through Kaka and Robinho, and then pour it on late when the Oranje tire. However, if the Netherlands' ultra-talented attack can score early, Brazil will be in a totally unfamiliar position, and coach Dunga will have to look for a Plan B. With so much attacking talent on show, this one should be entertaining.
Uruguay v. Ghana
Prediction: Uruguay 3-1
Uruguay boast arguably the best strike partnership of the tournament in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez (who scored a wonderful goal in their final group game against Mexico). They are attack-minded, and their three-man back line has been solid. However, their limited midfield isn't great at keeping the ball, and just as in the first semi-final, if Ghana can score early (especially through danger-man Asamoah Gyan) and control the game, a surprise could be on the cards. However, Forlan and Suarez should be too much for a defense shorn of suspended young center-back Jonathan Mensah.
Argentina v. Germany
Prediction: Germany 2-1
Argentina have never trailed in the four games they've won so far, but their group was subpar, and their most difficult opponent has been Mexico, who was defeated with the help of a clearly offside goal. They now face the young guns of Germany, who are fresh off the only slightly less contentious, but very impressive 4-1 demolition of England. Both teams field potent attacks, and Mesut Ozil and Lionel Messi will kickstart Germany and Argentina respectively. Ozil, in particular, has had a breakout tournament, and the young playmaker will surely be plying his trade at one of Europe's biggest clubs this fall. Germany's defense has faced far sterner tests than Argentina's, and that should see them through what will surely be a back-and-forth, hard-fought encounter.
Paraguay v. Spain
Prediction: Spain 3-0
Paraguay have done admirably to make it to the quarterfinals, the farthest they have ever been at a World Cup. But sadly, the road will surely end here. Spain finally look to be running on all cylinders, and the certain benching of the horribly out-of-form Fernando Torres should help as well. Striker David Villa is having a wonderful World Cup, and Spain's defense should have no trouble after seeing off Portugal in the first round. Paraguay deserve a tip of the cap for their efforts, but they are overmatched here in every department.
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