GER vs ARG: pity one won't play the semi

I have been often been asked which team looks the strongest to win the World Cup. There are no clear answers for such a question as all the teams that have made it to the quarterfinal stage are all strong and have an outside chance to progress further. Some of them started slowly but have got stronger with matches, while others have performed well since the group stage. The four teams who definitely have the edge over the others are Germany, Argentina, Spain and Brazil. It is rather unfortunate that between Germany and Argentina, one of the teams will not make it to the semis.

Germany boast of a strong defence having conceded just two goals so far and an equally strong attack with nine goals to their credit. The other important thing is that their goals have come from different players, both forwards and midfielders. Germany also have the usual tactical discipline both defensively and going forward and that adds to that their flair and well executed moves. They are excellent in the slow build up as well as in playing counter-attacking football.

Argentina's strength, meanwhile, lies in their charismatic coach Diego Maradona who has managed to build a strong unity and high spirit around the team. They also have Lionel Messi who can create havoc in any defence and they are impressive going forward. But the big question mark remains on their defence's instability.

The Argentina vs Germany game is obviously the big match of this round and both teams have performed well since the group stage. Germany especially look a well-organised unit and have a good blend of youth and experience and their confidence is high. Argentina have done well too and have Messi, and I would like to see how they will adapt to this Germany side. It's definitely going to be a cracker of a match.

I am also looking forward to Spain's game against Uruguay. In my opinion, Spain have the most creative midfield and play the most fluent passing football. They have a style and they try to impose it on the opposition. They like to be in control and are one of the rare teams in this World Cup who like to win the ball in the opposition half and believe in possession football. They have a complete team with lot of depth and quality. They started with a shock defeat against Switzerland but picked up from then on. All their players look in good shape. The only concern they have is the lack of form of Torres; if he can be back to his form Spain will be simply unbeatable. The way they are playing and taking in consideration the current form of most of their players I see them going through to the final.

Coming now to Brazil and for a team that is usually known for their attacking power and midfield creativity, this time I have been most impressed with their defence and holding midfield. Although they haven't scored many goals, but in my opinion they did not look to dominate their opponents and create many chances. In fact, at times they defended deep and have relied on counter attacks.

Both Brazil and Argentina have displayed a style of football that translates the philosophy of their coaches. Brazil's Dunga is pragmatic coach and does not take much risk in his approach. He wants to make sure to get the result first even at the expense of the quality of football his team play. So Brazil play the same formation 4-2-3-1, but unlike Germany who have an attacking animation of this system of play, Brazil always keep two defensive midfielders and count for their attacks mainly on Robinho, Kaka and Fabiano supported by Bastos and Maicon from the flanks. The way Brazil play in this system does give them the defensive security but does not make them create enough chances and keep possession in the opponent half as many of their fans and supporters wish to see Brazil play.

On the other hand, Maradona has brought to this World Cup an unusual way of coaching - full of passion, emotions and...kisses! He did manage to build confidence around his team and make players play for the country as well as for Maradona. Argentina play with a lot of flair and freedom of switching positions and taking initiatives on the field. But the problem that Argentina can face against Germany in the quarter final is the instability in the defence.

It is imperative here that I also look at the only African team in the race, Ghana. It is absolutely heartening to see them reach this level of the competition. I feel they even have a chance to reach the semis as they will be facing Uruguay which despite the quality players they have are not considered as giants in this World Cup. Being the only African team at this stage they will be backed by the whole continent. I wish they will not be satisfied with just reaching the quarters and look to make history by reaching the final and by even winning it.

A word also about Japan, who have done Asia proud at this world. They defended well throughout the tournament and improved in defending set pieces. They also impressed with their attacking set pieces as both Honda and Endo showed they can score world class direct free kicks. Their planing was based on defending deep with five midfielders and break-in quick methodic counter attacks with accurate passing that worked against teams like Denmark. But against Paraguay's defensive set up Japan did not have enough to create much chances. Japan is definitely on the right track but there is still that little thing missing to step on to the next level.

There's much to look forward to over the next couple of days, but it has also been disappointing to see the highly-rated players drop one after the other in this World Cup. Ronaldho, Rooney, Lampard, Henry, Anelka, Torres and even Kaka has not shown yet what all of us are expecting from him. The only player who has shown his class and is not afraid of taking on defenders is Messi. Although he hasn't scored yet, but let's not forget he is not an out and out striker. If Argentina reach the final he will be the best player of this World Cup.

No piece is complete without a word about the England vs Germany game. Their rivalry is known as it is full of history not only in Football. Time has changed and it was good to see German and British leaders Angela Merkel and David Cameron watching the game together, while attending the G20 summit in Toronto. The match lived up to the expectations; quality football, goals and controversies.

Germany was the most impressive side they completely outplayed an English side that looked jaded and their high profile players did not have answers for the high tempo the Germans imposed on them. England too had their moments in the game and they can rightly complain about Lampard's denied goal, it could have been 2-2 and one never knows what could have happened from there. So unfortunately the referee did spoil a high quality game with his controversial decision.

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Regards,