When the World Cup started a month ago I said this was the World Cup I'd been looking forward to the most in my life. A World Cup in Brazil isn't any old World Cup.
I haven't been disappointed, I've absolutely loved every minute of it. I already feel sad it's over. It's certainly been the best World Cup I've seen since my first World Cup in 86.
The Winners
Germany deserve to be World Champions. There's so much to admire about the way Germany do things when it comes to football both domestically and at international level.
Germany beat Portugal, France, Brazil 7-1 (truly stunning) before beating Argentina in the final. Any team that does that deserves to win the World Cup.
Best goal
James Rodriguez's goal was superb but I still loved Messi's winner against Iran
Best game
The Brazil/Chile game was absorbing. Such a pity it was a second round match
Best player
Because he was the break out star of the tournament, I'm going to go for James Rodriguez.
Biggest disappointment
The Brazilian crowds weren't a true reflection of the Brazilian nation. Ticket prices as is the way in modern sport were very expensive. Only rich Brazilians could afford to attend games and that meant the crowds were also exclusively white.
On a separate point why have FIFA banned musical instruments from grounds. During Brazil games I missed that Samba sound that I associate with Brazil.
The collective is more important than the individual
I mentioned this writing about the last World Cup. Germany don't have one truly outstanding individual but they have a collection of very good players and were easily the best all round team. This is what international football is all about.
The teams that performed to the best of their potential functioned as a team and not a collection of individuals.
No comments:
Post a Comment