RIO DE JANEIRO, July 3 — Fifty-six matches down, only eight to go. Time really does fly when you are having fun, doesn’t it? For theatre and thrills, Brazil 2014 is turning into the World Cup to end all World Cups; a rip-roaring, humdinger of a tournament.
But who is going to win the thing? That is where it gets even more interesting.
The best team so far, and I stress the word team, is Colombia. Together, Jose Pekerman’s side has been as bright as the yellow shirts they adorn, and like every good dance troupe (how good are their goal celebrations?), the members of its cast are on the same page.
From back to front every member of the Los Cafeteros knows his job inside out. Without the ball they have a framework that is robust enough to cope with most things. And when they have the ball, they skip forward on the counter-attack with speed, harmony and grace.
Add to that Juan Cuadrado’s wizardry on the wing and the bewitching brain and left boot of superstar-in-waiting James (pronounced Hah-mez) Rodriguez, and the South Americans have the potential to beat anyone.
While Colombia look rampant, hosts Brazil must be feeling edgy about their last-eight clash.
For their part, digging deep to beat Chile on penalties will have stood Luiz Felipe Scolari’s boys in great stead. Having stared at the abyss and walked away from it unscathed, belief will have leapt forward.
Brazil will also be encouraged by the improving form of centre-backs Thiago Silva and David Luiz, and now that the clunky, but destructive, Hulk has finally joined the party to take some weight off golden boy Neymar’s shoulders.
Nevertheless, to negotiate the next hurdle, you suspect the Selecao will again rely on the Barcelona man’s impish artistry.
German form is heading in the wrong direction. They pass the ball better than anyone else and their collection of highly astute footballers marks them out as special, but the balance of the side does not feel quite right without two natural full-backs and a speedy striker who can unlock the door.
They must tighten up at the back too. Leaving themselves wide open on the break, there are only so many times Manuel Neuer can get them out of jail.
France are good enough to send them toppling. Second only to Colombia as an all-round team, Didier Deschamps’ gritty outfit will prove formidable opponents at the Maracana.
With a settled system, the counter-attacking French have a neat unit without obvious flaws and the Les Bleus manager also has the luxury of introducing quality options from the bench.
So far, his intelligent rotation of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann has worked beautifully, while the athletic midfield pairing of Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba also happens to be the best in Brazil.
The Netherlands had a lucky escape against Mexico, when not for the first time the brilliance — and deceit — of Arjen Robben clawed them out of a hole. They should beat Costa Rica to reach the semi-finals, but to go all the way, this fairly average side will rely heavily on the Bayern star and the tactical mastery of coach Louis van Gaal.
Costa Rica and Belgium are the underdogs. The Central Americans have defended heroically, and in Keylor Navas they have an exceptional goalkeeper, but ultimately I sense their race has now been run. In the past two outings, not enough chances have been created and that, you suspect, will be their undoing.
Marc Wilmots’ Red Devils have top-class individuals such as Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany, but as soon as they come up against a quality side I wonder if their strength as a team will be exposed.
Their full-backs looked vulnerable too, and for long periods against the United States, their central midfield went AWOL. I don’t think they have enough to go the whole way.
All of which leaves my pre-tournament tip, Argentina.
Bewitched by Lionel Messi’s electrifying influence, Alejandro Sabella’s entire side has become obsessed with giving him the Brazuca ball. Supplying match-winning wonder in four straight games, the big question now is, can Messi manage it seven times in a row?
With those around him struggling for form it is a big ask, but I, for one, won’t be betting against him. — TODAY
