Brazil didn't beat Chile yesterday, they survived their South American rivals by winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Brazil's entitlement was in display as Chile pressed throughout the match. Brazil's over reliance on their young star Neymar showed as the Chileans kept the kid under control, thus exposing the lack of attacking power from the host nation.
Brazil will not win the World Cup if they continue to play as they did yesterday. They have too few options on attack, which is a weird thing to say about a Brazilian team. We are used to seeing them play with all the beauty and skill in the world. Right now we see a team struggke to score goals because they really only have one strong attacker, Neymar.
They might beat Colombia in the next round, and I emphasize might, but in the semifinals, Germany or France are likely to tear them apart with their attacking prowess and ability to control possession.
Speaking of Columbia, they handled a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay team by a 2-0 score. James Rodriquez had both goals for Colombia, including one if the best goals of the tournament so far when he chested a pass down to himself and fired an unstoppable volley into Uruguay's goal. Rodriquez now has a tournament leading five goals so far.
Uruguay clearly missed Luis Suarez as they lacked a finishing touch all match long. After Colombia took their 2-0 lead, Uruguay still had trouble keeping possession. The chances they did get were less than impressive. The presence of one of the best goal scorers ever would likely have increased their odds.
This sets up what should be an exciting quarterfinal matchup between South American powers. Colombia, a team that has shown they can score goals, and keep them out if they're own net, will face a Brazilian team that struggles to score but has the hopes of a nation behind them. It should be one to look forward to.
Today, we find out another quarterfinal matchup. Starting at noon, two of the most exciting teams in the tournament so far play each other. The Netherlands and Mexico have certainly given us our money's worth so far and this one should be no different. I have a hard time picking a winner, but I like Netherlands in a close game, 2-1. The 4pm game features two of the more surprising teams in Costa Rica and Greece. Greece's defensive style contrasts week with Costa Rica's more attacking play. The theme if this World Cup has been offense wins, defense losses, so I pick Costa Rica 1-0. The two winners will face each other on the Fourth of July.
Enjoy this slate today and I'll be back tomorrow.
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