Rabu, 09 Juli 2014

The football world reacts to Germany's 7-1 World Cup hammering of Brazil on Twitter

The world of football reacted with the same disbelief shared by the rest of the planet while watching Germany's 7-1 humiliation of hosts Brazil in the semi-finals of the World Cup. 

Brazil's dream of winning the tournament in their home country was effectively ended after the Germans scored five goals in the first 29minutes - the fastest time it has ever taken a team to reach that number in World Cup history - on a night when the record books were being rewritten practicallly every time Joachim Low's side touched the ball.

The likes of Theo Walcott, Radamel Falcao and Daniel Sturridge took to social media as the Twittersphere seemed to collectively pinch itself to confirm the shock result was a reality.

VIDEO Scroll down for German fans celebrate their 7-1 victory over hosts Brazil


Scare stare: Goalkeeper John Ruddy shared most people's eye-popping reaction





Pictures paint 149 characters: Tim Cahill and Romelu Lukaku share their *shocked faces*





Goal getter: Daniel Sturridge paid tribute to Miroslav Klose for becoming the World Cup's highest ever scorer




Tongue tied: Theo Walcott was lost for words to explain the drubbing




Upton spark: West Ham's Andy Carroll suggested he had a good day in training


German fans celebrate their 7-1 victory over hosts Brazil





WTF? Radamel Falcao and friends watch the game in disbelief



Scouse humour: Robbie Fowler implied that PSG's Brazilian contingent didn't have the best of nights




Playing for keeps: Despite all the goals, Ben Foster gave a nod to Manuel Neuer




Party pooper: Lee Dixon is unlikely to have a large night in Brazil this evening




Food for thought: Golfer Lee Westwood got in some last minute Suarez-baiting

Italian job: Former World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro reverted to stereotype


Someone's happy! Andre Agassi let partner Steffi Graf get on with the celebrations

VIDEO Distraught Brazilians watch on from Rio








Fun at work: Things are looking rosy for former Chelsea defender Robert Huth




Old boss: Jurgen Klinsmann was proud of the team he helped evolve




Awkward! Rio Ferdinand points out that the pain is not over for Brazil






Game for a laugh: Youssouf Mulumbu couldn't help but see the funny side




Two sides: Anders Lindegaard tries to give a balanced view of things




More...




Just saying: Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone poses a question on everyone's lips







Rhyme on time: City star Edin Dzeko is a poet and he doesn't even know it




You don't say: Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado states the bleeding obvious

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Football World Cup: For heart-broken Brazil fans, the tears just won't stop!


For many Brazilians, Tuesday's humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany accomplished the unthinkable -- a disaster even worse than the last time the country hosted the World Cup, in 1950.

Back then, it was a 2-1 loss to tiny Uruguay in the final, a massive upset that still brings tears to the eyes of older Brazilians.

This defeat may have been even more scarring, some fans said, because the final result was not even close. Brazil's team was torn to shreds.

Anger and disappointment were so intense that it threatened to darken the national mood for some time to come, with possible consequences for President Dilma Rousseff as she seeks a second term in October.

"This is worse than 1950. It's one thing to lose a game where you suffered and fought hard, and it's another to be completely humiliated," said Fernando Hazzan, 28, in Sao Paulo.

"This game is going down in history, too," he said.


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Image: Brazil fans react as they watch their 2014 World Cup semi-finals against Germany on a street in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday
Photographs: Jorge Silva/Reuters 


read more : http://www.rediff.com/sports/slide-show/slide-show-1-football-world-cup-for-heart-broken-brazil-fans-the-tears-just-dont-stop-semi-final-vs-germany-7-1/20140709.htm

World Cup 2014: One lucky punter predicted Germany's 7-1 thrashing of Brazil at odds of 500/1

As the football world get their heads around Germany's incredible 7-1 thrashing of Brazil, one lucky punter correctly guessed the semi-final result to pocket £2,505.

The punter, from Essex, put a £5 stake on Germany to win 7-1 at odds of 500/1 while a few other canny supporters backed a 5-0 half-time scoreline which netted some healthy four-figure rewards.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said, “It was nice that that the rest of the Brazil team decided to miss the match in tribute to Neymar and Silva – but on reflection they’ll probably realise it kind of backfired.”

Joey Barton, meanwhile, won his latest Twitter wars with Piers Morgan by correctly predicting that Germany would overcome Brazil to reach the final.

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The QPR midfielder ended the evening £5,000 better off despite being a little off with the scoreline. Barton had expected Germany to win 2-0.

Barton said the money would be split evenly between the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and the Official Hillsbrough Justice Campaign.


read more : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10955655/World-Cup-2014-One-lucky-punter-predicted-Germanys-7-1-thrashing-of-Brazil-at-odds-of-5001.html

Selasa, 08 Juli 2014

World Cup 2014: Phil McNulty's guide to the semi-finals



7 July 2014Last updated at 06:38



World Cup 2014: Phil McNulty's guide to the semi-finals

Brazil have struggled to cope with the expectation of a nation, Germany have excelled only in short spells, Argentina are supposedly over-reliant on Lionel Messi and the Netherlands required an unlikely goalkeeping intervention to beat Costa Rica.

But those four sides - despite plenty of scares along the way - are the ones left standing at the semi-final stage of the 2014 Fifa World Cup.

How do the teams rate? Which factors will determine who competes in the final in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday? And, most importantly of all, who will win?
Brazil v Germany (Tuesday, 8 July)

Brazil and Germany meet for only the second time in the World Cup when they face each other in the semi-final in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

The only other occasion was in the 2002 final at Yokohama in Japan - Ronaldo inspiring Brazil to a 2-0 win - and the prized place at the Maracana next Sunday is at stake.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was the coach behind that Brazil win - but can Joachim Low's Germany spoil his hopes of a historic second triumph and this nation's burning desire for a sixth World Cup?
Brazil

Brazil's World Cup has been something of a slow-burner, but for the first hour of theirquarter-final win against Colombia in Fortaleza they showed the sort of verve - mixed with physical determination - that finally justified their status as tournament favourites.

Scolari has been using psychologist Regina Brandao, a move that has not been unanimously well-received, notably by legends such as 1970 World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto, but he may need her now more than ever.

The tournament-ending injury to Neymar has driven at the very heart of Brazil's hopes of winning the World Cup and Scolari must hope his absence, along with suspended captain Thiago Silva, does not have an impact on the spirit and momentum that has been slowly building both among the team and the mass support willing them on towards the final.


World Cup 2014: Brazil 2-1 Colombia highlights

BBC Sport pundit Chris Waddle claims Brazil would be "the worst team to win a World Cup" if they do triumph and it is true to say they have not convinced so far but every step they take they will surely feel it is their destiny.

Brazil had good fortune with decisions in theiropener against Croatia, failed to beat Mexico in the group and needed penalties tobeat Chile in the last 16.

Against Colombia, however, there were signs that the pieces may be coming together and the fervent home support gives them a vital edge.

Team rating: 8


Key facts

Brazil have advanced to the final in each of their last six appearances in the final four


Germany are the first country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in four consecutive tournaments.


This will be only the second meeting between these two nations at the World Cup.

Germany

Germany, as ever and in whatever guise, are getting the job done. Theworkmanlike win against France sent them into their fourth successive World Cup semi-final.

Joachim Low's side has displayed all its many facets at this World Cup - from attacking variety through to occasional defensive vulnerability - but they will really sense the prize is in sight now and that they can become the first European team to win the trophy on South American soil.

Germany may need to tighten up a little at the back and they will be helped by the businesslike approach of coach Low, who believes his side must secure success to back up the praise they have received for their progress together as a squad.


World Cup 2014: France 0-1 Germany highlights

Low says: "We have no titles yet as a team. Titles are marvellous and our players, mainly from Bayern Munich, have already won many. That is important for them, something special, but for us first and foremost it is a matter of playing the semi-final, which is going to be difficult."

They have graced this World Cup in wonderful games against Ghana and Algeria - the old cliche about German efficiency is an insult to the ability shown in this tournament - but now they must take the final step.

Germany may have kept more clean sheets than any other team at this World Cup, three, but do not mistake that for a dour approach.

Team rating: 7


Recent matches

24 Jul 1999 - Brazil 4-0 Germany- Fifa Confederations Cup Group, Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara


30 Jun 2002 - Brazil 2-0 Germany- 2002 Fifa World Cup Final, International Stadium, Yokohama


7 Sep 2004 - Germany 1-1 Brazil- International, Berlin


25 Jun 2005 - Germany 2-3 Brazil- Fifa Confederations Cup semi-final, Frankenstadion, Nuremberg


10 Aug 2011 - Germany 3-2 Brazil- International, Mercedes-Benz Arena

Why Brazil can win

The force of nature that is Brazil's support means they have been riding a wave of emotion towards what they believe is the ultimate triumph - winning a World Cup in their own country.

To be present at Brazil's quarter-final win against Colombia in Fortaleza was to witness an atmosphere almost unmatched in the sport. The Estadio Casteloa was decorated with thousands of yellow Brazil shirts and embellished by a deafening noise that swept around the arena at the slightest encouragement.

David Luiz's winning free-kick sent Brazil through to the semi-finals

This Brazil team may not be one of the best to have graced the famous shirts but the fanatical support remains undimmed. It could carry these players to glory.

Brazil have been robbed of the injured Neymar but in Hulk they had a player who looked like he was ready to come to this World Cup party against Colombia and the return of the unsung Luiz Gustavo in midfield will provide a blanket of security for an occasionally vulnerable defence.

In Dante, they have an experienced defender to come in for Thiago Silva - but it is the backing of the Brazilian nation that may yet be their most potent weapon.
Why Germany can win

The simple answer to this could be because Germany do - often.

In this instance, they can call on a group of match-hardened players who are unlikely to be easily unsettled by the atmosphere that will engulf them in Belo Horizonte. They also have many of the Bayern Munich side who have enjoyed success in the Champions League.

If anything, they may rise to the occasion and in goalkeeper Manuel Neuer they have the finest exponent of his art in the world.

Neuer's save from Karim Benzema in the closing moments of the quarter-final win against France illustrated the barrier Brazil must breach. He made it look deceptively simple and yet it was a demonstration of magnificent reflexes, the ball moving so fast many observers thought it had struck the woodwork, and such strong hands that it almost counted as a clearance.


Head-to-head record
GamesBrazil winsDrawsGermany winsBrazil goalsGermany goals

World Cup = 1 





0


All comps = 21 

12 



39 

24


He is also an extra defender, the best "sweeper-keeper" in the game, racing from goal throughout this World Cup to clear up trouble, acting as an extra shield and source of assurance for his defence.

Germany have class throughout the team, from captain Philipp Lahm and outstanding, powerful central defender Mats Hummels, through to Sami Khedira and the dangerous Thomas Muller. And if they need a goal they can call on their all-time record goalscorer Miroslav Klose, who also joined former Brazil striker Ronaldo as the leading scorer in finals history with 15 goals in the group stage.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Germany
Argentina v Netherlands (Wednesday, 9 July)

These two countries have World Cup history, from the Dutch handing out a 4-0 thrashing to Argentina in Gelsenkirchen 40 years ago to a victory in the final for the host country in Buenos Aires' River Plate Stadium four years later.

Many will recall the famous late Dennis Bergkamp goal that decided the quarter-final in France 98 - although the goalless draw in Frankfurt in 2006 does not inspire too many memories.

Argentina and Netherlands have been both spectacular and effective in Brazil and now, as they approach this match in Sao Paulo, they stand just two games from glory.
Argentina

Rather like Brazil with Neymar, so many of Argentina's hopes rest on the brilliance of superstar Lionel Messi.

However, amid some unspectacular performances their other stars have come to the fore and that all-round ability represents a real threat.

In that tense last-16 game against Switzerland it was the outstanding Angel Di Maria who scored the late winner, while Gonzalo Higuain was the match-winner with an early goal against Belgium.


Highlights: Argentina 1-0 Belgium

With tough competitors such as Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Mascherano and Ezequiel Garay, this is a team for all occasions.

It may not have counted for much with Belgium coach Marc Wilmots, who said: "We were not impressed by Argentina. They're just an ordinary team.

"If I had played this way I would have been destroyed by the Belgian press."

But Argentina coach Alex Sabella may even take the outburst as a compliment, using it as evidence to prove that his team is much more than just Barcelona superstar Messi.

Team rating: 7


Key facts

Argentina have reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990, when they went on to finish runners-up to West Germany.


These teams have met four times in the World Cup, with the Netherlands winning twice and Argentina once, with one draw.


Argentina's victory, in the 1978 final, is their only win against the Netherlands in eight meetings overall (L4 D3).

Netherlands

The Netherlands' success is inconvenient for Manchester United as they wait on coach Louis van Gaal to finish his job in Brazil before arriving at Old Trafford, but for the orange army of fans who follow them this World Cup has brought new delights.

They may not have touched the heights of the brilliant 5-1 opening win against Spain but they have demonstrated talent, physical fitness and determination to reach the last four.


Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica (4-3 pens)

Netherlands also have a man with a plan in Van Gaal, as proved when he sent on penalty specialist goalkeeper Tim Krul in place of first-choice Jasper Cillessen to play a vital part in the shootout win against Costa Rica in the quarter-final.

He led from the front, making the big call and, while Arjen Robben has been their inspiration, the Dutch have also shown great physical fortitude to overcome Mexico with two late goals in the searing heat of Fortaleza.

This team has more colour than the somewhat dour side that lost - and did little to enhance its reputation with an over-physical approach - to Spain in South Africa four years ago, but they have steel as well.

Team rating: 7


Netherlands v Argentina - recent matches

4 Jul 1998 - Argentina 1-2 Netherlands- International, Olympic Amsterdam


31 Mar 1999 - Netherlands 1-1 Argentina- International, Arena Amsterdam


12 Feb 2003 - Netherlands 1-0 Argentina- International, Arena Amsterdam


21 Jun 2006 - Netherlands 0-0 Argentina- 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals Group C, Commerzbank Arena, Frankfurt

Why Argentina can win

Two words. Lionel Messi.

Even though he did not score in the quarter-final win against Belgium, coach Sabella was effusive and made no attempt to underplay his importance to Argentina.

He said: "Every move he makes is a sign of hope for us and endangers his opponents, which is what he does beyond scoring goals or not. He is water in the desert - he gives us that. Against Belgium, when the terrain was dry he gave us that breath of fresh air."

The potential loss of Di Maria to injury would be a setback but add that Messi magic to the steel running through this Argentine team and it gives a formidable combination, able to grind out wins but also capable of producing real inspiration.
Why Netherlands can win

Netherlands are never short of confidence - indeed only over-confidence and fractured relationships within their camp have harmed their chances at previous tournaments.

And in Van Gaal, whose every move is being watched by Manchester United fans eager to appraise their new coach, they have a man who feels he and his team are comfortable on the big occasion.

Substitute Tim Krul saves spot kick to send Netherlands in to the semi-finals

Van Gaal's style gives confidence to his players and this vastly experienced figure will have only increased his standing among his squad with that inspired decision to pitch Krul into the penalty shootout against Costa Rica. Brave, bold - but most of all successful.

It was not the act of a maverick but a coach who prepares for specific occasions, saying: "We felt Tim would be the most appropriate keeper to save penalties. Every keeper has specific qualities. Tim has a longer reach and better track record with penalties than Cillessen. "We're proud this trick has helped us through."


Head-to-head record
GamesArgentina winsDrawsNetherlands winsArgentina goalsNetherlands goals

World Cup = 4 





7


All comps = 8 





13


On the field, Arjen Robben has proved a match-winner and Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder have delivered reminders of their brilliance. They may also be fuelled by the bitter disappointment of losing the final four years ago.

Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Netherlands

Also related to this story

read more : http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28181220

Brazil appeal against Thiago Silva’s World Cup semi-final ban rejected

• Fifa will not rescind Silva’s yellow card from Colombia match
• No action against Juan Camilo Zúñiga over Neymar challenge

Brazil's Thiago Silva has lost his appeal against the yellow card he was shown in the World Cup game against Colombia. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA


Thiago Silva will be suspended for Brazil’s World Cup semi-final against Germany – and Fifa has also ruled out action by its disciplinary committee for the challenge by Colombia’s Juan Zúñiga that left Neymar with a serious injury.

Brazil’s federation, the CBF, had appealed against Silva’s yellow card but Fifa’s disciplinary committee refused to consider it because appeals against cautions are permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

A Fifa statement said: “The disciplinary committee … cannot consider the matter given the fact that there is no legal basis entitling it to grant such request.”

The CBF had also pushed for action against Zúñiga but this was rejected by Fifa’s disciplinary committee, which said the referee had seen the incident.

Fifa added: “After an analysis of the matter and the extensive submission and documentation received from the CBF, the chairman came to the conclusion that the Fifa disciplinary committee cannot consider this matter in light of the conditions outlined in the Fifa disciplinary code … to be able to intervene in such a situation.”

The decision will infuriate Brazil – their coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, claimed Colombia had been “hunting” Neymar, who suffered a fractured vertebra when Zúñiga caught him in the back with his knee.

The Fifa statement said the disciplinary committee chairman, Claudio Sulser, had deep sympathy for Neymar but that regulations meant retrospective action could not be taken in this case.

The statement said: “The chairman of the Fifa disciplinary committee deeply regrets the incident and the serious consequences on Neymar’s health.

“No retrospective action can be taken … since the incident involving the Colombian player Juan Camilo Zúñiga Mosquera did not escape the match officials’ attention.

“The conditions by which the Fifa disciplinary committee can intervene in any incident have to be considered independently of the consequences of that incident, such as an unfortunate injury suffered by a player.

“We wish Neymar a prompt and complete recovery as we wish the same for all players who have sadly been ruled out of the World Cup through injury.”

Thiago picked up the caution against Colombia, imposed after he blocked the goalkeeper David Ospina from taking a kick, and as it was his second of the tournament he was automatically suspended.

Appeals against yellow cards are allowed only in exceptional circumstances, such as cases of mistaken identity, and overturning would have been hugely controversial and would have allowed other teams to claim that the governing body was favouring the hosts.

In an infamous past incident, Fifa allowed Garrincha to play in the 1962 World Cup final despite the Brazilian forward being sent off in the semi-final.
read more : http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/07/world-cup-2014-thiago-silva-brazil-germany