Opinion: A Deserved Title

07/14/2014 - 11h43

Despite seven goals against Brazil, Germany showed the same difficulty in other matches, creating scoring chances, even within the domain of play and the ball.

Argentina's defense, much criticized before the World Cup, was, once again, the strong point. Its defenders are better than they say, besides being very well protected by the midfield.

Since Argentina could not fight back well, there were few scoring chances on both sides, and the game ended 0-0. In extra time, on a breakaway by Schürrle, Götze scored a beautiful goal.

The highlights were the defenders Boateng, Hummels and Garay. Argentina deserves applause for facing, at the same level, Germany and having had a chance to win. For his talent, Messi was understated.

The German team began to take form in 2006. It waited to arrive at the most mystical stadium in the world to be a champion. Meanwhile, in Brazil, because of spectacles from the entertainment industry and arrogance, things happened before the facts.

The team won the Confederations Cup as if they had won the World Cup. They had a heroic performance against Spain, at the wrong time. You cannot be a hero two years running.

The hype, through ignorance and/or exacerbated optimism and/or to increase the audience, was complicit in this lie. Rare were those who, before the World Cup, criticized Scolari and the team, like Mauro Cezar Pereira from ESPN Brazil.

Before the World Cup and up to the game against Germany, most were optimistic about Brazil, because they believed there would be a huge home court advantage, even against stronger teams and without providing compelling football in the first five games.

Now, the majority who were optimistic criticized those who could not see the reality. It was a spectacular, unforgettable Cup.

Translated by STEVE HUGHES

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