FIFA WORLD CUP
Scores & Fixtures
SUN, JUL 13
Germany
Argentina
1
0
Match 64
Scores & Fixtures
SAT, JUL 12
Brazil
Netherlands
0
3
Match 63
Scores & Fixtures
- WED, JUL 9
NetherlandsArgentina
(2) 0
(4) 0
Match 62
Belgium
Costa Rica
Looking ahead for the World Champs
Nobody from the corps of embedded national team reporters dared to ask Joachim Low that question after the final whistle in the Maracana on Sunday night. It would have been impertinent. Too soon. Too inopportune.
The German journalists in Rio de Janeiro were all reluctant to probe further. You can't ask a manager who's just won the biggest possible accolade if he intends to go on the job, can you? It couldn't be asked. But then again, it had to be asked.
Print journalists have been taught that the only way they can compete with the immediacy of television is to spin the story forward, to look ahead to the day after the triumph. That's the reason why you'll read plenty of musings about the possibility of German domination in Europe over the next few days. (If they had lost -- and they very nearly did lose -- you would have read about this generation not being quite cut out to win a trophy or similar misgivings.)
Even more importantly, Low's immediate future had been shrouded in mystery throughout the tournament. Many people were adamant that they knew what would happen but the sheer amount of various theories put forward -- he will resign if they won the World Cup, he will resign if they didn't win the World Cup, he won't resign in any case, Thomas Tuchel (the former Mainz 05 coach) will be his new assistant, Thomas Schneider (the former VFB Stuttgart coach) will be his new assistant -- all really meant that no one had any firm idea. Maybe Low himself hadn't quite thought it through himself.
Eventually, a few journalists decided that one colleague who hadn't been with the Germany team over the last seven weeks should make the inquiry. To soften the blow, as it were.
Unfortunately, however, the reporter never got his questions in. The FIFA press officer on the podium exhausted the available time by taking queries from all media representatives from all over the world, all of whom were keen to congratulate; none of whom showed the least amount of interest in the 54-year-old's career plans.
Pressed on the issue, the chairman of the German FA, Wolfgang Niersbach, was adamant that Low would be in charge for the Euros qualification and beyond. General manager Oliver Bierhoff, too, vowed to stay on. "I still have a contract for two more years," said the 46-year-old. "I will continue. And judging by the way I have seen Low (work) in the last days and weeks, I assume that will be the case for him as well."
It could be argued that there can be not better time for Low to call it a day then after guiding Germany to their fourth World Cup, in Brazil, after two years of almost constant criticism in the wake of a disappointing Euro 2012.
But there's another view. If he continues, Low will have almost two years in which to fine-tune his squad for the next tournament in France. There'll be minimal pressure -- the new 24-team-format make it almost impossible not to make the final cut -- and the chance to add a second trophy will be tempting.
The current team can still play in two years time, hopefully with added quality in the shape of Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan (both Dortmund) and maybe Timo Werner (18, VfB Stuttgart) as well. Low should get a pay rise, too, which will make the job even more enjoyable.
Lukas Podolski, of all players, actually looked forward to the European championship in France 2016 ("we hope to win it") and claimed that everybody had "to keep their feet on the ground."
That view wasn't shared by his colleagues, however. Many of them walked through the mixed zone with a few magnum bottles of special World Cup edition champagne in their hands. A few of them sang "Germany's Number One!"
Keeping their feet on the ground was the least of their concerns, quite the opposite. "We won't sleep for a single second, celebrate until we fly back (on Monday afternoon), then have a big party with the supporters in Berlin," said Chelsea's Andre Schurrle, who had provided the assist for the winning goal from Mario Gotze.
Words for their emotions were hard to come by. "I don't think we realise at this moment how big our achievement is," said Thomas Muller, "it doesn't feel real at all. Very strange. But very positive, I'd say. And we deserve it, because we have worked hard for it as a team."
Christoph Kramer, a late inclusion after Sami Khedira pulled out with a calf injury, had even less idea what had happened. "I don't remember much, but it doesn't matter," said the 23-year-old Gladbach midfielder; he had to be substituted after 31 minutes with concussion following a collision with Ezequiel Garay.
Germany
Argentina
1
0
Podolski, as is his wont, put it in very philosophical terms. "We had to wait 10 years for this s---" he said, and remembered his first trips with the German Under 21's alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger.
From 2006, he, Schweinsteiger, Mertesacker, Miroslav Klose and Lahm had all tried to win a trophy in vain. All the time, the team got a little better, thanks to new, technically proficient additions and the older players having more experience.
"It was ten years of hard labour," said Low, "we improved continually".
Germany, it must be mentioned, came close to losing this game against a street-smart Argentina but they prevailed, through skill (Gotze's goal), effort (Schweinsteiger) and focus (Boateng).
Those three epitomised the team's collective strength on the night. There's a huge supporting cast, from the rest of squad, to the coaching staff to those people in the German FA who were smart enough to implement the necessary changes. "Their triumph leaves you with the good feeling that you can earn good fortune," wrote Der Spiegel.
So what's next? It doesn't matter. Because it's done.
Teamwork pays off for Germany
His gaze remained fixed as he was enveloped in his teammates' embrace. We don't know what he was thinking. And neither does he.
"In situations like that, you don't really understand what has just happened," he said afterward.
The mask only melted into a smile when Jerome Boateng chest-bumped him and then pushed his ample forehead down into Gotze's, like some kind of instant Vulcan mind-meld.
Maybe that's when he realized what he had done.
It lasted an instant or two, and then the game-face returned. This match had to be closed out. And it was. Germany won their first major trophy in 18 years and became champions of the world for the fourth time, a total that matches Italy and is second only to Brazil, who have five World Cups.
Germany
Argentina
1
0
Platitudes to make the less athletic kids feel better? Sugar cubes to lessen the stigma and mask the fact that -- simply put -- some can and some cannot, no matter how hard they try?
Maybe. But the 2014 World Cup was won by a team and coach that embraced this ethos, not just through words but through actions as well. In the final, they beat a side that seemingly lived by the opposite mantra: that superstars win you games.
There probably is no "correct" way of dealing with it. We'll never know what Joachim Low would have done if Lionel Messi had been born in Rostock rather than Rosario. What we do know is that on Sunday, Germany became world champion, thanks in large part to three players.
One, Gotze, had started just two games in this World Cup and played just eight minutes in the quarterfinal and semifinal. He, of course, scored the winner at the Maracana.
Another, Boateng, shuttled from right-back to centre-half in the tournament, as a role player compared to defensive superstars such as Mats Hummels and the skipper, Phillip Lahm. Boateng was superb on Sunday, as he conjured up goal-line clearances and snuffed out danger.
The third, Bastian Schweinsteiger, entered the tournament no longer the automatic choice he'd been in the past, got in the team as the humble holding midfielder and left the marauding to others. He took a deep cut just below the eye for his troubles but proved to be the steady head the German midfield needed in a rocky first hour.
Meanwhile, Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella persevered with the XI that had outlasted the Dutch in Sao Paulo. Possibly, he knew that while the personnel was unchanged, the game would be different simply because the opponent was different. While Louis van Gaal had erected a large, orange tarp in front of Jasper Cillessen's goal, Germany's pressing and high line meant there was space for the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain to run into.
In the ninth minute, Messi gave a statement of intent. He found himself, with the ball at his feet, isolated against Mats Hummels on the right flank. He did what he does better than anyone: a shimmy and a burst of speed, then another and another. The first two times Hummels managed to stay with him, but on the third Messi was off, though his cross was cleared. It was a moment that suggested the little man had come to play but also one that made it clear Hummels would not be intimidated.
With 20 minutes gone, Toni Kroos' errant header fell to Higuain, who was returning from an offside position. The Napoli striker had all the time in the world to set himself before he uncoiled a shot that sputtered wide to Manuel Neuer's right.
Kroos looked rattled in the first half, in part because Argentina's midfield harried him mercilessly and in part because the game turned physical without getting nasty. Ezequiel Garay's body-check on Kramer flatted the young midfielder and forced him off the pitch some 10 minutes later. There were clanking knees, banging heads and pointy elbows, but almost always things stayed on the right side of sportsmanship.
Germany had possession, but it was arid. Sabella would say later: "They had a little more of the ball, but we had the clearer chances."
Garay then found Messi, who used his low center of gravity to fend off Hummels before putting in a tricky cross that Boateng cleared. It was symptomatic, though, that both Hummels and Neuer got a touch before Boateng's boot away. Teamwork: Every little nick and touch to keep the opponent out.
The Germans also had their opportunities, but Kroos' shot was telegraphed, and Benedikt Howedes' header, right at half time, found the post.
"I saw we were getting tired, so at half time I decided to make a change to help us win the game in the 90 minutes without going to extra time," Sabella said when asked about a seminal substitution: Sergio Aguero for the excellent Lavezzi.
It likely came back to haunt him. It left Argentina with an isolated front three and a midfield forced to work overtime without Lavezzi's tracking back. Still, two minutes into the second period, Lucas Biglia found Messi, who fired wide the kind of chance he usually buries. Shortly thereafter, Neuer launched himself into the air and punched the ball clear of Higuain, pancaking the Napoli striker in the process. No foul was called, but a lot of birds chirped around Higuain's head.
Argentina, though, began to flag. Messi -- a notch above his previous performances, perhaps, but with less than his usual supply of magic to dispense -- became the sole Argentine threat as the Germans advanced, going close through Kroos and Andre Schurrle. Two minutes from full time, the Maracana stood as one as Gotze came on for Miroslav Klose. Partisanship is great, but when the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the World Cup exits the pitch for the final time, you stand up and applaud.
The pace slowed in extra time. Argentina lost their legs and Germany, perhaps, some of their self-assuredness. For all the machine parallels writers (including yours truly) throw out, these are still young men playing the game of their lives. And they make mistakes. After a slip released Aguero, Boateng came out of nowhere with a picture-perfect tackle.
Shortly thereafter, Marcos Rojo's cross found Rodrigo Palacio -- who had earlier replaced Higuain -- one-on-one with Neuer. All it needed was either a first-time finish or controlling the ball and then beating the keeper. Instead, he took the road less traveled and attempted an improbable chip that ballooned over Neuer's head and went just wide of the post. It was a miss as bad as his one against the Dutch.
A frantic Low stormed on to the pitch between the two extra-time periods. He dispensed quick-fire instructions to his men before targeting Gotze.
"I told him to go and show the world that he is better than Messi and that he can decide who wins this World Cup," Low explained afterward. "We have good players. [Thomas Muller] and [Schurrle] work hard and can attack the space behind. But Gotze, well, he's our wunderkind. He has incredible technical ability. He can decide matches."
Prescient words.
Shortly after the re-start, Aguero's elbow caught Schweinsteiger just below the eye, and his cheekbone exploded into a bloody mess. As he lay on the pitch, tented by Germany's medical team, his leg twitched. You wondered if his World Cup was over. But, no, minutes later he was back out there. Germany needed its warrior and, at 29, he knew he might never play in a World Cup final ever again.
And then came the moment that brought it home. Schurrle maneuvered around Mascherano to drive in a cross that found the unmarked Gotze, who found just enough stardust to ghost away from Martin DeMichelis. In one, fluid motion: chest, turn and shot. Sergio Romero had no chance.
The game ended with one last chance for Messi to sharpen up his GOAT credentials for those stubborn enough to believe you can only be the Greatest Of All Time if you've won a World Cup. He didn't take it; his free-kick sailed harmlessly over Neuer's crossbar.
FIFA's Technical Study Group still awarded him the Golden Ball as Player of the Tournament, a decision that will rankle and, frankly, smacked of the kind of charity a player of Messi's magnitude really doesn't need.
Argentina took pride in their performance in the final, and rightly so. They had the chance to put the game away but failed to do so. That's football.
"It was the best game we played in the tournament," Sabella said. "But we gave our all. I'm not going to say that giving your all is the most important thing, but it is important. My players were warriors out there. And now it's time for the warriors to rest."
Germany leave as fully deserving world champions. The fact that things were far from easy for them in a number of games -- the 2-2 draw with Ghana, the extra-time victory over Algeria and, of course, the final at the Maracana -- only adds luster to their achievement. They were tried, and they were tested, and they came through. Different men contributed in different situations. The stardust belonged to Gotze on Sunday; in other games, it was Khedira's or Neuer's or Hummels' or Klose's or Muller's.
"I'd say we turned in the best performance of any team over seven games, and that's why we deserved to win the World Cup," Low said in his matter-of-fact way.
You can't argue. This was what you call a "clean finish."
The best goals at the 2014 World Cup
There were some great goals scored at the World Cup in Brazil. Here we have ranked our favourites. Use the comments section or tweet @espnfc with your picks for the top efforts.- SportsNation POLL: Rank your 14 best World Cup goals
1. Robin van Persie: Netherlands vs. Spain (June 13 in Salvador)
THE GOAL: It is not often you see something in this game that has a stamp of freshness imprinted upon it, but the diving, looping effort Van Persie dreamed up to haul his Dutch side back into their opening group game against the defending world champions was a variation on headed goals few could find a comparison to.
It seemed as if the prematch script predicted by the majority of observers was about to play out as Spain took an early lead and had a glorious chance to double that advantage before the improbable, spectacular, thrilling Dutch adventure in Brazil was ignited by Van Persie's sensational equaliser.
"A work of art." That is how one commentator aptly described the contribution of Van Persie, as he timed his run to meet a deliciously floated pass from Daley Blind to perfection, launched himself through the air with grace and connected perfectly with a cushioned header that left Spain keeper Iker Casillas stranded.
Delight was mixed with amazement as the ball nestled in the Spanish net. Did that really happen? What had Van Persie manufactured on the biggest stage of them all?
The side tipped by many to reclaim their title on South American soil had been undone by a brand of long-ball football that took the often despised tactic to a whole new, wonderful level. Hup Holland Hup!
Van Persie's decision to run to his coach Louis van Gaal and offer a high five -- which turned out to be something of an aborted effort, as the hands of the two men missed their intended target -- might have been mistimed, but it mattered little. Brazil 2014 had its first iconic moment, as the Manchester United striker and the coach who had recently been confirmed as the next Old Trafford boss toasted their success.
THE REACTION:
THE PLAYER: Robin Van Persie: "It is the best goal of my career. It was a brilliant goal, even I have to say that. I look at the occasion, and this was one of the biggest so far in my career. It was a bit of a gamble, but I spotted Casillas off his line before the cross came in."
THE COACH: Louis van Gaal: "The pass from Daley Blind for Van Persie was fantastic, the finish was great. There was so much feeling. If you can make a goal in that way, it's great, really fantastic. He headed that ball with so much feeling. He knew it before. He saw the goalkeeper standing too far in front of his goal. It was a beautiful goal."
WORLDWIDE: This was arguably the first World Cup in which Twitter and other social networking sites became the first port of call for many supporters watching the action in Brazil from all corners of the globe, and the first explosion of tweeting occurred as Van Persie stooped to head home his sparkling opener against Spain.
#Persieing is a sensation -- even RVP's grandfather has caught the fever (via @adidasUSPRGuy): http://t.co/fyZUGurc3Q pic.twitter.com/1dqAFvtUtH.
The 'Persieing' craze quickly became something of a social media phenomenon, with young and old posing flat on their faces with their arms outstretched in tribute to Van Persie's goal against Spain. The tributes did not end there.
A limited edition coin costing 9.95 euros was produced in Holland depicting the flying Van Persie, with the initial mint of 6,000 running out in double quick time.
The World Cup glory Holland craved might have eluded Van Persie and his teammates, but his first goal at Brazil 2014 secured him a place in World Cup folklore as one of the most memorable strike's this famous competition has witnessed.
2. Tim Cahill: Australia vs. Netherlands (June 18 in Porto Alegre)
What they said: "It just felt so right to hit it, and I hit it sweetly. This is what it's all about because everyone dreams of playing on this stage, and I want to leave a mark for all the kids back in Australia and around the world to be inspired by this today." -- Tim Cahill
Comparisons with Marco van Basten's famous strike against Russia in the Euro 1988 finals were not misplaced, as Cahill raced onto a high through ball and unleashed a stunning volley that instantly became a leading contender to be the best goal of this World Cup. The cleanness of Cahill's strike, the accuracy of his delivery and the explosion of joy that greeted the goal made for a classic World Cup moment. Cahill's delight was diluted, as his team ended up losing 3-2, but his dream of inspiring the next generation of Socceroos might just have come true.
3. James Rodriguez: Colombia vs. Uruguay (June 28 in Rio De Janeiro)
What they said: "It's historic, a dream come true. I always wanted to score in the Maracana, and now I have. For the goals to help Colombia reach the World Cup quarterfinals makes it even more special." -- James Rodriguez
Much was expected of Rodriguez as Colombia headed into this World Cup looking for a new hero to replace the injured Radamel Falcao, and the Monaco star delivered in the grand manner. The 22-year-old's three goals in the group stages confirmed his eagerness to make a mark at the tournament, then his 28th-minute opener in his side's round of 16 game against Uruguay usurped all that had come before. Taking the ball down, turning, shooting and scoring from 25 yards with a flash of wonderful brilliance, this was a goal to savour on the biggest stage of them all.
4. David Luiz: Brazil vs. Colombia (July 4 in Fortaleza)
What they said: "I hit the ball at the exact right point. You can try to hit it like that, and it'll take you all day. I am so happy because I can help my team with this." -- David Luiz
How did he do that? That was the collective cry from the millions watching around the world as Paris Saint-Germain's newest acquisition continued his impressive personal World Cup campaign with a free kick goal that was as brilliant as it was bewildering. TV replays confirmed that Luiz's side-footed free kick in the 68th minute ballooned into the air, moved in two directions and then dipped under the Colombian crossbar with beautifully ferocious accuracy. This World Cup has not been notable for its succession of magical free kicks, but the quarterfinal winner for Brazil was the best of its type in the 2014 competition -- by some distance.
5. Mario Gotze: Germany vs. Argentina (July 13 in Rio de Janeiro)
What they said: "It's unbelievable. I scored, but I didn't really know what was happening. A dream has become a reality, and we are going to have a great party. It is absolutely sensational. It wasn't a simple tournament for me. I owe a lot to my friends and family. Every player in our team deserves to be mentioned here, and we're very proud to have won this trophy." -- Mario Gotze.
When the enduring significance and brilliance of Gotze's injury-time goal in the World Cup final is reflected upon in years to come, some might argue it was, in fact, the finest goal scored at Brazil 2014. The precision of the pass from Andre Schurrle, the calmness of substitute Gotze in controlling the ball and firing it past Argentine keeper Sergio Romero, and the celebrations that followed instantly made this one of the most iconic goals in the history of German football. Whatever happens from this point forward in the career of Gotze, he knows the defining moment of his career came on a famous night at the Marcana in Rio. What a legacy he will leave.
6. Lionel Messi: Argentina vs. Nigeria (June 25 in Porto Alegre)
What they said: "Messi came into this tournament under enormous pressure, with everyone saying he needed to perform in the World Cup, but he has been phenomenal. His free kick against Nigeria was just a classic strike. We haven't seen anyone quite like him in the game since Diego Maradona." -- Gary Lineker, BBC TV
Messi was named man of the match in the first three games he played at this World Cup, and each of his four goals was laced with the brilliance only he can provide. While his trademark surging runs and finishes against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran were spectacular, the accuracy of his delightfully floated free kick against Nigeria was a joy to behold. It might have been a routine effort for Barcelona and Argentina's main man, but he continued to take viewers' breaths away.
7. Jermaine Jones: USA vs. Portugal (June 23 in Manaus)
What they said: "Two Shaka Hislops would not have saved that Jermaine Jones strike! What a strike that was." -- Craig Burley, ESPN FC TV
Portugal dared to believe they had cleared the danger from their box as Jermaine Jones collected a ball from a half-cleared corner, yet the Besiktas midfielder had other ideas. Not known for his goal-scoring prowess, Jones set himself for a strike that would go down in history as one of the greatest by any USMNT member at a World Cup. He unleashed a shot that curled perfectly into the far corner and exploded into the back of the Portuguese net. Although Portugal hit back later, Jones' goal proved to be of vital importance, as the U.S. advanced to the next round and sent Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. back home on goal difference.
8. Lionel Messi: Argentina vs. Iran (June 21 in Belo Horizonte)
What they said: "Messi was very strong. He persevered, and with him, anything is possible. They made the game very difficult for us -- Messi was marked very tightly -- but he showed perseverance, patience, attitude and always looked for the goal. He never gave up. In the end, he finds the great goal again." -- Alejandro Sabella, Argentina coach
It seemed as if Carlos Queiroz's Iran side were on course to secure one of the most unlikely draws in World Cup history, with their rearguard action against a less-than-convincing Argentina side bringing them to the brink of what would have been a remarkable point. But Lionel Messi had not read their romantic script. "Give it to Messi and pray" was the advice of one UK television commentator as the Barcelona maestro picked up the ball and was allowed to cut inside and unleash a shot with his wand of a left leg. The end result was somehow inevitable, with Argentina's little maestro saving his team from an embarrassing draw.
9. Wesley Sneijder: Netherlands vs. Mexico (June 29 in Fortaleza)
What they said: "Sneijder has become one of the fittest players of the Dutch team. He runs the most kilometres, he has this kicking technique, and I've known this for a couple of years now, so it doesn't surprise me that he is fresh at the end to score this goal." -- Louis van Gaal, Netherlands coach
As the clocked ticked down in the sweltering Fortaleza sunshine and a void opened up in the Mexican penalty area, Wesley Sneijder knew his first game-changing moment of this World Cup had arrived. With his team trailing 1-0, this was an opportunity that needed to be taken, and not only did he navigate a route to goal but he also did so with the panache, power and accuracy of a player who confirmed he still has match-winning qualities despite a dip in form in recent years. A stunning volley showed the 30-year-old isn't past his prime just yet.
10. David Villa: Spain vs. Australia (June 23 in Curitiba)
What they said: "I've always said that I love playing in the national team and that's what I've always dreamed of. I would play until I'm 55, but I'm aware that's impossible. It would be normal that it all finishes here, so clearly, it is nice to finish with a goal." -- David Villa
Spain's World Cup 2014 adventure was unexpectedly brief and painful, with the agony evident for all to see as the country's all-time leading international goal scorer was taken off 57 minutes into what is likely to be his final game as a national team player. Typically, David Villa went out in style, as a sweeping Spanish move was given a finishing touch courtesy of a back flick from this most prolific of scorers. It might not have been the most significant of his 59 goals, but it confirmed Villa would end his international days with something of a flourish.
11. Xherdan Shaqiri: Switzerland vs. Honduras (June 25 in Manaus)
What they said: "Xherdan Shaqiri is a player who can make the difference because he can decide games on his own. His first goal was very special. It is what we needed." -- Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland coach
Switzerland were desperately looking for a lift after their 5-2 battering at the hands of France in their second Group E game, and Bayern Munich's Shaqiri provided that against Honduras. As Shaqiri waltzed across the edge of the box, it was not evident that the Honduran net would be bulging, yet the power, venom and accuracy of the effort he delivered took the collective breath away. The ball politely kissed the underside of the crossbar en route to its destination. It was delicious strike, one that sent the Swiss well on their way to the round of 16.
12. Andre Schurrle: Germany vs. Brazil (July 8 in Belo Horizonte)
What they said: "I heard the crowd applauding my goal when I was on the field, and the guys were talking about it afterward. It's an incredible feeling. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life." -- Andre Schurrle
It might merely have been the icing on a delicious German cake, as they cruised into the World Cup final following a sensational 7-1 semifinal rout of hosts Brazil, but the quality of the finish from the Chelsea attacking star brought generous applause from a shell-shocked home support. The deftness and vision displayed by Thomas Muller in the buildup to the goal were sublime, with the venom and accuracy of the finish provided by Schurrle's fizzing shot into the top corner of the Brazilian goal that capped a team display instantly installed among the greatest the World Cup finals had ever seen.
13. Giovani dos Santos: Mexico vs. Netherlands (June 29 in Fortaleza)
What they said: "It was a perfect strike. Giovani has given so much in this World Cup, and this was a good reward. The shame was it did not give us the victory." -- Miguel Herrera, Mexico coach
Giovani dos Santos might have displayed masterful chest control before he lashed an effort toward goal three minutes into the second half of Mexico's round of 16 game against the Netherlands, but it did not seem likely he would end his two-yeardrought for a goal on the international stage with what appeared to be a speculative effort. However, the cleanness of his strike and the accuracy of its delivery beat sprawling Dutch keeper Jasper Cillessen and sparked wild celebrations among a Mexican contingent that dared to believe they would make it through the first knockout round of a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. That hope was to be extinguished with a late Dutch flourish.
14. Gonzalo Higuain: Argentina vs. Belgium (July 5 in Brasilia)
What they said: "I was calm and relaxed. I knew the goal would come, and I was just doing my best for the team. The goal finally came in an important match, and that's why I'm so emotional. It has been a long time since Argentina were in the semifinals, so we have to enjoy it." -- Gonzalo Higuain
The mark of a quality striker is to take the first chance that comes your way in a game, and as the ball fell kindly to Argentina striker Higuain on the edge of the box in the eighth minute of his side's quarterfinal against Belgium, his World Cup moment finally arrived. Napoli marksman Higuain had played in all four of Argentina's matches in Brazil but had yet to trouble the scorers. Then, in his nation's biggest game yet, he connected perfectly with a fizzing shot that beat impressive Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois and handed Argentina an advantage they would not surrender. The focus might always be on Messi, but the captain's supporting cast showed they could lift the side too.
Romero's redemption saves Argentina
And now he's the hero of a semifinal penalty shootout that leaves Argentina 90 minutes and 11 Germans (possibly up to 14) away from winning their third World Cup.
At the Maracana.
In Zico's house.
The ways of football are infinite, much like those of the man upstairs who might be taking an interest in this tournament, given that next Sunday's final will also represent a "Papal Derby" between the retired German Pontifex and the serving Argentinian one.
You can't help but talk about faith here because it's a common theme, starting with the faith Alejandro Sabella showed in persevering with Romero, ignoring the conventional wisdom whereby a keeper needs regular games to be at his best.
There's the faith that was absent from Claudio Ranieri, the Monaco coach, who felt Croatia's Danijel Subasic (who was also at this World Cup, though ironically as a substitute) was a better option than Romero between the sticks.
But there's also the faith of another coach, the man whose team was eliminated by Romero on Wednesday in one of those curious twists the football carousel so often throws up at us. In 2007, Louis van Gaal, then-manager and technical director of AZ Alkmaar, signed the 20-year-old Romero from Racing Club and brought him to European football.
After half a season, he gave Romero the starting job, and, a year later, Van Gaal was rewarded with the Dutch title, redemption in the eyes of his doubters and a job with Bayern Munich. Romero remained another two years with Alkmaar, establishing himself as one of the best young keepers in Europe.
It's not a coincidence that, after saluting the raucous and wet Argentina fans who roared on La Albiceleste through 120 minutes and the shootout, Romero sought out the two coaches who had believed in him. (Ranieri wasn't around. If he were, Romero would have been entitled to have a few words with him, too.)
"He was very important to me," Romero said. "I arrived in Holland from Argentina. A different country, a different language, different customs; I didn't speak a word. And he took care of me. I am so grateful to him.
"From the very first day, he told me that a team plays with 11 players, not 10 players plus a goalkeeper. And that's important."
You can imagine just how important it was for a guy whose confidence would otherwise have been shot. Not just by his Monaco nightmare, but by sharing the Argentine stage with guys such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. Particularly prior to the World Cup, Argentina looked like a top-heavy side intent on outscoring the opposition, because you couldn't be sure they could keep too many out.
On Wednesday, though, both Sabella and Van Gaal seemed intent on not conceding. It was understandable to begin with, given the magnitude of the game, and it became crystal clear after the first semifinal, when the world was reminded how a defensive lapse can lead to an avalanche of goals and the darkest day in a nation's footballing history.
You almost got the impression that -- in keeping with the faith theme -- Sabella and Van Gaal had more confidence in themselves and their ability to out-tactic the opposition than they did in their own players: I trust you; I trust myself more.
Sabella's 4-3-3 formation was Messi-focused but designed to, above all, control space. "He who covers the space better wins -- it's like that most of the time," Sabella explained afterward. On a night when Messi sparkled only occasionally, it was wise to have a Plan B.
Van Gaal responded with a setup seemingly designed to deny space. The Dutch back five was designed to cage Messi, with Georginio Wijnaldum and the medical miracle Nigel de Jong (his four-week groin strain prognosis turned into a two-week absence) deputized to pick up runners.
The result was a stalemate. The Oranje seawall held, also because the Albiceleste ocean did not launch waves of attacks, but rather picked its spots, mostly down Holland's left, where Daley Blind was struggling and Ezequiel Lavezzi was rampaging.
Blind is as clever a footballer as you'll meet and technically gifted to boot. What he isn't, though, is a "motor guy" -- neither in terms of stamina nor in terms of speed. Yet come the final third, something was usually lacking, whether because Messi flashed only intermittently or because Ron Vlaar was snuffing out Higuain's runs.
Van Gaal addressed the Blind issue at the half with a typical game of musical chairs, the kind only managers with total faith in their team's tactical understanding would dare to do. Dirk Kuyt moved from right-back to left-back (reaffirming his jack-of-all-trades credentials), Daryl Janmaat came on to patrol the right flank, Blind became the left-sided centerback and Bruno Martins Indi -- booked for holding back Messi -- came off. This way, there was a guardian angel (the cherubic Kuyt) protecting Blind who could make his long-range passing count, as it had in the opener with Spain.
Alas, there weren't too many places to find with long-range vision. Javier Mascherano regularly dropped into the Argentina back three, where he coordinated the defensive mechanisms that swallowed up Van Persie whole. As for Robben, he was roaming the pitch so unsuccessfully that he managed only six touches in the first half.
"We controlled his space well for the first hour and more," Sabella said afterward with a fair degree of understatement.
At times, you felt like Argentina were giving Robben too much respect. When they pushed up for set pieces, they kept three men around the Bayern roadrunner, just in case there was a long clearance, plus another man 20 yards further back. But maybe that's what it took.
Sabella made his move with eight minutes to go of the 90. On came the fresh-legged Rodrigo Palacio and the convalescent Sergio Aguero, who returned after missing two games, for midfielder Enzo Perez and the embattled Higuain.
It was evidently time to gamble but, against the run of play, the Dutch nearly nicked it when the resurgent Robben squirted his way through the blue-and-white shirts only for a superb last-ditch Mascherano tackle on the edge of the 6-yard box to deny him.
Vision began to blur and limbs became cement in extra time. Van Gaal sent on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for Van Persie. It was his third substitution (as well as Martins Indi, De Jong had also exited earlier), which meant if the game went to a shootout, he wouldn't be repeating his Tim Krul, specialist, penalty-saver, novelty act. Novelty act? Yes, that's right. As Van Gaal said afterward, shootouts are "always a story of luck."
You waited for a mistake or a moment of genius to provide an opportunity. Both came and both went Argentina's way. Palacio was able to steal through the Dutch lines only to produce an error of his own, weakly heading the ball to Jasper Cillessen. Then, Messi showed up. He beat Vlaar, he beat Kuyt, he beat Vlaar again and then he delivered a cross on a plate for substitute Maxi Rodriguez, whose finish bizarrely had all the enthusiasm of a teenager asked to clean up his room.
And so it went to spot-kicks on what had become a chilly Sao Paulo night. Cillessen tried to emulate Krul's antics but to no avail. We can speculate endlessly over whether the substitution against Costa Rica meant he had lost whatever faith he had in his own ability to save penalties.
Romero was focused as he studiously went through his pre-penalty routine: Touch the right post, stomp across the goal line and touch the left post, stomp back the other way to the right upright and then stomp three times to the middle of the goal.
Four times he did it, after two of which he saved from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sniejder to book a ticket back to the Maracana for a date with the Germans on Sunday. And maybe with Argentina's first World Cup since 1986.
Two-way containment; Kroos control
Louis van Gaal succeeded in stopping Lionel Messi. Alejandro Sabella managed to disturb the Dutch tactics. While much of the focus has been on the Netherlands manager's ever-changing approach, his Argentina counterpart altered the game with a switch of his own. He began wi...
Arjen Robben: Germany will win final
- Honigstein: Where now for Netherlands?
- Jones: Van Gaal sowed seeds of Dutch demise
Louis van Gaal's Dutch team will now meet Brazil in the third-pl...
Argentina abuzz after semifinal victory
Maradona: Germany are beatable
- Macintosh: Mascherano leads the way for Argentina
- Marcotti: Romero's redemption saves Argentina
Germany hammered Brazil 7-1 in ...
Karim Benzema agent 'hit journalists'
Hong Myung-bo resigns after poor WC
It all led to this: On Thursday morning, less than two weeks after the team exited Group H with a defeat to Belg...
FIFA WORLD CUP
Scores & Fixtures
Klose fittingly pushes past Ronaldo
No doubt, Germany's shocking World Cup semifinal triumph over the hosts owed itself to numerous factors. The displays of Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira were devastating, although the midfield errors committed by the hosts will be part of the autopsy performed on this edition of the Selecao. Brazil also had no answer for the mobility, passing and scoring of Thomas Muller, reminding everyone that at this point in its history, Germany is blessed with a preponderance of playmakers.
Brazil
Germany
1
7
On a night that saw Germany pummel the hosts, it seemed appropriate that he pushed a Brazilian into second place on the all-time World Cup scoring list, that being Ronaldo.
Of course, you don't set a record like the one Klose just took ownership of without the considerable help of teammates, especially when one considers that every single one of Klose's World Cup goals came from 14 yards or closer. Afterward, Klose made it clear where his focus lies.
"For me definitely [the goal] is very big, but I'm one of the team players and I want to win the World Cup with the team, that's the most important thing," he said in the postmatch mixed zone. "At the moment of the goal, I tried to give another assistance to Muller, but I was blocked for a Brazilian player. So I tried to score for myself and fortunately I was successful."
"After 2-0, you realized that [Brazil] were confused," he said at his postmatch news conference. "And they never [regained] their original organization. ... We realized that they were cracking up."
It was a goal that also showed where Klose's game is at this point in his career. When he first burst on the scene at the 2002 World Cup, he made his mark as an imperious aerial presence. In that tournament, all five of Klose's goals were scored with his head. But over the years, as the legs have started to go a bit, he's relied more on the clever off-the-ball movement that has always been a part of his game. In this instance, he spotted Muller's diagonal run into the box, as well as Kroos' sublime entry pass. He then timed his run perfectly to latch on to Muller's layoff. While Cesar did well to save Klose's initial effort, the German was there to slot home the rebound for his second goal of this World Cup. It marked the first time Klose had scored a World Cup goal in a match that took place beyond the quarterfinals.
Brazil 1-7 Germany -- reaction
- Marcotti: Scolari at a loss to explain- Jones: Seven stages of grief for Brazil
- Duarte: Haunting defeat for the Selecao
- Delaney: Three Points - Brazil broken by Germany
- Low: German plan worked perfectly
- Behind the Numbers: Germany's historic win
- Photo Gallery: Best of Brazil vs. Germany
- Klose breaks World Cup goals record | Highlight
- Social reaction: Brazil, did that just happen?
ll kick-off times in GMT.
- Fri, Apr 25, 2014
English League Championship
| 18:45 | Brighton & Hove Albion | v | Yeovil Town |
English League One
| 19:00 | Port Vale | v | Sheffield United |
Scottish Premiership
| 18:45 | Partick Thistle | v | St Mirren |
Spanish Primera División
| 19:00 | Elche | v | Levante |
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| 18:45 | AS Roma | v | AC Milan |
Italian Serie B
Table »
| 13:00 | US Pescara | v | Novara |
| 16:00 | Modena | v | Ternana |
German Bundesliga
| 18:30 | Hannover 96 | v | VfB Stuttgart |
German 2. Bundesliga
| 16:30 | FC Ingolstadt 04 | v | FC Cologne |
| 16:30 | SpVgg Greuther Furth | v | TSV 1860 Munich |
| 16:30 | VfL Bochum | v | Arminia Bielefeld |
French Ligue 1
| 18:30 | Nantes | v | Marseille |
French Ligue 2
| 18:00 | Brest | v | Clermont Foot |
| 18:00 | CA Bastia | v | Arles |
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| 18:00 | FC Istres | v | Chateauroux |
| 18:00 | Lens | v | AS Nancy Lorraine |
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| 18:00 | Tours | v | Troyes |
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| 18:00 | Achilles '29 | v | FC Eindhoven |
| 18:00 | Almere City | v | Willem II Tilburg |
| 18:00 | De Graafschap | v | Jong Ajax |
| 18:00 | Dordrecht '90 | v | Sparta Rotterdam |
| 18:00 | Excelsior | v | FC Oss |
| 18:00 | FC Emmen VV | v | Fortuna Sittard |
| 18:00 | Helmond Sport | v | FC Den Bosch |
| 18:00 | MVV Maastricht | v | Jong PSV |
| 18:00 | SC Stormvogels Telstar | v | Jong FC Twente |
| 18:00 | VVV Venlo | v | FC Volendam |
Russian Premier League
| 15:00 | PFK Samara Kryliya Sovetov | v | FK Amkar Perm' |
Turkish Super Lig
| 17:00 | Genclerbirligi | v | Bursaspor |
Belgian Jupiler League
| 18:30 | Zulte-Waregem | v | Racing Genk |
Danish SAS-Ligaen
| 16:30 | Randers FC | v | Sonderjyske |
Swedish Allsvenskanliga
| 17:00 | IFK | v | Falkenbergs FF |
| 17:00 | Orebro SK | v | Atvidabergs FF |
League of Ireland Premier Division
| 18:45 | Bray | v | Dundalk |
| 18:45 | Cork | v | Bohemians |
| 18:45 | Derry City | v | UCD |
| 18:45 | Drogheda Utd | v | Shamrock |
| 18:45 | Limerick FC | v | Sligo |
| 18:45 | St Patricks | v | Athlone Town FC |
Primera División de Argentina
| 22:10 | Newell's Old Boys | v | Tigre |
Mexican Liga MX
| Apr 26, 00:30 | Queretaro | v | Pachuca |
| Apr 26, 02:30 | Tijuana | v | León |
Primera División de Chile
| 23:00 | O'Higgins | v | Rangers de Talca |
Primera División de Uruguay
| 22:00 | Defensor Sporting | v | Rentistas |
Primera Profesional de Perú
| Group B | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | Los Caimanes | v | UTC |
Primera División de Paraguay
| 19:30 | General Díaz | v | Cerro Porteño |
Primera A de Ecuador
| Apr 26, 00:00 | Manta F.C. | v | Emelec |
Japanese J League
| Apr 26, 04:00 | Kashiwa Reysol | v | Urawa Red Diamonds |
| Apr 26, 05:00 | Shimizu S-Pulse | v | Vegalta Sendai |
| Apr 26, 05:00 | Tokushima Vortis | v | Albirex Niigata |
| Apr 26, 05:00 | Yokohama F. Marinos | v | FC Tokyo |
| Apr 26, 06:00 | Nagoya Grampus Eight | v | Sagan Tosu |
| Apr 26, 06:00 | Vissel Kobe | v | Cerezo Osaka |
Brasileirao B
| 22:30 | Icasa | v | Sampaio Correa-MA |
| Apr 26, 00:00 | Paraná Clube | v | Joinville |
Colombia Segunda División
| Apr 26, 05:00 | Barranquilla F.C. | v | Deportivo Rionegro |
All kick-off times in GMT.
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- Thu, Apr 24, 2014
- | Next Day »
UEFA Europa League
| 19:05 | Benfica | v | Juventus |
| 19:05 | Sevilla FC | v | Valencia |
Copa Libertadores
| Apr 25, 00:15 | Arsenal de Sarandí | v | Unión Española |
Copa Do Brazil
| 22:30 | EC Vitória | v | J. Malucelli Futebol |
| 18:15 | Santa Rita | v | Potiguar de Mossoro |
Primera División de Honduras
| Apr 25, 01:00 | Marathon | v | C.D.Real Sociedad |
| Apr 25, 01:00 | Victoria | v | Olimpia |
- Thu, Apr 3, 2014
UEFA Europa League
| 19:05 | AZ Alkmaar | v | Benfica |
| 19:05 | FC Basel | v | Valencia |
| 19:05 | FC Porto | v | Sevilla FC |
| 19:05 | Lyon | v | Juventus |
English Conference
Table »
| 18:45 | Halifax | v | Braintree Town |
Copa Libertadores
Table »
| COPA LIBERTADORES - GROUP 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 4, 02:00 | Independiente Santa Fe | v | Atlético MG |
| COPA LIBERTADORES - GROUP 5 | |||
| 23:45 | Universidad de Chile | v | Cruzeiro |
Primera División de Argentina
Table »
| 20:00 | Gimnasia La Plata | v | Tigre |
| 23:15 | San Lorenzo | v | Arsenal de Sarandí |
Copa Do Brazil
| 21:00 | Paragominas | v | ASAL/AL |
| 23:30 | Resende | v | CR Vasco da Gama |
Fútbol Profesional Colombiano
Table »
| 23:00 | Itagüí | v | La Equidad |
| Apr 4, 01:00 | Fortaleza CE | v | Envigado |
| Apr 4, 01:00 | Patriotas F.C. | v | Deportes Tolima |
Liga Profesional Boliviana
Table »
| Apr 4, 00:30 | Blooming | v | Bolívar |
Primera División de Costa Rica
Table »
| Apr 4, 02:00 | Herediano | v | Belen |
Primera División C de Argentina
Table »
| 18:30 | Central Córdoba de Rosario | v | Social Español |
| 18:30 | Excursionistas | v | Sportivo Italiano |
Costa unlikely to make Barcelona clash
April 2, 2014
NEXT VIDEO 
GettyImagesDiego Costa limped out of Tuesday's Champions League game against Barcelona.
• Ledwith: Still all to play for
Costa limped out of Tuesday's 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou midway through the first half, and underwent tests back in the Spanish capital on Wednesday morning.
Atletico subsequently tweeted an injury update which confirmed there was a hamstring injury, but not a tear.
"Diego Costa has a grade 1 hamstring muscle injury in the back of his right thigh [not a tear]," the tweet said.
Diego Costa sufre lesión muscular grado I del músculo semitendinoso de
cara posterior del muslo dcho (no rotura).Pendiente evolucion #Atleti
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) April 2, 2014
The club has yet to give any idea of the expected recovery time for the
injury, but Costa looks sure to miss Saturday's La Liga game at home to
Villarreal, and is now a major doubt for the return game against Los Blaugranas.AS had a reporter at the clinic where the tests took place, who asked the player himself if he expected to be fit in time for that game -- Costa answered: "I will not be back in time."
The Brazil-born Spain international has scored 33 goals in total this season, including seven in his first five Champions League games.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone will likely now turn to Diego Ribas, who scored a superb 30-yard effort after replacing Costa at the Camp Nou.
Raul Garcia, who was suspended for Tuesday's first leg draw, also comes back into contention as a replacement for the return game.
Pastore strikes hammer blow
• Mourinho slams 'ridiculous' defending
Eden Hazard's penalty had given the Blues a potentially vital away goal, but Javier Pastore's brilliant stoppage-time solo goal, added to earlier strikes from Ezequiel Lavezzi and a David Luiz own goal, saw PSG take a two-goal advantage into next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, the 2012 European champions, were looking to book their place in a seventh semi-final in 11 campaigns but started without a recognised striker.
With Samuel Eto'o injured, Jose Mourinho selected Andre Schurrle as a 'false nine', appearing to finally lose patience with Fernando Torres.
PSG, unbeaten in their previous 28 European home games, began with a bang and took a fourth-minute lead when one of the three strikers Mourinho had highlighted could be the difference in the contest struck a fine half-volley.
It was Lavezzi - rather than Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Edinson Cavani - who fired into the roof of the net after a poor headed clearance from John Terry.
Chelsea equalised before the interval when Hazard - courted by PSG - converted a penalty after Oscar was fouled by Thiago Silva.
Hazard also hit the post before half-time and PSG were denied a spot-kick when Cavani turmbled under Gary Cahill's aerial challenge. Torres replaced Schurrle after 60 minutes, but no sooner had he joined the action than Chelsea were behind again as Lavezzi's free-kick was swung in menacingly and bundled into the net by David Luiz.
Ibrahimovic, still chasing a first Champions League triumph, departed clutching his right hamstring with more than 20 minutes remaining - but Pastore ensured the night and potentially the tie would end in PSG's favour, beating Petr Cech at his near post after a mazy run.
Two changes were made to the Chelsea line-up following the loss at Crystal Palace which saw Mourinho concede the Premier League title chase was over.
Ramires and Willian replaced the ineligible Nemanja Matic and Torres, whose place at the focal point of the attack was taken by Schurrle.
The Germany international performed the same role against Manchester United last August in a dour goalless draw and Mourinho would have been content for a similar result.
That possibility was soon extinguished as Ibrahimovic robbed Luiz and Terry's weak header from Blaise Matuidi's cross fell for Lavezzi, who hit an exquisite half-volley into the roof of Cech's net.
Chelsea were struggling to get hold of the ball, giving it away freely, and a poor Schurrle corner resulted in a Lavezzi-led counter-attack and Ramires halting the move cynically at halfway.
The Brazil midfielder, in the middle of a domestic suspension, will miss next Tuesday's second leg as a result. PSG were content for Chelsea to pass the ball at the back and - bar one Luiz shot from distance which was easily held by Salvatore Sirigu - there was little danger from the visitors.
The threat from PSG was all the more apparent, as Lavezzi held off Cahill to squeeze a shot into the side-netting. Chelsea were awarded a penalty when Thiago Silva mis-timed his lunge towards Oscar, felling his compatriot.
Hazard sent Sirigu the wrong way from the spot to equalise. The Belgium forward then beat Sirigu again only to strike the foot of the post with a fine volley.
PSG were denied after Ibrahimovic beat Terry to a cross from the right and nodded centrally towards Cavani, who hit the deck as he battled with Cahill. On this occasion Serbian referee Milorad Mazic was unmoved.
PSG had slackened off after the opening goal and resumed after the break with renewed vigour, Lavezzi rising unopposed to head just over from Matuidi's left-wing cross.
With PSG pushing for a second, Mourinho realised Chelsea would have space on the break and replaced Schurrle with Torres with 30 minutes remaining.
Moments after Torres entered the fray the hosts had their second when Lavezzi's wickedly inswinging free-kick bamboozled everybody, particularly Luiz, who inadvertently kicked the ball into his own net.
Hazard made a fine burst as he tried to spark Chelsea, but Thiago Silva cut out his pass intended for Torres. Willian then beat Maxwell on the Chelsea right, but no-one was in the box to react to his cross.
Ibrahimovic, after a subdued performance, limped off, with Cavani moving into a central role. The Uruguay striker wrong-footed the entire Chelsea defence with six minutes to go and his fierce shot beat Cech but went past the post.
PSG claimed their third when Pastore danced around three Chelsea defenders on the right of the box, cut in and beat Cech with a fine shot.
Pele admits that Neymar tends to dive
April 2, 2014
Pele has acknowledged that Neymar has a problem with diving but believes the 22-year-old has worked to eliminate the trait from his game since joining Barcelona last year.
John Thys/AFP/Getty ImagesNeymar's habit of going to ground is not as egregious at Barcelona as it was at Santos, Pele says
• Neymar shrugs off critics
• Alves defends Neymar
The football legend agreed with increasing criticism of Neymar's tendency to dive in an exclusive interview with ESPN FC on Wednesday.
"Yes, yes, he had this problem in Santos also," Pele said. "I think he tries to create fouls and situations that are not there. But now he got much better because in Europe, things are different."
• Neymar shrugs off critics
• Alves defends Neymar
The football legend agreed with increasing criticism of Neymar's tendency to dive in an exclusive interview with ESPN FC on Wednesday.
"Yes, yes, he had this problem in Santos also," Pele said. "I think he tries to create fouls and situations that are not there. But now he got much better because in Europe, things are different."
"Diving is his characteristic, like Alexis Sanchez did when I coached him at River Plate," Simeone told Sky Sport. "This part of his game lets him down."
The three-time World Cup winner, who was in New York to promote his mobile app Pele: King of Football, explained that Neymar needed to move to Europe to evolve his game after dominating in Brazil with Santos, where Pele also was also a star years ago.
The forward has nine goals and nine assists so far in league play for Barcelona and Pele believes that he has benefitted from deciding to test his skills in La Liga last summer.
"The good thing with Neymar is that Barcelona moved to sign him six months ago. This experience is fantastic for him," Pele said. "In Europe, football is more tough, more difficult. For him to grow for the national team of Brazil is fantastic."
Though Pele expects an improvement from the still-developing Brazilian, he has urged fans of the Selecao to not get ahead of themselves in their expectations of Neymar ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
"What makes me worried a little bit is the pressure on him," Pele said. "Because the World Cup is a tournament, it's not just one game.
"Everyone expects Neymar is going to win the World Cup for Brazil. This is very dangerous for him."
Pele also addressed his relationship with longtime rival Diego Maradona.
The Argentinean legend reignited his feud with the Brazilian after FIFA awarded Pele an honorary Ballon D'Or in January. Maradona said that Pele will always remain second to him, comments that weren't taken too lightly.
"Always, he says something, but you know I've [always been respectful] to Maradona as a player. When he was in trouble, I try to bring him to Santos. Then after, he had all of those problems," Pele said.
"Unfortunately, now I can't help Maradona as man or a person outside of the field. It's the same as when he was on the field, today he has a lot of problems. That's my point, but I respect him. I think he was a great player, no doubt."
Schweinsteiger: Old Trafford is special
MANCHESTER -- Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes there will be no excuse for failure if Manchester United do not finish in the top four.• PickCenter: Man United vs. Bayern Munich
• Okwonga: Positives ahead of brutal Bayern
• Schweinsteiger: Bayern won't let up
United host Bayern in the Champions League on Tuesday and while David Moyes’ side are underdogs, Schweinsteiger feels they could be one of the favourites to lift the trophy if they beat the holders.
But they are only seventh in the Premier League, 10 points behind fourth-place Arsenal, and are unlikely to play in next season’s Champions League.
Schweinsteiger added: “Naturally, Manchester United should be one of the top four teams in England all the time, but I am sure they will give everything [on Tuesday]. They are playing the title holders and if they go through to the semifinals they will be one of favourites.”
Schweinsteiger said he has unfinished business at Old Trafford after losing 3-2 to United in 2010, even though Bayern still won that quarterfinal on the away goals rule after a 4-4 aggregate tie.
Bayern have won in England at Wembley, the Etihad Stadium and the Emirates Stadium in the past 12 months.
And Schweinsteiger said: “Here at Manchester United we lost so I would like to play well at Old Trafford. Old Trafford is special for anyone playing there.”
ESPN FC Top Headlines
- Pep: United good enough to win
| Podcast
- Giggs: 1999 UCL win not relevant
- Schweinsteiger: Old Trafford is special
- Simeone primed for Barca showdown
- Martino: Pressure is on Atletico
All kick-off times in GMT.
- Tue, Apr 1, 2014
UEFA Champions League
| 18:45 | Barcelona | v | Atletico Madrid |
| 18:45 | Manchester United | v | Bayern Munich |
English League Championship
Table »
| 18:45 | Blackburn Rovers | v | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| 18:45 | Leeds United | v | Charlton Athletic |
| 18:45 | Wigan Athletic | v | Leicester City |
English League One
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| 18:45 | Coventry City | v | Bradford City |
| 18:45 | Port Vale | v | Crawley Town |
| 18:45 | Sheffield United | v | Brentford |
| 18:45 | Stevenage | v | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
English League Two
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| 18:45 | Bury | v | Bristol Rovers |
English Conference
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| 18:45 | Dartford | v | Luton Town |
| 18:45 | Macclesfield Town | v | Cambridge United |
| 18:45 | Southport | v | Braintree Town |
| 18:45 | Woking | v | Forest Green Rovers |
| 18:45 | Wrexham | v | Grimsby Town |
Scottish Premiership
Table »
| 18:45 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | v | Motherwell |
Scottish Championship
Table »
| 18:30 | Greenock Morton | v | Dumbarton |
Russian Premier League
Table »
| 15:00 | PFK Samara Kryliya Sovetov | v | Terek Grozny |
Welsh Premier League
Table »
| 18:45 | T.N.S. | v | Newtown |
CONCACAF Champions League
| Apr 2, 00:00 | Alajuelense | v | Toluca |
| Apr 2, 02:00 | Tijuana | v | Cruz Azul |
Copa Libertadores
Table »
| COPA LIBERTADORES - GROUP 5 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2, 00:00 | Real Garcilaso | v | Defensor Sporting |
Primera División de Argentina
Table »
| 18:00 | Quilmes | v | Belgrano de Córdoba |
| 20:10 | Racing Club | v | Estudiantes La Plata |
| 22:20 | Argentinos Juniors | v | Atletico Rafaela |
| 23:15 | Olimpo de Bahía Blanca | v | Vélez Sarsfield |
Primera División de Uruguay
Table »
| 19:00 | Juventud | v | Fénix |
| 19:00 | Rentistas | v | River Plate |
| Apr 2, 00:00 | Miramar | v | Peñarol |
Fútbol Profesional Colombiano
Table »
| 23:00 | Independiente Santa Fe | v | Deportivo Pasto |
| Apr 2, 01:00 | Independiente Medellín | v | Millonarios |
AFC Champions League
Table »
| 08:30 | Central Coast Mariners | v | Beijing Guo'an |
| 10:00 | Kawasaki Frontale | v | Western Sydney Wanderers |
| 10:30 | FC Seoul | v | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
| 12:00 | Guizhou Renhe | v | Ulsan Hyundai |
| 13:00 | Foolad | v | FC Bunyodkor |
| 14:30 | Teraktor Sazi FC | v | Al-Ain |
| 16:20 | Al-Ahly Dubai | v | Sepahan |
| 17:00 | El Jaish | v | Al-Fateh |
| 17:40 | Al Hilal | v | Al Sadd |
South African Premiership
Table »
| 17:30 | Silver Stars | v | Moroka Swallows |
Primera División de Costa Rica
Table »
| Apr 2, 02:00 | Belen | v | Perez Zeledon |
Colombia Segunda División
Table »
| Apr 2, 01:00 | América de Cali | v | Barranquilla F.C. |
Guardiola: Don't count out Man United
April 1, 2014
MANCHESTER -- Pep Guardiola has insisted his all-conquering Bayern Munich side could be beaten by Manchester United in the Champions League.
Bayern, the defending champions, are 23 points clear in the Bundesliga, which they have already won, and are bidding to become the first team since AC Milan in 1989-90 to retain the European Cup.
• Delaney: United need a sense of defiance
• PickCenter: Man United vs Bayern Munich
• Okwonga: Positives ahead of brutal Bayern
In contrast, United, who host Bayern on Tuesday, are only in seventh place in the Premier League and are on course to have their worst season in a quarter of a century.
But Guardiola said: "I know in the deep of my heart which team we are going to play against. Maybe they don’t play a good season in the Premier League, but they make a good season in the Champions League.
"When I see [Wayne] Rooney, [Nemanja] Vidic, Rio [Ferdinand], Chicharito [Javier Hernandez], [Danny] Welbeck, I know they are very good players. Maybe they did not play well in the Premier League -- I don’t know why -- but over one game or two games, they can beat us.”
Guardiola insisted that retaining the Bundesliga is more important than winning the Champions League again.
He added: "For me, it is not the most important title. The local title is the most important, but it [the Champions League title] is the most prestigious. We are always convinced of how difficult it is. The last 38 years, Bayern Munich only won it twice, since 1975-76 was the last with Franz Beckenbauer’s team, so it is not easy."
Guardiola reiterated his desire to keep Toni Kroos, who is out of contract in 2015 and has been scouted by United, though he said it is up to the club to retain his services.
He said: "Toni has one year more of a contract, and Toni will remain here. I hope he can extend his contract and stay with us because he is a very good guy. He loves his game. It is not just a job for him, and I would like him to stay, but I spoke with the player, with the club. I gave my opinion. After that, I am not manager. I am just the trainer."
Bayern will be without the sidelined trio of Holger Badstuber, Diego Contento and the former United target, Thiago Alcantara, but have no other injury worries.
ESPN FC Top Headlines
- Pep: United good enough to win
- Giggs: 1999 UCL win not relevant
- Schweinsteiger: Old Trafford is special
- Simeone primed for Barca showdown
- Martino: Pressure is on Atletico
Familiarity breeds contempt
GettyImagesAtletico Madrid and Barcelona have already worked each other out, but who can come out on top?
It
wasn’t exactly the most joyous of matches, but Diego Simeone allowed
himself a moment of jollity. “They can’t beat us and we can’t beat
them,” the Atletico Madrid manager smiled. His upwardly mobile side had
just drawn 0-0 home with Barcelona in January, in a match that further
displayed the manner in which these two teams cancel each other out. It
wasn’t the first time, but the wonder now is whether it will last.If there’s one situation that can finally break that dynamic, it is the exceptionally curious nature of a one-country Champions League tie. Jamie Carragher described them as “strange,” and there have been 26 of those oddities in the history of the competition.
That it is these two Spanish clubs who meet in this season’s first such encounter is arguably apt, because the way in which Atletico’s narrow pressure offsets Barca’s expansive passing reflects the contrasts at the core of these kinds of games.
On the one hand, being drawn against a domestic rival removes much of the novelty of European football, but that also adds a very distinctive dimension to what would otherwise be a comparatively routine fixture. In that regard, for all that continental ties have traditionally involved clashes of football cultures and demanded more sophisticated thinking, it is the very familiarity of these occasions that actually increases the importance of tactics as a factor.
Finally, the international stage only amplifies parochial concerns, as teams become even perturbed about enduring the ultimate defeat -- or enjoying the ultimate victory -- against clubs that already draw out such emotions in them. It is one reason why the games are often so tense and drab.
Arsenal experienced the worst of it in the 2003-04 quarterfinals. After a season in which they had frequently got the better of newly-wealthy Chelsea, and famously went undefeated against every other Premier League club, they lost to their London neighbours in the highest-profile competition. Arsene Wenger said Wayne Bridge’s winning goal “remains one of the big bad memories of our club.”
Similarly, there was an unmistakable trepidation to both Manchester United and Liverpool supporters back in 2001-02, when the draw put them on the same side for the semifinal. In the event, the Anfield club’s quarterfinal defeat to Bayer Leverkusen prevented what would have been a profoundly tense affair, but it remains to be seen whether such a fixture would ever reach the depths of Barcelona’s last all-Spanish Champions League tie.
There’s probably never been an encounter as anxious or as angry as the 2010-11 semifinal Clasico, a duel which distilled so much of the recently rancorous rivalry between the Catalans and Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola admitted in the book “Another Way of Winning” that he struggled to enjoy those matches even in victory, but that didn’t stop him perfectly summing up the game-theory-like dynamic that defines and decides these occasions.
“When you play as many times against each other, it becomes like the basketball playoffs,” Guardiola said. “You do one thing, they respond with another, you answer in another way. The guessing, the changing, the preparing, the switches during games; guessing what formation they will play… that is what makes those encounters fascinating.”
That is also what makes pure tactics more important in these matches than possibly any other type of game. Because of the sheer stakes, as well complicating elements like the away-goal and the need to navigate the nuances two legs bring, there is simply so much more at play than a regular league match or normal cup tie. Of course, if those more orthodox meetings come near the time of the Champions League tie -- as happened in ludicrously intense fashion for those 2010-11 Clasico games -- it places further focus on the tactical approach. Managers suddenly need to offset the effects of alternating emotion or motivation and, in that regard, Real’s 2011 Copa del Rey final victory arguably put them at a disadvantage for the Champions League match.
Jose Mourinho had played his better hand, his players had expended the majority of their desire for vengeance, after the 5-0 defeat at Camp Nou in November 2010. By the time they met in Europe, it was Guardiola who had something to respond to, his players something to rectify.
That is a dynamic that can be discerned a few times throughout the history of these matches, most famously in the first Clasico at such a stage. Although Helenio Herrera’s Barcelona had humiliated Real Madrid in the 1959-60 league, and won the title comfortably, they simply couldn’t keep up with Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas in that season’s European Cup semifinal. It is perhaps one reason why general superiority doesn’t seem to matter so much in these games, with 14 being won by the side higher in the league, and 12 by the outfit lower down.
Chelsea obviously benefitted from a similar shift in mental momentum in that 2004 contest against Arsenal, but suffered the reverse the following season -- and for some time after -- against another English side. The seemingly interminable contests between Liverpool and Chelsea from 2005 to 2009 set the template for these kind of matches, and certainly set a record. The two clubs met in five consecutive Champions League seasons, although their 2005-06 games came in a dour group-stage. Otherwise, the fire of those fixtures sparked a genuine rivalry between Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as a lasting enmity between Mourinho and Rafa Benitez.
GettyImagesAtletico Madrid give Barcelona a guard of honour - or pasillo - ahead of their meeting last season.
Despite
that, the Spaniard did speak very respectfully about the Chelsea
manager when discussing those games in his book ‘Champions League
Dreams,’ saying: “On such occasions, things are decided by the finest
margins. Who wins the looming fixture can come down to the respective
quality of the players at your disposal. It can also come down to who
has the best plan... it is, after all, a problem both teams face when
playing a side they know so well. It is very hard to surprise each
other.”Benitez admitted that he had saved certain set-piece routines for those games, because he knew they would specifically hurt Chelsea and didn’t want to give them away against lesser opposition. One worked out in the 2006-07 semifinal, as Dirk Kuyt cancelled out a first-leg deficit. The tie, however, still needed a penalty shoot-out.
It isn’t difficult to see this Barca-Atletico tie going the same way. And that’s because it certainly is difficult to see how they can surprise each other in the manner both Guardiola and Benitez have spoken about. These are teams that seem set in certain styles, with their league games this campaign involving no key radical decisions by either manager.
In that, it may come down to the individual brilliance of someone like Leo Messi or Diego Costa. The Argentine wasn’t fully fit for the last meeting, the naturalised Spaniard may not be for this one. It certainly feels like one of them is due a goal. The fixture itself is due a win -- or at least something different. At the very least, the context is different.
One-country knock-out ties aggregate scores, and final league positions
1957-58 quarterfinals: Real Madrid 8-2 Sevilla, 1st beat 10th
1958-59 semifinals: Real Madrid 4-3 Atletico Madrid, 2nd beat 5th
1959-60 semifinals: Real Madrid 6-2 Barcelona, 1st beat 2nd
1960-61 second round: Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona, 4th beat 1st
1978-79 first round: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Liverpool, 2nd beat 1st
1985-86 second round: Verona 0-2 Juventus, 1st beat 10th
1997-98 quarterfinal: Bayern Munich 0-1 Borussia Dortmund, 10th beat 2nd
1998-99 quarterfinal: Bayern Munich 6-0 Kaiserslautern, 1st beat 6th
1999-00 semifinal: Valencia 5-3 Barcelona, 3rd beat 2nd
1999-00 final: Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia, 5th beat 3rd
2001-02 semifinal: Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid, 3rd beat 4th
2002-03 semifinal: Inter 1-1 Milan (Milan win on away goals), 3rd beat 2nd
2002-03 final: Milan 0-0 Juventus (Milan win on pens), 3rd beat 1st
2003-04 quarterfinal: Chelsea 3-2 Arsenal, 2nd beat 1st
2004-05 quarterfinal: Milan 5-0 Inter, 2nd beat 3rd
2004-05 semifinal: Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool, 5th beats 1st
2006-07 semifinal: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (Liverpool win on pens), 3rd beat 2nd
2007-08 quarterfinal: Arsenal 3-5 Liverpool, 4th beat 3rd
2007-08 semifinal: Liverpool 3-4 Chelsea, 2nd beat 4th
2007-08 final: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (United win on pens), 1st beat 2nd
2008-09 quarterfinal: Chelsea 7-5 Liverpool, 3rd beat 2nd
2008-09 semifinal: Manchester United 4-1 Arsenal, 1st beat 4th
2009-10 quarterfinal: Lyon 4-2 Bordeaux, 2nd beat 6th
2010-11 quarterfinal: Chelsea 1-3 Manchester United, 1st beat 2nd
2010-11 semifinal: Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona, 1st beat 2nd
2012-13 final: Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund, 1st beat 2nd
Pressure is on Atletico, says Martino
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino admits that Atletico Madrid have tested his team in their three meetings so far this season, but says that Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Camp Nou will be another game entirely.
GettyImagesBarcelona trail Atletico Madrid by a single point in La Liga with seven games left to play.
• Tomas: The future of Barca
Los Blaugranas and Los Rojiblancos have been unable to find a way past each other so far during the 2013-14 campaign, with three draws and just two goals highlighting the competitive nature of the games.
The Blaugrana coach told reporters at his official pregame news conference that these matches had been very evenly fought battles, but the level of pressure on Diego Simeone's side in the midweek meeting would be much higher.
"You can see [Atletico] are very strong," Martino said. "In the three games against them they have showed they are a very difficult opponent.
"The difference now is the stage of the competition. This is a Champions League quarterfinal."
Martino said if his players could match the "intensity" of their opponents, and not lose the ball in dangerous areas, then their better individual quality should decide the tie.
"The secret of the game, and all games against Atletico Madrid, is to match their intensity," he continued.
"But our weapon is to be Barcelona. We need to match their intensity, and then play our game. I do not expect it to be very open.
"We must be very careful when we lose the ball and [not allow] spaces into which Atletico can counter. We must always be aware of what the rival can do.
"But we must never forget we are Barcelona and first think about what our team can do."
In team news, Pedro Rodriguez missed Barca's training session on Sunday with gastroenteritis, but returned to practice on Monday morning. Alex Song is also available after recovering from a minor calf injury.
Both are expected to be on the bench against Atletico, with Martino likely to again pack his midfield and play Neymar up front alongside Lionel Messi.
The Argentina international said he was aware that this narrow shape could allow opponents to attack Barca down the wings, but that was a risk he thought worth taking.
"[Andres] Iniesta likes much more to play in midfield than on the wing," Martino said. "And Neymar prefers to play on left than right. But they play for the team.
"We knew Man City attacked well through full-backs, the same with Real Madrid. Sometimes you know the rival can do you damage, but you can also hurt them on the break.
"We are not going to change our team because of what our opponent can do."
Martino finally allowed himself a moment of self-congratulation when asked if his rotation policy -- which was criticised earlier this season -- was now paying off, with Barca in the hunt for the Champions League, Copa del Rey and La Liga treble.
"Xavi Hernandez is coming to the end of the season in good form," he said. "Which means the rotation has gone well. Which means I have done well, something I never say. But it is the truth."
Barca’s Spanish Supercopa ties against Atletico earlier this season finished 1-1 and 0-0, with January's league clash at the Estadio Vicente Calderon bringing another goalless draw.
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