A Lookback at 2014 Football World Cup Semi-finals and Finals

Right from the very beginning of the 2014 football world cup, many people expected Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Spain and Netherlands to do well. Four out of these five teams, except Spain, lived up to the expectations by reaching semi finals.  The 2010 world champions, Spain’s early exit from the tournament came as a rude shock to every football fan. But, one must agree that they didn’t play to their potential which has resulted in Spain’s exit without even reaching the second round.

                         Remaining teams which include Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Netherlands played some very good football throughout the tournament.  Just before the semi-final match against Germany, Brazil lost two of its main players to injury which resulted in a complete one-sided semi final. Germany handed over a humiliating defeat to Brazil in that match. At the start of that semi final match, not many expected Brazil to win it but at the same time, not many would have expected Brazil to put up such a poor show on the field. It seemed as if, the Brazil players were clueless about what is happening on the field. They were completely out of the sink. This defeat would go down as Brazil’s worst in the history. This was on display again against Netherlands, in the match held to decide the 3^rd team.

                      The second semi-final match between Argentina and Netherlands was a close game. Both played some amazing game and didn’t concede even a single goal to the opposition in the specified time. As there was no goal scored by either team in the extra time as well, the match went onto the penalty shootout. Argentina won the match and entered the final. Netherlands beat Brazil in the match held for 3^rd team and settled at 3^rd place.

                    In the final between Germany and Argentina, many expected Germany to win it. Argentina too had great support, but pundits predicted it would be Germany’s game.  Even in this match, no goal was scored by either team in the time so the match went to the extra time. It is here that Germany managed to score a goal, which ultimately resulted crowning them as world champions. Argentina players and fans were disappointed but they must feel proud of themselves for reaching so far.

                               One thing is sure. Argentina had Messi, Brazil had Neymar but Germany had team, which resulted in Germany winning the world cup. Congrats Germany, the 2014 football world cup champions.