The second quarterfinal to be played on Friday, between hosts Brazil and Colombia, is equally intriguing as the one between France and Germany, even though it does not have the same mystic aura and pedigree. It is intriguing because Colombia will take on the hosts, the five-time world champions, known for their "jogo bonito" or beautiful game. I mean, in the past, that is the sad and whole truth. This Brazilian team play as poorly as I can remember Brazil ever played in the past, perhaps in 1990 World Cup in Italy. It is disjointed, it lacks in creativity, even though it boasts having Neymar, Brazilian answer to Leo Messi. Up to now, he was quite good, but answer to Messi he is not, not yet at least. No surprise he shed the boyish tears of relief after the match against Chile. He gets no help whatsoever from other Brazilian offensive minded players. Unless Brazil switches to a higher gear, the match against Colombia will be one bridge too far. I knew about the way Colombia play, and had them prior to the World Cup as one of my favorites to get to the quarterfinals, as I was familiar with exploits of Falcao, and I had watched Cuadrado in Fiorentina, Rodriguez in Monaco, and in Porto before, as well as Jackson Martinez in Porto, Bacca in Sevilla, Zapata and Yepes in AC Milan, before he left for Atalanta. Also, in the second phase of South America's qualification Colombia played even better than Argentina Now, that I have seen how poorly and disjointed the Brazilian team plays, I have to stick with Colombia. Particularly after having seen how deadly the Colombians are in their counterattacks. Brazil will certainly play 4-5-1 system. They have the advantage in defense. Their goalkeeper is more experienced and centre-halfs Thiago Silva and David Luiz, the latter underappreciated in English Premier League, are at their peak. The offensive minded full backs Dani Alves and Marcelo are huge threat offensively but they can be a liability in defensive assignments. In midfield Scolari will play, I reckon, two holding players: Luiz Gustavo and Ramires, or, instead of Ramires, Paulinho, if he is fit and managed to recover the trust of the coach. Hulk and Neymar will play both on the flanks, from which they will cut in to the middle. Fred will play again as the only forward, whereas Oscar will by positioned behind Fred, as a false no. 9. Colombia's goalkeeper Ospina is solid enough, even though he cannot measure up to his Brazilian counterpart, Julio Cesar. Colombian defensive four is composed of experienced defenders playing in Italian Serie A: Zuniga, 38-year-old Yepes, Zapata and Armero, all bursting with experience and cunning acquired in teams such as AC Milan (Zapata, Yepes - tha latter now at Atlanta) or Napoli (Zuniga, Armero). The midfield usually starts with Aguilar, Sanchez, physically strong yet a brilliant dribbler Cuadrado and the playmaker and the biggest star of Colombia at this World Cup, James Rodriguez. However, now when the world suddenly noticed James Rodriguez as the next best player in the world, everybody seem to forget about certain 21-year player of FC Porto, Juan Fernando Quintero, possibly the biggest Colombian talent, having penchant for back heels, nutmegs and defense splitting passes as well as effective free kicks. Another very good midfielder available to coach Jose Pekerman is Freddy Guarin. I believe this midfield will dominate Brazil not only with technical skills but also with power and speed, and will give Colombia the victory. In front, with the biggest until now star, Radamel Falcao being absent with injury, Colombia relies on unheralded Gutierrez and Martinez, while they have also on the bench Adrian Ramos, now of Borussia Dortmund, and returning to fitness Carlos Bacca of FC Sevilla. Riches, riches, riches...I predict Colombia knocking off Brazil from their own World Cup. Brazil, the way they play now, can advance only with another bit of help from the referee and his assistants, as in their first match against Croatia.
Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City based attorney, writing on legal as well as on other community important topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250 or through e-mail; janusz@januszandrzejewski.com
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