WORLD CUP 2014: BRAZIL V. ARGENTINA POSSIBLE, BUT GERMANY V. HOLLAND - REPEAT OF 1974 FINAL - MORE PROBABLE

The Argentinians will surely treat the Argentina v. Holland semifinal as an opportunity to take revenge for the 1998 quarterfinal loss (remembered for the Bergkamp's exquisite ball control, exhibited on his famous goal scored from Frank de Boer's long pass). After all, they are blessed with the great Messi's presence in their team, and the Dutch team this time around does not abound with great talent, except for the unpredictable Robben, and good scorer Van Persie, who isn't so mobile any longer. Wesley Sneijder is still blessed with good shot on his free kicks, yet he also is a bit under par. After all, he has been diagnosed to have anemia not so long ago. Who else? Perhaps Jan Klaas Huntelar, a great shooter, but nothing more than that. Indeed, this Dutch team, except for Robben, appears to be so short on creativity. So short, that the Dutch were unable to get the ball into Costa Rica's goal, defended by inspired but nothing more than solid Costa Rican defense and Navas, second string goalkeeper. And the Dutch have to meet now Argentina of no one else but Leo Messi on a mission to mark the Rimet Cup with his fingertips. What a task! As I already have written here, I really want Leo Messi to win his World Cup, but I am afraid that this Dutch team might be a very inconvenient obstacle. It seems as the most logical solution for Luis Van Gaal to play again seven defensive players (as against Spain) and two forwards (Robben and Van Persie) roaming in counterattacks, linked to the rest of the team by perpendicular passes of Wesley Sneijder. The defense probably would consist of 3 central defenders (Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi), whereas midfield would be composed of two holding players (Wijnaldum and De Jong, if the latter one is back to full fitness) and of two full-backs (Janmat or Kuyt and Blind). Argentina would play Zabaleta, Garay, De Michelis (or Fernandez) and Rojo in their defense, whereas Biglia will probably again take Gago's spot, as the second holding player at Mascherano's side. I believe, that with Di Maria's absent, on the flanks, beside Lawezzi, it would be the turn of Aguero, if he fully recovered from injury. If not, then the veteran, Maxi Rodriguez, seems to be the best choice. Messi will play in the hole, right behind Higuain. As much as I would love Messi to get to the final, and consequently as much as I want Argentina to win, for reasons explained in one of my first articles on the subject of World Cup 2014, I believe that this defensive Dutch team, so detested for their play by their own experts of total football, will get to the final. The repeat of the World Cup 1974 final between Germany and Holland is much more probable than South American final of dreams: Brazil v. Argentina. That is unless Leo Messi show that he is the greatest of them all. And that he is, I strongly believe.

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City attorney writing on legal as well as other community important topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250 or  by e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com

WORLD CUP 2014: NETHERLANDS TO STOP VALIANT COSTA RICA

The last of the quarterfinals, between Netherlands and Costa Rica, seems to be a no-brainer: the Dutch should advance and should do it fully controlling the match. Even though this Dutch team, except for Robben, Van Persie, Sneijder, and Huntelaar, does not have any major stars, all Dutch players present high level of highly utilitarian technical skills, and all are astute tactically. Luis Van Gaal did what no Dutch coach in 40 last years attempted to do: he gave up on typical Dutch total football (which is characterized by offensive style of play, executed by all players no matter whether they are forwards, midfielders or defenders). Instead, Van Gaal relies on tight defense, executed by block of seven defending players and on counterattacks, executed by his two offensive forwards (usually Robben and Van Persie) and by Wesley Sneijder, who is supposed to link the defense with the two loosely roaming forwards. Obviously, Van Gaal is heavily criticized, particularly by Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, who besides being the biggest star epitomizing total football of 1970-s, fathered by Rinus Michels, is also known for total football's development, as the coach of FC Barcelona in early 1990-s. Van Gaal, however replied to his critics that he does not have much time to execute his offensive kind of football within the confines of time allotted to the national team, so he instead concentrated on quickest way of achieving the results with the material he has at his disposal. And since he has Arjen Robben, the perfect counterattacking type of a football player (quick and very effective dribbler, with a good shot), the way of play for this Dutch team was born. There is not much one can say about Costa Rica. Majority of their players plough their football in solid European clubs (Danish, Swedish, Dutch, German, English, Spanish or Italian) yet none of them play for the giants of European football. They are tall, great runners, who are wisely led by their best player Bryan Ruiz, and beautifully utilize empty spaces in their counterattacks. However, with this Dutch team, which uses so many defensive players, and closes spaces so well, I do not give the COsta Rican team much of a chance, unless the weather in Salvador would give them a helping hand: hot and humid day would raise their chances considerably. 

Janusz Andrzejewski is an attorney based in New York City, writing on legal and other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250) or through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com