WORLD CUP 2014: WHY DID I DISMISS BRAZIL FROM THE LIST OF LEGITIMATE CONTENDERS?

Now, after the new calamity entered Brazilian football folklore, after the collapse which befell the Brazilians at Bello Horizonte, it's time to explain why from the first moments of this World Cup I dismissed Brazilian chances, using expression "disjointed team". It all started before the final of the Club World Cup match between FC Barcelona and Santos, won by Barcelona comfortably 4:0. Prior to that game, Brazilian press, pundits, and many more, were expecting Santos victory and Neymar's first big win on the world stage. What followed was the total humiliation of Neymar and Santos, who reminded me of boys playing against intelligent, professional team, guided by brilliant coach. I saw football as played by the great technically and tactically Barcelona against gifted technically individual players of Santos, totally falling apart in midfield and in defense. Messi scored twice and look like a wise man in comparison to Neymar. From the first match of this tournament I could see how a team like Croatia was able to start taking apart the Brazilians, yet soon the referee and the linesman interjected themselves into the game, Neymar scored twice, and Brazilians were able to win 3:1. Out of four defensive players, only one Thiago Silva could defend, whereas Dani Alves, David Luiz and Marcelo, cared about nothing but about glory awaiting them at the opponents goal, so they roam forward most of the times, whereas nobody from the midfield tries to secure their vacant defensive positions. One can understand one, sometimes even two defenders joining the attack, but three of them? The midfield usually consisted of two or three defensive holding players. However, when those holding players were taking care of defensive duties in midfield, there were only Neymar and Hulk on the flanks, left responsible for creating the game. In most of the other disciplined teams that would have been fine but not in this Brazilian team. Both Neymar and Hulk, are players on a mission for personal glory. Also, Neymar is young and doesn't know better, even though he spent one seaon in La Liga. Instead of trying to do some playmaking and create occasions from flanks for the poor centre-forward, Fred, they most of the time cut in from the flanks toward the middle and attempted to score themselves. Because of this egotistical play, playmaking did not exist in this Brazilian team, whereas the centre-forward has been left most of the time isolated among the opposing defenders. Neymar from time to time was successful, thanks to his unpredictability, yet it was not enough. More good would have been done by him, or by Hulk, if they created spaces with dribbling on flanks and then by passing the ball to Fred, or Oscar, playing a bit behind him. Also, Scolari seeing that Neymar and Hulk play immature egotistical football, should have instead played a proper playmaker, like Hernanes, or Willian more often, yet he did not. I blame Scolari for not being able to force Neymar and Hulk to play for the team, and for not stepping in and introducing creative and team-minding Hernanes and Willian. The only good tactically match the Brazilians played against Colombia, when they used three holding players, who constantly abused James Rodriguez. But again, none of the three looked good in playmaking department, however, Brazilians were lucky as they were able to convert two dead ball plays; the first was the Thiago Silva goal after a corner kick, and the second goal, directly from the free kick by David Luiz. Had the second Colombian goal stood, Brazil would have gotten beaten by the Colombians because their luck on the dead ball plays ran out. How they could dream about beating the brilliant technically, astute tactically but also methodical (as in the old times) German team was beyond my comprehension. I knew and predicted Brazil losing, particularly without Thiago Silva to organize the last four line. I thought Brazilian loss even by two or three goals was possible, but 1:7? After 0:3, it wasn't funny any longer, the whole world had to participate in ritual slaughtering of sacrificial lambs. Brazilian footballing philosophy needs some fresh ideas. Brazil has to wake up and comprehend the fact that all the classy European teams dream to have Brazil on their way in any World Cup, for two reasons: first, because playing against Brazil for footballers all over world is like being touched by God and his glory; second, because it is so easy to beat the Brazilians as they are like children in the fog - they follow their instincts and inner fears instead the tactical templates of their coach. When the players don't have any template of responsive behavior coded into their brain, they immediately are about to fall apart when the fear strikes ... like Brazilian national team in Bello Horizonte did. And that is how Maracanazo was replaced in football folklore with Mineirazo.

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

WORLD CUP 2014: THE TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT - PRIOR TO SEMIFINALS

I might still make corrections to the selected eleven after the semifinals and final are concluded. Also, since James Rodriguez and Leo Messi until now appear to be the best two players of this world cup, and they both are playmakers, I took a liberty of moving Rodriguez to centre-forward position, particularly that in nowadays football teams often play without nominal centre-forward. It is not a big stretch as Rodriguez, until now, has scored the highest amount of goals in the tournament. This way, I did not have to put Rodriguez as a reserve player in his natural position of a playmaker.  For now, here they are:


                                         Neuer - Ger. (reserve: Howard - USA)

Zabaleta - Arg.               Gonzalez - Costa R.     Hummels - Ger        Blind - Hol
(res. Gamboa-Costa R.) (res. Kompany-Bel.) (res. T. Silva-Bra) (res. Verthongen-Bel.)


                                      Lahm - Ger.         Schweinsteiger - Ger.
                                     (res. Fernandinho-Bra) (res. Mascherano-Arg.)

                                                           Messi - Arg.
                                                    (res. de Bruyne-Bel.)

Robben - Hol.                              J. Rodriguez (Col.)                            Neymar (Bra)                             
(Valbuena-Fra.)                          (res. T. Muller-Ger.)                          (res. Bolanos - Costa R.)
                                            

WORLD CUP 2014: GERMANY TO ENCOUNTER IN THE SEMIFINALS "NEYMARLESS", YET STRONGER BRAZIL

Judging by the German displays at this world cup, the descendants of the Teutonic tribes have recovered the old traits, which Joachim Low's offensively brilliant team was missing in all post-2002 tournaments. Except for the first two spectacular matches at this world cup (Germany v. Portugal, won be the Germans 4:0 and Germany v. Ghana, spectacular yet full of anarchy match, ended by a draw 2:2), the Germans had to grind their wins out against USA, Algeria and France in less than a spectacular fashion. However, they seemed to have recovered their old boring yet winning ways, for which Germany has been known since their first world title won in World Cup 1954 in Switzerland (after beating the spectacular Magyars 3:2) until their third world title won at World Cup 1990 in Italy (when they edged Diego Maradona's Argentina 1:0 on a penalty goal, converted by Brehme). No more spectacular were the Germans when they won their third and last Euro title, in Euro 1996, played on the pitches of old and merry England. The recovery of the old German grit does not bode well for Neymar-less Brazil. However, I am of the opinion that Brazil has better chances of beating Germany without Neymar than with him. The Brazilian team playing with Neymar was unexpectedly week, and incoherent most of the times. As a result of having two egotistical players in the team, such as Neymar on the left wing, and Hulk on the right flank, Brazilian centre-forward Fred has been the most ineffective Brazilian no. 9 since the times of infamous Serginho. Both Neymar and Hulk, instead of feeding Fred with precise passes, preferred to cut in to the middle from the flanks and shoot themselves. This caused the loss of unpredictability for which the Brazilian teams of old were known and feared for, as well as isolation of Fred from the whole Brazilian team. I believe that in the match against Germany we will see more passes to Fred, who thanks to his physique might be able to hold the ball and create spaces for other players coming either from flanks (such as Hulk, Willian or Bernard) or for Oscar, Fernandinho and Paulinho following Fred from the middle. Loss of Thiago Silva in defense will be much more painful for the Brazilians, as he is their most solid defensive player. In fact, the other three defenders (Dani Alves, David Luiz and Marcelo) are great assets in offense, but often liabilities in defensive assignments. Dante, the centre-half of Bayern Munich, who surely will take place of Thiago Silva, is known for his great passes from deep defense on forward and he is a threat on Brazil's corner kicks but he is not as good as Thiago Silva on the defensive end. I believe the Germans, with their methodical offensive plays, will want to explore the frailties of the Brazilian defense. However, the Germans have not such a great defense themselves. If they play Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels and Howedes, it appears that Brazil will not have much to say on the high ball passes, but they can try to exploit the not so mobile German tall defenders, such as Boateng, Mertesacker and Howedes, with simple one-two plays. To avoid too much exposure, Jogi Low should play Lahm, Mertesacker, Hummels and Howedes, a line of defense much more mobile. In midfield, Schweinsteiger should be paired with Kroos and Khedira, whereas the attack should be led by Muller, with Ozil and Gotze (or explosive Podolski) on the flanks. Miroslav Klose should be kept for the last 20 minutes of the game, in case there is a need to "throw a kitchen sink" at the Brazilians. The Brazilians will probably play Luiz Gustavo (or Paulinho) and Fernandinho, who brutalized so effectively James Rodriguez, as their two holding players, whereas Oscar should be playing the false no. 9, behind lone striker, Fred. On the wings, it should be Hulk and Willian or Bernard. I believe it is highly possible that Scolari might play even three holding players, in attempt to stifle German midfield. Another option is to play two holding players, with Willian instead of Oscar as the false no. 9, and to have Hulk and explosive Bernard on the wings. Whichever way Scolari choses to play, and notwithstanding another expected help from the referee and his assistants, I strongly believe that Germans will prevail and will reach the final. My prediction regarding the other semfinal, Argentina v. Holland, will be published soon.

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

WORLD CUP 2014: AS USUALLY, THE SEMIFINALS ARE FOR THE TEAMS WITH PEDIGREE

Football is a game played by 22 players, and the Germans always win in the end. I am using again this old Gary Lineker phrase to summarize the quarterfinals of World Cup 2014.  Out of my four favorites, three made it to the semifinals, except for Colombia, which was abused and brutalized by the aggressive Brazilian team (which had to pay the price - injured Neymar - for its own brutality, when Colombians started to retort, after noticing that referee was unwilling to penalize the Brazilian perpetrators with red or yellow cards).  I have written about Brazil v. Colombia match in my previous article. There is not much to say about the France-Germany quarterfinal match, played at the famous Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Friday and won by the Germans, thanks to early headed goal of Mats Hummels. The Germans, although unspectacular this time, except for Hummels' headed goal, controlled the game to the end, notwithstanding enterprising counterattacks by the French and glorious opportunities of Valbuena and Benzema. Unfortunately for the French, German goalkeeper Neuer is indeed the best goalkeeper in the world. In the first quarterfinal played on Saturday in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, Argentina edged Belgium 1:0, also thanks to an early goal. That goal, spectacularly struck by Higuain, was made by Leo Messi, who did not allow swarming around him Belgian players to take the ball away from his feet, then dribbled through couple of them and passed the ball to Di Maria, who immediately passed it further to Higuain, and he, with his back to Belgian goal when receiving the ball, turned and beautifully volleyed home, leaving the hugely talented Courtois frozen on the goal line. Till the end of the match, Argentina showed that they can defend after all, no matter what the English funny pundits say. The Argentina's midfield, directed by Leo Messi, and supported well by Mascherano and Biglia (who was preferred this time over Gago) as the holding players, controlled the match wisely till its end. The Belgians were threatening at times, mostly thanks to De Bruyne, Mertens and Verthongen, but Eden Hazard was ineffective, and then he disappeared until Marc Wilmots, his coach, finally substituted him with Chadli. Well done, Argentina. Unfortunately, they lost Di Maria to injury and will miss him sorely in the match against Holland in the semifinals. Holland v. Costa Rica, the last of the quarterfinals, played in the hot Salvador, had to be decided on penalties, even though the Dutch enjoyed overwhelming superiority in the match, having 75% of ball possession and outshooting the modest Costa Ricans 18 to 3, with 12 Dutch shots on target comparing with only 1 by Costa Rica! Notwithstanding the advantage of the enterprising Dutch, the Costa Ricans defended wisely by playing high defense and causing the Dutch to be caught 16 times  offside. It is obvious to anyone seeing the game, that this Dutch team is not that great when they have to attack. Except for Robben, the Dutch do not have any player who could unlock teams defending with a "parked bus". Sneijder was a bit unlucky with his free kicks and shots from outside the penalty area, twice hitting the woodwork, whereas Van Persie obviously cannot play against tight defenses. However, in the semifinal against Argentina, the Dutch would not have to play offense - they will park the bus themselves and will look with hope to swift counterattacks on the break.

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

WORLD CUP 2014: BRAZIL EMBRACED AGGRESSION AND REAPED THE REWARD, BUT NOT WITHOUT PAYING THE PRICE

I favored Colombia to beat Brazil, yet they have been eliminated in quarterfinals of World Cup 2014 by the hosts, who came out on to the pitch to make war. The match in Fortaleza was marked by humongous doses of energy, adrenaline and aggression boiling out from the Brazilians, subjected to so much criticism for their poor displays in the prior matches. Their intent was clear: destroy physically Colombia's poster boy, playmaker and executor in one person, James Rodriguez. It appeared that Rodriguez would not finish the match without broken leg or arm, such was the physical abuse he had to suffer from Fernandinho and Co. At one occasion Colombians had to swarm in around Rodriguez, to protect the youngster from Brazilian players, who isolated him during one of plays in the middle of the pitch and manhandled him, almost grotesquely. Thanks to this accumulation of Brazilian aggression and Spanish referee Carlos Carballo's leniency, by allowing the hosts to commit foul after foul, without penalizing them with yellow cards (incidentally, the referee has shown first yellow card only in 64th minute), the Brazilians, at the end, had to pay the price themselves. Thanks to the aggressive posture, Brazilians took the lead early, when after a corner kick Thiago Silva bundled the ball into Colombian goal. After, Brazilians continued with their brutal play, attempting to eliminate Rodriguez. Bewildered by the referee's appeasement of Brazilian aggression, Colombians lost their patience eventually and decided to retort. As a result, Neymar, who himself should have been shown at least a yellow card for almost breaking a leg of a Colombian player, was attacked by Armero who pushed his knee against Neymar's back, causing the young Brazilian to suffer a fractured vertebrae, and to end on a sad not his involvement in World Cup 2014. That Neymar's colleague, Fernandinho, was not expelled from the pitch, or moreover, wasn't even shown a yellow card, for his brutal and constant abuse of James Rodriguez, is mind boggling. The referee whistled 31 Brazilian and 22 Colombian fouls, the highest amount in this World Cup, yet in addition to four yellow cards, he should have shown at least several more yellow and possibly two red cards. Perhaps, if he did so, Brazil still would have fit Neymar to play in this world cup. When Colombia shook off Brazilian aggression and started to get more of the ball's possession and create, suddenly, against run of play, Brazilians were granted a foul 30 yards from Colombia's goal and David Luiz, with his great and emphatic free kick, struck by the inside of his right foot, increased the hosts' lead to 2:0. Colombians threw what they had at the Brazilians but except for the Rodriguez's goal, his six in the tournament, scored from penalty, they were unable to equalize, despite the fact that they scored another goal, ruled out by the referee's assistant who spotted an offside, which wasn't that obvious as too many players were involved in the melee and it was not clear who touched the ball first. Colombia out of this World Cup, but watch out for their youngsters in four years from now. Brazil will play the Germans, without Neymar and Thiago Silva. I do think, that they should be better as a team without Neymar, and we might see more use being made of Fred. Up to now, neither Neymar nor Hulk were interested in creating opportunities for Fred, their no. 9, as they were taking their chances themselves. Perhaps now Brazil will acquire some cohesion and team spirit in their play?

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

WORLD CUP 2014: COLOMBIA ON A MISSION, BRAZIL ITS VICTIM?

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

WORLD CUP 2014: WHAT TO DO ABOUT LUIS SUAREZ?

The third round of group stage matches at the World Cup turned out to be quite eventful. On Monday Brazil disposed of Cameroon by the score of 4-1 and advanced from Group A as its winner. Brazilians played their best match so far at this World Cup, however, their opponent was the weakest team, in fact one cannot call Cameroonian players a team, so devoid of any tactical discipline they were at this World Cup. The score was quite flattering to the Brazilians who still did not convince me, and unless they come up with the goods in the next game, they might be eliminated. Their young star, Neymar, bagged two additional goals and he is the current leader in the golden boot ranking with 4 goals in three matches. In the second match in group A, Mexico continued their good and spirited display by beating Croatia 3:1, but they will have to play in the next round the formidable Dutch team. In group B matches, Netherlands had to play without Robin Van Persie against dangerous Chile, yet they were able to prevail 2:0 over the South Americans, thanks to two goals created by Arjen Robben and scored respectively by Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay, both Dutch substitute players. Thus, Netherlands as the winners of group B will meet in next round Mexico whereas Chileans will play the hosts of the tournament: Brazil. My favorites are Netherlands, even though Mexicans will be very tough opponents, and, yes, I think that Chile can and will beat Brazil, based on the current display of form by both teams. Of course, Brazil have the advantage of being the host and the expected help of the referees, like in their first match against Croatia.
Today, in group C, Colombia crushed Japan 3:1 and won the group with maximum of 9 points whereas Greece advanced also, thanks to shock win over full of flair Ivory Coast 2:1, with the controversial penalty converted by Samaras in the injury time. Colombia before the tournaments was one of my 8 favorites to reach the quarterfinals, and even though they do not have Falcao at their disposal at this World Cup, they play impressive blend of physical and technical football and are unstoppable in their counterattacks. If they can continue like this, I see them reaching at least semifinals. In Group D, England was able only to draw with Costa Rica 0:0, who before the game already qualified as the winner of group D. The "English Lions" left the World Cup for the first time without winning any match. In the other match in Group D, Uruguay prevailed over Italy 1:0 thanks to Diego Godin's header, and controversial red card to Italian midfielder Claudio Marchisio. This match will be part of the World Cup folklore thanks to scandalous attack of Luis Suarez on Italian defender Chielini, just minutes before Godin's winning goal Suarez appeared to bite Chielini on his left shoulder, and then pretended that he was elbowed by Chielini. The referee, who it appears did not notice the bite,  did not react to the attack and failed to eject Suarez from the pitch. Costa Rica, the winner of group D will play in the next round Greece (I stick with the unglamorous Greek veterans) whereas Uruguay will be doubly unlucky to play Colombia, surely without Luis Suarez, who in all probability will be suspended by FIFA for the biting incident, third one in his career. Even though the tv recordings might not be enough to find Suarez guilty in the court of law for his criminal assault, apparently they are sufficient to FIFA Disciplinary Committee to  ban Suarez after the game, provided the referee did not witness the incident.  What a shame! Uruguay is as good as gone from this World Cup without Suarez in their encounter with Colombia in the next round. He is actually much better and more explosive a player than Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and I rate Suarez currently as no. 2 player in the world, only behind Leo Messi. It appeared that he was about to put his career in the highest gear as Barcelona are interested in acquiring him from Liverpool. Will they be interested in acquiring the genius forward who happens to be a serial biter? What to do about Luis?

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City based attorney who writes on legal and other important community topics. You can reach him by telephone at (212) 634-4250 or through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com