WORLD CUP 2014: HOLLAND WITHOUT WEAPONS TO PENETRATE ARGENTINIAN DEFENSE

Now that disjointed Brazil (which had no right to make it out of the group, without help of the referees), is out of the way, we can enjoy proper football. And indeed, the Argentina v. Netherlands semifinal, even though without fireworks, was a proper match of football. Cagey, but full of tension. One could see that these were teams with pedigree, and that any error could be costly. Luis Van Gaal, played again with seven defensive players (De Vrij, Vlaar and Martins Indi as last three defenders and Kuyt, Wijnaldum, de Jong and Blind in front of them), and with two forwards in Robben and Van Persie, linked by Sneijder. The Dutch succeeded in stifling Argentina's midfield, particularly Messi, who was not given any space to roam freely, although he tried for an hour at least, and in flashes, as if trying to conserve his energy. Yet the Dutch were incapable of exerting any damage to Argentina, as Robben had no support whatsoever from Van Persie, who appeared to be out, of sort. Robben did what he could, but Argentina's defense, consisting of Zabaleta, DeMichelis, Garay and Rojo, with two holding players in midfield (Mascherano and Biglia) was up to the task and the Dutch ultimately failed to penetrate it. Argentina played well organized defense, with the best of the defensive players being Mascherano, yet they were unable to break the defensive set up of Van Gaal. After the half-time break, when Martins Indi had to be taken of the pitch, mostly due to his yellow card, Janmat was let on the pitch. However, he took the spot on the right whereas Kuyt moved to left, and Blind was moved to the back three line to take Martins Indi place. in 62nd minutes, Van Gaal was forced to withdraw not fit De Jong and Jordy Clasie took his place. The Dutch dominated the second half, with enterprising Kuyt and Janmaat, but Robben had to attempt to break the Argentinians on his own, seeing that Van Persie was not up to the task, yet the Argentinians were quick in blocking Dutch passes or shots. I believe in the whole match the Dutch had three shots on target whereas Argentina five. Eventually, Huntelaar substituted in 96th minute ineffective and perhaps not fully fit Van Persie. That substitution was important as it was the third and last one allowed for the Dutch and they could not use Tim Krul later on during the penalties. In the overtime, Argentina evened the match out in terms of possession and Palacios found himself one on one with Cillessen yet the Dutch goalkeeper easily stopped the Argentinian's header. Unfortunately for the Dutch, Cillessen is not Tim Krul. This time around it was the Argentinian goalkeeper, Sergio Romero (Luis Van Gaal himself taught him how to defend penalties during their time together at AZ Akmaar), who became the hero, stopping Vlaar and Sneijder from scoring, whereas the Argentinians, starting with Messi, were perfect from the spot. Luis Van Gaal lost his touch, and Argentina made it for the 5th time to the final, in which the German Manschaft awaits them for the third time. They are even, having won one a piece. Even though Messi this time did not do anything brilliant except for that run through Dutch players near the area of right corner, when he passed to not covered by anybody Rodriguez, whose shot was stopped by Cillessen, he still was the obvious leader of this Argentinian team; offensively, he didn't get much support, but in defense this Argentina was yesterday solid, with Mascherano, the holding player, playing almost a perfect game. I have a feeling, the final will not be such a cagey affair, although the Germans would have much more respect for this Argentina than they had for the Brazil. My sentimental favorite Argentina (for the reasons elaborated on in my previous articles), made it to the final after all! Notwithstanding all those bad things said by the English pundits, media and fans about supposedly weak Argentinian defense and Leo Messi being inferior to Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm having my modest laugh at their expense, again...

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: 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

GERMANY WON, AS USUALLY. THE DUTCH DISAPPOINTED

Second day of the Euro 2012 disappointed, after two exciting matches of the kick-off day. Holland, the favorites of many, appear to have reached their limits with reaching the final of World Cup 2010. But, the initial loss 0:1 to Denmark does not have to be ominous to their chances. Denmark perhaps does not posses players of great technical skills, but it is a team consisting of players astute tactically, exhibiting sound usable technical skills. Perhaps only veteran Greek team can compare to them with the level of tactical skills. Van Persie and Robben disappointed, whereas Senijder appears to have regained some of his brilliance, blunted recently by his illness, by exhibiting some of great passes. Unlike during the matches played in Poland so far,  several thousand seats in Kharkov Stadium were empty. It appears that BBC Panorama doctored report did not help Ukraine. The second match of the day, between Germany and Portugal, has ended with expected 1:0 German victory. Portugal, until Mario Gomez goal, were preoccupied mostly with containing Germany. To achieve that aim, they fielded three holding players in midfield: Veloso, Mouthinho and Meireles. After the German goal, they changed their style of play and almost succeeded in creating several of opportunities for a tying goal. Unfortunately for them, the old rule that football is played by 22 players and Germany always win in the end, is still true. Also, having in the team Cristiano Ronaldo, does not help. It appears that Portugal would have been much more cohesive as a unit without him.
UEFA had charged Russian FA for excesses by Russian yobs in the match between Russia and Czech Republic in Wroclaw, Poland. Apparently, Russian fans have made monkey noises toward Czech black player, Gebre Selassie, and they also have brutally beaten four stewards, who attempted to detain Russian fan throwing firecracker onto the pitch. Today, higly anticipated Spain v. Italy match. Will the Spaniards be enough hungry for a third title in a row? What about the rift in Spanish national team (created by infamous Jose Mourinho) between Real Madrit and Barcelona players. Will the Italians respond to the bribery allegations with another title (as they did in 2006 World Cup)? Or, perhaps, they will start in a slow manner as in 1982 World Cup in Spain? Come today to Gdansk, Poland and see for youself.

Janusz Andrzejewski

POLAND JOINS BIG LEAGUES WITH EURO 2012

Finally, after years of preparations, Euro 2012 in soccer is about to kick off tomorrow at Poland's National Stadium in Warsaw. The new stadium, one of the most impressive venues in the world of soccer, with a retractable roof, has over 58,000 seats and rather does not belong to the biggest arenas. But, its design inside and state of the art amenities make it impressive and imposing venue, indeed. Even more beautiful is a bit smaller PGE Arena in Gdansk, in various shades of amber color, with a light design of the outside walls and of the roof. The City Stadium in Poznan characterizes futuristic design of the roof construction (as seen from inside of the stadium) whereas Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw boasts with great visibility from each of its traditional one-tier level seats. The roads in Poland have been considerably improved, new highways were added, although not all of them are finished. The hotel industry, quite impressive in recent years, has been made even better. Warsaw Airport, already modern, opened additional terminal whereas majority of local airports were either modernized or rebuilt. Polish economy, which as the only one in Europe has not known recession in recent years, is still advancing ahead with 3,5 % growth, made even more impressive by the troubles of Greece, Portugal, Spain or Italy. Krakow, one of the most picturesque cities in the world does not stage any games, but it hosts teams from England, Holland and Italy and is already crowded with tourists from all over the world. Well done, Poland! Enjoy, for your time has finally arrived. Let's hope, that none of the racial incidents, predicted by BBC's sensational Panorama program, will take place for we cannot allow those few yobs to spoil our soccer holidays. Let us rather show the world our traditional Polish hospitality!

Janusz Andrzejewski