2014 World Cup

**BonnieShels** · 09/07/2014, 9:58 PM

Originally Posted by TheOneWhoKnocks

Mascherano and Kuyt have been outstanding today. Vlaar and Demichelis have been rocks at the back. Van Persie has been the quietest player on the pitch and is clearly not close to fully fit.

Both defences becoming gradually more brittle as we reach the end stages but I'd say Germany will have a much harder task breaking either of these teams down.

Galling lack of goalmouth action but I don't think either team will be on the receiving end of a hammering on Sunday. Should be an intriguing final.

I agree with most of what you said.

I don't think Germany are gonna hammer either of these. I'd fancy the Dutch against Germany if I'm honest.

**bennocelt** · 09/07/2014, 10:00 PM

Not due to the lack of goals, but lack of creativity. Kuyt is doing the job of 2/3 players in his position, I am a little disappointed with the Dutch today tbh, they should be way more attack minded.

**pineapple stu** · 09/07/2014, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

that pair of overhit frees from two excellent players certainly gives credibility to the "it's rubbish" faction!

It's not just those two frees though. Kuyt and Sneijder with two awful crosses in the last two minutes for example.

The two defences have been excellent, the two midfields have been invisible and the two attacks have been inept.

Only difference between the two is that Cillessen is holding everything while Romero is tending to punch needlessly.

**Stuttgart88** · 09/07/2014, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by TheOneWhoKnocks

Mascherano and Kuyt have been outstanding today. Vlaar and Demichelis have been rocks at the back. Van Persie has been the quietest player on the pitch and is clearly not close to fully fit.

Both defences becoming gradually more brittle as we reach the end stages but I'd say Germany will have a much harder task breaking either of these teams down.

Galling lack of goalmouth action but I don't think either team will be on the receiving end of a hammering on Sunday. Should be an intriguing final.

For anyone complaining about the wow factor, just imagine one of these teams was your country.

The four players you mention have been great. I think most recognise that Demicjelis turned a corner during the season but Vlaar looks a different player.

**bennocelt** · 09/07/2014, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

For anyone complaining about the wow factor, just imagine one of these teams was your country.

The four players you mention have been great. I think most recognise that Demicjelis turned a corner during the season but Vlaar looks a different player.

Yeah but Ireland dont go on about total football every ten minutes.

Who is hoping for penos, and an important substitution with a minute to go!

**gastric** · 09/07/2014, 10:15 PM

Robben's whinging annoys me so much.

**pineapple stu** · 09/07/2014, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

For anyone complaining about the wow factor, just imagine one of these teams was your country.

No problem with that. But this is basically Ireland v Egypt in a World Cup semi. Up there with Nigeria v Iran and Japan v Greece as the worst game in the tournament. Such a disappointment given the great players on the pitch

**BonnieShels** · 09/07/2014, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by gastric

Robben's whinging annoys me so much.

He's lost a man twice after whinging.

The other thing is if he wasn't so bloody selfish this game would be over.

**pineapple stu** · 09/07/2014, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by bennocelt

Yeah but Ireland dont go on about total football every ten minutes.

Who is hoping for penos, and an important substitution with a minute to go!

All six subs are on I think. Certainly three for Holland

**BonnieShels** · 09/07/2014, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

No problem with that. But this is basically Ireland v Egypt in a World Cup semi. Up there with Nigeria v Iran and Japan v Greece as the worst game in the tournament. Such a disappointment given the great players on the pitch

Nothing will ever come close to that.