And Then There Were Four ...

We started with 32 teams a little more than three weeks ago and now we are down to the final four: Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands and Germany. While there were plenty of surprises and upsets in the Group Stage of the tournament, the knockout stage has seen all 12 of the favorites win, though rarely without a strong fight from the underdogs. But after all the goals, the heroic moments and the last second equalizers/winners, three of the four pretournament favorites remain, with only Spain failing to reach this stage (though in rather epic fashion). How should we rank the four teams going into the semis Tuesday and Wednesday?

1.    Germany

While the Germans have not been as impressive since their commanding opening game 4-0 victory over Portugal, they have been going about their business in, well, a business-like manner. Returning in some ways to the efficient Germany of the past, rather than the more expansive and creative squad that emerged on the scene four years ago, Germany have the most talented squad from top to bottom left in the tournament. While they haven’t won since 1990, this might be their chance to break through again, particularly as both Brazil and Argentina are suffering through key injuries (or suspensions) and the Netherlands seems to be having trouble finding the back of the net.

2.    Argentina

Few have been impressed with the style the Argentine’s have been playing, but like Germany, they are defending well and scoring the goals they need to advance. Today, they got an early goal from Higuiain that was all they needed, as they held firm against a talented but uninspired Belgium. Next up is the Netherlands and while they will miss the speed and creativity of Angel di Maria, one feels like Messi and crew are destined for the final, if they can stop the offensive prowess of the Dutch.

3.    The Netherlands

The Netherlands all but destroyed the dreams of Spain with their 5-1 thrashing in the first game. Since then, they snuck by Australia (who led 2-1), kept it until late to beat Chile, were losing to Mexico with 3 minutes left and were shutout by a well-disciplined Costa Rica for a full 120 minutes plus extra time. But this is a squad that is tough to breakdown, dominates in the middle and has an impressive attacking front with plenty of experience in big games. If Argentina are even slightly off their game, they will return to the finals for the second year running.

4.    Brazil

Brazil played their best game of the tournament in beating Columia 2-1, but they suffered serious losses for the effort – with star Neymar out for the tournament with a broken vertabrae and the second-most-expensive-defender-in-the-world Thiago Silva suspended for the Semis. Never bet against the home team in a knockout game, but someone will have to show up for this team if they are to get past Germany. Maicon had an impressive game stepping in for Barcelona’s Danny Alves, streaking down the right flank throughout the game, and Sideshow Bob-lookalike David Luiz (the most expensive defender) had arguably the goal of the tournament from distance. It will take some luck, along with focus and resilience, to get past this German team, but don’t count the Selecao out yet.

My picks
Brazil 2 Germany 1

Argentina 2 Netherlands 0