THE football World Cup under way in Brazil, now in its final leg, has packed plenty of surprises, disappointments and drama. Perhaps the biggest shock of the tournament has been the absolute drubbing the hosts received at the hands of Germany in their semi-final clash at Belo Horizonte. Around the world, football enthusiasts have just one thing to say: 7-1. Brazil, a nation that has lifted more World Cups than any other, was expected to pick up a sixth title on home ground, but simply crashed and burned at the hands of a ruthless, well-oiled German footballing machine. Without talismanic young striker Neymar and captain Thiago Silva, Brazil looked like a group of amateurs, leaving the field in tears and plunging their football-mad nation into a state of mourning. Other than the historic semi-final, many of the big names in world football from Europe and South America fumbled, while up-and-coming nations showed moments of brilliance. The Algerians, for example, reached the round of 16 for the first time, while Costa Rica and Colombia also played some fine football. Perhaps the Algerian performance will prompt other rising African and Asian sides to improve their game.

But all things considered, the world is focused on the final scheduled for July 14 in Rio de Janeiro, where the Germans will take on Argentina. It looks to be a repeat of the final at Italia ’90, which the Germans won. That classic clash featured some legendary names, including the volatile genius of Diego Maradona as well as German masters like Jürgen Klinsmann and Rudi Völler. It remains to be seen whether Germany’s clinical precision will triumph over Argentina’s passion and flair. Though Germany looks to be the slightly stronger side, Argentina, spurred on by their star striker Lionel Messi, will be no pushovers. The Argentines will also be motivated to rub salt into Brazilian wounds by winning the cup on the yellow shirts’ soil. It will be a true battle of wits in Rio.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2014