Rapid Fire Thoughts: Germany vs Brazil
Germany’s Rout
This match was brutal, a completely one-sided affair (the last minute goal meant nothing and was controversial at that), and was even a merciful result considering in the second half Germany played defensive soccer and brought in a myriad of substitutes in.
Germany 7 – Brazil 1
That’s the result of the match, and what a brilliant game for Germany it was. However, what was more striking was how poor Brazil was defensively. Even before they brought in some subs in the second half, Brazil was playing zone defense, but the individual players never lined up to claim a man. As a result, the goals in the first half (all 5 of them) were more a factor of awful Brazilian defense, not necessarily execution for Germany.
Normally allowing 7 goals would be, at least in large part, a burden of the goalkeeper, but Júlio César didn’t have a chance in this one. Five players scored Germany’s goals including two apiece to Kroos and substitute Schürrle, who had the game of his life. Oscar scored the garbage time goal for Brazil to give their fans something of a consolation prize, though a pitiful one it really was.
What Does It Mean For Germany?
Of course Germany has made it to the finals to take on the winner of the Netherlands vs. Argentina, but what did this match signify? Dominance. In the previous matches Germany was winning narrowly, 2-1 vs Algeria, and 1-0 vs USA and France. They did what they had to do to win, but seemed to do just that and then relax a bit in the second half, going defensive. While there is nothing wrong with that, it made fans wonder if they could do to a team what they had to Portugal in the first game, winning handily 4-0. Clearly they can.
Brazil was without two of their key players, Neymar and Silva, and that certainly had an impact, but not so much of one that I believe could have flipped the result. However, regardless of which team they play next, Germany is going to be facing a much stronger opponent, and barring any injuries in tomorrow’s match, a healthy one. Personally I believe they can win the next match, but if they do face the Netherlands it will be an extremely close one.
I look forward to watching some more World Cup action tomorrow, and I hope you do as well. Thanks for reading.
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