The US-Boys will go home with 3 nice little german presents for Mister Friedel.
A pretty reasonable prediction, honesty compels me to admit.
I didn't think the Americans would get past Mexico, after watching the Mexican performance against Italy. Unfortunately Mexico did not play at anything like that level against the US. I don't see the Germans having a problem with the US unless they stage a similar implosion.
Anything is possible, I suppose. Germany looked less than convincing against Paraguay.
At the start of the tournament my mantra was "anyone but France". Then I found myself regretting that they got ejected so early; I wanted to see them go down in a elegant, brilliantly played late-round match with an inspired underdog. I wanted them to lose, but I also wanted to see them play some good football.
Out of those that remain, Brazil and Spain are sentimental favorites. I love the Brazilian style, and the football I follow most closely is the Spanish league. If I'm a fan of any team anywhere, it would be Real Madrid, with Valencia, Barcelona, and Deportivo close behind.
I have irrational prejudices, like any follower of the game. My main one is at present England. My dislike for them is caused mainly by the outrageous bias shown by the English-language commentators at International and Champions League matches. They always assume that any English speaking person is a rabid England fan, and my natural perverse streak makes me respond by backing the other side. Over the years this has prejudice has metamorphosed into full scale opposition to English clubs (especially Manchester United) and national teams. I also think that David Beckham and Michael Owen are the two most overrated players in the world. This is enough to get me merged with the wallpaper in any football pub in Asia, so I keep it quiet.
I'm not fond of Germany simply because they traditionally epitomize the ascendency of efficient football over fun football, just as Brazil epitomizes the opposite. Efficient often wins, but fun is... well, more fun.
So now I will support Brazil over England, I will hold futile dreams of US over Germany. I would support either Spain or Korea over Germany. If it comes to England-Germany, I will be on your side.
It's all football, of course, and represents no particular feeling about England, Germany, or the people in either place. |
