No disgrace, so an upgrade to economy plus. A selection of films and actual leg room.
Brazil:
Contradicting the title somewhat, the Brazilian's demise was anything but pretty. A team that seemed as well organised and effective as any suddenly fell to pieces. They were not outplayed by the Dutch; indeed, in the first half they were dominant. They suffered from a major defensive blunder, the kind that all teams will experience at some stage, but then promptly fell to pieces. Their defending for the second Dutch goal was farcical and completely out of character. And to top it all off, Melo getting himself sent off literally minutes after that goal erased their chances of coming back. A chance blown, much like in 2006. Serious analysis must be done if Brazil hopes to win the next World Cup as host.
Best Performers: Robinho displayed great form, I assume to make it easier for him to leave Eastlands for good. Lucio was solid, Juan was better. Fabiano was effective in the groups but floundered against the Dutch. Kaka's woes make the exclusion of Ronaldinho even more dubious.
World Cup in Five Words: Well organised but not samba.
Ghana:
Heartbreak would be the only word to describe how Ghana exited the tournament. Gyan's penalty miss at the death of extra time will haunt him; all credit to him for stepping up in the shootout and attempting to inspire his team. Ghana were not the best footballers, but their team spirit, organisation and individual effort did them proud. Ultimately, Uruguay were a better side, but Ghana had about as much right to be in the semis as they did.
Best Performers: Asmoah Gyan was outstanding, as was the unlikely figure of Kevin-Prince Boateng. John Pantsil played well, as did Anthony Annan and Richard Kingson, whose overall consistency was commendable considering his lack of gametime at club level.
World Cup in Five Words: Denied at death. Africa proud.
Paraguay:
Much like Ghana in that they were solid and a strong team, they seemed to be exceeding themselves by reaching the quarterfinals. Against Spain though, they gave an admirable display and could easily have won. Their lack of forward punch was just too much to overcome in the end. Taking nothing away from them, I don't belive they are anything more than a solid team who benefitted from Italy's failure to launch and a realatively easy round of 16 match.
Best Performers: Antonio Alcaraz and Carlos Bonet were solid. Haedo Valdez did well to give them more impetus up front. The whole team performed well, but no-one really went above and beyond.
World Cup in Five Words: Quietly effective under the radar.
Argentina:
Had their weaknesses clinically exposed by the Germans. A side that lacked any real connection between midfield and the front men, especially after Veron's injury. They simply did not attack with any impetus or urgency believing, like so many other teams, that simply slowly stroking the ball about the entire team equates putting the opponents under pressure. They got nothing against the Germans; their solution was to move the entire team forward in attack, which just invited the Germans to break on them. Messi also let them down badly throughout.
Best Performers: Gonzalo Higuain did his poachers role well. Di Maria started well but fizzled out. Otamendi performed well after replacing Gutierrez at right back. Walter Samuel continued his good form until injury hit.
World Cup in Five Words: Promised much, crashed out. Again.
GM and RM
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