Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Another Iberian massacre

I must admit that I expected more of Portugal. But their tactic of "pass the ball to the handsome tall guy" totally backfired against a well-organised and clinically efficient Germany. In my view Thomas Muller was the find of the 2006 World Cup, and I still believe he could have done a difference had he played the 2010 semifinal against Spain. In the meantime he has grown to be one of the pillars of Bayern Munich, and now also of this German side. 
Portugal fans are already complaining about the referee. But there is nothing to complain about there. The penalty was clear, and Pepe... Well, what can you say about Pepe? He has always been a violent thug, and his red card puts a bit more decency into this World Cup. Contrary to others, this particular referee deserves a prize and not criticism.
4-0 was none too little, and the other teams that will play Portugal must be looking on with satisfaction.  The USA of Klinsmann, who started by defeating Ghana 2-1, will look to copy Germany, as well as repeat their 2002 victory over Portugal.

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