So we have the finalists for the 2014 World Cup and the two unfortunate teams who have to play out a game no-one wants to play. But what a difference between the two semi-finals – one for the analysts to compare and contrast.

In the first match the brilliance of Germany was just as breathtaking as the ineptitude of Brazil. Brazil were blown away in 6 minutes when the Brazilian defence imploded. Brazil have never been known for their defending but their attacking is non-existent without Neymar.

In the second game we saw the complete opposite. Netherlands and Argentina cancelled each other out with well organised defence. The game was end to end, but only from the point of view of each team playing the ball around in their own half. In the end the inevitable penalties came and Argentina triumphed – probably fitting on the day of De Stefano’s funeral. But Germany will be licking their lips.

In our competition David Matthewson had the big balls in the predictions and put 0-0 and Argentina to win on penalties to gain a whopping 4 points and take the yellow cap. In the overall leaderboard we are pretty much where we were, but there are still big points to be gained and we are paying to 4 places, so all to play forĀ  – as well as the second phase competition which I can’t be bothered to work out at the moment – tis a sunny day and I’ve got a week off.

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