Blues in Brazil

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

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e-Chelsea World Cup Update

With just four games left to play, four Chelsea players remain at The World Cup with a chance of lifting the famous trophy on Sunday night. Indeed, Chelsea are guaranteed at least one player in the final, as Andre Schurrle’s Germany come up against hosts Brazil and Oscar, Ramires and Willian.

It was the end of the road for Chelsea’s three Belgians on Saturday, as they succumbed to a solitary Gonzalo Higuain strike against Argentina. In truth, Belgium were a long way from their best in the quarter final in Brasilia, in what was a drab encounter, with only 3 shots on target in the whole game. One of the three shots on target was from Lionel Messi, but his effort was well saved by Thibaut Courtois in a one-on-one situation late in the game. Eden Hazard had a disappointing tournament, and was replaced by Tottenham’s Nacer Chadli 15 minutes from time. Romelu Lukaku replaced Divock Origi on the hour, but failed to make an impression.

In the first quarter final, Germany prevailed with a narrow 1-0 over France at The Maracana. The only goal of the game came after 12 minutes, when Mats Hummels powerfully headed home from Toni Kroos free kick. Andre Schurrle was again used as an impact substitute, replacing the veteran Miroslav Klose after 69 minutes. Schurrle was a threat, but may have done better with two late chances.

There was an incredible atmosphere and the second quarter-final in Fortaleza between Brazil and Colombia. Brazil made a fast start, and scored early on when Thiago Silva bundled home Neymar’s corner at the far post after just 7 minutes. However, if that goal was scrappy, their second was a sublime effort from former Chelsea favourite, David Luiz. As someone who has watched Luiz on many occasions over the past 3 years, I can confirm that his ‘Hollywood’ free kicks are somewhat hit and miss. This one though, was right out of the top drawer, bending beyond the despairing dive of Ospina into the top corner. The home crowd erupted, and started a slightly premature party, as Colombia pressed to reduce the deficit. They did so with 10 minutes to go, when tournament leading scorer James Rodriguez calmly converted from the spot, after Carlos Bacca had been fouled by Julio Cesar. Despite some nervy late moments, Brazil held on to set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Germany on Tuesday night. Oscar again played the whole match, with Ramires replacing Hulk on 83 minutes. Willian was an unused substitute, but is likely to feature in the semi-final due to Neymar’s injury.

There was no Chelsea involvement in the last quarter final where the Netherlands dominated proceedings against surprise package Costa Rica, but a mixture of poor finishing and more inspired goalkeeping by Keylor Navas sent the match to a penalty shoot-out. Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal, controversially replaced Jesper Cillesen with Newcastle’s Tim Krul for the shoot-out, and was rewarded with Krul saving twice to send the Dutch through to the second semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday.

I am really struggling to pick a winner; both semi-finals are too close to call with any degree of confidence. Brazil has the home advantage which, in turn brings its own pressure, but the loss of Neymar is a huge blow to them, and I think the Germans might just do enough to win.

I am looking forward to seeing Arjen Robben and Lionel Messi going head to head, and whoever has the greater influence on the day will see their country progress to the final. My gut feeling says Germany to beat the Netherlands in the final on Sunday.

Upcoming Fixtures (All Times are BST)

World Cup Semi Finals

Tuesday 08 July; Germany v Brazil 21:00hrs (Belo Horizonte)

Wednesday 09 July; Argentina v Netherlands 21:00hrs (Sao Paulo)

Third Place Play Off

Saturday 12 July; Germany / Brazil v Argentina / Netherlands 21:00hrs (Brasilia)

World Cup Final

Sunday 13 July: Germany / Brazil v Argentina / Netherlands 20:00hrs (Rio de Janeiro)

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