Dink Heckler wrote on 07/07/14 at 16:25:20:
Mmmh....I replied to TalJechin, but I think my post got lost in the great forum revamp.
My assumption is that the better ball favours the keepers from free kicks - in 2010, numerous players were able to access Roberto Carlos-like screwball spin at will due to the unfortunate aerodynamic properties of the ball. This time around, the ball flies true, and hence the keepers can track it more easily in flight?
That the ball is more predictable may be one explanation, especially since nearly all goalkeepers seem to be amazingly skilled. And it feels like there are less opportunities too, as the refs often favour possession even when the free-kick would be just outside the box.
There was a third goal btw, David Luiz' 2-0 vs Columbia is a candidate for "Goal of the tournament" and there the ball did seem to swerve a bit after all...
(
http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2014/07/05/video-david-luiz-goal-vs-colombia-2014-...)
With the semifinals coming up tomorrow and on Wednesday:
Imo the Germans have played the most attractive football throughout, plus clean play, no protests and no acting. So the scene may be set for a big disillusionment, as the good guys seldom win in the World Cup...
Brazil has to replace Neymar, but if their defenders keep doing the scoring anything can happen. It's even possible that they'll play better as a
team without relying on Neymar to do everything, i.e. every player will have to step up and contribute. So far they haven't impressed too much. The first half vs Columbia was amazing, but in the second half they played more like Uruguay than Brazil.
Argentina seems to have finally awoken and should be slight favourites vs a Holland that may not have recuperated fully from their much longer quarter-final. But Robben might be successful with his "run into the box and fall over" once again.