World Cup Update

     Argentina has advanced.   The Netherlands will play Brazil for 3rd place on Saturday.  The final will include 1 European country-Germany, and 1 from South America-Argentina.  It could be a close game, but maybe not.   After the blowout of Brazil on Tuesday, 7-1, by Germany, Argentina will approach the contest with trepidation.  With so many weapons in their arsenal, the Black and Red could be unbeatable.   Yes, Leo Messi is probably the top player of either team, but it will take the combined efforts of the many to win this contest.
      Argentina won on PK's, 4-3, after Argentina's goalie blocked two shots by the Orangje.   In a contest of goalies, guessing right may carry the day.  Netherland's goalie got a hand on the last shot but the ball had such power behind it, it tipped off the hand, rose to hit the top bar, and ricocheted into the goal.  It's hard to accept after 120+ minutes of scoreless ball, but that's soccer.
     Some pundits dissected the game, giving points to both teams for balanced attacks.  Nobody seemed to take into account the steady rain that forced the players to play conservatively because of the lack of control, and awkward movements on the wet turf.
The final will be in the Macarana stadium in Rio.