The FIFA World Cup may have come and gone but its memories will reverberate forever. In a cagey match that lasted the whole 90 minutes plus extra-time, Germany defeated Argentina by a lone goal; scored by substitute Mario Gotze in the 112th minute. 

The World cup is a showcase of some of the best talents, the world has to offer. Some shine more brighter than others. The team of tournament usually comprises of players of teams that made it further in the tournament.  Without further ado, SweatBuzz World Cup 2014 IX. The formation will be a 4-3-3. p.s We correctly predicted at the start of the tournament, that Argentina will be finalists and an European team will win the world cup in South-America for the first time.

Tim Howard (Goal-Keeper) 

Had a tournament to remember. After making 16 saves against Belgium, he deserves to the best goal keeper on anyone's list.

Boateng (Defender)

He would be patting himself on the back for choosing to play for Germany over Ghana. His pace and good recovery were crucial at key moments in the World cup.








Blind (Defender)

Two assists against Spain and a goal against Brazil capped a good performance.









Demicheles (Defender)

Although his performance in this world cup was a sharp contrast with his displays at his club, Demicheles proved to be a pillar of strength that helped Argentina progress to the finale.








Gamboa (Defender)

Gamboa of Costa-rica, embodies the fight and grit, the surprise team of the tournament showed throughout the tourney.









Khedira (Midfielder)

His marauding runs were missed in the finale.Had he played, we might not have waited so long for the winning goal.









Mascherano (Midfielder)

Shielded his back-four like a hen protecting her young. His block against Robben in the semis put Argentina one foot in the finale.









Rodriguez (Midfielder)

Unlucky to be on the loosing side against a poor Brazillian team. The Golden shoe winner with 5 goals might be enough compensation for the lack of silver-ware.










Messi (Forward)

The four-time Footballer of the year, shone brightly at the group stages scoring four goals. Although he ran into a drought in the knock-out stages, the commensurate improvement of the team overall, especially the defense, helped propel Argentina to the finale.







Robben(Forward)

The skillful forward deserves a major international trophy having won everything at club level. Had Holland reached the finale maybe the winner might have been a different team.











Muller (Forward)

5 goals in the World cup. Muller's superb movement and guile sperates him from typical No 9s.

 Argentina Vs. Germany 

After nearly a month of intense competition, the FIFA World Cup reaches its climax in the finale between Germany and Argentina.

The Germans trashed hosts, Brazil 7-1 in a very one-sided semi-final match to earn their place in the finale. Germany looks like a team without a single weakness or are they? Surely there has to be a weakness in this German side. Their assets include a devastating counter-attack and armed with a clear height advantage, are very dangerous in set-plays. The goal-keeper, Manuel Neuer is amongst the best in this tournament, although Ghana put two past him.  The midfield of Bastian Schweinsteiger,Kroos and Ozil have been dominant throughout the World Cup. Germany's main strength is their team-work. They are surely favorites to take the trophy, if Messi will allow it.

Argentina have steadily improved their defense. In fact, throughout the knockout stage, it has been impregnable. The back-line led by Demichiles and Mascherano will look to continue their good run and while they look to Messi, Higuian to nick something at the break. 

In order to win, Argentina like they did against Belgium, must  NOT allow a fluid game and most especially not allow Germany to score first. Because if they concede the first goal then it will be extremely hard to get back into the game. 

Argentina will also study their last game against the Germans in South Africa 2010 where they were whipped 0-4 and ensure that they do not make the same mistakes. 

That should not be hard since this Argentina team has a different approach than the Maradona led one. It is hard to underestimate a team with Messi in it. 

The match will be tense and cagey. If it goes to penalty shoot-outs then the Germans have a "natural" edge.

Prediction: The match will be decided in penalty shootout. Argentina 0 (2) Vs. Germany 0 (3)

Wed. Jul, 09 2014 World Cup Match

Argentina Vs. Holland

Argentina have been steadily improving as the tournaments progresses but they are still a team heavily reliant on Messi. Take Messi out the equation and one would have an average team that could barely get to this stage of the competition. The good thing is their opponents,Holland, have the same problem or advantage; whichever way one wants to look at it. 

If Argentina have been over-reliant on Messi, Holland as well , if the match against Costa-Rica is anything to go by, also have a Robben dependency. His trickery and "swimming" skills bailed them out against Mexico and most their attacks are initiated by him. 

Both players are immensely instrumental to their teams and are blessed with a deadly left foot.

Against the Belgians, Argentina seems to have discovered a coherent style that allows other players to express themselves alongside their dominant No. 10. What was so impressive about that performance, was the way, a talented team of Belgium's calibre was neutralized and stopped from playing. 

Many have said that Messi needs to win the World Cup to be on par with Diego Maradona. I disagree. Even though, the fourth time World Footballer of the year has won everything else but the world cup, it does not diminished his accomplishments in anyway. The team that win the mundial is usually one, that finds good form at the right time and in reality, no one individual can single-handedly deliver the trophy for his country.

This match will setup the finale, purists want. The finale that gives Messi the chance to lay claim to the same divinity that Maradona enjoys.

Prediction: Argentina 2 Vs. Holland 1

Man to watch: Messi Of course

Tues. Jul, 08 2014 World Cup Matches

Brazil Vs. Germany

The hosts, Brazil will be without their mercurial star, Neymar, who suffered a vertebrae fracture in their last match against Columbia. It will be a test to see how they cope. Not just without Neymar but also Thiago Silva as well who has been one of the best defenders in the tournament so far. Dante  should come in place of Silva while Scolari will shuffle the forward line by bringing in  Willian to play the "Neymar" role.

On Tuesday, Germany will be playing her fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final. They have become the Bond villains of international football. So good, everyone expects them to win. Their other role when they don't win, is to turn their victors into Demi-gods. Case in point Maradona in '86, Ronaldo in 2002. 

Someone mentioned that if Brazil win the world cup, they will be the worst team ever to win it. That might a harsh assessment but it's a sad reflection of a once dominant team,

a five-time championship winning team.

The vociferous crowds will cheer Brazil to a hilt and may even overcompensate for the lack of Neymar but this German side is well schooled and very cold blooded. The Germans have the edge and they will use it.

Prediction: Brazil 0 Vs. Germany 1

Man to watch: Klose

Saturday Jul, 05 2014 World Cup Matches

Argentina Vs. Belgium

Yesterday's round of quarter-final matches saw two great stars of the competition so far, leaving the tournament; i.e Rodriguez and Neymar on a stretcher. One more could be on their way home as well. The Belgian's superior tactical organization will give them an edge over Argentina. While Argentina have the might of Messi, the likes of Lukuka, Origi, Hazard and Mirallas will prove too much for Argentina to contain.

Prediction: Argentina 1 Vs. Belgium 3

Man to watch: Lukaku

Holland  Vs Costa-Rica  

The diving antecedents of Robben isn't why the Dutch are nicknamed the "Flying" Dutchmen. However, it does bring an extra-dimension in the game that the Costa-Ricans have to  be very wary of. The Costa ricans have out-done themselves by coming this far. But in order to progress further, they must not be satisfied with just being in the quarter-finals. The Dutch are favorites and will live up to the tag.

Prediction: Holland 2 Vs Costa-Rica 1 

The second round provided very tight games. And few moments of individual brilliance decided the matches. We collected the best players of the second round of matches of the world cup.

1. Tim Howard(U.S.A) - Goal Keeper.

Tim Howard made 16 saves in their match against the Belgians. It was a star individual performance that was unfortunately not be a winning one.

2. Silva Thiago (Brazil)

Buoyed by their vociferous home fans, the PSG man is replicating the form that made him the most expensive defender in the world.

3.Essaid Belkalem (Algeria) - Defender

Essaid held the forte incredibly well against the Germans for more than 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the Algerians ended up on the losing end after a valiant effort though.

4. Jan Vertonghen (Belgium) - Defender

The left-back did very well against the Americans. Providing excellent cover for his Belgian side. Presently Vertonghen is ranked one of the top 10 player in the world cup, with a castrol ranking of 9.62.

5.Ozil Mesut(Germany) - Midfielder

The wily Ozil scored the winning goal against a tenacious Algerian team. In this team, he will be playing in a more advanced position.

6. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) - Midfielder

Kevin tormented the Americans throughout the match and it was no surprise that he unlocked the game, early into extra-time with a winning goal.

7. James Rodriguez (Colombia) - Midfielder.

The world focused on Messi and Neymar then Rodriguez appeared with an ace performance in the second round, scoring two goals. The quarter-final against Brazil is perfectly poised as the battle of the No 10s. Neymar vs. Rodriguez.

8. Pogba Paul (France) - Midfielder

Pogba against Nigeria was almost anonymous in the first half. but a much improved performance in the second half and a goal earns him a place in our team.

9.  Di Maria (Argentina) - Forward.

Di Maria's tireless running was rewarded deep into extra-time by scoring the winner. Di Maria's fantastic  form throughout the season and so far, in this world cup will be a good reminder that it is not only his diminutive No. 10,that is the only pulling his weight.

10. Messi (Argentina ) - Forward

Marked very closely throughout the encounter, Messi managed to produce a moment of magic that Di Maria converted to win the game. The Messi dependency continues.

11. Robben (Netherlands) -Forward 

In the dying minutes of injury-time, Robben weaved his way in the Mexicans 18-yard box to win a penalty for his team. It was not just that moment that earned him a place in our team of the second round. His tireless runs throughout the match was a constant headache for the Mexicans.

Friday Jul, 04 2014 World Cup Matches

Brazil Vs. Columbia

This match will see two of the stars of the world cup face each other; Rodriguez vs. Neymar. Some say the Columbian side are playing like the Brazilian sides of old. That might not be such a good thing, since the romantic samba sides did not win a world cup for 24 years (1970-1994). Brazil's style is  different these days: stronger defensively, even play long balls. Notwithstanding they have a whole nation behind them, giving the team much need impetus. It seems that the Columbians have it all to do. But it's the unpredictability of football is what makes it fun.

Prediction: Brazil 1 vs. Columbia 1

Man to watch: Neymar

France 1 Vs Germany 2 

This is a match that could be decided by penalty shoot-out. If the news from the German camp of some players sick with flu, then France might have an advantage. Both teams struggled to dispatch their quarter-final opponents. The number of close games in this world cup have shown that the gap between teams are small margins. The winner of this  match will be decided by who makes less mistakes. France will make more. 

Prediction: France 1 Vs Germany 2 

Saturday Jun, 28 2014 World Cup Matches

Brazil Vs. Chile

No pun intended, but Brazil should not expect an easy game from Chile. The Chileans defeated the defending Champions, Spain and will look to ruin Brazil's party at Rio as well. Neymar and co. have it all to do. The huge expectations of their fans could either be a burden, if the core line remains goal-less for long periods in the match, or a shot in the arm, if Brazil takes an early lead.

Prediction: Brazil 2 vs. Chile 1

Man to watch: Neymar

Columbia 1 Vs Uruguay 1 

This is a match that could be decided by penalty shoot-out. Uruguay will be without their enigmatic leader, Luis Suarez. From the Italy game, Uruguay have improved from the shock result of losing to Costa Rica. The Columbians are a different proposition. They won their group, with maximum 9 points and are a very balanced side. But Uruguay left a group of Death of some sorts. That experience will only make them stronger opponents.

Prediction: Columbia 1 Vs Uruguay 1

After the first round of matches, half of the contingent to tournament will advance to the next round, while the rest will be on their way home. Surprisingly, amongst those going home are Spain- the defending World Champions and four time winners, Italy. Costa Rica and Greece, less fancied teams are amongst those that are in the round of 16. From the second round onwards, is a series of elimination matches, with all to play for. No more tie games. It's win or you go home. As simple as that. Every stage in a tournament such as this, has its fair share of Heroes and Villains. This article will be highlighting the heroes. It is a more positive story to write.

1. Vincent Enyeama(Nigeria) - Goal Keeper.

Kept two clean sheets in Nigeria first games against Iran and Bosnia. His nervous smiles during their game against Argentina belied the fear of facing the mercurial Messi. This allowed 3 goals to go past an otherwise immaculate goalkeeper. Winning and losing lies in the finer details and Vincent has made the most saves by any goalkeeper in this competition. This stats might be helped by the fact that he is the last resort behind a not-so-strong Nigerian defense. And what a pillar he has been for them.

2. Silva Thiago (Brazil)

Buoyed by their vociferous home fans, the PSG man is replicating the form that made him the most expensive defender in the world.

3.Sakho Mamadou (France) - Defender

Liverpool's Sakho has quietly gone about his business in this world cup. The French captain is solid in defense and has provided the much need strong foundation for France to build their world cup ambitions on. He is amongst the Top 10 players in this world cup with a Castrol index of 9.47.

4. Van BuyTen (Belgium) - Defender

The Belgians have been very solid so far. Nothing to fancy except for the occasional forays of Eden Hazard. One man responsible in holding the fort at the back is Van BuyTen. With a Castrol index of 9.58, he has done so effectively.

5.Javier Mascherano (Argentina) - Midfielder

Barcelona play with a false nine system in attack. Some might also believe that they also use a false five in defense. At Barcelona, Mascherano is a centre-back despite his small statue. But with his national team, he plays his favored destroyer role in midfield protecting his back-line. The all-action midfielder is probably the only decent defender in a vulnerable Argentine defense.

6. Bradley (U.S.A) - Midfielder

Is the Top runner in the tournament, covering the distance of 38019 meters. The American is a 

battler in midfield. and his tenacious,  never-say-die attitude will certainly help the Americans move forward.

7. Robben Arjen (Netherlands) - Midfielder.

We will place Robben in an advanced attacking role. His speed and guile has been defenders' nightmare. The Spanish found out the hard way. With his deadly left foot, Robben tortured Spain in that group's opening match that sent shock waves around the world.

8. Andrea Pirlo (Italy) - Midfielder

Italy's midfield mastero is a different sort of defensive midfielder. He is crafter, dictating the pace of the game. Had Uruguay not knocked, Italy out of the world cup, Pirlo 's precision passing and deft touches would still be on show.

9. Thomas Muller (Germany) - Forward.

Muller is a poacher extraordinaire. With four goals in the tournament so far and a hat-trick against Portugal as well as the winner against U.S.A.

10. Messi (Argentina ) - Forward

Four goals in the tournament so far. Could he single-handedly win this tournament for his home country like Maradona did in '86? His team have not played well and depend on him to make the difference. He does so in flying colors.

11. Neymar (Brazil) -Forward 

The poster boy of the tournament has certainly lived up to expectations as well. With four goals in the bag so far and the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders, Neymar is making light work of the pressure. So far he has shone with lower ranked teams. Lets see if he can replicate his magic against stronger teams as Brazil advances in the competition.

Wednesday Jun, 25 2014 World Cup Matches

Nigeria Vs. Argentina

This match has become a regular fixture at the world cup since 1994. Every time these two teams play, Argentina wins it, by a goal margin. With Argentina already through to the round of 16, maybe they will rest key players. The Nigerians need just a draw to qualify. As we saw in the games involving Italy and Cote d' Ivoire, playing for a draw could have dire results. The Super Eagles showed great organization in their last match. An upset today would not be beyond them.

Prediction: Nigeria 1 vs. Argentina 1

Bosnia-Herzegozenia Vs Iran 

Iran will finally come out attacking because they have to win. While the Bosnia are already out of the tournament. But will want to leave with a win. An open entertaining game is in stall, something Iran has avoided so far. We will see why.

Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegozenia 2 Vs Iran 0

Honduras Vs Switzerland

After the hammering, the Swiss got from the French, a strong response is all that is needed to make the next round. Honduras although out of it, would not want to be the wiping boy of the group. The Swiss have it, all to do. They require a favor from their European neighbors, France, to inflict a loss on Ecuador, as well as coming out unscratched by the means of  getting either a draw or a win against their opponents, Honduras.

Prediction: Honduras 1 Vs Switzerland 2

Ecuador Vs France

Both matches in Group E are delicately balanced. France is guaranteed a place in the next round but neither Switzerland or Ecuador can advance until the last whistle is blown.  Ecuador are a good team and will be a sterner test for the French than the Swiss. France is enjoying a resurgence in this world cup unlike the horror show in 2010. And in Benzema, they have a world class striker that could carry them all the way to glory.

Prediction: Ecuador 1 vs. France 1