FOOTY FAIR

PES 2014 Worst Faces (Gallery)

2014-08-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Sure this game is called PES 2014, some of the player faces however seem like they were designed a decade before that. Here are the game's worst footballer face designs.

2014 World Cup Best Starting XI

2014-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

2014 World Cup is finished, let us take a look at who the best starting XI are.

Goalkeeper – Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)

Costa Rica would not make it to the QF of the World Cup if it wasn’t for Keylor Navas play in net. The Costa Rican goalkeeper was the stand out player of the tournament and the best goalkeeper. He only allowed two goals during the tournament and was incredible at every single game he played. He deserves the recognition of making it to the best XI of the World Cup.

Defender – Lahm (Germany)

Lahm started the World Cup in midfield, but it is undeniable that since he moved into defense not only his play has improved but also the overall play of his team. He has been an anchor at the back for Germany and this has allowed the midfield to play with more space in front of the back line, which has overall contributed for a better offensive play and a stronger stability at the back.

Defender – Vlaar (Netherlands)

He was a surprise with Netherlands in this tournament. He is a solid player, with incredible ball control and vision. Able to break a play, get the ball and initiate the offense, a true central defender that understands Total Football. He was the reason why Netherlands was incredibly solid at the back playing only with three men in the back line.

Defender – M. Hummels (Germany)

Hummels struggled in the tournament with his fitness level, but when he was on the field he was without a doubt an added value to Germany and their defensive line. He adds more speed, vision as well as the ability to score on dead ball situations. He is currently the best central defender playing for Germany.

Defender – M. Rojo (Argentina)

Rojo came into this tournament as an unknown to most. Playing in Portugal at Sporting CP not many people knew of his value, but he has taken every opportunity that he has been given to show how important and versatile he is. He can play on the left of defense as well as central defense. Good defending, able to also lead his team in attack. Good crosser of the ball, he has really been one of the best players in this Argentina squad. He has a bright future ahead of him.

Midfield – Arjen Robben (Netherlands)

Robben deserved more than just to play in the 3rd place match. He was the best offensive player for Netherlands during the tournament. His speed was incredible, able to break down a defense by running at them with quick dribbles. He wasn’t just a speedy winger; he also finished his plays when given a chance. One of the most complete midfielders at this year’s World Cup.

Midfield – J. Mascherano (Argentina)

He has been the best defensive midfielder in this World Cup, and the reason why Argentina was able to make it to the final with low scoring games. He made up for all the lapses provided by the central defenders. He may not be Rambo but he has been super human.

Midfield – Toni Kroos (Germany)

He is another player that used the World Cup as a way to put his name in the minds of all football fans. At Bayern Munich, he has always been a very influential player, but he has elevated his game during this tournament, and become an influential player in his countries midfield. He is an incredible player, huge heart, great passer and able to finish when given a chance near the box. The ultimate box to box player.

Midfield – James Rodriguez (Colombia)

He should have won the MVP of the tournament award. He was the best player of the tournament. Scoring important goals, brilliant goals, but also carrying his country on his back to the QF. It was a shame that he couldn’t take them any further but he proved to be at the same level of the World’s best players.

Forward – Neymar (Brazil)

Up until the moment he got injured he was being influential to his countries team and success. I don’t think it is a surprise or coincidence that once he was out of the squad, Brazil didn’t win a single game. He is not just an offensive problem, but his ability to create something out of nothing has the opposing team more pushed back than if playing against a team that doesn’t have Neymar. Brazil’s collapse was enough to show us how important one player can be to a national team.

Forward – Messi (Argentina)

Messi wasn’t brilliant or dominating at this World Cup, but he was influential in his team’s play and performances. If Argentina didn’t have Messi they would had never made it to the final. He was decisive at moments, pulling goals out of nowhere and creating problems to any team he played against. His consistency and ability to turn a game upside down grants him a spot on the best XI.

2014 World Cup Semi-Finals: Best XI

2014-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Let us take a look at the best starting XI of the World Cup semi-finals.

Goalkeeper – M. Neuer (Germany)

During a 7-1 win you would think Neuer didn’t do much and in this case it isn’t true. He had some big saves in the second half of the game and was almost able to keeping a clean sheet if it wasn’t for an Oscar late goal. Going into the final he is by far the best keeper available.

Defender – Lahm (Germany)

Low moved him back to right back and he showed why he is one of the best in the game. He has given the Germany back line more security and cohesiveness. He is so calm and has a great sense of space and positioning, making everyone around him a far better player than what they are.

Defender – Vlaar (Netherlands)

He was the player of the game for Netherlands. What a good, strong and efficient central defender. He is not only great at defending but he can also start your attack by dribbling the ball forward. He has great feet and incredible vision and positioning. He has placed his name as one of the best central defenders of the tournament.

Defender – M. Hummels (Germany)

Hummels had another strong game in the middle of defense. He has been improving his game as the tournament progresses and will now arrive in the final with some strong performances behind. That should give him the confidence he needs to elevate his game one more notch in a very difficult final.

Defender – M. Rojo (Argentina)

Rojo has been one of the best left backs in this tournament and during the semifinal game he proved once again how good he is defending. He is also very good going forward; getting involved with his team offensive maneuvers. He is a very dynamic player that can play on both ends of the field.

Midfield – Arjen Robben (Netherlands)

Netherlands was not very good offensively in their semifinal match, but Robben was their only bright side from an offensive perspective. He looked like the only player that wanted to move forward and score a goal, and it wasn’t a surprise that Holland’s best chance of scoring came from his feet. He has proven to be a complete player and an incredible offensive threat when on the field.

Midfield – J. Mascherano (Argentina)

He was a monster during his countries semifinal game. He was incredible for Argentina and by far their best player on the field. He looked like he was everywhere, and the way he recovered defensively in the 90th minute to block Robben’s shot was something at the reach of only a world class player.

Midfield – Toni Kroos (Germany)

He is proving in this tournament why Real Madrid will be paying 30 million euros for him. He has growing in importance within his team with every game that has been played, but against Brazil he was the motor behind Germany’s offensive prowess. He scored, created goals for his team mates and complete dominated the midfield. He was the best player on the field from either side.

Midfield – Enzo Perez (Argentina)

He was brought in to replace Di Maria, and while he doesn’t have the same qualities of the speedy winger he came in and did a wonderful job. During the 90 minutes of the game Argentina’s best chances came from his feet, and he was able to give Argentina a box to box player that would not only attack on the right side of the field but also change sides and show up in the left. He integrated the team well and proved to be a player that Argentina can depend on for the final.

Forward – T. Muller (Germany)

He scored the first of the 7 goals Germany scored. In a round where forwards were not great, Muller proved to be the next great forward coming out of Germany. He will one day break Klose’s record for goals at a World Cup. He has scored 10 goals in 2 tournaments. At this rate he will one day be the best World Cup goal scorer.

Forward – M. Klose (Germany)

The German forward scored his 16th goal at a World Cup tournament, breaking Ronaldo’s record and becoming the best goal scorer of all time. He is a pure finisher, that when given the ball in the box he will not waste them. In this semifinal game he had one chance of scoring and he did. He is a player that you don’t see anymore, a classic forward.

2014 World Cup Match Day 23 (Semi-Final): Goals & Highlights

2014-07-09T20:00:00.000-04:00

Game 59: Argentina 0-0 Netherlands (Argentina wins 4-2 PK)

2014 World Cup Match Day 23 (Semi-Final): Recap

2014-07-09T19:00:00.000-04:00

Today we had the last semifinal that would decide who would face Germany in the final.

Argentina 0-0 Netherlands (Argentina won 4-2 in PK)

First half was a very defensive half, with not many chances of goal for either side. Argentina was able to hold possession of the ball for the majority of the half, and control the game.

They pushed Netherlands to their own half and didn’t allow them to come out of their defensive zone with the ball controlled. The only few times they reached Romero’s area was with long range free kicks being floated into the box looking for a header from Van Persie.

Argentina had the best chances of the first 45 minutes, and a free kick from Messi in the 15th minute of the first half was their best chance to score. For all the possession that Argentina had and control of the game, they weren’t able to really create many chances. All of their offensive plays came from Enzo Perez and Zabaleta using the right wing to break through the wall put up by Netherlands.

In the middle of the field was impossible to break through and Messi was kept off the ball and away from the box, which was the best strategy that Netherlands could deploy to avoid going down a goal early.

The first half ended in 0-0 score, and everything was wide open for the second half of the game.

The second half brought us the complete opposite of the first 45 minutes. Janmaat came in for Martins Indi and it gave some extra muscle to the Dutch midfield.

Netherlands was able to retain the ball and control possession, and now it was Argentina the ones pushed into their own half and defending with 11 men behind the ball. Even with all that ball control and possession Netherlands wasn’t able to create much offense with it. Mascherano was a general in the midfield able to stop any attack.

The first good chance of scoring came to Argentina, with a great cross from Enzo Perez in the right wing to a running Higuain that shot wide. He was called for offside so it wouldn’t have counted, but it was a sign that Argentina could put one away in a quick transition play.

The best chance for Netherlands came late into stoppage time with Robben having one of his dashing runs and when he was about to finish, who else but Mascherano with a sprawling tackle to push the ball to the end line and give Netherlands a corner. Nothing came from the corner and few minutes later the game was over.

They were going into extra time with neither team creating many goal opportunities during the 90 minutes played.

The first half of extra time brought us the same that we had already seen in the second half of regulation. These were two very defensive minded teams not willing to give each other any space. Nobody with any real chances of scoring and Messi continued absent from the game.

Second half of extra time didn’t change anything. These were two teams more interested in not losing than actually trying to win. It would take penalties to decide the winner.

Penalties:

Vlaar – Misses (0-0)

Messi – Scores (1-0 Argentina)

Robben – Scores (1-1)

Garay – Scores (2-1 Argentina)

Sneijder – Saved (2-1 Argentina)

Aguero – Scores (3-1 Argentina)

Kuyt – Scores (3-2 Argentina)

Rodriguez – Scores (4-2 Argentina)

Argentina is going to the final to play Germany.

Match Day 23 - Staff Picks

Kon: Argentina 1-2 Netherlands
Pedro: Argentina 1-0 Netherlands
Iain: Argentina 1-0 Netherlands

Iain and Pedro had Argentina winning just not by the correct result, but at least they got the winner.