Sao Paulo: The World Cup is speeding towards the half-way mark in number of matches and quite a few big names have already bitten the dust while a handful of new stars have emerged. Here is the lowdown on who’s hot and who’s not.
Who’s hot
Guillermo Ochoa: Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari said his team failed to beat Mexico in their second group match because of one man, Ochoa. The Mexican goalkeeper was a colossus against the hosts as he pulled off a string of superb saves. Mexican fans may be under the scanner for their anti-gay chants, but neutral fans are only chanting the name of Ochoa. Twitter is flooded with adulatory messages and basketball star Kobe Bryant has also doffed his hat to the Mexican with a distinct hairstyle.
Alexis Sanchez: The speedy and skilful Chilean winger is in the mood. He opened his country’s accou-nt in Brazil before playing a part in both goals against Spain. Sanchez can’t put a foot wrong at the moment.
Robin van Persie: There was never any doubt about his talent but he had always failed to make it count on the big stage. He is in the form of his life here with three goals including a flying header, which has become an online sensation. The appointment of Louis van Gaal has stoked the competitive fire in his belly and the Dutch captain is, in turn, illuminating the tournament.
James Rodriguez: In the absence of Radamel Falcao, his Monaco team-mate has grabbed centre stage for Colombia. Rodriguez has two goals from two matches, a decent tally for a midfielder.
Didier Deschamps: After the shameful exit of France from the 2010 edition, the onus was on the Les Bleus manager to oversee a peaceful campaign in Brazil. Deschamps, a World Cup winner in 1998, has succeeded both on and off the field. Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld says France can go far in the tournament. He knows what he is talking.
Who’s not
Iker Casillas: A thorough professional and a great goalkeeper at his peak, Casillas is a ghost of his former self. He hasn’t put a foot right here, conceding more goals in two matches than he did in the whole of Euro 2008 and 2012, and the 2010 World Cup. It’s time he hung up his internationalboots.
Alexander Song and Pepe: Both got sent off for needless acts of aggression. Pepe’s headbutt on Thomas Muller was inexplicable because there had been no provocation. Jose Mourinho later accused Pepe of letting the Portuguese down. Cameroon midfielder Song acted like a kid when he lashed out at Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic.
Steven Gerrard: The England captain was expected to lead from the front but he failed to inspire his team-mates as his form dipped way below his best. He is certain to end his career without a major international medal.
Yuichi Nishimura: The Japanese referee made the headlines for all the wrong reasons for awarding a soft penalty to Brazil in the opener. Despite publicly backing Nishimura, Fifa hasn’t given him another match in the middle. That says something.
