Argentina and Brazil appear to be gathering momentum
Brazil's Luiz Felipe Scolari (centre) interacts with his players in Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro at a training session. (Photo: AFP)
Rio de Janeiro: Is it South America’s World Cup as five out of the six teams from the region have made it to the second round? The early indications are positive but it’s not time yet to put the champagne on ice.In South Africa four years ago, all five representatives of South America qualified for the round of 16 with all but one topping their groups. But Uruguay alone travelled as far as the semi-finals.
At the outset, Europe has a challenge on its hands to break the hoodoo of not winning a World Cup on South American soil. If one includes tournaments conducted in Mexico, another Latin American country, the title count is zero out of six for Europe. After the exit of Italy and Spain, the onus is on France, Germany and the Netherlands to blaze a trail here.
All top teams should be relieved that Italy, one of the smartest countries in World Cup history, and Spain, the most successful in recent times, are out of the race. Argentina and Brazil appear to be gathering momentum with every match and a meeting between the two on July 13 would be a dream- come-true for neutrals.
It’s very much on the cards as both have topped their groups and are on different paths until the big day. The small matter of not losing their next three matches remains for the neighbouring nations.With Brazil meeting Chile and Colombia taking on Uruguay in the last 16, two South American teams will be out before the quarters. If you adopt the glass half-full approach, at least two teams from the home continent will be there in the last eight.
Argentina have every chance to make it three as they face Switzerland in the round of 16. One place for South America is guaranteed in the semi-finals as the winners of Brazil vs Chile and Colombia vs Uruguay will meet in the quarter-finals.Barring Manaus, where the heat and humidity are oppressive, the conditions aren’t too difficult for European teams. But the support at the stands is a huge plus for the likes of Argentina, Chile and Colombia as it’s easier for the fans of the three countries to travel to Brazil.
In addition, South American fans are among the noisiest in the world. Chile owed a crucial part of their win over Spain to the terrific atmosphere created by their amazing supporters at the Maracana.
( Source : tn raghu )
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