That’s a cultural thing. In Brazil most players are known by a single name only, usually the first (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romario, Cafu, Pelé, etc…) . Brazilians actually find it unusual when a player is called by his last name. Even in professional settings, a brazilian is much more likely to be called Mr. Crazy than Mr. Man. I imagine Colombia has a similar environment.
By the way, most brazilians seem pretty afraid of Colombia. When Brazil loses it is usually to WC powerhouses (Italy, France, Argentine, Netherlands). Colombia is playing much better than Brazil, but a possible loss will be extra hurtful around here.
This is a classic Pekerman team based around a world class No 10 versus a Brazil team perfectly set up to defeat teams like Colombia. World class CB’s, very fast wingbacks, big hitters in midfield and a forward line that’s great at transitions. On paper, Brazil should win. Colombia will need to sit deeper in order to protect their CB’s slowness, which reduces the effectiveness of their passing. My hope is that Pekerman has learned things from facing Brazil in the past, but on paper, it looks difficult.
For FRA-GER, France is playing better but Germany has the better talent, I don’t think Lahm in the middle is a good idea, and I think France’s wingers are going to expose that.
BTW James Rodriguez to be top scorer is still 2.37:1 on bet365. At worst I think it’ll be a dead heat getting your money back else easiest double up ever.
You did not miss much by not knowing him before the tournament. He was an average to a goodish player for Columbia but not a great one. However, don’t know about how he played for Monaco or Porto.
That’s Brazil fucked then. Hulk has to be the worst player for them. He tried to do 3 stepovers and his heel caught the ball faking himself. They can call up someone else right? They need to get that Firmino pronto.
Also hope Costa Rica knock the dutch out. I think I will spontaneously combust if that diving, bald, grinch looking asshole gets his grubby paws on that trophy.
Ugh, I lost my £20 bet so drank myself into oblivion last night. Head hurts. Watched the game with a Brazilian and a Colombian. The. Brazilian is over the moon but she doubts Brazil will make it much further. I don’t know what happened, I genuinely expected Columbia to run them over, Brazil haven’t really been anything special, Germans will F them up without Silva and. Neymar.