July 11: World Cup Diary... What the favela?!

Magic Moment

The way Germany had Brazil defenders doing 360° pirouettes as they frantically backpedalled for Toni Kroos’ second and Sami Khedira’s goal was sublime.

What the favela?!

Twitter had lots of LOLS at Brazil’s expense. Top of our list was this one, showing the famous Christ The Redeemer statue unable to look at the horror going on during the 90 minutes.

Beach bum

The two as yet unnamed Dutch players who refused to take the first penalty for their country. Louis Van Gaal has sort of ratted them out — and it’s rather shameful. Ron Vlaar at least had the cohunes to step up and take the opening spot kick. It was saved but the Aston Villa man  should not take any of the flak. Save that for the two deserters.

They said what?

“I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life. I’m not sure how long it will take for me to get over this. This pain is big, very big.” — Brazil’s Fernandinho struggles to deal with the loss.

Stat attack

57.3 minutes on average of actual playing time. 

83% save rate for Argentina keeper Sergio Romero — the best in the competition. 

43.2 total miles run by Wesley Sneijder — the most of any player in the tournament so far.

Fixtures

Saturday, third-fourth place playoff, Brazil v Netherlands, 5pm.

Sunday, final, Germany v Argentina, 4pm.