Brazil vs Germany

Brazil vs Germany match report World Cup 2014: Utter humiliation for hosts as Germany hit seven past hosts

They spent the previous four days weeping for Neymar. They will spend the rest of their lives grieving about Tuesday, 8 July, and the day that Brazilian football was demolished in one of its own great cities.
In the list of great sporting collapses it is hard to think of an occasion as raw, as painful and as humiliating as this, when Germany scored five goals in 29 minutes against a Brazil team that had taken leave of any semblance of a game-plan. Extraordinary and excruciating to watch it was a World Cup match like no other. Even the Germans sensed that they should mute their celebrations, as if they were also bystanders at a solemn state funeral.
Something was lost to Brazilian football yesterday that will never be recovered, not in this generation or perhaps many more to come. It was their misfortune that the second World Cup finals in their country coincided with one of the most mediocre Brazil teams in memory but even then no-one expected a defeat that Luiz Felipe Scolari himself described as “catastrophic, terrible”. This was football history being made.  It was a realignment of how we think about the world game and where the power lies.

Was this worse than Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup decider at the Maracana? How could it not be? The final say on that will have to be decided in the endless days, weeks, months of debate that will follow in Brazilian society but the irony will not be lost on them. This was the tournament that was supposed to exorcise the ghosts of the “Maracanazo” and instead it has lumbered a whole new generation of Brazilians with a complex they may never shift.
This was a World Cup semi-final lost in an avalanche of Germans goals midway through the first half that turned the rest of the match into an absurdity for the home fans. They went through anger, to disbelief on to irony, cheering Germany’s seventh goal and greeting every successful pass with an “Ole” and a sneer in the direction of their own hapless players.
If there was any consolation after the sixth and seventh goals were slotted away by the substitute  Andre Schurrle in the second half, it was that the Brazil players did not lose the plot or disgrace themselves with a sending off. It remains to be seen how this country, with so much social unrest kept repressed by the loyalty to the national team, reacts. They have paid $11bn to stage this World Cup finals and it has turned into the most expensive ritualistic moment of humiliation of which a nation state could conceive.

“Ordem e Progresso” it says on the flag. Disorder and chaos on the pitch. What happens to Luiz Felipe Scolari now is anyone’s guess. He says that he will be in charge for the third-place play-off on Saturday, which cruelly gives this team four more days together at their mountain-top camp in Teresopolis, with a hostile populace at the gates.
Afterwards the Brazil coach presented himself for cross-examination with humility and quiet fortitude. He deluded himself a little that there was “nothing that could be done” about that run of goals in the first half but there was one moment that stood out when he was asked to assess his legacy as a World Cup winner in 2002, and then the man who presided over this disaster.
“I'll be remembered probably because I lost 7-1, the worst defeat Brazil have ever had, but that was a risk I knew I was running when I accepted this position,” he said. “Life goes on. That's what I'll do.”
He will step down after this tournament, remembered best for 2014’s humiliation. His team were dreadful, falling to pieces after the second goal against a Germany team that never looked likely to lose control of the match. They took their chances in that first half run of goals when Thomas Mueller, Miroslav Klose Toni Kroos (twice) and Sami Khedira all scored. They did what all good teams do and hunted down an opponent that could not handle the pressure.
In goal Manuel Neuer was superb. Tonight, the Netherlands and Argentina face one another for the other finalist’s place on Sunday but it is Germany who have emerged from the pack with the stand-out performance of the knock-out round. It is hard to see past Joachim Low’s team now as the favourites for this trophy, the fruit of so much planning and well-laid plans over the last 14 years.
As for the game, the national anthem went well for Brazil, at the beginning of which Julio Cesar and David Luiz held up a Neymar shirt, and then it was downhill from there.
It was obvious from the very start that against a team with Germany rigour and qualities, it was going to be hard for Brazil’s two defensive midfielders Fernandinho and Luis Gustavo to pass the ball forward in any meaningful way. The Germans allowed the Brazil defence to have the ball and then ran their midfield pair down as soon as they were given it. The first scare came on seven minutes when Klose’s shot hit Kroos and deflected wide. Then the floodgates opened.
When the teams came out Scolari had presented Low with a small gift in a blue bag that took the Germany coach by surprise. He had nothing with which to reciprocate. It was the last time that Low was surprised by anything that Scolari did, apart from perhaps any mild feeling of disbelief the German might have had at how quickly Brazil fell apart. All the nasty surprises were for Scolari.

45 MINUTES THAT DESTROYED BRAZIL 
KLOSE BREAKS RONALDO RECORD 

The first of which was a badly defended corner on 11 minutes. Luiz allowed Muller to creep away from him and when Philipp Lahm’s ball from the right dropped it dropped at the feet of the 24-year-old who beat Cesar from close range. Was that the point at which Brazil fell apart? The feeling was that it was later. After the first goal, Brazil had a single attack, in which Lahm brilliantly tackled Marcelo in the box.
Then No 2 came from Klose, the goal that made him the record World Cup goalscorer with 15, ahead of the Brazilian Ronaldo. It started with Kroos who found Muller who could have shot but teed the ball up for his strike partner. Cesar saved the first effort and then Klose put the second one away. At that moment the realisation flooded Brazil that they may well lose this game and they responded in the worst way possible. They collapsed.
The third came from Kroos, rifled in by his left foot after Lahm’s cross from the right had been missed by Muller. Germany were running all over their opponents. To say that they figuratively smelled blood would be underplaying it. The opponent had already surrendered and they were sacking the city.
Another followed three minutes later. Fernandinho was entirely culpable in losing the ball and then came the breakaway. Muller passed to Kroos for the fourth goal. Brazil were on their knees. It happened again. Khedira breaking forward and switching the ball to Mesut Ozil. Khedira got it back and scored. The Germany bench erupted for the fifth time. Not even half an hour had been played. As they returned to their seats there was disbelief among the German staff.
Booed off at half-time, Scolari tried to change things with the introduction of Ramires and Paulinho. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, the brilliant Manuel Neuer made three great saves from Ramires, Bernard and Paulinho and the fight seeped out of Brazil.

On 69 minutes Schurrle, on for Klose, scored the sixth. The seventh was a marvellous hit by the Chelsea man from the left channel of the box. In his goal, Cesar looked like a man who was wondering how he might best get out the country at the first opportunity. Then with a minute remaining Oscar broke free and finally beat Neuer.

By then the hone fans had already been applauding Schurrle and greeting each German pass with an “Ole”. It was surreal, but then before this day they had never lost a World Cup game by more than two goals. For Brazil, this was a new territory, and the humiliation was like no other.

GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Permit the liberty I take in addressing this open letter to Mr. President. I am a bona fide Nigerian and a senior citizen. I am by the grace of God past eighty-four years walking this earth.
I remain perpetually grateful to the Lord God for the gift of salvation and the unprecedented privilege of being a joint heir with Jesus Christ, Our Saviour. I am one among His ambassadors, and a Minister of the Gospel and an Elder. This is not boasting: it is a testimony; 'I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof and be glad' (Psalm 34:1 and 2): If this is erroneously deemed boasting, we are permitted to boast in the Lord.
I have been active in politics since I was sixteen years old from the secondary school. I was a very active member of the disciplined Zikist Movement. I was a local president of the NCNC/NEPU alliance in Bukuru on the Plateau in the 1950s. I was a very effective and successful Trade Union leader as a young adult on the Plateau. I have made great contributions in both participating in sport and in the development of youth through sport.
Forgive my talking a bit of myself. I do so only to justify the liberty I take to address this letter to my President because I am going to base this letter to Mr President on my Christian faith and understanding of politics and governance.Mr. President; my understanding and only accepted definition of politics is that:  'Politics is the proper management of the affairs of men - preferably by the righteous'. Because I am told that you are a Christian, our Lord Jesus made a statement in John 10:10 which to my understanding reflect politics. It is from it that I drew my accepted definition. The Lord did say 'The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly'.
Nigeria for decades has been indulging in politics and governance that uphold the first part of our Lord's statement: the politics of steal, kill and destroy Nigeria's economy and in consequence; the Nigerian people. I had hoped that you might incline your pattern of politics and governance to part 'b' of our Lord's statement: providing life and life more abundantly for our economy and people. Your Excellency's government and politics to my understanding, inadvertently mingles and battles to sustain the policy and practice of hurting Nigeria.  I, therefore, deem it a bounding duty and responsibility to draw your Excellency's attention to my personal views on events and developments since you became president. Corruption is not just the dynamic manifestations of the sordid acts of scoundrels and kleptomaniacs: it is the calculated ruining of that which is good by any individual, group of people, or government.
In Nigeria polity, Corruption has developed to a very dynamic and powerful major national religion. It is an admixture of religions in Nigeria championed and piloted by Christians and Muslims. Corruption as number one religion of Nigeria, craftily eschews tribe, gender and religion as qualification for membership. The only qualification for membership is that one can steal, kill and destroy the economy of Nigeria and in consequence what sustains Nigeria's greatness. Governments and some leaders in Nigeria are 'unconsciously' obligated to make a b-line for membership of the religion of corruption because of the attendant benefits of filthy lucre. Christianity is not a religion, and, therefore, genuine regenerate disciples of Christ should not be vehicles of corruption. Mr. President: the goings on in Nigerian polity under your leadership is progressively taking on new, worrisome and dangerous dimensions. It is beginning to appear that Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan is either re-elected in 2015 to rule us for another four-year term or there will be no Nigeria.  May it not be so please, Mr. President! The prevailing pattern of politics and governance in Nigeria is awkward, very irresponsible, heartless and treacherous.  It sustains a season of falsehood, deceit and confusion. These add up to one word: - Terrorism. You met us as one Nigeria - even though currently a very sick country. You can facilitate our healing and improve our lot by applying the 'Balm of Gilead'. If you cannot heal and improve our lot, please apply a soothing balm: The 'balm of Gilead'. The ongoing politics is perilous and portends nothing but intent towards the destruction of a nation.  Mr. President: I persuade you not to run for election in 2015. You are already Mr. President and as ex-President, your privileges will be immense and kept alive for as long as you live. You will also have the privilege of being a positive reference point for politicians because of your noble act in contributing to the preservation of your country, Nigeria.
The most unfortunate thing that has happened to Nigeria during your regime is the unfettered advantage and privilege given to hypocrites, evil doers, godless and dangerous folks who found their way into your choice team of senior advisers. They are vehicles of destruction. They are hell-bent on amassing wealth and destroying Nigeria. They desperately need another four years to accomplish their devilment.
Like the First Lady once rightly exclaimed, 'There is God O!' Let the mischief makers realize that there is a God Almighty - the final arbiter Who can kill both body and soul in hell. Only a fool says in his heart that there is no God. We know that there is a God - the creator of the whole universe and the one greater than that which He created. He will judge the quick and the dead.Mr President, think about the points I have raised.Do not contest the elections in 2015. GOD bless you Mr. President!  Save Nigeria and you will have a worthy name.
Jesus  the Christ left his majesty on high and came down here on earth for us as sinners and not for the righteous. He suffered and laid down his life atonement for our sins. He returned to heaven and today he has a Name that is above every name in heaven, on earth and beneath the earth. He set an example for us as Christians to emulate in our leadership style.
Mr. President! You can emulate Jesus! It is possible to emulate Jesus! Mr. President: Salutations and respect!
Iloh is the  President,   Eclectic Network

Jonathan, Obasanjo, others in Council of State meeting …promise Chibok girls' rescue

 

The Council of State, made up of former heads of government, on Tuesday held its second meeting in the year and came out with a promise that the abducted pupils of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, would soon be rescued.
More than 200 girls were seized from the school on the night of April 14 by members of the terrorist Islamic sect, Boko Haram. The incident has attracted global condemnation and protests. Almost 90 days in the custody of the terrorists, there have been many not-too-pleasant stories about the welfare of the girls.
But briefing journalists at the end of the Council meeting, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio said the military high command had given assurances that the girls were safe and would soon be rescued.
Akpabio said the council was satisfied that those security agents knew where the girls had been kept and that the soldiers were on top of the situation.
He said, 'Top on the agenda of the meeting was the security of the nation. We were briefed by the President and the National Security Adviser on the steps that are being taken.
'Top on the security issue was the rescue of Chibok girls, which military authorities also confirmed that efforts were being made and that very soon we will have good news.
'It is also heart-warming to note that the issue is not whether we can rescue the girls, but the issue is how can we rescue them in a way that we can ensure their safety so that we don't end up endangering their lives in the attempt to rescue them?'
He advised that Nigerians be patient in view of the worsening insecurity in the country, stressing that terrorism was a new development in the nation and that it would take time to put an end to it.
Akpabio said, 'What also came out is the need for Nigerians to be patient because terrorism is a new challenge in Nigeria and it is not something that goes away immediately and we have to be meticulous in our approach and make sure that we take the best steps forward to reduce and minimise possible loss of lives in an attempt to curb the insurgents.
'We are very satisfied the security agents know very well where the girls are located and they are on top of the situation.'
At the meeting were ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Shagari; former heads of state, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar; ex-military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida; and former Head of the Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan.
Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), who is a national leader of the opposition All Progressives Congress, was the only living ex-head of government that did not attend the meeting.
Also on the attendance sheet were Vice President Namadi Sambo; President of the Senate, David Mark; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; and some former Chief Justices of Nigeria as well as state governors.