IT IS the clash of two of the biggest stars of this World Cups - Neymar and James Rodriguez - as the No 10s of Brazil and Colombia go head-to-head today for a place in the semi-finals.
James Rodriguez (left) and Neymar (right) face off when Brazil meet Colombia tonight[GETTY]Neymar is the darling of the home nation and while he has scored four goals, Rodriguez has scored five, including his stunning volley against Uruguay.
The match in Fortaleza this evening will bring Brazil to a standstill, but can Colombia spring another shock in their first appearance in a World Cup quarter-final? It should be some day here because ahead of this match, the opening game is the mere matter of France against Germany.
Low hailed the talent production system which puts the Germans in contention at every major tournament - and contrasted it sharply with the crisis confronting the FA.
One-third of their squad has been affected this week by sore throats and colds, but Low said that Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mats Hummels and Sami Khedira were among those who had recovered in time to face the French at the Maracana.
Rodriguez has lit up the World Cup with Colombia [PA]Roy Hodgson' side finished bottom of their group here and Low said: "If England have a problem, their league has a disadvantage because there is a high percentage of foreigners. So it becomes difficult for the national coach to get things moving.
"We have changed over recent years because lots of young German players at German clubs have been given the advantage over foreigners and we're benefitting from that. In England, there are many foreigners and perhaps that is not always beneficial. I'm not unhappy if our players are abroad, though. They benefit personally and it helps them to mature."
Neymar has lived up to his billing as the World Cup poster boy [EPA]The illness, which threatened the Germans preparation, was actually worse than had been suggested by initial reports that seven players were affected.
"Yes, indeed, one third of our team were complaining about sore throats," added Low. "We were contaminated and need to see how that develops.
"Hummels had a fever but yesterday, all the players have been able to train. They're still slightly suffering but there is no feeling of exhaustion. Schweinsteiger and Khedira recovered well. I hope they stay stable and there is no worsening overnight."
No comments:
Post a Comment