The Sleeping Giants in Brazil

By Azeez Said

The FIFA World cup has commenced in Brazil with at least half the population of the world watching and it promises to be a very interesting and allow me to say 'goal filled tournament' with no stalemate registered yet. 

Before the commencement of the tournament, there sure have been some countries tipped by most people as the favorites to go all the way to the finals but at least 2 of them seem to have been sleeping at the beginning of the FIFA World cup (though one seem to have woken up early enough). 

Lets talk about Brazil first. The level of expectancy from the host nation seemed to be weighing down on them too much in the first 30 minutes of the opening match and they couldn't stamp their authority on the game for majority of the first half, but then comes the 'Savior' - Neymar, the kid who has been said to not be able to carry the Brazilian team on his shoulder, and with two goals from Neymar and another from Oscar (another player who has been criticized and said to not deserve a place in the starting 11) Brazil won their opening match. 

But moving on to Spain, the reigning European and World champions who have enjoyed all the hype,publicity and even a near perfect qualifying campaign before the World cup, they seem to be resting on their laurels after past glories. They have become too predictable that I can arrange a set of boys to play them and still get a result out of the game.

After that unexpected humbling in the hands of losing finalists in the last World cup - Netherlands, they have to go back to the drawing board and try to get things right the next time. When the 30 man squad list was out, I expected Jesus Navas and Diego Costa to make the final 23. Why? Because they are the only players out of the rest to offer something different, something direct, incase they needed to go 'gong hoo' in their approach but only Costa made the final cut but it promises to be a frustrating tournament for the Athletico Madrid man with Brazilians booing him all through the tournament (which might not be more than 3 games). 

My idea on what should be done is replace Pique with Javi Martinez, keep Cassilas (there is no better option), it is high time Xavi was replaced but I don't see that happening so a decision should be made on who to start among Busquet and Xabi Alonso, Pedro should also come in and he might want to think on whether or not to start Costa. 

But if Del Bosque thinks nothing needs to be done and still insists on going with the same line up, Spain might find themselves already out of the tournament just after the second match against Chile. It is not a sleeping competition and they have to realize that fast. 

What are your thoughts, who do you think should remain in the starting line up? Who needs to be dropped? and who should come?