I wanted to comment on the WC:
Brazil:
They aren't the Brazil I am used to watching. Their possession was quite weak. The only players with ball skills were Neymar and Hulk. Missing Silva was a huge issue against Germany. They do not have any Backs besides Silva that play tactically. No real good markers. Luiz is quite decent, but he's not a leader from the back that was Silva's job. Really disappointing semi to watch. Their style of play is much different than it was during the 1990's-2000's where I grew up watching. There was no "Roberto Carlos" although Hulk certainly did his best impression. Neymar isn't Ronaldo either.
Germany:
First of all they have the best dressed team. Red/Black. They need to use their 1908 kit again...classic.
The German team is pretty much the same team I saw in Africa. Virtually all the same players. I remember them being talked about as being the youngest squad 4 years ago. Well, if there is any team with players in their prime it is Germany. They are the best team because they have so much talent at the ripe age. They even have the same coach for the last six years which helps. I think Muller plays like an ass, and I don't like his style of play. He falls over way too easily and should get carded for most of his falls. Klose is getting too old to offer anything other than cherry picking but he's a smart striker.
Neuer is a great goalie and reacts quickly. Lahm and Boetang are superior defenders. Hummels and Mustafi are good as well. They have 7 superstar midfielders. My favorite Podolski doesn't even play that much anymore. That is why they are the best team.
Argentina:
Messi. That is Argentina. They have Messi who can create his own shots and pass extremely well. He is an attacking midfielder in nature that can shoot better than any striker in the WC. He has the best set piece accuracy. He can take a ball from the midfield and create all the way to the goal line or get fouled into a set piece. Romero is a pretty good keeper. Other than that...no one really stands out...but they seem to play well as a team!
Netherlands:
First of all their color orange is so freaking annoying to the eyes- I hope they lose to Argentina so I don't have to watch a sea of orange...but otherwise.
As we are discussing: Robben is their creator. As much as I hate to watch him play, he does play well. He seems almost robotic in the way he moves with the ball. I've never seen anyone run like him. But like many creators, he takes dives. Diving should result in red cards. You would see much less of that bullshit then. Persie is a premier striker. Sneijder is fun to watch and a good set piece guy. Jong is a monster. I'm not much familar with their defense but I assume their offense carries them and they seem to somewhat hold possession well.
I predict the Germans will beat the Argentines. The dutch won't be able to stop Messi, but Germany will.