World Cup: Meet the 'Fantastic Four' Semi-Finalists Aamir Salati - india.com
go to original July 6, 2014

After an intriguing battle right from the group stage to quarter-finals FIFA World Cup 2014 has come down to final four. The best four out 32 teams have made it to the semi-finals and are in with a chance to lift the trophy on July 13. Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Netherlands have fought their way to be the semi-finalists of this year’s mega-event. As the battle intensifies and we narrow in on a champion here is a rundown of how these teams made it to the top four.



Germany: Searching for their fourth World Cup title Germany started their campaign emphatically and handed Portugal a 4-0 pasting in their opening game. Then a draw with Ghana and victory over USA saw them enter the round of 16.  In last 16 stage Germany faced Algeria who made sure it was not an easy walk in the park for Germans, but eventually in an extra time Germany had better of them to set a quarter-final clash with France. Mats Hummel’s early and only goal in 13th minute of the match against France meant Germany became the only team in history to qualify for a fourth consecutive semi-final.

Brazil: Five times champion and hosts Brazil had an extra-pressure and advantage as well of playing in front of the passionate home crowd. Things started nicely for hosts when they defeated Croatia 3-1 in the opening game of the tournament. Mexico proved to be a tough nut to crack for Brazil and settled with draw against them and then a comprehensive win over Cameroon helped them top the group and qualify for last 16. Chile was their opponent in the second stage and after 1-1 score line in fulltime, Brazil won on penalties to enter quarter-finals where they faced in form Colombia. A 2-1 win over Colombia meant Brazil face Germany in the semi-final, but without star striker Neymar JR as he has been ruled out of the tournament due to fractured vertebra he suffered during that game.

Argentina: Their journey did not saw any major bumps as they topped their group with an unbeaten run. Argentina defeated Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria to qualify for the second round where they faced Switzerland. Game against Switzerland went into an extra time with Angel Di Maria’s lone goal in the 11th hour handing his team a victory and a place in last 8. Belgium was their opponent in the quarter-finals and Gonzalo Higuain in the 8th minute of the game saw Argentina dominate early on and win 1-0 to inch closer to their 3rd title.

Netherlands: Runners-up in last edition of the World Cup met defending Champions Spain in their opening encounter and clinically punished them with a 5-1 victory. Next they defeated Australia and Chile convincingly to top their group and advance to round of 16. Mexico could not stop the flow of the Dutch in a round of 16 fixtures as 2-1 victory saw them make it to last 8. Netherlands then in quarter-finals faced underdogs Costa Rica who in the group stage were instrumental in eliminating Italy and England. Netherlands’ had tough time in breaking the Costa Rican defence and were denied goal for major part of the game, with no goal netted in an extra time the match then went into penalty shoot-out. Dutch substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul saved two penalties as his side won 4-3 to reach the semi-finals with an eye on their elusive maiden title.

See the original at india.com

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!