Brazil and Netherlands both produced some memorable performances in the World Cup, but unfortunately for both the teams they will not be able to participate in the final. For Brazil the confrontation was bitter and one they would like to forget. The hosts were at the receiving end of a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany who showed the five time world champions no mercy as they scored four goals within the space of six minutes.
A jam packed Estádio Mineirão was left silent as Brazilians fans watched in horror their team concede one goal after the other. The performance surely had a negative impact on the supporters but it is unfathomable what the players themselves would be going through.
Luckily for Brazil, they have a number of young budding players who can definitely step up before the start of the next world cup which is to be held at Russia in 2018. First and foremost Brazil’s talismanic forward Neymar will definitely be a much more improved player and it is exciting to imagine how much he would be able to contribute to the national team in four year’s time.
The Barcelona star was his team’s standout player of the tournament scoring four goals and his side definitely suffered without him in the match against Germany as they seemed toothless in the attack. It is fair to say that apart from Neymar, the Brazilian attack has been mediocre at best. The likes of Fred and Hulk have been very disappointing and if the duo fails to make many appearances in a Brazil shirt in the future it will not come as a surprise.
A Seleção have other young players who can be groomed into potential world class players and can better share the goal scoring burden with Neymar. Shakhtar Donetsk winger Bernard is one such example. The 21 year old became one of the most sought after players last summer with Shakhtar Donetsk ultimately claiming his signature. Bernard has a fair amount of pace and flair and definitely has the traits to become a world class player in the future.
Lucas Moura was not part of Brazil’s 23 men world cup squad, but has a good chance of being in the mix of things next time. Despite not having the best of seasons with PSG the 21 year old has age on his side and can definitely improve. Oscar is another exciting prospect who despite his young age has established himself as an important player in the Chelsea as well as the Brazilian squad.
The youngster has improved in leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho which definitely bodes well for his national side. After their disappointing outing against Germany, Brazil will surely be looking to improve their defence and might find the solution in young Marquinhos who despite his young age is a fine defender. The former Roma man is currently being chased by Barcelona who are willing to spend a big amount on him which speaks volumes as to how good he is.
Apart from the aforementioned players Brazil have other talented players including Leandro Damiao, Alex Sandro and Philippe Coutinho who could develop into world beaters in a couple of years.
Netherlands on the other hand largely relied on Van Gaal’s tactical brilliance to go far in the competition. Holland were expected to bow out of the competition in the first round only, but the Oranje fought valiantly and marched to the semi-final of the competition.
Van Gaal surely deserves an applause having done so well with quite an average squad. But whoever will be in charge of the Dutch national team four years later will have a hoard of talented players in the squad. The World Cup has made the world identify just how good some of the Dutch youngsters are some of whom would definitely be involved in the current transfer window.
PSV youngster Georginio Wijnaldum is one such player. An injury to Roma star Kevin Strootman left the Dutch midfield depleted but the 23 year old filled in with aplomb. Even though he did not manage to get himself on the score sheet he did a commendable job throughout the tournament managing a pass completion percentage of 87%. The Feyenoord youth product is definitely one for the future.
Another young player to have impressed for the Dutch is 22 year old Stefan de Vrij. The Feyenoord man was one of his side’s most consistent performers and can take credit for the fact that his side conceded just four goals in six games. PSV Eindhoven youngster Memphis Depay is another player to watch out for. The 20 year olds participation in tournament was restricted to substitute appearances but he could cement a permanent position for himself in the national team in four year’s time.
Despite being knocked out of the tournament it is important that both teams pick themselves up and start preparing for the next edition of the tournament. It is inevitable that many of the current star players from both sides might not be present when the World Cup is held at Russia but both teams are stocked with some brilliant young talents who can take their teams far next time around.
