Hunt: Watch Germany in 2014

By Gavin Hunt

Well it's all over and done with now, but let's reflect on the last four games.

I was very disappointed with the Germans in the semifinal game. I really thought they might have had the beating of the Spanish team, but a big blow for the Germans was the loss of Thomas Mueller.

He gave them the penetration, creativity and goals that they lacked in that game. I certainly felt that the central midfield of Germany, who had dominated most of their previous games, were outplayed in that semifinal clash.

I also thought Mesut Oezil, who had been magnificent, didn't drop deep enough into midfield to try to retain the ball better when it was needed for Germany keep the ball for longer periods of time.

With Germany playing from such deep positions, they had too much of the field to cover to try and counter-attack when they had the opportunity.

It is very difficult to play against Spain when you don't press high up the pitch. The only team that did really well against Spain was Chile. They played with two strikers pressing high up the pitch when out of position. Spain were by far the better team and deserved the victory. I thought it was their best game in the whole tournament.

Holland got up early in the game and dominated from the start. They should have sealed the game early on, but seemed to take their foot off the pedal and didn't try and keep creating chances to score.

Instead they dropped off deeper and tried to play a possession type of game, which doesn't really suit them.

All credit to Uruguay, they played really well and had chances to level it at three-all. I thought Diego Forlan was magnificent and, rightly so, he got Player of the Tournament.

I thought Holland were the better side and had too much for Uruguay.

The third and fourth place game between Germany and Uruguay was a fantastic game to watch because they play with much more freedom. Germany gave a lot of young players an opportunity and they never let them down.

For me, Germany have to be the big favourites for Brazil in 2014. They have a young and energetic team that will certainly grow over the next four years.

I was very disappointed with the final on a really cold and blustery evening. The pitch looked really dry and hard, which is typical of a Highveld pitch at this time of the year and I don't think it helped the game at all.

The ball seemed to be very lively. The game was a real stop-start affair, with both teams not making the referee's job easy. I felt the players were really diving and play-acting anytime there was contact so the ref has a helluva job to do.

Spain dominated possession of the ball, but really didn't create as many chances as they should have, but they always looked to be the better side in the attacking third.

In saying that, Arjen Robben had the best chance of the game when the score was still 0-0.

I thought Spain over the whole tournament and certainly in the knockout stages showed the resolve and the determination to do enough to win these tight games.

I certainly feel the team peaked at the right time. All their players are at the right age, with enough experience and big match temperament.

The ability of all their players in their positions is certainly of a world-class standard and congratulations to them for a wonderful world cup.

That's it for another four years.

Cheers,

Gavin