I find it very odd, everyone in the German team had a mare last night but most people still find the need to pick out Ozil who actually looked like he could make something happen but was still a bit poor admittedly! Really bizarre the obsession people seem to have developed with him since he moved to Arsenal! I am not just talking about rival fans, who gives a **** about what they think anyway, but journos, former German players, etc etc. Really really strange!

Ozil is too subtle for most people.

People want their players to run around like a headless chickens and perform histrionics to show that they are oh so "passionate".

I wouldn't pay too much attention Wump.

We all have our personal favourites and players we simply don't like, and it can be hard to put that to one side. Some people are more extreme and simply watch footy looking to pick out examples that fit in with their preconceived opinions or agendas.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, some people are so blinkered they don't even realise that Benzema and Cazorla are easily among the top two or three players worldwide in their positions.

I think it's a lot to do with reputation and price tag.

He cost £42m and is meant to be the main man in the Germany and Arsenal team.

When performances don't befit this people focus on it.

As I said, same thing happens with Rooney. To an extent it's understandable, as these players should be performing to the level their reputations suggest, and why when people point out that other players with either lesser ability or a lesser standing in the team/game are performing worse it is somewhat ignored because it's irrelevant to the focus on the star man's performance.

Obviously some have an agenda, but I think my point stands for many.

It's the nature of having a big name player. Especially one that cost so much.

DTKF, well said. You encompass my point succinctly.

This is what i have been telling Rooney apologists for years!

DK, I actually started to add something similar to my own post but realised I was writing one of my customary long-winded posts and opted out.

I agree with that - there's more than one factor involved.

Di Maria random play is almost as amazing as his incredible stamina !

the bloke would win the 'limpic marathon !

Fine player. Another one who if he cut out the 'clever play', he would be an even better player.

Missed the Argie's game, what was it like, boring?

Belgium-States saw most of the 2nd half + extra time, from what I saw looked like the most enjoyable match so far.

Argentina game was worst of the tournament. They just give the ball to Messi/Di Maria and expect them to do something magic despite providing no movement or options. Di Maria had the worst game I've ever seen him have but scored the winner

Fell asleep at half time in the Argy game.

That game just now was amazing.

Netherlands V Costa Rica the let down in the QF's. 2 worst teams left for me.

Rumour mill in Spain has it that both Casillas and Lopez will be shown the door and that Navas and Casilla will be brought in.

Ángel di María.

4/19 crosses.
63% pass success.
Lost possession 51 times.

wow

AND SCORED.

At least Iker's last game in a Madrid shirt will have been the CL final.

That's terrible, Andy. Di Maria has been poor in this world cup. Very surprising, was expecting him to play well.

Honestly wouldn't surprise me if Perez sells him and buys James on the back of their respective world cup performances. He's a mug like that.

Perez is now a genius again.

Again?

Fair point

Seriously, though, Madrid's transfer business this summer is gonna be really interesting.

They don't really need anyone of note. But there's the issue of Suarez and how his transfer will influence their spending.

I don't just mean that by him signing for them, but if he goes to Barca you'd imagine Madrid won't want to stand by and watch them make a marque signing while they make a few tweaks to the squad - even though it's probably the best thing to do.

Yeah, they'll buy someone amazing. Don't get why they are not in for Suarez.

Maybe they'll finally go for Aguero. Been linked with Falcao a fair bit but he's not as exciting as Suarez imo, great player though he is.

If City sell Aguero, which is unlikely, they should definitely go all out to bring in Sanchez and Falcao.

I can see Aguero persuading Messi to join City at some point for some reason. Their bromance seems strong, it's cute.