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catalyst2Greatest relief: Only one game of the six was decided on penalties and even that game was still a good game
Most surprising result: Argentina losing by 4 goals and, despite that margin, they didn't play that badly!
Continuing relief: no major injuries to anyone, let alone any of the big names
Saddest sight: Messi trudging off after the defeat to Germany - not only was his team out but his own performance had been poor by his standards
Player living up to his reputation: Arjen Robben has tormented every defence he has played against and he is still only at about 90%, I think - certainly, his straight-line speed is still reduced from its peak
Goal of the round: A tie between van Bronckhorst and Forlan, ironically in the same game and within half an hour of each other
Inescapable fact: no matter who wins the Final, it will be a new team carrying off the trophy for the first time since France did in 1998
Most surprising result: Argentina losing by 4 goals and, despite that margin, they didn't play that badly!
Continuing relief: no major injuries to anyone, let alone any of the big names
Saddest sight: Messi trudging off after the defeat to Germany - not only was his team out but his own performance had been poor by his standards
Player living up to his reputation: Arjen Robben has tormented every defence he has played against and he is still only at about 90%, I think - certainly, his straight-line speed is still reduced from its peak
Goal of the round: A tie between van Bronckhorst and Forlan, ironically in the same game and within half an hour of each other
Inescapable fact: no matter who wins the Final, it will be a new team carrying off the trophy for the first time since France did in 1998
