The Pacific air in Vancouver was thick with tension, the kind that only a knockout tie at a World Cup can brew. Forget the coffee, Peter Oh. This is t...
The Pacific air in Vancouver was thick with tension, the kind that only a knockout tie at a World Cup can brew. Forget the coffee, Peter Oh. This is the real caffeine. Switzerland and Colombia, after 90 gruelling minutes, could not be separated. They are now into extra time, with everything finely balanced on a tactical knife edge.One has to admire the sheer bloody. mindedness of this contest. Switzerland, as they so often do, have displayed an almost Teutonic efficiency in their shape. They sit in a low block, absorbing pressure, waiting for that single, clinical moment to break. Colombia, for their part, have looked the more adventurous side in spells, but they lack that final ball, that killer instinct in the final third. Is it a lack of composure, or simply a Swiss defensive structure that is as stubborn as the Alps themselvesThe emotional swings here are palpable. You can sense the fear in the stands. Squeaky bum time, as the old saying goes, has been in full effect since the 70th minute. Neither side wants to bottle it now. The transitional play from Colombia has been too hurried, too frantic at times. They snatch at half chances. Switzerland, meanwhile, are playing a patient game, waiting for Colombia to overcommit, to leave a gap at the back.It is this tactical flexibility that will decide this tie. Can Switzerland hold their nerve for another 30 minutes and force penalties, where they are historically efficient Or will Colombia find that spark of individual brilliance, a moment of magic from the wings, to break the deadlock It is a classic football conundrum. One moment of madness, one poor decision, or one piece of genius will separate these two proud nations.Here, in the drizzle of Vancouver, we are witnessing a proper, old fashioned knife fight. No frills, no fancy flicks that lead nowhere. Just two teams, utterly committed, and a crowd that is living every single heartbeat. The coffee can wait. This is the stuff of World Cup dreams.GoalZaza will continue to bring you every twist and turn. Mail Billy your thoughts, but keep them clean. We are in for a classic finish.
