Friday, July 11, 2014

World Cup 2014 Argentina vs Germany preview

The finals are set for the 2014 World Cup. 
Argentina and Germany have been at their best during this World Cup and deserve to be in the finals. This will be the third time these two teams meet in the World Cup finals with both teams claiming 1 victory each. 



This will be Argentina's 5th championship appearance. They are 2-2  in the previous 4. 

Argentina's World Cup finals history. 
1930 L to Uruguay (in Uruguay). 
1978 W vs Netherlands (in Argentina). 
1986 W vs W. Germany (in Mexico). 
1990 L to W. Germany (in Italy). 

Argentina enters the championship after a pk win over the Netherlands. They are feeling good after a big win in a close game. Can they put the win behind them and prepare for a solid German team.  Messi can bring the magic, but the rest of the team must play their part. No one has to try to do something they are not used to doing. Messi can create but this will be the best defensive team he has faced in this World Cup. Argentina will have to find ways to slow down the German attack and gain possession of the ball.

Germany is making their 8th finals appearance. They are 3-4 in the previous 7. 

Germany's World Cup finals history. 
1954 W vs Hungary (in Switzerland). 
1966 L to England (in England). 
1974 W vs Netherlands (in Germany). 
1982 L to Italy (in Spain).  
1986 L to Argentina (in Mexico). 
1990 W vs Argentina (in Italy). 
2002 L to Brazil (in Japan). 

Germany enters the finals after a big win against host country Brazil. Can they come back down from the high of such a convincing win to refocus on defeating a dangerous player and quality team. Ond of the strengths of this team is the defense. They use 4 center backs in the back at most times. They are smart and physical and find ways to shut teams down. This Germany team is dangerous because they have balance. The back line is strong but the attackers are skilled and can break teams down. They are good 1v1 but they make runs and find open players. If  Ozil, Khaderi  play big in the mid field Germany has a good chance to win.

Messi is the best player on the pitch, but Germany has the better all around team. The immovable object vs the unstoppable force. It has all the ingredients to be a classic.

World Cup 2014 Brazil vs Netherlands preview

This is the 3rd place game. Brazil lost to Germany, and Netherlands lost to Argentina.
Which team shows up ready and willing to play.


The Netherlands and Brazil have meet 11 times with the series even at 3-wins 5-draws and 3-losses each. 
They have played 4 World Cup matches against each other. Both team have won 2 World Cup matches against each other. 

Brazil has to find a way to get up for this game. They are the host team, they will have their fans and they can end this World Cup with a win. This is going to be a difficult task because they still do not have Neymar. They will have to find a way to create and break down this Netherlands defense. Brazil still has a lot of talent on the pitch but will they be willing to play as hard in this game. They will have Silva back and that should help, but this could turn into the Germany game all over again. 

The Netherlands wants to win this game. They need to find their attack again, they have a lot of weapons and they need to get them going. Van Persie, Robben, and Sneijder need to find ways to score again for this team to be successful. The Netherlands will wear down Brazil with a constant attack, they are not conserned about Brazil's attack. 

Should they have a consolation game? 
Yes, it gives the teams a chance to leave on a good note. Playing another quality opponent which gives your team experience. It can also sling shot the winning team in the rankings, and use this game as a stepping stone. The sponsors have another game to be a part of. Maybe the fans can get in an extra game. 

No. The teams just lost in the semi finals they do not want to play a game that is not the finals. They would rather get on the plane and go home. The fans do not want to see the third place game, they want to see the championship. It is just for money, more tickets, more sponsors. 

World Cup Argentina vs Netherlands preview

World Cup semi final Argentina vs Netherlands. Both teams are fighting for a spot in the championship game. 



Argentina is playing well. Messi is playing like a captain doing big things in big situations. They attack by possessing the ball and trying to find Messi. Messi can create for himself and others. Watch for Higuane, Di Maria, are quality players that compliment this team. They are not going to take over a game but they can influence it.  They are not known for their defense but they defend well enough. Other teams are so conserned about the Argentina attack that they do not push forward as much. This allows the defense to play number up and be effective.

The Netherlands will push forward they will try to possess the ball in the mid field and use their speed to create opportunities. Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder are deadly and will draw a lot of attention from the Argentina defense. They will run and try to find numbers up. The Netherlands defense will need to find a way to slow down Messi and limit his touches. 

This could be a shoot out. If the Netherlands can find a way to limit Messi they have a good chance. Argentina will defend the Netherlands powerful attack and find ways to open up the Netherlands. 

World Cup Brazil vs Germany preview

World Cup 2014 semi final Brazil vs Germany. International powers meet with a championship berth on the line. 



Brazil has not lost an international game at home since 1975. They are playing without center back Thiago Silva, who picked up his second yellow card in the last game against Columbia. And Neymar who was injured late in that same game. This will hurt the host team, I know that they are Brazil and they have talent all over the pitch. Players are ready to step into those roles and show that they are capable. But lets be honest it will be hard to replace these two players. Silva is a defensive leader and organizer and Neymar is Neymar which means he is dynamic. It would have been tough for Brazil with these two on the pitch. Fred, Jo and Hulk will have to step up and find ways to open up the German defense.

Germany is an international power and no one is surprised that they are here. There is talent all over the pitch. They believe they can attack Brazil with out the fear of a counter. Mueller, Schurrle, Kroos and Hummels can posses and control the pace of the game. And when given a chance they can finish. They are strong in the back and do not give up a lot of chances much less goals. It will be hard for Brazil to break them down without Neymar.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Muscle Pain

MUSCLE PAIN

What is MUSCLE PAIN?
Muscle pain is soreness in the muscle that causes discomfort and limits the range of motion. This pain can be limited to one muscle or a group of muscles. Ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues can be associated with muscle pain.

WHAT CAUSES MUSCLE PAIN?
Muscle pain can be caused by overuse during an activity, improper warm up, or a muscle injury. Muscle pain is common  In these situations, the pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It is usually obvious which activity is causing the pain.

How do you care for MUSCLE PAIN?
Muscle pain can make it difficult to function so rest the area and apply ice within 24-72 hours. This will reduce the swelling and provide some pain relief. After 72 hours heat the area, by taking a hot epsom salt bath.

Continue to hydrate and get the proper amounts of fluids, this will limit or possibly prevent cramps that may occur.

Gentle stretching of the area periodically will help ease the current pain and help strengthen the area. Message is also an effective method to ease muscle pain and repair the areas range of motion. If you can not get a message try putting some tennis balls in a sock and roll that over the painful region. 

Regular exercise can help restore the muscle range of motion. Begin slowly and increase workouts gradually. Avoid high-impact aerobic activities and weight lifting when injured or while in pain.

If home measures are not effective, consult your doctor for additional treatment of the area.

LIMIT MUSCLE PAIN 
-Make sure to have a proper warm up before the activity to activate your muscles. 
-Stretch before the activity. 
-Hydrate before the activity. (5-7 oz) 
6-8 oz every 25-30 min during the activity. 
-Cool down and stretch after the activity. 
-Hydrate after the activity. 
-Rest.