SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

Argentina & the M&M factor

After dominating play, Argentina allowed Korea to cut into their lead just before the half. I felt it spelt trouble with a capital ‘T’ for Argentina moving forward in the tournament, since coach Maradona did not seem to be able to adjust his team’s defensive schemes. Instead, it was reported that Maradona boasted that his team was the best at the tournament with the ball at their feet. While he may have had a point at the time, coach Maradona should have been more focus on his defense instead of Gonzalo Higuain scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament in Argentina’s 4-1 win. Argentina secured their early passage to the Round of 16 and faced Mexico, while Germany was waiting in the wings to be their quarter final opponent. At the knockout stage, match ups and situational substitution are vital, especially with overtime and/or the dreaded penalty kicks lurking as the decider.

Diego Maradona theatrics, against Korea Republic

Argentina defeated Mexico 3-1 at Soccer City, before their football DNA was severely tested against Germany. While Messi and Tevez proved to be too much for El Tri, against Germany it was an

Gonzalo Higuain goal against Korea Republic

entirely different kettle of fish.

Billed as a mouth-watering duel, the Germany-Argentina quarter final match was everything it was billed to be, and then some. Argentina trailed 1-0 on a Thomas Mueller item in the third minute and from then it looked like they threw in the towel defensively after Miroslav Klose scored in the 68 minute to give Germany a 2-0 lead. It was a total disregard for defense on Ame Friedrich’s scored to give Germany its third of the evening and a 3-0 lead. Klose produced Germany’s fourth and his second of the game to give Germany a 4-0 win and Argentina a shocking experience. In turn Lionel Messi (the world’s number one player) will have to wait for 2014 Brazil for his elusive first FIFA World Cup title and first goal.

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