Argentina 2 Mexico 1
MAXI RODRIGUEZ! What a strike. Unbelievable. Mexico ran out of gas at the end of the OT (save for one dangerous run by Zinha that Sorin had to hack down), but they may have been able to hang on for a shootout if not for an absolute thunderstike from outside the the area on the volley. Seriously one of the best goals of the tourney.
Plus, another early goal! Unlike Sweden and the US, though, Argentina is too experienced and good to be shocked by an early goal. The Mexican goal was very nice off the set piece. A perfect flick and Heinze lost his man for just half a second -- which was all Marquez needed to put it in the net. I like Heinze a lot as a defender, but even a good defender like that can lose concentration by for half a second and bam! A goal.
For the first Argentina goal, why was Borghetti marking Crespo? I realize Borghetti is good with his head, but still, Crespo is the top Argie striker - shouldn't you have an actual defender marking him??? Odd.
Mexico was very impressive in the first half. Not only did they shut down the Argentine attack, but they created quite a few chances of their own. Mexico was often able to go right down the Argie's throats, and surprisingly the Argie central defense wasn't able to defend them well. Heinze not having the best day. After losing his man leading to the Mex goal, he should have been red carded when Abondonzerri made an error and played the ball right to Mexico on a short goal kick. Scaloni was awful throughout the day - why was he started, when he didn't even play in group stage?
Second half though everything turns around. Argentina is playing great and Mexico not. At least until Zinha comes on - then it gets more even. Mexico, however, is able to hold the line for OT. Argentina brought in Messi and Tevez and they have much more energy than the Mexicans.
The refereeing in this game was good - more like it. Now ticky-tack yellows. There have been some harsh fouls, but the ref just calls them fouls - much better. Moreover, the ref has said uh-uh to a bunch of dives. The only problem: the linesman was awful! Mexico pulled what looked like a NICE offside trap, but the replay showed that it actually wasn't. Then in second half injury time, a really bad offside called against Riquelme, who crossed it to Tevez who put it into the net.
Plus, another early goal! Unlike Sweden and the US, though, Argentina is too experienced and good to be shocked by an early goal. The Mexican goal was very nice off the set piece. A perfect flick and Heinze lost his man for just half a second -- which was all Marquez needed to put it in the net. I like Heinze a lot as a defender, but even a good defender like that can lose concentration by for half a second and bam! A goal.
For the first Argentina goal, why was Borghetti marking Crespo? I realize Borghetti is good with his head, but still, Crespo is the top Argie striker - shouldn't you have an actual defender marking him??? Odd.
Mexico was very impressive in the first half. Not only did they shut down the Argentine attack, but they created quite a few chances of their own. Mexico was often able to go right down the Argie's throats, and surprisingly the Argie central defense wasn't able to defend them well. Heinze not having the best day. After losing his man leading to the Mex goal, he should have been red carded when Abondonzerri made an error and played the ball right to Mexico on a short goal kick. Scaloni was awful throughout the day - why was he started, when he didn't even play in group stage?
Second half though everything turns around. Argentina is playing great and Mexico not. At least until Zinha comes on - then it gets more even. Mexico, however, is able to hold the line for OT. Argentina brought in Messi and Tevez and they have much more energy than the Mexicans.
The refereeing in this game was good - more like it. Now ticky-tack yellows. There have been some harsh fouls, but the ref just calls them fouls - much better. Moreover, the ref has said uh-uh to a bunch of dives. The only problem: the linesman was awful! Mexico pulled what looked like a NICE offside trap, but the replay showed that it actually wasn't. Then in second half injury time, a really bad offside called against Riquelme, who crossed it to Tevez who put it into the net.
posted by Al at 3:46 PM
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