Argentina 6-0 Serbia&Montenegro
The Argentines have made the world stand up and take notice. They have announced themselves as serious challengers to Brazil's throne with an annihilation of a supposedly solid Serbian defence. This was expected to be a tough clash, with the Serbs defending hard and pressing the South Americans all over the park. But expect for a short period in between the first and second goals, the Argentines were in complete control. This has been the first truly decisive result in the world cup so far. Sure we've had brilliant performances from Ecuador, Spain, Italy and Czech Republic, and creditable openings for Germany, Mexico and Australia but Argentina are the first of the true contenders to turn on the style and issue a warning to the champions.
The gauntlet has laid down, not only to Brazil, but also to the other nations who believe they have a chance in this tournament. The Argentine's ability to hold the ball for long periods of time before coming up with a series of fast, accurate passes and superb finishes was in stark contrast to the fare served up by the other hopefuls, Germany, England, France (who have failed to score in their 6 hours of world cup football since that famous victory at the Stade de France in 98) and even Brazil themselves. England and Sweden, not to mention the Netherlands, will be trembling in fear after that display of sheer mastery. The sweet thing for coach Pekerman is that there was no single standout player. The team, all 14 players who took part in the game were stunningly in unison. The commentator criticized Messi for being a hog as soon as he came on. The next play he wevaed through the defence and slid in a perfect cross for fellow substitute Tevez to net a fine goal. The lead up play to the goals was particularly eye-catching. The interplay between the midfielders was the highlight of the game for me. Without Davids and Seedorf, I think the Dutch are going to struggle against this red hot Argentine line-up. And if they do end up playing England, it is going to be a similar slaughter because England's midfield has been non-existent so far and the signs are not good for them. The real challenge in the early knockout stages may come from a equally well-knit, harmonious Mexican side or the unpredictable Portuguese.....
2 comments:
Have you ever seen something so profoundly beautiful it's almost rbought you to tears? In my limited WC viewing, the Argentinians almost reached those heights. Simply...outstanding! Exquisite! and Cambiasso's goal was simply out of this world! What a challenge the've issued to the Brazilians! I've never seen a team so woefully restrcited like SCG this time...
a breathtaking display, no doubt about it. i hope they havent peaked prematurely.......
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