worldcup
So the much awaited event kicked off on Friday night. Hosts, Germany, won deservedly against Costa Rica. Klose shined again as he did in 2002. But few surprises have already sprang up in first two days. Poland lost to Ecuador, England barely managed to scrape a 1-0 against a spirited Paraguay, Sweden held to a 0-0 draw by a ten man Trinidad&Tobago. England certainly did not live up to the billing. With so many world class players, they could not score a goal of their own. Looks like they are waiting for Rooney's return. They definitely owe three points to Paraguayan captain, who mistakenly header-ed the ball in wrong direction and scored an own goal.
All these made me become apprehensive about my favourites Argentina's match with Ivory Coast. They said that Ivory Coast is the best African team in the tournament and considering how T&T done against Sweden, I had my reasons to be anxious.
Anyway, I studiously stayed awake to watch this match. It was a marathon evening, which started at 21:00 local time(China). Argentina vs Ivory Coast's match started at 3Am local time again. And I did not sleep much previous night either. But I am crazy about Argentina, staying awake till 3AM was never a problem.
Argentina started with a rather conventional 4-4-2 approach with Riquelme controlling the midfield. Crespo and Saviola started as forwards, no surprises in the lineup. Pretty much expected. Sitting in the audiences was a five-foot, inimitable and enterprising Maradona donning the famous blue and white stripes jersey. That one reason alone must have inspired Argentina to win the match. You don't see Pele at a Brazil's match. But you might argue, they don't him to be there to inspire them. Okay, so be it.
As the match went on Argentina gathered momentum and showed why are they (one of the) favourites to win the worldcup. Riquelme set up both the goals, one each for Crespo and Saviola. He moved quite freely in midfield and passed the ball precisely and exquisitely. Saviola played very well, so did Ayala on the right and Abbondanzeiri was a wall in front of the goal. Argentina was very unlucky not to be given an early goal. Thankfully that did not change the outcome.
They played very well as a team and so far this match is the most entertaining one with traditional South American game and a strong African striking. Messi was conspicuous by his absence and I thought he would come on as a substitute. During the end after Drogba's goal Argentina was clearly under pressure and a cushion of another goal would have eased them a little. And Messi was the perfect guy for that. Aimar was introduced during penalty time and he had no time to do anything impressive. Considering that Pekerman was hesitant to include Aimar in Argentina team, it did not surprise me, but I hope to see more of Aimar. He is one heck of a player to be left out on bench.
The important thing is Argentina took full points and played a good game and deserved the win. Even Maradona couldn't help celebrating. Way to go Argentina. Bring it on baby.
All these made me become apprehensive about my favourites Argentina's match with Ivory Coast. They said that Ivory Coast is the best African team in the tournament and considering how T&T done against Sweden, I had my reasons to be anxious.
Anyway, I studiously stayed awake to watch this match. It was a marathon evening, which started at 21:00 local time(China). Argentina vs Ivory Coast's match started at 3Am local time again. And I did not sleep much previous night either. But I am crazy about Argentina, staying awake till 3AM was never a problem.
Argentina started with a rather conventional 4-4-2 approach with Riquelme controlling the midfield. Crespo and Saviola started as forwards, no surprises in the lineup. Pretty much expected. Sitting in the audiences was a five-foot, inimitable and enterprising Maradona donning the famous blue and white stripes jersey. That one reason alone must have inspired Argentina to win the match. You don't see Pele at a Brazil's match. But you might argue, they don't him to be there to inspire them. Okay, so be it.
As the match went on Argentina gathered momentum and showed why are they (one of the) favourites to win the worldcup. Riquelme set up both the goals, one each for Crespo and Saviola. He moved quite freely in midfield and passed the ball precisely and exquisitely. Saviola played very well, so did Ayala on the right and Abbondanzeiri was a wall in front of the goal. Argentina was very unlucky not to be given an early goal. Thankfully that did not change the outcome.
They played very well as a team and so far this match is the most entertaining one with traditional South American game and a strong African striking. Messi was conspicuous by his absence and I thought he would come on as a substitute. During the end after Drogba's goal Argentina was clearly under pressure and a cushion of another goal would have eased them a little. And Messi was the perfect guy for that. Aimar was introduced during penalty time and he had no time to do anything impressive. Considering that Pekerman was hesitant to include Aimar in Argentina team, it did not surprise me, but I hope to see more of Aimar. He is one heck of a player to be left out on bench.
The important thing is Argentina took full points and played a good game and deserved the win. Even Maradona couldn't help celebrating. Way to go Argentina. Bring it on baby.
posted by Srikanth | 1:53 AM
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