Argentina defeated Nigeria by a solitary goal in an entertaining game at Ellis park in Johannesburg. Both teams attacked relentlessly and missed ample chances. Lionel Messi terrorised Nigerian defenders while Diego Maradona provided more entertainment with his antics. Result: Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0 Goal scorer: Gabriel Heinze. Man of the match: Enyeama (Nigeria goalkeeper) Highlights of the game: 1. Enyeama: He saved Nigeria from demolition by Messi. If he were not, scoreline might have been Argentina 5 - Nigeria 0. Series of world class saves frustrated Argentina forwards especially Lionel Messi. 2. Lionel messi's excellent skills on full display. On another day, he might have gotten hat-trick. Disappointments: 1. Angel Di Maria: He is poor except in 1 or 2 instances. He was in terrific form for Benfica. I expected a lot from him. 2. Argentina defence: No chance for progress beyond second round with this porous defence. Argentina is surely missing Javier Janetti. Demichelis is worst. 3. Nigeria's final ball: They created lot of chances but failed to deliver final ball. 4. Higuain: He missed 2 sitters. Maradona should pick Diego Milito for next game. Both Argentina and South Korea registered wins and Korea topped group B on goal difference. Greece was outclassed by pacy koreans in other group B game. Greece may exit from group stage. Tough contest for second place between South korea and Nigeria. … [Read more...]
Review of warm-up games
International friendly games before world cup are not a sole criterion to decide about a squad fate. But, warm-up games give us some clues about preparion, team cohesion and its form. Ex.“I will consider our campaign successful if we reach quarterfinals.” – Gerhard Mayer, President of Germany FA. But, Germany crushed Israel in a warm-up game (7-1). It is a signal. Germany reached finals in 2002 world cup. Miroslav Klose scored hat-trick in that game (his first game for Germany). He won Golden ball in 2006 and second behind Ronaldo in 2002. We get such cues from warm-up games. Warm-up games review: 1. Brazil: It crushed weak opponents in friendlies. Robinho form is an encouraging sign. 2. Spain: Spain is poor in warm-up games and strugged to defeat weak times like Saudi Arabia and South Korea. But, Spain regained form by crushing Poland - one of the best performances before warm-up games. 3. Argentina: Demolished Canada and is injury free. Argentina has chance to reach semi-finals/finals. 4. Holland: Wonderful form and can even defeat Brazil in quarter-final if Robben plays. Without Robben, Holland will be defeated by Brazil in quarters. Best performer in warm-up games. 5. Germany: Despite loss of many stars, Germany is still a favourite. But, Germany needs to defeat Argentina in quarter-finals. Young squad is in terrific form in warm-up games. 6. England: No chance after Ferdinand injury. Defence is looking weak. It first needs to defeat in-form USA in group C. Poor performance in warm-up games. If it tops Group C, some what easy draw till semi-finals. 7. Italy: Lost to Mexico and drew with Switzerland. They are jaded. No chance of reaching even semi-finals. It may struggle even to top group F. If Italy fails to top Group F, it may lose to Holland in second round. Pirlo injury is a big blow. 8. France: It is down and out if warm-up game form is a criterion. It drew with Tunisia and lost China. Difficult to digest for fans. South Africa/Mexico/Uruguay have improved their chances. 9. Portugal: Tough draw but chances improved after Drogba … [Read more...]
Loading ...
Recent Comments