After a historic goal glut in the first semifinal between Germany and Brazil,
the score of the Argentina-Netherlands semifinal was the exact
opposite, with Argentina winning on penalties after a relatively
listless 0-0 regulation and overtime. The opening 90 minutes produced a
goalless affair that seemed devoid of attacking ability. Though both
teams are graced with world class forwards like Robin van Persie and
Arjen Robben for the Netherlands, and Lionel Messi for the Argentinians,
none of them were able to find space or support to mount decent
chances. It was only on penalty kicks that the goal could be found.
In overtime, it was more of the same, with little or no opening to
speak of. Mere half chances from Robben and Messi were greeted by the
crowd in Brazil with the kind of enthusiasm that normally welcomes
spectacular offense. This trend basically told the story of the game.
Each team seemed poised to exploit the other's mistake. Only when no
mistakes came (since they were taking the same negative strategy), it
rendered the semifinal stale, and lifeless until penalty kicks. The
final of the 2014 World Cup will now take place between Germany and
Argentina on Sunday, July 13th at 3 p.m. EST (in a rematch of the 1986
and 1990 World Cup finals). Here are the rare highlights, few as they
were.
No comments:
Post a Comment