FIFA World Cup, Group B: Argentina vs Greece, First Half Report
Argentina started their final group match against Greece knowing they have already made it to next round of the World Cup after their convincing wins in the first 2 matches. Lionel Messi, their wonder kid, has not yet been able to score, and right from the start of the match, he looked eager to get on the score sheet.
Greece, on the other hand, looked to have set up not to lose instead of going for a win; the former European Champions seemed to have parked the bus in front of the goal, but considering what they are up against, they would need a Double Decker to hold off the Argentine attack.
Lionel Messi, who is always at the centre of plans for any opposition manager, was being marked by Sokratis Papastathopoulos who constantly was the shadow of the Argentine forward; Sokratis kept fouling Messi on every given opportunity.
Greece continued to wait and watch in their own box, letting Argentina have most of the ball, which prompted commentators to say that this is probably the most negative setup seen so far in the World Cup.
There was a nasty coming together between the tall Greek striker Georgios Samaras and Martin Demichelis. Argentina players protested to Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov, but he decided to keep his cards in his pocket (unlike few other referees who have been using the red card very freely).
After 15 minutes, Sergio Aguero showed the first glimpse of his talent, darting into space and using his left foot, but goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas made an easy save. Moments later, Juan Veron unleashed a fierce volley from 30 yards, but the keeper tipped it over the bar to keep the score at nil nil.
Aguero once again had a chance to get his team ahead, but was denied by the defender as the keeper was beaten by the lay off from the wing. Maybe it was the lack of motivation, because there was not the same spark from the South Americans. Nonetheless, there was constant pressure from Argentina, as Greece continued to be content with defending. Their goalkeeper was certainly the star of the show for Greece.
Tzorvas made two more phenomenal saves: the first one after a silky move when the ball finally ended up at Rodriguez’s feet and he let loose a strong left footed shot, only to be denied by the keeper. In a matter of seconds, it was Messi who tried his luck with a curling well placed shot, but Tzorvas once again was up to the mark.
The same pattern continued almost throughout the first half, but Argentina were not able to break through. Looking at the way Greece are approaching the match, Argentina are sure to get at least 2 goals sooner or later. Next half may see the Greek defensive wall finally breaking down.
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