FIFA World Cup 2010 Group B: The Mighty Argentineans meets the talented Greeks, in a crucial Group B clash.
When Argentina meets Greece in the last match of their group, two very different styles of play come together. Argentina have already qualified for the next round and would look to top the table in order to stand a better chance at meeting a less tough opponent. Greece would also want the same, hoping to meet the number 2 team from Group A.
Argentina has been perhaps the most impressive team so far in this World Cup. Being considered one of the pre-tournament underdogs, Maradona’s men have played like vintage Argentina. With the likes of Messi, Di Maria and Veron disrupting the mid field almost at will, Argentina had no problem in dealing with their opening opposition, Nigeria in a 1-0 victory. They may have won 4 or 5 up that day, but perhaps due to the random impossible saves by the goal keeper denied the magical left foot of Messi on numerous occasions. They met Korea next, where they dismantled them by a brilliant hatric scored by Real Madrid man Higuain. He may however owe all three goals to the brilliant pin point passes he got right in front of goal. Argentina won 4-1 and qualified for the next round with a match to spare. Argentina would want to keep this form throughout the World Cup, as they have now become perhaps the biggest contenders for the World Cup.
The 2004 European Champions, Greece, had a terrible start to their World Cup campaign. Losing to South Korea in a 2-0 defeat, the Greeks vowed to come back in their next match against Nigeria. The Greeks were a goal down, before an inspiring display by the whole team, saw a solid come back as they stunned Nigeria to a 2-1 win, they currently have three points, followed by the Koreans. This makes it a must win for the Greeks. Greece’s 2-1 over Nigeria was their first victory ever in a FIFA WORLD CUP, and their coach is hopeful that they pull another upset over Argentina. After their emphatic win over Nigeria, the coach said, "I don't care what happens now. I'm just delighted for the team and for the fans; they never stopped believing in us".
Argentina’s ace Lionel Messi has been perhaps the most in control and calm player of this World Cup. Still not having his name on the scoring sheet, he has 15 shots on goal, only to be denied by the keeper time and again, or fall into the feet of his team mates for an easy tap in. Be as it may, Messi has been able to establish himself as the most lethal force and doesn’t look to be tamed. It would only be a matter of time when his sensational runs and quick, perfect and lethal strikes would prove too much for any goal keeper. Higuain, after scoring his first hatrik, would also be keen to add more to his tally and want to take home the Adidas Golden Boot. He has 8 shots on target and is a deadly force in the 6 yard box. Having being fed by the all star midfield of the Argentineans, Higuain would be given a lot of opportunities to have a go at goal.
Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez, having scored 23 goals 33 appearances, partners Higuain in the centre. He is hopeful that his team would go through to the next round as winners. He said, "Argentina is a team who go forward. We have good players, attacking players. We must go out on the attack and show our class. We must get forward and put our opponents under pressure".
Argentina would perhaps outplay the Greek in this epic encounter. Argentina has pace, tactics, ability, technique and above all, Lionel Messi in their team. The Barcelona’s main man is thirsty to add his name to the scoring sheet, and would look to give his all. With his brilliant ball control, it would only take a sec when he would create one magical move which would have all the football fans talk about him for months.
Tags: