Pre Match Thoughts
There's not too much in the way of insight many can offer here. Argentina aren't especially exceptional on paper and from the brief looks at this World Cup so far, appear to be a bunch of steady workhorses who labour purely under the orders of protecting and looking for Lionel Messi. Which isn't too bad a plan, really. Older English fans may recognise their coach Alex Sabella as the man Sheffield United decided to opt for over a young Diego Maradona. Doh.
The Swiss are here after two wins over Ecuador and Honduras, but a 5-2 kicking from France showed their lack of real quality. Unless one of their number boots Messi ten feet in the air early on, it's hard to see them getting much of a foothold. I'm going 3-0 to the lads from the Argentine.
First Half
Contrary to just about all expectations, the best chances so far have fell to the Swiss. The first came from a cut back that the striker should have done better with, though it brought a solid save, the second failed miserably after the Swiss man through on goal lost all nerve and tried a tame chip when a simple blast would have been the obvious option.
Wake up time for Argentina, who have been well muzzled so far.
Second Half
A second half enough to send my tired bones to sleep, with the Swiss seemingly deciding to dig in and hold on for penalties or a chance for a breakaway. Messi has shown signs, but he'll be getting frustrated with the occasional rough treatment dished out. Argentina have been pretty disappointing, though, for a team supposedly amongst the favourites. Extra time, then
Extra Time
Which was all rather dull, with knackered players seemingly unable to create much. It seemed to suit the Swiss, who looked happy taking the lottery on the shoot-out. But then, with two minutes to go, Messi was finally put into space, rode a tackle and found di Maria, who had been pretty crap all day but managed a cool finish to win the day. Yet even then, there was still time for the Swiss to mount one last assault.
Alas, like Brazil against Chile, the Argentines had a friend in the woodwork.
Result
1-0 to Argentina.
Song to Listen to Very Loud
Son of Mustang Ford by Swervedriver. Give it a go.
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