June 24, 2010
World Cup 2010- Argentina Defeats Greece 2-0 and Qualifies to the Round of 16
By Stephen Lars
The Argentinean national soccer team won its last game of the group stage against Greece with a 2-0 that has allowed the Albiceleste squad to move forward into the next round of the World Cup South Africa 2010.
The Argentines kept the possession of the ball from the start. Perhaps a bit messy on their midfield game, Diego Maradona’s team still managed to push strong against a very well placed and organized Greek defense. This was an important part as to explain why the Argentine team was not moving quickly up on the scoreboard. Lionel Messi was kept under close watch as regardless of his position he was always pressed by at least one player. This was the first time that Messi played as the team captain in this tournament.
Despite their effort, the South Americans were unable to unlock such a tight defense from the Greeks. At most times, all of the Hellenic squad was playing in their field, and most of what came on their offensive was accomplished through fast breaks.
Maradonas team was certainly superior. In their first half, his team had at least 4 clear shots at goal. But either luck or the great performance of the Hellenic defense kept the Argentinean fans that crowded the stadium from celebrating. Messi had some great plays in the midfield, but still was far from finally scoring in the tournament.
The Thick, or La Pulga, as the talented player is known both homeland and abroad kept trying to dribble his way into the Greek penalty area, yet he kept finding it way too crowded. He had one heck of a first half, but still couldn’t score.
Juan Sebastian Veron made it back to the 11 starting players for this game. The well known and vastly experienced midfielder was very consistent with his long and short distance passes.
Alexandros Tzorvas, the Greek goalkeeper kept Veron from scoring his first goal. The keeper was able to deflect a ball that Veron energetically shot from outside the penalty box. It was a shot on goal but a strong hand sent the ball out of bouds for yet another corner kick for the argentine squad.
Argentina again took up some good moves in the offensive. After a couple of good passes, Messi made a precise pas to Maxi Rodriguez who made a good shot into Tzorvas goal.
In the second half the Greeks began with a nice counter-attack but they couldn’t score at the end. The Greeks took advantage of mistakes made by the defense to enter the Argentine area. Once there striker Giorgios Samaras took a good shot but the South American Keeper deflected the ball.
This was just a warning call for Argentina. The squad immediately regained control and turned to attack with shots from all angles.
Argentina made its first goal in the 77th minute. After a fast play, the ball went on to Martin Demichelis, who immediately forwarded it to the bottom of the Greek goal. Messi tried to score a second goal, but missed the shot, which bounced off one of the posts.
Martin Palermo was responsible for the second goal in the 89th minute. With this result, Argentina is the leader in Group B and advances to the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup, where it will face Mexico next June 27.
About the Author
Stephen Lars has been a prominent writer on regular 2010 South Africa World Cup news, sports news and the sportsbetting industry for many exceptional sports web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.