The only way the Argentina vs. the Netherlands game even compares to what we witnessed yesterday: Messi and Robben brawl it out, hockey-style. I got Messi as a favorite because Robben will probably dive the moment Messi swings at him. Anyway...
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
The 1978 final would've been a solid choice, but these two teams have met more recently than that. We go back to 1998, when Argentina and the Netherlands met in the Quarterfinals. The final score was 2-1 to the Dutch, and it gave us a sublime moment of skill.
Uniforms
Argentina's albiceleste vs. the Netherlands' oranje. This is as good as it gets when talking about soccer jerseys. The advantage goes to the Dutch, only because Adidas screwed up the shorts, going with white instead of the classic black. Else, it would've been a tie.
Three Burning Questions
1. Who replaces Angel di Maria's endless running?
Sadly, nobody. Di Maria was a unique player in this system, very similar to what Neymar gave Brazil. The difference here is that Argentina still has Messi and Higuain. Brazil had Fred and Hulk. Ugh.
2. Will Robben turn right?
No. He's the left-handed version of Derek Zoolander. Dude always cuts left. Always.
3. How many goals will the Dutch score in counterattacks after Argentina loses possession?
The over/under is 2.5, and I think it's over. I'm dead serious. Argentina is going to dominate possession, Dutch defenders are going to swarm Messi, and eventually they will win the ball back and boot it forward where Robben is going to outrace DeMichelis and Mascherano, a.k.a. Slow and Slower.
Argentina will win if...
... Messi scores a hattrick, because I don't think a brace is going to be enough.
The Netherlands will win if...
... they don't screw up. They are the clear favorites and Argentina's style suits them to perfection.
The Final Score
Argentina 1 - The Netherlands 3. I think this is another case of the South American team getting all emotional at the beginning, then getting hit with European indifference. The Netherlands score early, counterattack late, Messi gets a meaningless goal at the end, and a 1974 final rematch is setup.
Showing posts with label Messi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Messi. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Saturday, July 5, 2014
World Cup 2014 - Quarterfinals Preview: Argentina vs. Belgium
What was supposed to be a great display of attacking football turned out to be a great display of how to attack footballers. My bitterness with the Spanish ref will continue. Meanwhile, there's two more semifinal spots up for grabs. First up, it's Argentina and Belgium in Brasilia, at noon Eastern Time.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
The last time Belgium made the Semifinals of the World Cup, they got Maradona'd. I'm sure they don't want to get Messi'd this time around.
Uniforms
Another of Adidas' ridiculousness. An Argentinian team in all white looks so unnatural. Belgium, on the other hand, look mighty sharp in their red uniforms. Advantage, Red Devils.
Three Burning Questions
1. Can Axel Witsel handle Lionel Messi?
This Belgium team is like an upgraded version of Switzerland. They are very physical, organized, and have an excellent GK and back four. The key matchup, though, will be Axel Witsel vs. Lionel Messi. Normally, it takes more than one player to control Messi. However, the Zenit St. Petersburg man might be tasked with stopping "the Flea" all on his own. At the very least, he already won the hair competition.
2. Will Lukaku make an impact in the game?
One of the main reasons why Belgium is in the quarterfinals is the inspired play of Romelu Lukaku, who came into the Round of 16 match against the USA at the beginning of extra-time . His powerful run created the first goal, while adding a 2nd a few minutes later. However, don't be surprised if Belgium manager Marc Wilmots elects to start teenager Origi again and let Lukaku run at tired defenders in the 2nd half. We will definitely see the Chelsea/Everton man at some point.
3. Will Gonzalo Higuain do something productive? Anything at all?
We know Messi can't do it all on it's own. Argentina knows it too. The loss of Sergio "Kun" Aguero was a devastating blow to a team that has not being able to jell up front. Argentina has scored 7 goals at this World Cup, split up like this: 4 by Messi, an own goal, a Marcos Rojo goal on a corner-kick, and di Maria's well taken shot at the end of the Switzerland match... after an amazing run by Messi. Higuain needs to show up. The Napoli striker has been MIA so far and Argentina needs him to score if they hope to make the Semis, much less win the whole thing.
Argentina will win if...
... they score first. Once they have a goal, Belgium will open up and the space will be there for Messi and Angel di Maria to make their trademark lightning runs. A quick 2nd goal would then follow.
Belgium will win if...
... the score is 0-0 after 60 minutes. Argentina will grow more and more desperate as their attacks get stuffed by a very good Belgian defense. This is the time when Hazard & Co. capitalize on a quick counter.
The Final Score
Argentina 0 - Belgium 1. This is the end of the road for Messi & Co. Switzerland was not able to capitalize on the weaknesses Argentina showed at the back, but Belgium definitely have the firepower to do so and will do so. Expect Axel Witsel to chase Messi around, not letting him breath. An Eden Hazard goal wins it for the Red Devils. Fellaini's afro lives to fight another day.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
The last time Belgium made the Semifinals of the World Cup, they got Maradona'd. I'm sure they don't want to get Messi'd this time around.
Uniforms
Another of Adidas' ridiculousness. An Argentinian team in all white looks so unnatural. Belgium, on the other hand, look mighty sharp in their red uniforms. Advantage, Red Devils.
Three Burning Questions
1. Can Axel Witsel handle Lionel Messi?
This Belgium team is like an upgraded version of Switzerland. They are very physical, organized, and have an excellent GK and back four. The key matchup, though, will be Axel Witsel vs. Lionel Messi. Normally, it takes more than one player to control Messi. However, the Zenit St. Petersburg man might be tasked with stopping "the Flea" all on his own. At the very least, he already won the hair competition.
2. Will Lukaku make an impact in the game?
One of the main reasons why Belgium is in the quarterfinals is the inspired play of Romelu Lukaku, who came into the Round of 16 match against the USA at the beginning of extra-time . His powerful run created the first goal, while adding a 2nd a few minutes later. However, don't be surprised if Belgium manager Marc Wilmots elects to start teenager Origi again and let Lukaku run at tired defenders in the 2nd half. We will definitely see the Chelsea/Everton man at some point.
3. Will Gonzalo Higuain do something productive? Anything at all?
We know Messi can't do it all on it's own. Argentina knows it too. The loss of Sergio "Kun" Aguero was a devastating blow to a team that has not being able to jell up front. Argentina has scored 7 goals at this World Cup, split up like this: 4 by Messi, an own goal, a Marcos Rojo goal on a corner-kick, and di Maria's well taken shot at the end of the Switzerland match... after an amazing run by Messi. Higuain needs to show up. The Napoli striker has been MIA so far and Argentina needs him to score if they hope to make the Semis, much less win the whole thing.
Argentina will win if...
... they score first. Once they have a goal, Belgium will open up and the space will be there for Messi and Angel di Maria to make their trademark lightning runs. A quick 2nd goal would then follow.
Belgium will win if...
... the score is 0-0 after 60 minutes. Argentina will grow more and more desperate as their attacks get stuffed by a very good Belgian defense. This is the time when Hazard & Co. capitalize on a quick counter.
The Final Score
Argentina 0 - Belgium 1. This is the end of the road for Messi & Co. Switzerland was not able to capitalize on the weaknesses Argentina showed at the back, but Belgium definitely have the firepower to do so and will do so. Expect Axel Witsel to chase Messi around, not letting him breath. An Eden Hazard goal wins it for the Red Devils. Fellaini's afro lives to fight another day.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
World Cup 2014 - Round of 16, Day 4
We've had 6 really good matches so far in this Round of 16. The only match where it never felt like the result was in doubt was Colombia - Uruguay. Nigeria gave France a run for its money (as predicted here!) and Algeria hung around till the bitter end against Germany (definitely not as predicted here!). Germany missed too many chances and looked very... un-German-like. But let's move on to today's matches. Here are the predictions for today, July 1st, 2014.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Is it possible to feel bad for who has been the Best Player in the World for the last 5 years? Messi just can't catch a break. The narrative coming into the tournament was that Messi just didn't play at the same level for his National Team as he did for his club, Barcelona. 1 World Cup goal in his first 8 matches, plus two quarterfinal exits, seemed to back that claim.
Fast forward back to the present: game-winner against Bosnia & Herzegovina, 91st minute winner against Iran, and a brace against Nigeria. But now the narrative has flipped. Argentina has won all those matches by one goal, and haven't played like the world-beaters we were expecting. The media now cries about the team suffering from "Messidependencia": the believe that the team plays worse because they are all looking for Messi at all times instead of focusing on building strong team play.
The Swiss, on the other hand, come into this match after beating Ecuador with a last-second goal, getting shellacked by the French, and destroying an overmatched Honduras. Very soft group, probably even softer than Argentina's. I think they will concede possession to Argentina and try to get them on the counter.
I see a tight game with a late Argentina winner. This trend developing during Argentina matches does not look promising, so a Swiss upset is not unthinkable. The loss of Kun Aguero and the very disappointing performances of Higuain are worrysome, but I think Angel di Maria shines in this one.
Prediction:
Argentina 2 - Switzerland 1
USA vs. Belgium
The Belgians are in a similar boat to Argentina. They topped their group while winning all 3 matches by one goal, coming from behind in a win against Algeria before edging past Russia and South Korea. A lot was and is still expected from this Belgium team. They are young and skillful, but the lack of experience has showed.
This United States team is the polar opposite, vastly outperforming expectations. Uncle Sam has played inspiredly, surviving the group of death with a win against Ghana, a draw against Portugal, and a narrow loss to Germany. The Americans get Jozy Altidore back for this match, which will allow Dempsey to drop back into his preferred attacking midfielder position. Jozy probably can't play all 90 minutes but his presence will be a definite boost.
As every other Round of 16 match in this World Cup so far, I expect a nailbiter that won't be decided until the very end. A potential penalty kick shoot-out featuring Thibault Courtois and Tim Howard is must-watch TV. That's right, I'm predicting a draw, and most importantly:
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!!
Prediction:
USA 1 (4) - Belgium 1 (3)
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Is it possible to feel bad for who has been the Best Player in the World for the last 5 years? Messi just can't catch a break. The narrative coming into the tournament was that Messi just didn't play at the same level for his National Team as he did for his club, Barcelona. 1 World Cup goal in his first 8 matches, plus two quarterfinal exits, seemed to back that claim.
Fast forward back to the present: game-winner against Bosnia & Herzegovina, 91st minute winner against Iran, and a brace against Nigeria. But now the narrative has flipped. Argentina has won all those matches by one goal, and haven't played like the world-beaters we were expecting. The media now cries about the team suffering from "Messidependencia": the believe that the team plays worse because they are all looking for Messi at all times instead of focusing on building strong team play.
The Swiss, on the other hand, come into this match after beating Ecuador with a last-second goal, getting shellacked by the French, and destroying an overmatched Honduras. Very soft group, probably even softer than Argentina's. I think they will concede possession to Argentina and try to get them on the counter.
I see a tight game with a late Argentina winner. This trend developing during Argentina matches does not look promising, so a Swiss upset is not unthinkable. The loss of Kun Aguero and the very disappointing performances of Higuain are worrysome, but I think Angel di Maria shines in this one.
Prediction:
Argentina 2 - Switzerland 1
USA vs. Belgium
The Belgians are in a similar boat to Argentina. They topped their group while winning all 3 matches by one goal, coming from behind in a win against Algeria before edging past Russia and South Korea. A lot was and is still expected from this Belgium team. They are young and skillful, but the lack of experience has showed.
This United States team is the polar opposite, vastly outperforming expectations. Uncle Sam has played inspiredly, surviving the group of death with a win against Ghana, a draw against Portugal, and a narrow loss to Germany. The Americans get Jozy Altidore back for this match, which will allow Dempsey to drop back into his preferred attacking midfielder position. Jozy probably can't play all 90 minutes but his presence will be a definite boost.
As every other Round of 16 match in this World Cup so far, I expect a nailbiter that won't be decided until the very end. A potential penalty kick shoot-out featuring Thibault Courtois and Tim Howard is must-watch TV. That's right, I'm predicting a draw, and most importantly:
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!!
Prediction:
USA 1 (4) - Belgium 1 (3)
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