Game # 55 - Argentina vs Switzerland
Jul. 3rd, 2014 11:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
catalyst2I was surprised at the result of this game - not by who won it but by how hard Argentina found it to do what was predicted. Well organised Switzerland defence meant that Argentina never really had a good chance for the entire first half where Switzerland themselves came close, never better than Xhaka's chance in 29th minute. Romero not only saved that but kept the follow-up shot out too. First half finished 0-0.
The second half briefly started the same as the first half with a good chance to Drmic and then the Argentina machine finally clicked into gear. The strength of the Switzerland defence was put to the test as Argentina dominated (possession 61% to 39%. shots 29/22 to/14/7 and corners 13 to 5) in every way possible but the vital one. Second half also finished 0-0 and so it was on to extra time.
Extra time continued on exactly as the second half with Argentina fairly battering at Switzerland's defence. Just as it looked like penalties, the Messi-Di Maria combo paid off again, this time with Messi as provider and Di Maria scoring off a lovely curving drive. With only two minutes left, it looked like it was too late for Switzerland but they had one final chance to Dzemaili who sadly just couldn't quite get his strike home.
Argentina won 1-0 but it was a close, hard-fought thing and they should consider themselves lucky to have got through.
The second half briefly started the same as the first half with a good chance to Drmic and then the Argentina machine finally clicked into gear. The strength of the Switzerland defence was put to the test as Argentina dominated (possession 61% to 39%. shots 29/22 to/14/7 and corners 13 to 5) in every way possible but the vital one. Second half also finished 0-0 and so it was on to extra time.
Extra time continued on exactly as the second half with Argentina fairly battering at Switzerland's defence. Just as it looked like penalties, the Messi-Di Maria combo paid off again, this time with Messi as provider and Di Maria scoring off a lovely curving drive. With only two minutes left, it looked like it was too late for Switzerland but they had one final chance to Dzemaili who sadly just couldn't quite get his strike home.
Argentina won 1-0 but it was a close, hard-fought thing and they should consider themselves lucky to have got through.
