Argentina v Nigeria

[MapleLeafEvertonian]

Well if we do sell Yobo or Yak this summer ( The latter I certainly hope not) That performance slapped an extra 3 or 5 million on their price tag...they looked pretty good out there, especially Yak.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

It's all relative. Messi having plenty of the ball and going on a few nice slalom runs isn't exactly an unknown scenario. Maybe a great game for Jose Bloggs, but it was hardly the effort of 'the greatest player the world has ever seen'. I'm hearing the likes of Lineker talking about a great performance and it's just not in synch with what I saw. I refuse to be bludgeoned into the group think.

No doubt he'll turn the dial up in the coming games.

Well it was a good performance, I don't think anyone's claiming it was the greatest performance ever seen in football. Maradona certainly didn't play to a ridiculously high level in every game, no player does.

Phrases like that get thrown around because of the two seasons he's had for Barca, he's certainly earned the right to be mentioned in the same breath as the great players of the game.

 

[davek]

Well it was a good performance, I don't think anyone's claiming it was the greatest performance ever seen in football. Maradona certainly didn't play to a ridiculously high level in every game, no player does.

Phrases like that get thrown around because of the two seasons he's had for Barca, he's certainly earned the right to be mentioned in the same breath as the great players of the game.

I know I come across as someone knocking him at every turn, but I accept his talent is unquestionable. For me, though - and dealing with that point you make there ^^^ - I really think he needs a WC win to cement his authority. I think most people would accept that achievement gets you into that legend status. He has the opportunity this WC.

 

[chicoazul]

Pienaar is f*cking [Poor language removed].

 

[ToxtethBlue]

I know I come across as someone knocking him at every turn, but I accept his talent is unquestionable. For me, though - and dealing with that point you make there ^^^ - I really think he needs a WC win to cement his authority. I think most people would accept that achievement gets you into that legend status. He has the opportunity this WC.

I disagree, football is a team game after all, despite what people would have you believe no player can win at tournament on his own. Messi could be the best performer in this World cup by a distance yet there defence might struggle and put them on the back foot. There's only so much one player can do.

He needs to keep performing the way has been over the last few years really, that's what I'd say. He's already one of the best footballers to have played the game, his last two seasons have cemented that. His quality of performances and sheer natural ability is there for everyone to see. Whether he's the best ever or not, I couldn't say, that's down to opinion really.

He is only 22 though, he's got lots of time on his side. If he keeps scoring 30-40 goals a season from the position he plays then it's easy to make a case for him.

 

[evilwebby]

Have to say I don't know how that finished just 1-0. Argentina should have buried them by 3 or 4 at least.

Just watching that match and the England match, the difference in football philosophies is amazing. Argentina just stroked the ball around with such ease and confidence, making the other team work for it, while England just look to get the ball into the final third within 3 passes at most.

Messi may not have scored, but he was outstanding for me. As well as his individual brilliance, he worked hard off the ball too and always made himself available, switching flanks and giving the opposition problems all through the match. Look at the number of passes and runs completed by Messi vs Rooney and it is simply embarassing. Argentina can outplay anyone in this WC with the possible exception of Spain; their attacking football is that good.

 

[Robert Jarvis]

Thank the Goalie for that but Nigeria could have made more of their breaks and chances.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

Have to say I don't know how that finished just 1-0. Argentina should have buried them by 3 or 4 at least.

Just watching that match and the England match, the difference in football philosophies is amazing. Argentina just stroked the ball around with such ease and confidence, making the other team work for it, while England just look to get the ball into the final third within 3 passes at most.

Messi may not have scored, but he was outstanding for me. As well as his individual brilliance, he worked hard off the ball too and always made himself available, switching flanks and giving the opposition problems all through the match. Look at the number of passes and runs completed by Messi vs Rooney and it is simply embarassing. Argentina can outplay anyone in this WC with the possible exception of Spain; their attacking football is that good.

Good post. England's lack of touch, technique and close control in tight situations is pretty poor compared to lots of nations. You can see why Capello wanted to bring Paul Scholes back, he's the only English footballer (alongside Rooney) who is completely at ease when the pressure is on.

I've backed Argentina to do well and win it but I think there downfall will be in defence. A better side than Nigeria would have punished them. It'll be interesting to see what teams can do to Spain if they get them on the back foot as they don't have a natural ball winner in there, someone who's comfortable harrying and pressing the opposition without the ball. But it's easier said than done, teams will have to figure out a way to get the ball off them.