Loading ...Aug 16 2008
Olympics: Argentina Needs Extra Time to Dispatch Netherlands
The Netherlands, of whom so much was expected coming into the tournament, stumbled in the group stage and barley advanced out of their group, garnering themselves a quarterfinal match-up with giants Argentina. That stumble almost turned into Argentina’s bane as the tournament co-favorites were faced with a Dutch side that, playing to their potential, pushed them to the limit. After playing at 1-1 for over seventy minutes, Argentina’s Angel Di Maria scored in extra time to give the favorites their margin of victory.
The win sets up the match all followers have been waiting for. Argentina will face Brazil in one semifinal while the Netherlands goes home medal-less.
Lionel Messi, by reports, was dominant, scoring the Argentina’s first goal and creating numerous chances, including the one for Di Maria’s game winner. His efforts help the Argentines control the match in what might have been their best performance of the tournament. Despite this, the side still needed extra time to dispatch a Dutch team which has to be regretting their not winning Group B.
Messi has the ability to dominate a Brazil team which, while being defensively thrifty in their four matches, has not impressed. I picked Brazil at the onset, but after overcoming the Netherlands today, Argentina holds the best result out of the two team’s eight matches. With Dunga now second-guessing his tactic, leaving a lot of his talent on the bench, Argentina looks the better bet for the gold medal.
Links
Quick Report: Argentina 2-1 Netherlands
Messie sets up Brazil semi
WFP Related Posts
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