My World Cup Review

Argentina 0 : 0 Switzerland

Argentina 1 : 0 Switzerland (aet)

Messi leads Argentina against Switzerland in this first round knockout. Both teams looking to progress and set up a quarter final game against either Belgium or USA. Switzerland defended well, and they had to with Messi on the opponents team! They kept him at bay not giving him any opportunity to cause any damage. Switzerland had a glorious chance to take the lead. A through ball found Drmic who had plenty of time and space but he may have seen the headlines in his head and went for a cute, delicate chip but Romero just stood there and grateful caught it easily. Will the Swiss regret that chance?

Argentina continued to dominate and  the second half was mainly one sided. Argentina had numerous chances but no one could convert. Switzerland tried to conjure up attacks of their own but as they entered the final third they seemed to lose ideas. Even though Messi has had one of his quieter games he almost produced a wonder goal with a fierce volley from out if the box. The more the game progressed the more Argentina increased their intensity. And with this added pressure the more Switzerland 'parked the bus' and stifled out any dangerous attack. Though the Argentines looked the dominant Messi looked lonely in regards to being the only player to get the goal. He really needs to rally his team if they are to progress. Switzerland are looking to try and take the game to penalties. 

90 minutes were up and it remained goalless. Extra time next up. 

After the first half of extra time the story of the game continued. Argentina were knocking at the door but unable to get in. Switzerland controlled everything that was being thrown at them. 

The players are exhausted, can they muster enough strength to be able to cope with another 15 minutes? The game looked destined for penalties. But in a quick break Messi found Di Maria the slot home with only 2 minutes remaining. Have they won it? The referee added 3 minutes for added time and the Swiss 'keeper was up joining the attack. A corner was put in and a header hit the post. Unlucky! Argentina hang on. 

An overall poor game, both teams victim of nerves. It's only going to get worse for Argentina.