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. 

My World Cup Review

Switzerland 2 : 5 France 

France and Switzerland kick off the 8pm game tonight. 

Both teams started the game with 3 points from their first match of the group games so both were full of confidence. France soon took control and stamped their authority on the game and hit Switzerland hard with 2 goals in the first 20 minutes. They could have made it 3 from the penalty spot but Benzema's shot was well saved, fell kindly to Cabaye who's volley hit the bar. Switzerland had opportunity to attack the French on the counter attack but could not take any chances. France scored their 3rd with a counter attack of their own following a Swiss corner. 

Switzerland would have had the team talk from hell after that first half and they would have wanted to start in the best way possible. They did come close but if it wasn't for Hugo Lloris they may have found a way through. A sublime pass from a rising star Pogba with the outside of the boot fell to Bezema to sweep home. France could have had 5 in the first half, but it took them 73 minutes to get there with another sweet passing movement ending in a slotted finish from Sissoko into the corner of the Swiss goal. A consolation goal was scored by Dzaimali from a free kick, which was some distance out, somehow went through the wall, cut daisies, found its way into Lloris' goal. A little late from Switzerland as they scored their 2nd on the 87th minute with another well taken goal. A pass over the French defence was hit first time from Xhaka. The greatest comeback? Surely not. 

The final whistle blew just as Benzema scored a wonder goal, shame, but he wouldn't mind as another 3 points gained. The Swiss however wishing they could turn the clocks back (sorry) after that poor performance.