Well, that was a crap game. It’s OK to say ‘crap’ ‘cos Wayne Rooney used it in reference to the half-time show, which if anything was worse than the game.
A lot of people hate Argentina.The reason for this is that they tried to seize back the Falklands. Such bare-faced cheek! Most Falklanders want to go on being British, even though they’re around 8,000 miles from Britain.
Here and there on the Argentina team sheet, a diamond popped up – Messi, of course, and their goal-keeper, Emiliano Martínez,
But other than that they were outclassed. So what do you do when you’re outclassed? You scrap, you jostle, you foul. Yes, foul. You do whatever you believe will give you a chance against better players.
Anyone who saw Spain demolish France will know that a conventional approach is useless. You must pull every trick (and jersey) in the book, otherwise you’re doomed. That’s how, down to ten men, Argentina were still in the game right up to the second half of extra time. It’s at times like this you wonder what devil introduced you to this game which is torturing your soul.
If that half-time show was horrible beyond words, then the Argentina team was the antithesis of that: when all hope was gone, still they fought to the finish.
Spain had quite a number of superior players, they played more as a team than as individuals most of the time, they even look better than the Argies.
But my heart is still with Argentina. Gerry Adams once wrote a book called Never Give Up. He might have written it for last night’s defeated team.
I actually thought the half time show wasn’t too bad, I recognised Madonna, Ronaldo (R9) and Ronaldinho of course, Justin Beiber and Shakira, who is stunning . Although I keep getting her name wrong, calling her the ex Swiss international. Could be fatal in a game of Marry-Snog-Avoid. The game itself pretty much played out as expected, Spain just too classy. Argentina fought to the end and if they had held out for penalties would probably have won. The bias of the English commentators, especially that stubbed toe Shearer was palpable. Their hatred of Argentina has been pumped into their veins like mother’s milk. Messi couldn’t work his magic but at least he put the devil’s brigade out in the previous match and we should be eternally grateful for that. He is the GOAT.
Messi let himself down by trying his best to get Cucerella sent off, a sad ending to his Argentina career. But now more importantly where do Argentina go from here? No Messi and no young talent on the horizon either.
Only one final of importance on Sunday Jude – and it was on in Croker !
Luimneach abú go deo
The Greatest Team of All Time on display!!
A fantastic display of the best sport in the world. Swashbuckling Clash of the Ash in the Summer sun. Perfect.
I think Argentina got to the Final of the most recent Under 20 World Cup? It has always produced technically brilliant footballers so I would not be too concerned on that front. Losing Messi is of course huge but he has had an incredible international career with his country. Three World Cup Finals, four Copa America Finals. Spain were just too good.