Argentina were one of only two nations to qualify from the group stages with a perfect record, but while any errors were previously correctable, the gauntlet of knockout football means that Diego Maradona’s men cannot allow their concentration to waver even for a second. Their first obstacle is Mexico, and sterner challenges will follow should El Tri be successfully negotiated.
Though packing a squad full of highly talented individuals, los Albiceleste have been dismissed in some quarters due the eccentric Maradona. The coach has attracted great attention for his quips and media-friendly soundbites, and this may simply have acted to ease some of the pressure on a team expected to go deep into the competition.
So far the signs have been good. A pedestrian 1-0 success over Nigeria kicked the Argentines off before a strong victory over South Korea in their second game booked a place in the last 16. Top spot in Group B was secured as a team of fringe players defeated Greece 2-0 in their final pool game.
Moreover, the confident Argentina squad don’t need long memories to revisit their previous World Cup encounter with Mexico. Four years ago in Leipzig, Argentina defeated El Tri 2-1 after extra-time, with a stunning strike from Maxi Rodriguez the deciding factor between the sides.
To that point of the competition in Germany, Argentina had looked highly effective, but they were eliminated on penalties by Germany in the quarter-finals. A potential rematch with Die Mannschaft awaits if results pan out correctly.
Though packing a squad full of highly talented individuals, los Albiceleste have been dismissed in some quarters due the eccentric Maradona. The coach has attracted great attention for his quips and media-friendly soundbites, and this may simply have acted to ease some of the pressure on a team expected to go deep into the competition.
So far the signs have been good. A pedestrian 1-0 success over Nigeria kicked the Argentines off before a strong victory over South Korea in their second game booked a place in the last 16. Top spot in Group B was secured as a team of fringe players defeated Greece 2-0 in their final pool game.
Moreover, the confident Argentina squad don’t need long memories to revisit their previous World Cup encounter with Mexico. Four years ago in Leipzig, Argentina defeated El Tri 2-1 after extra-time, with a stunning strike from Maxi Rodriguez the deciding factor between the sides.
To that point of the competition in Germany, Argentina had looked highly effective, but they were eliminated on penalties by Germany in the quarter-finals. A potential rematch with Die Mannschaft awaits if results pan out correctly.
Source: goal.com
This is a must see match just like the Germany vs England match
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