WC-MOTD25-P3
Day 25:-
Germany vs. Argentina: Part 3:-
Germany began extra time by going all-out in attack with some urgent play early-on, pressing high and switching sides quickly as they looked to utilize their extra energy reserves; after all, they did get ONE more complete day of rest compared to Argentina’s squad!
Argentina were not potent enough on the counter when they got the ball on the break and were not able to get the right momentum going into the opposition’s final third; offering barely anything of notice.
The Germans were now playing with almost 7 or 8 players fully in Argentina’s own half; but, for all that added physical presence, they were unable to time their runs into the box correctly as their somewhat poor positional play hindered their chances of combining well enough in front of goal to find the back of the net.
It was an intense start from Germany in that first half of extra time; however, they could not kick it into high gear for the remaining 10-12 minutes as they seemed unable to find the proper passes and spaces in the box.
Argentina, on the other hand, were largely subdued in attack, and they appeared to be slowing down their own tempo going forward on the counter!
Fatigue was slowly kicking-in as the second half of extra time moved on, with far too many physical tussles on display.
Then, the unthinkable happened!
Germany launched an attack down the left side with a pass from Kroos to Schürrle, who then ran the channel before sending in a brilliant cross for a totally-unmarked Mario Götze to beautifully chest it down and swing it across with his left foot for a German 1-0 lead!
It was an absolute nightmare from an Argentinean perspective; for they have been defending so well for most of the game and threw it all away due to ONE defensive mistake.
Martín Demichelis was the culprit there; as he was caught way out of position in the build-up to the goal, and his lack of pace prevented him from quickly recovering and closing Götze down!
Argentina immediately pressed Germany back into their own half and threw extra bodies forward in a feeble attempt to grab a late equalizer; but it was all a little too late and too lethargic.
Indeed, it was one moment of defensive inattention on Argentina’s behalf which saw Germany grab that goal.
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The Argentineans, at the end of it all, probably paid for their rather overly cautious and defensive approach, given all the attacking firepower they had at their disposal.
However, they showed great tactical, technical, physical, mental and spiritual resolve to reach the final and go head-to-head with this talented German side.
Now, whether or not Lionel Messi will get another close chance at World Cup glory remains to be seen, but one certainly cannot blame Argentina’s ultimately failed WC campaign entirely on him; for he single-handedly carried his team into the knock-out stages with some moments of absolute individual brilliance.
On the other hand, Germany fully deserved this win as they have proven to the world that they are, first and foremost, a great team with a real footballing identity and solid foundations on so many levels.
Coach Löw and his entire staff should be applauded for their acute readings of games and the willingness to be as flexible as the tournament had dictated upon them.
They had some really big obstacles to overcome way before the tournament even begun, but they passed almost every single test with flying colors.
The players displayed some magnificent performances throughout the tournament and it is a difficult case to argue against the fact that each and every single squad member played a vital role in their eventual World Cup triumph.
Standing ovations all around and hats off to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Champions: Germany!!!
Man of the match: Bastian Schweinsteiger:-
A lot of responsibility was placed on his shoulders from the beginning of the match given Khedira’s injury, in addition to Kramer’s subsequent withdrawal; but he shrugged it all off as he had an excellent game in midfield and didn’t allow Messi much room to breathe either!
Germany vs. Argentina: Part 3:-
Germany began extra time by going all-out in attack with some urgent play early-on, pressing high and switching sides quickly as they looked to utilize their extra energy reserves; after all, they did get ONE more complete day of rest compared to Argentina’s squad!
Argentina were not potent enough on the counter when they got the ball on the break and were not able to get the right momentum going into the opposition’s final third; offering barely anything of notice.
The Germans were now playing with almost 7 or 8 players fully in Argentina’s own half; but, for all that added physical presence, they were unable to time their runs into the box correctly as their somewhat poor positional play hindered their chances of combining well enough in front of goal to find the back of the net.
It was an intense start from Germany in that first half of extra time; however, they could not kick it into high gear for the remaining 10-12 minutes as they seemed unable to find the proper passes and spaces in the box.
Argentina, on the other hand, were largely subdued in attack, and they appeared to be slowing down their own tempo going forward on the counter!
Fatigue was slowly kicking-in as the second half of extra time moved on, with far too many physical tussles on display.
Then, the unthinkable happened!
Germany launched an attack down the left side with a pass from Kroos to Schürrle, who then ran the channel before sending in a brilliant cross for a totally-unmarked Mario Götze to beautifully chest it down and swing it across with his left foot for a German 1-0 lead!
It was an absolute nightmare from an Argentinean perspective; for they have been defending so well for most of the game and threw it all away due to ONE defensive mistake.
Martín Demichelis was the culprit there; as he was caught way out of position in the build-up to the goal, and his lack of pace prevented him from quickly recovering and closing Götze down!
Argentina immediately pressed Germany back into their own half and threw extra bodies forward in a feeble attempt to grab a late equalizer; but it was all a little too late and too lethargic.
Indeed, it was one moment of defensive inattention on Argentina’s behalf which saw Germany grab that goal.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Argentineans, at the end of it all, probably paid for their rather overly cautious and defensive approach, given all the attacking firepower they had at their disposal.
However, they showed great tactical, technical, physical, mental and spiritual resolve to reach the final and go head-to-head with this talented German side.
Now, whether or not Lionel Messi will get another close chance at World Cup glory remains to be seen, but one certainly cannot blame Argentina’s ultimately failed WC campaign entirely on him; for he single-handedly carried his team into the knock-out stages with some moments of absolute individual brilliance.
On the other hand, Germany fully deserved this win as they have proven to the world that they are, first and foremost, a great team with a real footballing identity and solid foundations on so many levels.
Coach Löw and his entire staff should be applauded for their acute readings of games and the willingness to be as flexible as the tournament had dictated upon them.
They had some really big obstacles to overcome way before the tournament even begun, but they passed almost every single test with flying colors.
The players displayed some magnificent performances throughout the tournament and it is a difficult case to argue against the fact that each and every single squad member played a vital role in their eventual World Cup triumph.
Standing ovations all around and hats off to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Champions: Germany!!!
Man of the match: Bastian Schweinsteiger:-
A lot of responsibility was placed on his shoulders from the beginning of the match given Khedira’s injury, in addition to Kramer’s subsequent withdrawal; but he shrugged it all off as he had an excellent game in midfield and didn’t allow Messi much room to breathe either!
Ahmad Al-Omar - 14. Jul, 10:59
