Argentina made it yet another FIFA under-20 World Cup win after coming back from a goal down to beat a battling Czech Republic. These two sides are played to a scoreless draw in the group stage and after an hour of play in this match we had gone one hundred and fifty minutes without a goal – and then we got two inside two minutes.
Fenin opened the scoring with a goal good enough to win any final when he swiveled in the penalty area and hooked an unstoppable shot past Romero in the Argentina goal. It was just what the Czechs needed and wanted – to get their noses in front.
But the lead would disappear in a matter of seconds as Banega threaded a ball through to an unmarked Aguero who bore down on goal and rolled the ball past Petr. It was a bad lapse in concentration and a costly one. From then on there was only going to be one winner as the Czechs heads visibly dropped.
A Moralez shot demanded a save from Petr as Banega started to totally dominate the midfield and orchestrate attack after attack. Just as extra time seemed to be a good bet Zarate became the man of the moment. It started with substitute Acosta darting into the Czech box and he clipped shot was deflected over the crossbar.
The resultant corner kick was played short to Zarate who cut back into the penalty and let go what appeared to be a routine shot. It was nothing the kind as Czech keeper Radek Petr misplayed the ball as it skipped into the corner of the net for the winner.
The last few minutes were played out with no threat to Argentina’s goal.
Tournament Notes The final possession statistic was Argentina 63% to the Czech Republic’s 37%. Ten yellow cards were handed out by referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco of Spain – six to the Czech Republic and four to Argentina. It was a game that he kept well under control throughout. Sergio Aguero finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Giovanni Dos Santos received the Bronze Ball, Maximiliano Moralez the Silver and Sergio Aguero the Golden Ball. My votes went to Gold – Moralez, Silver – Banega and Bronze to Vidangoosy. Japan won the FIFA Fair Play trophy. The first half had been tense affair but one that was not without incident. The game needed a goal and once it came the match really sparked to life. Matias Sanchez who deputized for Claudio Yacob played like a young Diego Simeone complete with the same running style. Just before the match I ran into Peter Montopoli the Exective Director for the tournament – a man who deserves great credit for the success of the event. He looked as if he was looking forward to a drink or four tonight.
I expect peace and love to break out for this game. Chile will be on their absolute best behaviour while I'm sure that Austria haas also been told to go easy.
Chile has made three enforced changes with Medel, Currimilla and Grondona all suspended. The first two for the red cards they received during the game against Argentina while Jamie Grondona has been suspended "as a result of the physical incidents with match officials he was involved in on the pitch during the Chile-Argentina semi-final match on July 19."
Coming in for Chile is Sepulveda (missed the Argentina game through suspension), Mauricio Isla (started on the bench against Argentina after scoring in the quarter final vs. Nigeria) and Michael Silva who has so far logged one minute in the tournament.
Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz has rung the changes with five starters against the Czech Republic replaced. Out goes defender Daniel Gramann, midfielders Martin Harnik and Tomas Sinkovic, striker Erwin Hoffer and goalkeeper Michael Zaglmair.
The referee will be Martin Hansson from Sweden.
The referee for the final later today is 33-year-old Spaniard Alberto Undiano Mallenco. He has officiated the following games in this tournament - Canada v. Chile, Czech Republic v. Korea DPR, Brazil v. USA and Argentina v. Mexico. Snr. Mallenco was also in charge of the second leg of Champions League semi final in May between Liverpool and Chelsea.
As with the other semi final played the previous night this one was essentially decided in the first quarter of an hour. Only seven minutes after Chile goalkeeper Cristopher Toselli had set a new FIFA under-20 World Cup record for minutes without conceding a goal Argentina finally solved the puzzle that five other countries in over 480 minutes of play had failed to solve.
Banega drove forward from midfield and after winning a decisive tackle inside Chile’s half he floated a beautiful play into the path of Di Maria. In full stride Di Maria struck the ball from the left side of the penalty into the postage stamp corner of Toselli’s top right hand corner.
Three minutes later and Chile was a goal down and a man down. Argentina’s right back Mercado and Chile’s midfielder Medal clashed as the ball went out of play for a throw in around the half way line. Mercado was clearly the first player to kick out as he fell to ground while a fraction of a second later Medal also flailed out with his right boot.
It didn’t look as if Medal made contact but Mercado’s reaction indicated a boot to the face. Medal was sent off and Mercado escaped censure. Both should have been sent to the dressing room.
Despite being down a man Chile enjoyed more possession and Cortes came close with an outrageous shot from only a couple of yards from inside Argentina’s half. Caught off his line and furiously back-peddling keeper Romero was relieved to see the shot drift a foot or so wide.
The second half was more of the same. Yacob gave Argentina a two-goal lead after a neat cut back from Moralez. Then referee Wolfgang Stark sent off Currimilla after a second yellow card. The foul count continued to mount as the second half ebbed away and Argentina capped the night off with a third this time from Moralez.
The statistics at the end of the match showed a total of 53 fouls with nine yellow cards (two turning into a red) and two red cards to Chile. Argentina picked up two yellow cards to Cahias and Yacob and both will miss the final. Di Maria looked to have pulled a hamstring in the second half and he looks like he will struggle to make Sunday’s starting line-up.
Two goals in the opening fifteen minutes of this game killed any remote chance there might have been that this semi final could have turned out to be a memorable match for the neutrals.
Missing two of their normal starting defenders (Madl suspended, Panny injured) and their defensive midfielder Michael Stanislaw (suspended) Austria had a mountain to climb before the players had even caught their second wind.
Micola scored for the Czech Republic with less than five minutes gone and Fenin had the easiest of tap-ins to put the game beyond Austria’s reach. Two goals down Austria seemed unable to change their tactics as the midfield stayed deep isolating lone striker Erwin Hoffer.
Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz tried to shuffle his hand in the second forty five minutes but the Czechs were just too well organized and resolute to give-away a two goal lead. At the end of ninety minutes the Austrians had only achieved one shot on target.
The Czech Republic now awaits the winner of the other semi final between Chile and Argentina set for Thursday night in Toronto.
Chile vs. Argentina Time (EST), date & location – 19:45, July 19 at the National Soccer Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto.
Referee Wolfgang Stark (Germany)
Just as with Austria versus Czech Republic, this semi final sees two countries from not only the same federation competing but two countries that share a common border.
Past Performance This is only Chile’s fifth appearance in the finals and they have already matched their best ever performance. Back in 1987 when they hosted the event they finished fourth. In 1995 and 2001 Chile failed to make it past the group stage while two years ago in Holland they were beaten by the Netherlands 3-0 in the round of sixteen.
No other country can match Argentina’s record in this competition. They have won a record five world titles (four cups the last six tournaments) and finished as runner-up in 1983. In the history of the competition they have played 63 games, winning 47, drawing 3 and losing 14.
How they reached the semi-final Both countries hold identical records of four wins and one tie in five games to date. An opening group game against host nation Canada looked to be a problem fixture but Chile put on a tremendous display of passing and movement to easily win 3-0. The Congo was dispatched by the same score in the next match and that result guaranteed that Chile would move on to the next stage. A scoreless draw with Austria meant that Chile finished top of group A.
A goal from midfielder Arturo Vidal was enough to beat Portugal in the round of sixteen which set up a quarter final match with group F runners-up Nigeria. Scoreless after regulation time Chile exploded with four goals in the extra thirty minutes. In the process Chile became the first national team at any level of FIFA competition to score four goals in extra time of a World Cup.
Argentina opened with a dominating but fruitless performance against the Czech Republic. Out shooting the Czech’s 29-3 and enjoying the majority of the possession made little difference as the game finished scoreless.
It was a very different outcome in the next game when Argentina scored four goals in a seven minute first half spell before going onto the beat Panama 6-0. The last game in round robin play needed a swerving Aguero free kick to beat a pesky North Korea 1-0.
Argentina then produced a very good performance to beat Poland 3-1 in the round of sixteen. After going a goal down Argentina rebounded with an equalizer from Di Maria before half time and with only seconds gone in the second half Aguero produced a piece of magic that would turn out to be the winning goal.
Argentina versus Mexico was the most anticipated game of the quarter final stage but although an enthralling contest the game never hit the heights that the neutrals expected. It was very much a war of midfield attrition as both sides had little or no space and time in which to operate. In the end Argentina got the only goal after a Moralez shot was deflected past Blanco in Mexico’s goal. Mexico was left to rue Vela’s first half shot that rebounded of the post and another that squirmed through Romero’s legs only to go wide.
Goalkeepers Chile’s goalkeeper Cristopher Toselli is on the brink of setting a new record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal at an under-20 World Cup. He is only five minutes short of breaking the current mark set by Claudio Taffarel in 1985. Toselli has being totally unflappable to date and his control of the penalty area and his distribution has been impeccable.
Sergio Romero has only been beaten once and that by Poland in the round of sixteen. Romero’s performances have been largely overlooked as the likes of Aguero and Banega have received most of the media attention. However, when called upon he has looked confident and has pulled off big saves when needed.
Edge – Even.
Defense With only one goal conceded in the ten games that these two countries have played so far it is difficult to pick faults. However, the styles employed are very different. Argentina is a much more physical imposing defense with Fazio and Cahais dominating the central positions. Mercado and Insua (presently with Liverpool) make up the first choice back four that has only been changed in order to mitigate yellow card suspensions. If there is one possible weakness in the Argentine back four it would be a tendency now and again for Fazio to dwell on the ball.
Chile relies much more on anticipation and positioning. Like Argentina, the Chile defense has been very stable with Christian Suarez, Nicolas Larrondo and Hans Martinez logging the majority of the time. Chile will have Arturo Vida l back afer a one-game suspension. Vidal seems to have been given free-rein to flit between defense and midfield in a fluid formation. Vidal’s versatility also extends to goal scoring. He has scored two goals so far including the game winner against Portugal. Larrondo has been one of the great under valued players of the tournament.
Edge – Chile.
Midfield Expect this game to be played in a similar vain to Argentina’s last game against Mexico. Space will be at a premium in midfield as both teams place on an emphasis on ensuring that neither is allowed time to settle.
Chile will be looking to what has very much been a no-name midfield. Mauricio Isla (2 goals against Nigeria), Gary Medel and Dagoberto Currimilla have played in all five games and almost every minute of the tournament so far but have received little credit or attention. They have, however, been extremely effective.
Ever Banega is in the classic Argentine playmaker mould. Comfortable on the ball he constantly provides an outlet for his team mates and is incessantly prodding for holes in the opposition defense. Claudio Yacob has the responsibility of ball winning and ensuring that the back four is shielded. Although listed as a forward Pablo Piatti can normally be found on the left side of midfield while the diminutive Maximiliano Moralez has flitted from side to side as well as tucking into the space just behind the two strikers.
Edge – Argentina.
Attack Both teams have scored eleven goals but while Chile has had seven goal scorers Argentina has had to rely on only four players. Chile’s goal scoring in this tournament is even more impressive when you consider that one of their more potent attacking options has played less than half the time. Suspension meant Alexis Sanchez missed the first game and an injured shoulder restricted his game-time in the knock out rounds.
In the meantime Mathias Vidangoosy has stepped up and has been one of the outstanding players of the competition so far. His willingness and confidence to take on defenders has been refreshing as well as entertaining. Nicolas Medina normally plays as the lone central striker.
Argentina has the tournaments equal leading scorer in Sergio Aguero and a player who could on his day win a game virtually on his own. Angel Di Maria scored the equalizer against Poland and also set up Moralez for his game-winning goal against Mexico with a fantastic little reverse pass. Di Maria works incredibly hard in support of Aguero and if past games are anything to go by we can expect to see him substituted for Lautaro Acosta with twenty minutes or so left to play.
Edge – Even.
Coaching & Intangibles Both Jose Sulantay (Chile) and Hugo Tocalli (Argentina) will be pleased with progress to date but very aware that expectations back home are greater than just a place in the last four.
While Argentina has enjoyed repeated success at this level for a country like Chile opportunities such as this come along infrequently. FSR anchor Mitch Peacock told me early in the tournament that the focus and intensity of Chile at practice was impressive and they had the aura of a side that could win the competition.
For Argentina Coach Hugo Tocalli it is an opportunity to move past the semi final stage at a World Cup. This is the fourth time Tocalli has been in charge of an Argentina side at the semi final stage and the last three times they have failed to move on. Even so Argentina’s record of eight semi final appearances in twelve attempts emphasizes the past glories that the current side will be more than aware of.
Edge – Even.
Prediction – Argentina on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Time (EST), date & location – 19:45, July 18 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton
Few would have picked Austria or the Czech Republic to make it to the last four of the FIFA under-20 World Cup let alone both of them. Neither country arrived at the tournament with much of a pedigree at the youth level.
Past Performance
It is only Austria’s third trip to the finals and in 1977 they finished 15th while six years they dropped down a place. For the Czech’s it is a 5th appearance in their present guise or as the former Czechoslovakia. The best performance before this tournament was quarter final loses in 1983 and 2001.
How they reached the semi-final
During the group stage both countries continued to fly under the radar. Austria recorded one win (1-0 over Canada), drew with Congo (1-1) and with eventual group winners Chile (0-0).
The Czech’s started with a 0-0 draw against Argentina in Ottawa and then allowed a 2-1 lead to disappear as North Korea equalized late in the game. It meant the last game against Panama was a must-win in order to ensure a place in last eight. It was mission accomplished as the Czech’s recorded their only win in regulation time in their five matches so far.
Both qualified as second place finishers and while Austria drew the Gambia (runners up in group C) the Czech Republic had the much tougher task in facing group F winners Japan.
Austria progressed after a late goal from substitute Erwin Hoffer broke a 1-1 draw against 10-man Gambia. Later that same evening the Czech’s were 2-0 down early in the second half to Japan before two penalty kicks inside a three minute drew then level. Extra time went scoreless and the game was decided on penalty kicks.
It was déjà vu in the quarter final as the Czech’s once again won on penalty kicks - this time over Spain. Despite being under sustained pressure the Czech’s took a shock lead in extra time before Spain finally drew level. But once more the Czech’s kept their nerve as Spain missed twice.
After conceding an early goal to the USA in their quarter final match, the Austrians rallied to draw level before half time. A key move late in the first half by Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz helped to turn the game. Right midfielder Bernard Morgenthaler was replaced by Martin Harnik and suddenly the USA were on the back foot.
In extra time Gludovatz made his second decisive move when Hoffer was brought into the game and this time he scored the winner with his first touch of the ball.
Goalkeeping
Austria used three goalkeepers in the first three matches and all through choice rather than injury. Michael Zaglmair started the first game against Congo before being replaced by Andreas Lukse for the match against Canada. Despite recording a clean sheet Lukse returned to the bench and his spot was taken by Bartolomej Kura for the game against Chile.
Perhaps Kuru wasn’t surprised when he was dropped after blanking Chile and back came Zaglmair for the knock out round games against the Gambia and USA.
There has been no such shuffling of keepers for the Czech Republic with Radek Petr playing all 510 minutes of the tournament. What is more he has faced 12 penalty kicks over the five games and has saved three of them.
Edge – Czech Republic
Defense
Both teams have been pretty settled as far as the back four is concerned. Austria has relied on the centre back pairing of Sebastian Proedl and Michael Madl to shore up the defense and they have been very effective. Proedl even chipped in with a goal against the Gambia. However, Madl picked up a second consecutive yellow card against the USA and will be suspended. No team has scored more than a goal against Austria and in five games they have recorded two shut outs.
On the other hand the Czech Republic’s only clean sheet came against Argentina in their opening game in which they were badly outplayed. In all they have conceded six goals in five games which isn’t overly impressive. Czech Coach Miroslav Soukop has also looked to a core of defenders. Lukas Kuban, Marek Suchy and Jan Simunek have played in all five games.
Edge – If Austria had Madl available defense would go in their favour but his absence will be difficult to overcome. Call it even.
Midfield
Michael Stanislaw has been a stand-out as a defensive midfielder for the Austrians. If he hasn’t been winning tackles and driving the team forward he has been plugging the passing lanes and intercepting passes. An ever present up to now but Stanislaw has also run into yellow card trouble and will miss the game.
Martin Harnik has shown that he can torment with his strong running and dribbling while Zlatko Junozovic has been a real work horse. Listed as a midfielder Junozovic has been tasked to get forward and support the normal lone Austrian striker.
Five of the seven Czech goals have come from midfield players with Lubas Kalouda scoring three alone. Others to watch for in an exceptionally hard working midfield are Ondrej Kudela and Petr Janda.
Edge – With Stanislaw in the Austrian starting eleven this would have been a much tighter call. Without Stanislaw the Czech Republic gets the nod.
Attack
Erwin Hoffer started all three group games for Austria but the striker was relegated to the bench for the last two matches against the Gambia and the USA. It didn’t seem to faze him as both times he entered the game and scored the winner. Against a strong physical Czech side there is no reason to think that Austria will change the tactic. It will be a surprise if Rubin Okotie (2 goals) does not start in the lone striker role. He is strong in the air and a willing worker. However, his finishing could be much better.
On paper the Czech’s have the more impressive forwards but so far it has not necessarily shown in goal scored. Marek Strestik’s pre-tournament billing was impressive but at present he has collected twice as many yellow cards (2) as goals. Spurs Tomas Pekhart has yet to score in regulation or extra time and Martin Fenin has looked to be the best of the bunch.
Edge - Austria
Coaching & Intangibles
Both teams must be feeling good about their progress to the last four. The coaches have done what they are paid to do - to produce the best possible team with the players available. Gludovatz and Soukup have instilled a tremendous spirit in their sides and tactically they have been outstanding.
The Czech’s have had the tougher road and will enjoy the confidence boost of coming back from two goals down to beat Japan as well as winning twice on penalties. When the two teams met in last summer’s Euro qualifying the Czech Republic won 3-1.
Edge – Czech Republic
Prediction – the Czech Republic to win 2-1.
Notes
We are guaranteed a Europe vs. South America final. It will be the fifth such match-up in sixteen finals. The previous finals were Argentina vs. USSR (1979), Brazil vs. Spain (1985 & 2003) and Portugal vs. Brazil (1991).
Sergio Aguero (Argentina) and Adrian Lopez (Spain) are currently tied as top scorers with five goals.
There is the possibility that the final match will be a repeat of one of the group games. Earlier Chile played Austria and Argentina played the Czech Republic but both games finished scoreless.
In 1962 the then Czechoslovakia made it all the way to the final of the World Cup and played Brazil twice as well. They drew 0-0 in the group stage and lost the final 3-1.
A bit of an abbreviated report seeing that it is the fourth posting of the day. A terrific game - tight and hard-fought - and one that could have gone either way. Moralez' goal right on half time was the difference but Mexico had chances particularly in the first half. Vela struck a shot that deflected through Romero's legs to safety and then he rattled the post.
I thought that Di Maria had a great 75 minutes for Argentina before he was substituted - a great little reverse pass played Moralez in for his goal. For Mexico, Villaluz was in my opinion their best player.
After the weekends play their is no doubt in my mind that three or perhaps all four of the best four teams in the competition were in the second half of the quarter final draw.
This was an absolutely engrossing game from two technically accomplished sides showcasing very different styles. The Nigerians languid in attack with an attitude of "another chance will soon come along so no need to get upset". Chile with fantastic precision passing and great one touch play.
Even in defense the two sides relied on very different skills. Nigeria using their speed and magnificent tackling skills while the anticipation and positional play of Chile’s defense was exceptional for the age group.
Add to that the fact that game was played in a great spirit and officiated sensibly by Howard Webb and it all contributed to an exceptional match.
Chile had to not only combat a grueling travel schedule but was also missing Arturo Vidal through suspension. The problems multiplied when Alexis Sanchez and Nicolas Medina were substituted at half time.
But when the first goal came it did come from one of the half time substitute Jamie Grondona took advantage of a break down in Nigeria’s defense. A free kick was cleared but only to a Chilean defender. As he lobbed the ball back two Chilean players found themselves onside and only the keeper to beat.
The final score of 4-0 was nothing close to true reflection of the game as Chile took full advantage of Nigeria pushing forward in search of goals.
There were many fine individual performances on show but my man of the match was Chile’s Mathias Vidangossy. However, special mention must be made of Chile’s back four who were magnificent.
Notes Chile has now gone five full games plus an extra time without conceding a goal – 480 minutes in total. Three quarter final games and all three have gone to extra time. That means that six of the eleven games in the knock out rounds have needed an extra thirty minutes to try and decide them. Two of the six have needed penalty kicks. The average age of the Nigeria starting eleven was almost a full year younger than Chile’s. Chile became the only group winner so far to reach the semi final round although we are guaranteed at least one more as Argentina and Mexico both matched Chile’s accomplishment.
There is the old adage that if you can’t say anything good, then don’t say anything at all. So in terms of the Czech Republic’s performance against Spain I can say that they do take penalties well.
There again to hell with old adages. On the same weekend that David Beckham arrives in North America with the goal of increasing the profile and level of general acceptance of the game in North America the Czech Republic put on the kind of display that would even have the diehards reaching for the off button on the remote control.
It was a display of anti-football that would legitimately call into question the future of the game at the highest level. The Czech’s game plan of taking the match to penalty kicks was obvious from the start as they packed their defense and midfield and rarely managed to make it into Spain’s half.
But even then the Spanish must take much of the blame for their loss on penalty kicks. The miss by Adrian Lopez from no more than a yard out in the second half will be sure to make the bloppers tape of the tournament and the tactics of their coach Gines Melendez lacked imagination and decisiveness.
When you are playing against a big defense constantly floating balls into the area normally isn’t the most productive course of action. Add to that the fact that Spain set up with two wide midfielders hugging the touchline for most of the second half made it easy for the Czech’s to counter with double and triple marking.
The greatest threat from Spain came when Gerard Pique pushed up from his centre back position into the midfield and you were left wondering why Spain did not look to get their full backs to push forward in support of the attack as well.
The Czech goal when it came was nightmare for Spain’s goalkeeper Adan who was left flapping at a corner. The ball broke to Kalouda twenty yards out and he cracked it home. The only thing that can be brought up in Adan’s defense was that no Spanish defender was actually marking the Czech player who the keeper challenged.
Although Spain did manage to tie the game in extra time the body language of each side was a marked contrast. The Czech’s stood tall and confident while the Spanish approached the task like a set of schoolboys who had just been caught with a naughty magazine.
After the USA – Austria game yesterday I made a reference to Austria becoming the 2007 version of Greece. Now we have Greece I vs. Greece II in the semi final and we are left with Argentina, Mexico, Nigeria or Chile to save football from slipping further into the dark side.
After thirty five minutes of this match the USA could not have imagined how they could possibly not make into the last four of the FIFA under-20 World Cup. But two decisions by Austrian coach Paul Gludovatz turned the game in his team’s favour. The first move to bring on Harnik on the right side of midfield helped stem the attacks that the USA was mounting down that side. The second was to bring on striker Erwin Hoffer in extra time and he scored the winner with his first touch of the ball.
For almost all of the first thirty five minutes the USA was very much in control of this game. The opening goal was well crafted and started with Bradley taking a quick free kick and pushing the ball out to the left. Rogers picked the ball up before springing Freddy Adu deep in the Austrian half. Adu then got behind the Austrian defense and send over a teasing out-swinging cross. Altidore held off two defenders and placed an inch perfect header down to the keeper’s right that bounced just inside the post.
The Austrian equalizer came from multiple errors. First of all Proedl was not closed down and allowed to shoot (even though he was far out the wet surface places a premium on blocking shots from any range). Then Seitz spilled the original shot to Okotie who was quick to follow up. Okotie was then able to outmaneuver one US defender before Valentin chose to stand off him and allowed the Austrian striker to get his shot off. Seitz was unable to keep the shot out as Okotie’s strike overpowered him low to the right. It was the second time in the half that Seitz spilled a shot and doubts about his fitness were confirmed as he became less and less mobile as the game progressed.
In fact every time the Austrians lofted a ball into the USA penalty area there was confusion. Ironically it was probably the strength of Austria in the air that caused American coach Thomas Rongen to gamble on Seitz in preference to the smaller Brian Perk who had deputized in the win over Uruguay. However, with the mobility of Seitz compromised, the US lost one of his key strengths – his control of the penalty area.
Chances for the USA were limited in the second half and i####oal was to come it was more likely to come from Austria. Half way through the second half Sturgis had to clear off his line as the USA’s confidence visibly wilted. Ten minutes later and a double save from Seitz and the goal post saved the day again.
In extra time Freddy Adu missed a golden opportunity to put the USA into the lead after being played in beautifully by Dax McCarty. However, his touch around the Austrian keeper (who never looked confident but was rarely tested) produced a poor angle and the final shot went wide.
Then just three minutes later Anthony Wallace was given a second yellow card for an ill-considered challenge on Harnik. The resultant free kick was played in and never dealt with by the USA defense as it bobbled around and at one stage it clearly struck Michael Bradley on the arm. The left off was only temporary as the ball eventually broke to Hoffer as it rebounded off the goal post and he slid home the winner from six inches.
As the ten men US pushed forward Austria had numerous chances to sew the game up but failed to make the most of their opportunities. With six minutes left a free kick found Ferrari alone at the back post with the Austrian goal open and at his mercy. He failed to hit the target. The final USA chance fell to Freddy Adu who was left with the keeper to beat but Zaglmair stood his ground and deflected the shot wide.
Austria becomes the fifth team in nine knock out games to come from behind to win and they continue their quest to become the Greece of 2007. It’s amazing how far some grit, determination, good organization and a little bit of good fortune can take a team.
A largely disappointing game but with a bizarre ending. Portugal had Mano sent off for pushing a Chilean player. As the referee showed Mano the red card another Portugal player Zeguinha then run up and stole the card from his hand.
The referee either had a spare red card or got it back because he sent Zeguinha off.
Having generated some momentum the referee continued his card tricks and sent off Chile's goal scorer Arturo Vidal for a second yellow card issued for time wasting.
All of this in the final minute of regualtion time and injury time.
Chile now plays Nigeria but without key man Vidal. Alexis Sanchez also left the game with a
Other match-ups - Austria vs. USA; Spain vs. Czech Republic; Argentina vs. Mexico.
Sergio Aguero will garner the headlines but there was much to admire in Argentina’s overall performance and their 3-1 win over Poland. With the second half only seconds old Aguero flicked to ball up and over the Polish defender, pivoted and deposited the ball past Bialkowski.
Aguero’s second of the game, with only five minutes remaining, was another for the highlight reel as he took the ball past the keeper in Romario-style (around the 400 goal mark not the thousand) and rolled the ball over the line.
The first goal from Argentina that pegged the Poles back to 1-1 was simply spectacular. Banega who was the source of such much creative play in the Argentine midfield started the play ten yards inside his own half. The ball eventually reached little Moralez the other side of the halfway line and he proceeded to skin four Polish defenders. Given the outcome the last defender must have regretted pulling out of a tackle which would have stopped the Argentine number 17 but would have likely led to a yellow card.
On Moralez went playing a one-two that he then picked up in the penalty box before squaring to Di Maria who scored. Moralez operated just behind the front two and his pace and dribbling skills were a constant menace to Poland.
Eight minutes before Dawid Janczyk had put the Poles into the lead after the Argentine defense was caught ball watching. Was it offside? Perhaps, but it was an extremely close call and Argentina did not appeal the decision.
Poland was a worthy opponent and tackled ferociously but fairly most of time and Janczyk’s sending off in the last seconds of the game was more due to frustration than any malicious intent.
Argentina moves on and awaits Mexico or Congo in the quarter final.
As a post-script fifteen minutes after the game the Argentina fans are holding an impromptu celebration in the north end of BMO Field that looks as if it is going to continue for a good while.
I will heading to the stadium in the next hour or so and I will not be able to "live" blog during the game because of FIFA rules. Feel free to post your thoughts pre-match, match and post game thoughts.
I watched the Spain - Uruguay game again on the plane this morning and the South Americans looked very good in going 2-0 up. But after that they really did show signs of falling apart and I don't think they have come close to playing that well again in the games against Jordan and Zambia.
Based on what I have seen during group play if the USA can control Uruguay's big guns Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez then I can't see how else Uruguay can beat them - with the one proviso that they don't come to the game over confident.
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