It is not a surprise that we have witnessed another exciting match extended into extra time in this 2014 World Cup Round of 16. It’s also not a surprise that Switzerland had a tough time attacking against the Argentine defense. But it was more of a surprise that Argentina could not score in a span of 90 minutes, despite all the attacks and shots they had for a goal.
It was not until Argentina scored in the 128th minute to win the game 1-0 against Switzerland.
From start to end, it was Argentina controlling the game against the Swiss. It was a frustrating game for both Argentina players and Switzerland players.
Argentina midfielders, Lionel Messi and Di María had a tough time striking at the goal throughout the game. It was a quiet 1st half for Argentina as they were only able to shoot at goal 5 times, while Switzerland had 4 shots at goal.
It seemed like a very even match up but once the second half was underway, Argentina was relentless in their attack. Di María would not stop shooting at goal. He was a striking machine. Unfortunately, for Argentina, he could not find the back of the net throughout regulation time.
Switzerland played defensively hoping to counterattack on Argentina’s defense. They failed. They couldn’t take the ball away from Argentina and it was a very lopsided game when it came to possession of the ball.
Surprisingly, the Swiss were able to keep Argentina scoreless at the end of 90 minutes. And this game was now going into another anxious 30 minutes in extra time.
The match remained the same. Di María shooting like crazy, while an exhausted Swiss team could not control their ball possession.
Finally in the 118th minute, Di María was able to celebrate his clutch breathtaking goal off an assist from world star Lionel Messi.
The Swiss were now down 1-0 and had a couple of minutes to come back and tie the game. They were now in attack mode. The Swiss had a great chance at goal as Blerim Dzemaili, Switzerland midfielder, tried to score a header off a cross, but it bounced of the woodwork during the final minute of the game. The Swiss knew it was their last clean chance at a goal after a blocked Swiss free kick in the final seconds of the game.
It was a memorable moment for Argentina, especially for Di María as he was able to pull off the victorious goal. It may all be fun for Argentina right now, but their flaws were exposed in this match up. Argentina will now face the winner of an exciting USA vs. Belgium match up in the quarterfinals.
Chris Zacherl may be reached at [email protected].
