Messi magic see’s Argentina consign Switzerland to late defeat
If you have not begun to have the thoughts creep into your head that this could be the summer where Argentina’s golden boy finally performs in ways that would make even Diego Maradona stand up and clap, yet another magical moment from Lionel Messi would provide the spark needed to once more become Atlas and lift Argentina on his little shoulders.
Another moment of sheer brilliance from Lionel Messi was the difference maker yet again for Argentina
It was not smooth sailing for the South American nation by any means, and the scoreline could have very easily had Switzerland ahead at the half. But, yet again, quality rises to the surface this summer, and despite their brilliant showing in the first half, Switzerland lacked that final product going forward that Messi and Di Maria combined to provide at the death. Harsh on Switzerland yes, but this is truly shaping up to be a summer of destiny for Messi and his compatriots.
"Starting XI’sArgentina (4-3-3): Romero; Rojo, Fernandez, Garay, Zabaleta; Gago, Mascherano; Di Maria; Lavezzi, Higuain, MessiSwitzerland (4-2-3-1): Benaglio; Rodriguez, Schar, Djourou, Lichtsteiner; Inler, Behrami; Mehmedi, Xhaka, Shaqiri; Drmic"
First Half
Needing a foothold in the early stages of the match to avoid having to chase a goal, Switzerland gave a very good account of themselves early on. High pressure, especially in midfield was the hallmark of their early deployment, and they were happy to surrender set pieces from deeper areas if it meant Argentina could not gain access to the final third. Going forward, Shaqiri and Mehmedi started brightly – these were all positive early contributions, but whether or not this level of play was sustainable over 90 minutes would be the question at hand.
Granit Xhaka see’s his well taken effort in the first half saved by Sergio Romero
Twenty-five minutes in, Switzerland had survived the initial goal of any match against Argentina – do not surrender an early goal. Argentina truthfully did not create many if any clear cut chances, and Switzerland continued to press them on the ball while keeping their shape well. It was impressive early goings from the European side. They would nearly find a breakthrough in the 26th minute when Shaqiri did ever so well on the end line to beat his man and pick out a ball to Xhaka at the top of the box, but his effort was well saved by Romero – it was the best chance of the match up to that point.
Ricardo Rodriguez had an excellent first half and performance over all, while Messi and Argentina struggled in the first 45 minutes.
The 38th minute saw Switzerland carve out another high quality chance when Shaqiri but Drmic through on goal, but with only the keeper to beat, Drmic produced arguably the miss of the tournament when his attempted chip floated harmlessly into the arms of Romero. Despite his ruthless form at club level, Drmic clearly forgot his shooting boots this summer. It was to be the last good chance of the half, but Switzerland had given an excellent account of themselves in the first forty-five minutes.
Second Half
It would take them till ten minutes after the re-start, but Argentina finally began to turn the screws against the Swiss, first through Rojo and then a strong header from Higuain that was well parried over by Benaglio. It took them more than a half to wake up, but the extra quality was finally beginning to show. Switzerland still pressed with two on the ball, but their shape began to come undone, and it would prompt Ottmar Hitzfeld to remove Xhaka for Gelson Fernandes, giving added defensive stability in midfield.
Xherdan Shaqiri put in an inspirational performance yet again for Switzerland, solidifying himself as one of the best young players in the world – but it would not be enough.
Just a minute after the change, a brilliant rasping volley from Messi nearly found the top corner but fizzed just over the bar. It was further warning signs from the South American side, as the Swiss were begrudgingly having to sit back deeper and deeper to defend – this is where Messi and Argentina would want them. Sabella would make an attacking change on in the 73rd minute bringing on Rodrigo Palacio for Lavezzi in a bid to freshen up the attack and find the breakthrough, and he nearly scored with his first touch but his header from Messi’s free-kick flashed harmlessly wide.
As the match progressed, Messi found his footing and eventually Argentina were in complete control – the goal was inevitable, with Messi leading the charge
A moment of Messi magic was close to giving Argentina the lead after he beat two before sending a low stinging drive at goal, but Benaglio did well to save and hold on – Switzerland were back against it and holding on for dear life now. Despite Argentina fully on the front foot and Messi beginning to inspire, full-time would end 0-0, making this the fourth match out of seven in the round of 16 that needed ET to decide the winner.
Extra Time
In an ET period that didn’t produce blockbuster football like previous examples in the round of 16, you just knew it would come down to one single moment of brilliance to find a winner before the lottery of the penalty shoot out – and who else but Messi to produce that moment.
Di Maria’s shot which beat Benaglio low to the far post – it was one of two heartbreaking moments at the end of extra time that fell upon the Swiss
After Argentina did so well to win the ball at midfield, Messi picked up the ball and went on one of his patented bursting runs forward – he then laid off for Di Maria who slotted past Benaglio. A moment of pure elation and relief would flood through the Argentina fans and players alike. Messi inspired yet again, but just like in the group stage, Argentina had failed to impress.
Man of the Match
Diego Benaglio – You really do want to say Messi for his magical run that led to Di Maria’s late winner, but Benaglio is the reason why Argentina needed extra-time to progress. Fantastic throughout the match, the Swiss shot stopper made save after save to keep his country in it, especially in the second half and extra time when Argentina were on the front foot after their disappointing spells in the first half. In a World Cup that has been witness to quite a few fantastic displays from goalkeepers, his performance is on par with that of Guillermo Ochoa against Brazil. Perhaps he, his teammates and their country deserve more, but it was an impressive performance from a team that few, if any, fancied at all this summer.