An almost classico

After the first 10 minutes, all the signs were there that the Argentina/Mexico match was going to be one for the ages. The first half produced a tremendous number of scoring opportunities for both sides, with Marquez shocking a large part of the viewing public by striking first for El Tri, only for Crespo/Borgetti to equalize 4 minutes later. Both goalkeepers came up w/ some big plays to keep the teams level going into the half, and I thought the next 45 would be just as exciting.

I was wrong. Both teams, after playing on Wednesday, had only 3 days rest, and were noticeably slower in the 2nd half. There were still a few chances, mostly by the blue and white, but the frenetic pace of the 1st half couldn't be matched. The match settled down into game of "can you break my defense down?" and nobody could for the rest of regulation. I think the big difference came in the form of subs, as Argentina was simply able to bring better and more explosive players off the bench, while Mexico's Ricardo Lavolpe could only bring on blue-collar guys whom he hoped could maybe break out and score on a counter. No such luck, as Maxi Rodriguez scored the goal of the tournament (I've been saying that a lot, haven't I?) in OT to set up a date with the hosts on Friday in what will almost surely be fantastic.

So, for the 4th straight Cup, Mexico goes home after the round of 16. Nothing to be ashamed of, as they at least are consistent enough to get that far repeatedly, unlike anybody else in CONCACAF. There will be unfair calls for Lavolpe's head, mostly by Hugo "I know I can do a better job" Sanchez. I think Hugo might finally get his chance, but I'm not sure how much of a difference he'll make. Still, congrats to Mexico for playing arguably the best team in the world to a draw for nearly 105 minutes.

The Germany/Sweden game started at 11 am eastern time, and was over at roughly 11:03. Podolski and Klose are working as cohesively as any other striker tandem in the Cup. Before the Cup, Germany was said to have only 1 world-class player (Michael Ballack), but these 2 are quickly climbing the ladder to join him. The defense has tightened up immensely since the first game against Costa Rica, and a now healthy Ballack is dominating the midfield. The supporting cast knows their roles and are fulfilling them perfectly, and Jurgen Klinsmann's mixture of American fitness and European flair is kicking into high gear, and this is going to be a tough team to stop.

As for Sweden, they never seemed to find a rhythm on offense, and once they were down 2 goals, then to 10 men (on a ridiculous 2nd yellow, by the way), that game was decided. Even if Larssen had made his penalty kick, it wouldn't have made a difference. Was it just me or did Henrik look really old and slow in these games? Again, there's a reason there aren't many players over 32 in this tournament.

That's all for today. See you tomorrow.