itsbeautifuloutside

Report

Well, that was all very dull wasn’t it! After the excitement of writing up Iran V Nigeria’s sleep-inducing 0-0, I get to do the review of this game too. How lucky am I? Not!

Will Argentina win this campaign? Not very likely on this showing, but any team that has little Lionel in it can’t be ruled out. If they do get through to the final they will have to cope with a few ulcers and other stress-related symptoms en route if they continue playing like this.

Argentina were without the injured Aguero, other than that the teams were pretty settled. Swiss coach Hitzfeld is retiring after this World Cup. Reeling from the news of his brother’s death, a day earlier, he still managed to set up a determined opposition to the stars of Argentina.

Happily BBC had this match even if it did mean having Lawro alongside Jonathan Pearce’s commentary. Lawro makes Marvin The Paranoid Android sound cheerful and optimistic but he has one thing going for him… he’s not Townsend.

From the start Switzerland’s plan becomes immediately obvious - don’t give Argentina any room or time to set up moves; Simple yet effective. Lots of running backwards and forwards, sometimes with the ball, sometimes not. Harrying Argentinian players every time they get the ball. Especially Messi; one, two or three players on him, as required. It’s all very organised and efficient and deadly dull to watch - unless you were a Swiss. There are some promising attempts by both sides but none come to anything. The foul count, on both sides, rises and it’s about 30 minutes before we see any worthwhile shots on target, first Switzerland then Argentina. Shaqiri and Messi are the two standout players on the pitch - Shaqiri is attracting fouls and a free kick that he takes on the edge of the box needs a smart response from Romero to punch the ball out. Xhaka becomes the first player to be yellow carded - although not the first to deserve it. On 40 minutes Drmic should have scored. Only the stranded goalie to beat with a simple chip - and a pitiful lob into the goalies hands was all he could manage. Messi continues to plug away, Di Maria is having a ‘mare but the Swiss defence is resolute. Half time 0-0.

The second half opens like the first ended - not very entertaining. The TV cameras roam the crowd looking for interesting and/or pretty faces to televise. The crowd, look to entertain themselves with a succession of Mexican Waves (or Hooplas - thanks Christopher!). Romero looks like he’s bored and has lost interest as he fumbles a ball in his own area.

It’s all getting too much for Alex Sabella and he urges his team on from the technical area sending his subs out to warm up. He means business even if the team are lackadaisical! They get the message and, realising that they’re unlikely to win this match playing as they have been, up the tempo. Benaglio tips over a Higuain header, Argentina are pressing hard, another corner! The Swiss look as if they’re starting to wilt. Xhaka is called off and Fernandes is on - tactical or to save Xhaka from a second yellow card? Switzerland are playing with disciplined determination. Their two, four man, defensive lines are just about holding Argentina at bay and counter attacking when they can. Rojo, then Zabaleta are alive to the threat. But the Europeans are visibly tiring; Zabaleta is making more attacks down the right. It’s not just the Swiss, the Argentinians are showing fatigue too; Palacio comes on with fresh legs and his odd pony tail - within a minute he’s attacking the goal. Ten minutes to go and Switzerland take off Drmic for Sefforovic, he immediately sets off running at goal. Nobody else can keep up with him; no support! But it’s belatedly turning into some sort of a spectacle! Messi trying to take advantage of a tired defence, the South American defenders bringing down first Rodriguez (Rojo yellow carded) then Mehmedi when they attack. But still deadlock and after 93 minutes the whistle blows.

Oh dear - we have to sit through another half hour of this! Messi and Shaqiri are doing their best to conjure up something special - is it going to take an error by a tired player to give us a result? Extra time starts. Argentina have had the lion’s share of possession but looked very nervy in the middle of defence, Switzerland have had the determination. Switzerland continued to defend and counterattack, Argentina’s defence continued to make silly mistakes. A tired Rojo is substituted. In the second period, Argentina push an extra man forward but are still held at bay, reduced to shooting from distance. Di Mari is trying too hard, his shots all over the place. Mehmedi is swapped for Dzemaili, Gago off for Biglia - fresh legs for all! Switzerland look like they just want the whistle to go - penalties notwithstanding; just stop the torment! Suddenly Messi has the ball, the advancing Argentine front line with its extra man leaves Rodriguez with two to mark, he takes the obvious threat but this leaves Di Maria free. Messi passes to him and Di Maria makes no mistake this time - a fine finish and it’s 1-0 with two minutes left to play. Such celebrating! Switzerland are re-energised and almost get an equaliser as Dzemaili hits the post with a header. Shaqiri is fouled and wins a free kick in the D. But his free kick cannons off the wall as the referee blows the final whistle.

A dull game with an exciting finish; a not particularly convincing performance from Argentina who relied on Messi, once again to save their blushes. Belgium, who they next meet, won’t be quaking in their boots.

stBaz