Argentina: Conclusions from First Match

Argentina secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Gabriel Heinze first half header against probably their toughest Group B opponents Nigeria, although South Korea will give them reasons to disagree with this after their 2-0 victory over Greece earlier in the day.

One goal victory and clean sheet. Convincing? Is the Argentinean fan happy? Convincing- No and the fans need to see more from Albiceleste to ascertain their thoughts that the side coached by Maradona can repeat the triumph of the side captained by Maradona. El Diego himself was very animated on the touchline. At times it seemed he was itching to get on the pitch himself and show how it is to be done.

Argentina was definitely the better side but 1-0 is always a risky scoreline to keep and they could have been punished by the Nigerians. Argentina is no Italy defensively. Messi and co have to polish up their finishing skills if they are determined to progress to the late stages of the tournament as they cannot bank on their defence to keep a clean sheet. Overall the team looked threatening in attack with the capability of handing out a goal drubbing to opponents.

The midfield lacked steel and engine. Juan Seba Veron is an old horse now, he had a mediocre outing. Argentina needs a better anchorman in centre. Nigeria was finding lot of space in the middle of the park. Team was playing in two tiers: four-five players in attack and four-five players at the back with no real coherence through the midfield. When the forward line was targeting the goal, the defenders were relaxing at the back and when the defence was to trying to rebel the attack, the forwards were happy to stay up afloat. There was no real usher for fluid movement of ball from defence to attack. After this performance exclusion of Esteban Cambiasso from the squad again comes to mind and raises questions about selection.

The defence line is short of pace and would have come more under the spotlight had the opponents capitalised on their opportunities. They need to sharpen up as a stronger unit can cut them to pieces. Maradona doesn’t have to show off his star-studded attacking options, he has to pick an eleven capable of completing the task. So some compromises have to be made regarding the starting line-up.

Nevertheless, an opening victory augurs well for the tournament. May the rub of the green be with them.