Day 16: Maxi magic
24 June 2006, 18:53
A week ago, if I started listing the stars for Argentina, it would have taken a little while before I got to Maxi Rodriguez. He’s hard to forget now. He’s scored three goals so far in the World Cup. The last one may have been the goal of the tournament. Tied 1-1, the match with Mexico went into overtime. No one took a firm hold on the proceedings, and it looked like it might be decided by a penalty shootout.
Eight minutes into the extra period, Sorin crossed to Maximiliano Rodriguez. Maxi was standing to the right of the Mexican goal, just outside the penalty area. He caught the ball with his chest, coiled his body like a spring, and shot with his left foot while the ball was still three feet above ground. It seemed to drift high over the crossbar then dip down beneath it. The keeper leaped back and to his right, but his body was only so long. The shot was perfect. Argentina was ahead, 2-1.
It was a fitting end to an excellent match. Mexico looked sluggish in the first round. But Argentina brought out their best. They passed well through the midfield and looked dangerous on attack. They were rewarded right away. A free kick was nodded into the box. Captain Rafael ‘The Heavy’ Marquez streaked down the left and scored the opening goal.
Argentina fought back, and soon things were on level terms through a Jared Borgetti own-goal. (Borgetti was unlucky. In general he was a boon to the Mexicans, getting into dangerous areas and winning balls in the air.) Riquelme controlled the tempo for the Argentines. He orchestrated their smooth passing and fluid movements. When Argentina is clicking, it’s touch, touch, touch, touch. The ball is played around the field with perfect ease. Finally, this is how they held on, keeping it away from the tired Mexicans and relying on the Apache and the flea to make marauding runs forward. But the hero was Maxi.
I hate Miroslav Klose. I’m not sure what it is, maybe something about the way the German striker moves, mechanically seizing the ball and punishing defenses. He was excellent today against Sweden. Podolski scored both goals, but Klose created them. On the first he received the ball with his back to goal and turned quickly, splitting two defenders. He was alone with the keeper. His shot was blocked, but the rebound fell to Podolski.
On the second, Klose drew three defenders to his left, then cut the ball back to Podolski, who drove it into the net. The Swedes never looked like they had an answer for Klose’s physical presence.
Sweden was unlucky to have gotten a red card (What is with these card-happy referees?), but they were outmatched by a German team that seems to gain confidence with each game.
Next up: Argentina.
It will be a classic.
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Day 16 Preview: The Argentine connection
Day 18 Preview: Socceroos look to bounce the Azzurri
¡Qué golazo! ¡Un Maxi-gol!
— pepe · 26 June 2006, 09:38 · #