World Cup 2014, Day 4: More 'surprises'?

Yep, but very pleasant ones!
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by PAM


And so, the moment of truth has finally arrived... will Diego Maradona's 'heir apparent' finally become who he was born to be?  A hint to the answer came some 65 minutes into the first match of La Albiceleste in the 2014 FIFA World Cup - in the cavernous Maracana no less, the sacred ground of Brazilian football... Brazil's answer to Rome's Colosseum.   

The moment that millions of football fans around the world have been waiting for since 2010 in South Africa has finally came.  Lionel Messi stepped out of the dugout and into the Maracana pitch, donning the sky blue and white strip

The Albiceleste Captain and his 'army': all men
of the 'beautiful game'.

of the Argentina National Football Team.  The crowd of 74,738 erupted in cheers.  He knew what he was up against: the formidable 'giants' of the game, the towering expectations of his countrymen, and the non-believers who continue to doubt his greatness, in spite of four Ballon d'Or and other awards, and countless silverware for FC Barcelona, which he helped to amass.  He knew who were behind him: millions who believe in the 'beautiful game', and in the fact that he and his talents are an exquisite ornament that confirms the beauty of the game.  Wearing the Albiceleste Captain's arm band, the subtle but distinct swagger with which he walked as he led his Team towards the pitch spoke volume:  he felt the daunting challenge, but he felt the support of millions... and perhaps, the soft lips of destiny brushing his brows lightly - there, but not quite... and, that carried his spirit, allowed him to walk tall despite his minute physical stature.  Will destiny favor him and his supporters?  We have four weeks to find out.

In the meantime, there was the Group Stage to take care of.  The World Cup debutante, Bosnia and Herzegovina National Football Team, had a line-up menacing enough to

Own goal: The mistake borne out of inexperience
that put Bosnia on catch-up with Argentina.

make the Argentinian football fans to look up to the skies and pray for their Team to successfully clear this hurdle.  With high-quality players, the likes of Edin Dzeko, who have distinguished themselves to be highly realible in their respective roles on the pitch, say, the English Premier League in the case of Dzeko, it didn't look as easy as most would hope for. True enough, going through the newcomers was a nightmare, no straightforward approach!  Luckily, with a Messi inbound, after Sergio Aguero was brought down bad, an own goal by Sead Kolasinac put the Argentinians in the lead, 1-0, barely five minutes into the match.  This put the newcomers on a catch-up with the more experienced Argentinian squad.  However, with the 5-3-2 strategy employed by the Albiceleste boss, Alejandro Sabella, with Messi and Aguero in front, the Bosnian defense easily crowded La Pulga and El Kun everytime they got a go for the ball, rendering both forwards ineffective in finishing.  This nailed the score to 1-0 until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Sabella changed strategy, adopting a more tactically plausible format, given the tough Bosnian defense.  He brought out Gonzalo Higuain on the right wing to

The Maracana... cavernous, intimidating, exciting!

effect a 4-3-3, with more options for finishing.  It allowed Angel Di Maria to go deeper behind Aguero, using his speed and dribbling prowess more effectively to give Messi time to find his position, augmenting attack.  That sliced the Bosnian defense on Argentinian attack, giving Messi more space and better opportunity to finish more successfully.  Fernando Gago came on, too, putting cushion and creativity in the defense line as Di Maria went deeper. It seemed to be working as a few opportunities were made... but wasted, as El Kun cannot seem to control his touch on the ball.  At one point, Messi pooped a free kick... and the Argentinian fans made a disapproving sound... something that would suffocate the

The 'little magician' at work... goooooaaal!

spirit of someone made of less sturdier stuff.  Surprise?  Nah... it's the story of Messi's life, actually, having to wear the Blaugrana shirt and the Albiceleste shirt.  Luckily, he is made of stuff that All-Time Greats are made of.

And then, around the 65th minute into the match, there came an opening on the Bosnian defense, which Messi spotted quickly.  He sped forward on the left of the goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, passing the ball to Higuain so he could lose his markers who now chased Higuain, slicing the defense further, and then changed course and sped to the left, not giving enough time to Begovic to change position and the defense to change direction.  Higuain, in a perfectly timed move, passed the ball to Messi as the 'little magician' zigzagged the defense.  La Pulga charged to the slight opening, jumping over the disconcerted defense who fell tangled as they chased him, and fired with his left foot.  GOAL!  Awesomeness!  

Maracana erupted with sheer glee!  I was on my feet, too, despite my sickness, which

Messi goal-related pandemonium: 74,738-glee!

required that I lie down for a few days. :)

More similar opportunities were created by the Albiceleste, but lady luck seemed to say that two goals should be enough, and winning does not have to mean "slicing" your opponent to pieces.  Winning  must also be a humbling experience.  In fact, just to point out that the Argentina defense is suspect, a late goal from Vedad Ibisevic, which was fired on close range went through the legs of the Albiceleste goalie, Sergio Romero.  None of Sabella's defense crew were anywhere close enough to help out Romero effectively.  To be fair, Federico Fernandez, I believe did a great job, putting away many Bosnian attempts in a decisive and 'mean defending' manner... actually, some of his moves were in the vicinity of awesomeness.  Yep, the man is quite reliable.  Perhaps, Javier Mascherano must emulate his example... and, with Fernando Gago allowed more playing time, they should be fine. 

And, to be fair to the Bosnian squad and their boss, Safet Susic, they played like old timers out there... fearless, determined, focused, composed... they showed hunger, but they also showed elegance and grace.  Good job, gentlemen!  You are one of World Cup 2014's pleasant surprises.  Carry on.   

Alright, good first game, Albiceleste.  Moving on... Nigeria and Iran must be tamed, too.  Can you whip it? :)  You'd better! 

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