totally agree, he had a great tournament and the guys a fucking legend, took the loss like a champ and the reason he looked embarrassed to win the golden ball is because it didn’t matter to him at all, winning the game would have matterered.
i ended up watching the game in a bar full of Argentinians so maybe I’m biased
What a match! Both teams deserved the victory and had amazing players in their squads. Boateng and Schweinsteiger outstanding today, as well as Mascherano and Lavezzi.
Boateng won the match for the Germans. The guy is a burden at times, but saved it yesterday.
This was one of the best tournaments ever. And its true that Messi deserved the best player award. But he should have taken it like a man. Could have cheered up all of Argentina; country with lots of issues these days. But well, thats what seperates boys from men I guess.
game yesterday was sick, especially the first half quality. Argentina was clamping down on defense like ive never seen before.
lol at the quote that messi always looks like he needs a hug and that the last pic looks like platini is checking out his arse
When the quality of the teams is reasonably close, I think little details will often decide a match, and there may be a good amount of luck or uncertainty involved.
If Neuer wasn’t available to play against Algeria, I think Germany would have lost. If Messi didn’t find a way around Switzerland defense seconds before the end, maybe Argentine would’ve failed there. After the facts we tend to justify them with tactical prowess, players’ talents, emotional fortitude and so on… Many times thse are the real reasons behind a victory, but often a few very possible details could change a result.
Was Italy the best squad in 2006? Not so sure, Should Argentine make the finals in 90, passing the group in 3rd with the holy water scandal + 2 penalty decisions? Not so sure.
I think it is random enough that is very tough to call a Germany-Argentine match or an Argentine-Netherlands match before it happens.
Agreed. Germany could lose any of its players (except Neuer) and they would still probably reach the finals. Without Messi, I’m not sure Argentina would have won a single game. Individually, he was great. I think Robben would be a fair enough decision since he did almost the same for the Netherlands. Even playing for the third place it looked like there were 4 Robbens in the field (it also looked like Brazil had zero midfielders).
It was most likely Messi’s last chance to win a WC. He’s 31 in 4 years and the tourney is in Europe.
you must be totally elated though, right?
i can’t even imagine how I’d react if my country won.
I find Germany is the most consistent nation at the WC. Look at their results, always competitive.
^ Was Klose a write off at 31?
Yeah but Klose didn’t depend on that ridiculous pace and acceleration. Watching him burn Hummels, who is fast himself, while dribbling the ball was awesome.
Then again, Robben kicked ass and he’s 31 too.
He had a much better supporting cast. Being still great at 31 is hit or miss. You must get lucky and avoid injuries…that’s what I was getting to.
BTW, several studies out there claim that an athlete reaches his peak between the ages of 26-29. You can still be very good afterwards and there are exceptions, but in most cases that age range is when an athlete is at his best.
Yup, I´m glad they won, and it is sure a good feeling. In my opinion they were the most steady team which deserved the title (although I picked the Three Lions as my favourite team for the title, as you might remember).
But to be honest, it´s a different feeling if your preferred club team wins a trophy…
Well Messi is quite intelligent too, you only have to see some of his slide rule passes to realize that.
I suspect that his output will drop drastically and we could see him convert to an Iniesta type of role.AT 31 his next will be his last world cup and if Argentina are going to compete other players will need to step up.
I liked that wry smile at the end though. He knew it just wasn’t meant to be.
Btw, check this out. The argies sang this to the brazilians
"Brazil, tell me how it feels to have your father at home I swear even as the years go by we will never forget That Diego dribbled past you, Caniggia scored That you’ve been crying since Italy 90 till today You’ll watch Messi bring us the World Cup Maradona is better than Pelé."
Brazilians respond
Argentina, tell me how it feels to see 5 stars shining from afar I swear even as the years go by you will never catch up with me Only I have five Cups And without cheating Mi papa didn’t drug himself to play One thing I’ll tell you So you will never forget Pelé has more Cups than you.
I find it hard to see messi changing his style. He was very reluctant to do so in the past and it is part of his identity…but it would be very interesting. This guy is my all time favorite player, and I’ve been touting him incessantly since 05. Soccer will be very different after him.
Heard this many times (Tiger, Jordan etc.) and then they fall hard…
Are you happier when your club team wins? Is this the prevalent view among german fans?
In Brazil the national squad used to have much stronger support than local clubs for most people. In the last decade or so, however, I’ve seen more and more peope care more about their clubs than the national team. I thought this was a reflect of our badly managed and unethical soccer association tainting the image of the national squad - maybe it’s just a change in culture though.