LiveBlog: Argentina-Netherlands

June 21st, 2006 | by: Chris Heidrich |

A not very exciting game in the end after we’ve been looking forward to the fixture since the draw was announced late last year. Both teams seemed content to battle out a draw with second team players. Argentina tops the group with 7 points and get the reward of facing Mexico. The Netherlands will no doubt look sharper against Portugal with their regular starters in the line-up.

Final: Argentina 0-0 Netherlands

Full-time: This was a game fo rthe fans. Neither team showed much attacking ambition. They did enough to get the result, Argentina might have just shaded the best chances. Van der Saar had to do the most work.

91:43 – Tevez with another half chance at the other end. If any player has deserved a goal today, he is it. He’s been very busy all night and caused all sorts of problems, just never got a clear sight of goal tonight.

91:00 – Dutch corner results in a header ballooning over the bar from 16 yards. Argentine fans in good voice. They’ve qualified first from this group. Well done to them.

89:42 – Marachino Cherry gets a booking for a stupid challenge that wasn’t malicious, but raked the back of the Dutch player’s leg. 2 minutes of injury time. Why?

88:30 – Dutch have dominated possession the last few minutes but hve not been able to create clear chances. They’ve won a corner though.

86:44 – More Elephant Dancing going on over in Munich. We’ve got Dung Beetle Foxtrot in Frankfurt.

84:47 – Van der Vaart’s shot is nice looking with nice pace but safely wide. Penalty for Ivory Coast in the other game. How come they get all the goals and we get this?

83:44 – One-two between van der Vaart and Kuyt could have been something but foul by the Argentine’s. Free kick in a good area.

81:32 – Van der Vaart penalized for backing in while challenging for a ball in the Argentine box. About as much activity we’ve seen in the box all game.

79:15 – Riquelme out for Aimar. About time. I’ve been waiting to see this guy play since all the things I’ve been hearig about him on the Argentina blog. Let’s see what he can do with 10 mins remaining.

78:08 – Shot of the crowd with a cardboard cut-out of Klinsmann wearing an Argentine jersey. Not sure why they’d want Klinsie, unless they admire his diving ability, which is a realistic thought.

76:10 – Wide sweeping ball to the Argentine left wing. Moment of excitement with a nice looking cross but no Argentine’s attacking the ball in the box.

74:52 – Ref’s had a good game. Been largely invisible, not that these teams have had much in the way of aggression on the ball.

73:12 – Tevez wakes the crowd up with a nice shot, well saved by an outstretched van der Saar. That guy has awesome reach. I don’t want to face him in penalties.

71:40 – Shot by Kuyt from long distance. The crowd doesn’t even register an ‘oooohhhhhh’. Think they’re happy banging on drums and blowing whistles rather than watching the action on the pitch. I don’t even think Maradona has stuck around to watch the end of this one. I’ve heard the nightlife in Frankfurt is pretty decent

70:55 – Nothing exciting to report.

68:46 – Messi coming off and Julio Cruz coming on for Argentina. Not a bad display by the youngster, but nothing to make me think he should start against Mexico. He’s still an impact bench player for me.

66:59 – Van Persie off for Danny Lanzaart. Let’s hope he’s got some running in him. Ivory Coast has broken the 2-1 curse and equalized. They did the Elephant Dance. I want to see the Elephant Dance in this game. Goal anyone?

66:23 – Shot by Cocu at the other end just wide from 6 yards and an acute angle. Van der Vaart was hammered in the box by the big-haired Argentine.

65:00 – Tevez with a half chance at the penalty spot. An attempted bicycle kick that doesn’t quite make a clean connection. Crowd calls for a foul by Cocu.

64:24 – Riquelme tries to take matters into his own hands and takes on 3 Dutch defenders in the box. He somehow manages to keep the ball but eventually goes nowhere.

62:34 – de Cler with a passable impersonation of Robben down the left wing. Burns his man and gets a cross in. His quality of crossing did not match his move on the big haired Argentine defender out there.

61:10 – Cambiasso hurt after a run in with van Persie. It was Cambie in the tackle, but looks like he took a knock to the knee. Those can be painful, but I don’t think he twisted anything or suffereed any lasting damage.

60:25 – Another rare Dutch forward movement. Another bad cross that passes harmlessly into touch.

58:43 – Close up of Messi with the ball. Almost guaranteed he’ll beat one defender one-on-one. The Dutch have had two players near him all night. Maybe when Messi gets good he’ll be able to beat two players :) Kidding, kidding.

56:47 – Cambiasso gets a yellow card. Looks like it might have been for dissent as it wasn’t him that committed the foul. Dutch free kick from a long way out, but they shape to shoot. Miscue from van der Vaart.

55:35 – Nistelrooy coming off, Babel on for the Dutch. Ruud has been ineffectual tonight. No good service from the wings for him to sink his boots into.

53:51 – Tevez gets a small break and releases Maxi-Priest. His touchtakes him slighty too wide and by the time he worked his way back inside the Dutch had regrouped and his shot was well over the bar.

52:27 – Nice interchange with Riquelme and Messi leds to a shot by the former which just skews wide. A snippet of the Argentina we wanted to see tonight. Crowd entertaining themselves tonight.

51:06 – Rare sight of a Dutchman flying into the Argentine penalty area. Van der Vaart was the player but the pass was too strong.

50:00 – Bulldog Tevez keeps possession nicely, baffling 3 Dutch tacklers. Too bad it was in his defensive third of the park.

47:48 – de Cler earns a yellow card after thumping Maxi-Priest in the head with a forearm.

46:40 – Replay shows van Basten can still catch a ball. Wouldn’t we all like to see a strike like his winner in the final of Euro ‘88. Meanwhile van Persie can’t hit the target from a free kick.

45:08 – Second half underway. Early shot from Marachoino Cherry but skies it way over.

Half-time highlights: Fair number of almost chances for Argentina, but nothing clear cut. The Dutch really should have had a penalty, but otherwise no chances for them.

Half-time: No team dominating. No team really making chances. Even though both teams have benched regular starters for this game, the attacking flair we’ve come to expect from these teams has been decidedly lacking. Are they both playing for the draw already? That suits Argentina more than Holland.

44:56 – Messi has a nice shot, easily saved by Van der Saar.

44:42 – Just spent a few minutes watching the craziness of the other game. Penalties and free kicks and injuries and yellow cards and red cards galore. Unlike this borefest. I missed nothing.

41:57 – Yellow card of Ooijer. What a weird name to type. His lunge on Riquelme was poorly timed and nasty looking. Of course, Riquelme’s theatrics helped.

40:40 – Much better hair display by the Argentine team today. Much more what we’re used to from the Latin masters of the headband.

37:44 – Still no goals and neither team looks like they’re trying really hard. Either that or both defenses are awesome.

36:35 – Ivory Coast has pulled one back. 2-1 to S&M in a very strange game going on over there. Weird things are happening all over the place. Very unlike this game.

33:57 – Wesley Snipes (Sneijder) has a shot for the Dutch. It looked like it might have been a screamer but blocked on the 18 yard box.

32:03 – Game being battled out in midfield. Messi has not had the ball at his feet much with the opportunity to show us what he’s got. Maxi-pad breaks into the area but shoots wide from 6 yards and an acute angle. Dutch defender was right on his hammer though.

30:10 – Dutch will want to assert themselves more here. Can’t let the Argentine’s take pot shots all night cos they don’t waste many chances. The Dutch are missing the incisive runs of Robben out there. Kuyt may also be playing out of position.

28:41 – Riquelme’s delivery has been spot on. He’s the master from the dead ball situation. Maxi Rodriguez has a shot and just blasts wide. Van der Saar may have had it covered but it was a wicked drive from just outside the area.

27:02 – Kuyt earns the game’s first yellow with a professional foul after Tevez skinned him for pace. The contact was soft but the foul was there. Tevez’s pace causing problems.

25:56 – Tevez earns a corner much the same way Kuyt did at the other end. Riquelme’s corner has some wicked bend and Van der Saar has to tip it over the bar.

24:41 – van Persie hacks down an Argentine in a mis-timed tackle. Lucky to escape a card fo rthat one.

22:53 – Possession stat shows the Dutch have controlled the ball for 65% of the time so far. They certainly have not seemed so dominant. Sub for Argentina: Coloccini on for the injured Burdesso who picked up a knock to the groin during the corner scuffle that could have been a Dutch pen.

21:17 – Argentine captain Ayala remonstrates with the ref after a soft foul while jumping with the ball.

18:50 – Someone has to teach Tevez how to shave. When it bleeds, mate, leave it be. Did Cocu gets lots of Dumbo jokes when he was a kid?

17:45 – Maxi Rodriguez bursts up the middle but gets tackled just short of the 18 yard box. Dutch defence looking solid and organized.

16:53 – Kuyt steals the ball from a lazy Argentine defender but his shot from 14 yards and a tight angle is turned away by El Pato.

15:55 – Tevez has a shot from the edge of the area. Goes wide, but Argentina starting to pick their passes.

11:49 – No Sorin for Argentina in defence today. Lots of man-handling in the Argentine penalty area before a Dutch corner. Replay shows the Argentine defender Milito was raping the Dutch player. Should have been a penalty for that crap.

10:30 – No goals here, but S&M just scored against Cote d’Ivoire. Not that anyone really cares if you’re waching this game.

08:55 – Argentina spending more time in the Dutch half now. Messi is coming deep for the ball, which is leaving Tevez isolated, but the midfield runs of Cambiasso are helping.

07:39 – Cambiasso released by Messi with a great pass. Strong tackle in the Dutch area well timed and danger is cleared for a corner. Sharp chance created out of not much.

06:11 – Nistelrooy gets a hack in the box. Could have been a penalty, and might have been a foul if outside the area. Referee could have been unsighted. His extra dive to the ground after might have influenced the man in yellow.

04:36 – Shot of Tevez. Man, he’s a scary lookin’ dude. Tevez looked like he shaved with a garotting wire today.

02:50 – What a difference a goal makes. Cambiasso makes another start today. Dutch having the most of the possession in the early minutes. Argentina unable to get their foot on the ball.

01:02 – Dutch with a slightly different look at the bad. A few players with cards getting rested, van Bommel amongst them. Be a good test for the depth of the Dutch squad. Their defense has looked sharp, but they haven’t faced Argentina yet.

00:01 We’re off! Let’s hope for a great game even if the result does not matter all that much. Argentina going with the different line-up up front. A full game for Messi and Tevez, which we’ve all wanted to see for some time anyway. Thanks to Pekerman for that. Riquelme starts which is too bad for Aimar.

3 minute countdown: Van der Saar is really, really tall. He’s towering over not only his escort kid, but everyone else in the tunnel. Great match-ups between these teams in the past. Holland with the slight edge. Argentina heavily favoured today, but are they as good as six goals suggest. Will they actually create some chances that they don’t score from?

5 minute countdown: Who would you rather face Portugal or Mexico in the next round if you’re Dutch or Argentinian? The winner of this game gets the ‘lesser’ Mexico, but still a tough game. First Maradona sighting, seen hugging Michel Platini.

13 minute countdown: The Dutch are warming up in their white kits. Looks like warm-up kits. Argentina is in their white warm-up kits, with black shorts – maybe the Argentina will wear their blue shirts.

15 minute countdown: Bob is next to me doing the Ivory Coast versus Serbia and Montenegro game. We are watching both games on 2 screens – of course, I am focusing on this game. Are you watching both games? My prediction is 2-all draw.

18 minute countdown: Is Argentina as strong as folks are saying? 6 – 0 is quite an impressive showing. So many weapons and they play like a unit, instead of a bunch of individual stars. The Dutch – total football – reinvented?

20 minute countdown: Should be, could be a cracker tonight. Too bad both these teams are already through to the 2nd round. Doesn’t mean quite as much because of this. Get ready for more games like this…win or you are out 4 days from now. Can’t wait.

25 minute countdown: Sorry about having Drobga’s picture on underneath the Argentina photo in the preview. Oops – they would be even more deadly with him, but unfortunately Pekerman doesn’t have the choice of picking him. :)

Pregame: Who’s going to win?

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http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-argentina-serbia-and-montenegro.html LiveBlog: Argentina-Serbia and Montenegro – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] 10 minutes to go: S&M will be without their ManUre defender Vidic, but should have enough depth in defense to cover. However, in a game where they cannot afford to concede ANY goals, his presense will certainly be missed. For Argentina, Messi and Tevez have been talked about all over the Argentina blog this week and will they/won’t they start. Chances are they will see some action at some point this game in oder to let them have some playing time before the final round war with the Netherlands. [...]
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Deviilz.

Anyone think the odds for an Argentinian win at 1/2 goal advantage to Holland too much..?
(FYI. 1/2 goal adv. to Holland means Argentina can win by 1 goal margin)
Deviilz.

Does the odds for an Argentinian win at 1/2 goal advantage to Holland too much(over-rated)..?
(FYI. 1/2 goal adv. to Holland means Argentina can win by 1 goal margin)
Both teams won’t be playing 100%..,right?
Deviilz.

Argentina remains the fav. in my part of the country..!
James

While I don’t see either team losing in the next round, I think both teams would rather face the Mexicans. I think we may see some caution from the coaching staffs to protect players with cards, but the players will be looking to get a result. Should be an interesting game.

Netherlands 2, Argentina 1
matthew

Holland 3 – 2 Argentina
Deviilz.

Holland that good..?
Stuart

I’m going with a draw…1-1. I think the Netherlands is going to slow the pace down to keep Argentina’s offense at bay, or at least try to, and look to have more time on the ball. It could go something like the England-Sweden match, with Argentina maybe having the better of the straight play and more chances (England), and Netherlands having set play success (Sweden). Should be a great match regardless, too bad it won’t be the A squads starting. It would not be out of question for a rematch in the final.
Trav

I would like to see Holland win but with the way that Argentina has played that could be a tough challenge. It should be a great match whateve the final score

Netherlands 2 – Argentina 2
Moe

Somebody please correct if I’m wrong, but doesn’t qualifying to the second round remove all yellow cards from the team? Why then it is important to not let the players with yellow cards play?
eddie

Why is Didier Drogba’s pic under the Argentina’s blog title?
James

I don’t necessarily think the Netherlands is better than Argentina, but I do think that a win in this game means more to them than it does to Argentina, since they top the group with a tie. If the Dutch come out with a greater sense of urgency, I think that will be worth an extra goal in what should be a tight match.
James

Moe,

all players who only have one card at the end of this round are cleared, but if a player picks up a second yellow in this game, they have to miss the next round.
hoa

Moe: I’m not really sure but I think that when the team qualify for the second round: if a player got only one yellow in the first round, it is disregarded in the second round. However, if a player gets two yellows, which equals one RED, he will sit out a game in the second round. This is why coaches are reluctant to risk their booked players.
dietmar

nederland-1
args -3
hoa

The news said Messi and Teves will be in the lineup for Argentina. It will be exciting to see them play, especially the young Messi.
Moe

Thanks James and hoa.

I’m rooting for Holland but the Argentinian performance is more convincing so far.

Anyway, I hope it is gonna be a great match.
dietmar

the args just have a better give-and-go in the box
http://aol Robert

Hope Holland will win, but Argentina has played incrdibly well sofar, and shown ability to score many goals. Holland has to play slowly and methodically, and not allow a goal. Guess we will see who gets to play Mexico, which I would prefer over Portugal,
Robert Cohn
Atlanta, Usa
Roland

This is one of the real potential quality matches of the first round. I anticipate Van Basten’s disciplined back line will keep Argentina from running away with it but yield in the final minutes; Argentiina wins 3 – 2.
eddie

Almost time for: Riquelmes Puppet Show. Take your seats ladies and gentlemen.
hoa

Holland and Argentina both play beautiful attacking football styles. But Argentina front looks stronger and more dangerous.
Since both teams are already in the second round and they all plan to go far in this tournament, it is a good opportunity for the subs to impress their coaches. Also the playes from both team may avoid harsh contact to stay healthy for the next rounds. This will be good game to watch, I think.
A_D

hey remove drgba’s pic
dietmar

gentlemen start your….oh wrong sport
dietmar

lets just hope they both can keep the ball on goal, unlike mexico. i just hope those dudes dont try to blame it on the ball!
Stuart

Argentina have been impressive, but not really tested. Netherlands haven’t shown what they’re (I think) capable of yet. England-Sweden was a great match, lets hope this is too!
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dietmar

angola got their first WC goal, how cool is that
Stuart

Netherlands needs to go with white shorts and their orange shirts, all orange is a bit much.
hoa

just a question before the game starts for your football fans out there:
Do you guys think the U.S. can get a win over Ghana tomorrow?

My opinion is that if the U.S. can neutralize Ghana Micheal Essein well, the U.S. will have a good chance.
Roland

Orange is the new black.
dietmar

in a word(or two), they must shoot and score
Stuart

These Chinese commercials are cool and everything, but I’d much rather have footage of the warm-ups, stadium crowd, etc…
dietmar

espn has fishing, b-ball rehash, and bowling for pre-game…pathetic
Moe

The ref is Mexican? Shouldn’t this be disallowed? Just theoritically.
dietmar

viva la univision!
Moe

WOW.. they have the flags of the two teams and the date of the match on their shirts.
dietmar

spirited args anthem
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this should be the FINAL :)
Moe

Oops.. sorry.. the ref is Spanish. never mind.
Roland

Both Portugal and Mexico are streaky teams that can go hot or cold at any moment, but I guess Mexico would be my choice.
dietmar

i predict a goal within 5 min
Stuart

hoa – Ghana will give the US a very stern test. If the US can keep their shape, they have a chance, but if they’re broken down by Ghana’s running, it’ll be tough.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

I feel so old all of a sudden — I remember when Marco van Basten was starring for the Dutch in Italia ‘90.

Hup Holland!
Roland

Philip, I remember that too. Pity they came unglued in the second round against Germany, but at least they lost to the champs that year.
Michael Zevallos

Anybody know where i can watch this game online?
dietmar

did i read correct diego marodona had aheart attack?
Roland

Argentina pressuring. Their passing is top notch.
dietmar

not very intense,so far
Roland

That favors the Dutch.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

chris: Tevez IS a bad-looking fella, but other than that the ‘garotting wire shaving’ look he has is due to a scar he got after accidentally burning himself with boiling water when he was young. You can see that on the right side of his neck, going from his ear to his chest.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_T%C3%A9vez
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Tevez was in a fire as a child, IIRC. That accounts for his less than metrosexual look.

I’ve already said the US doesn’t have a chance tomorrow. And I’m an American fan.
freakaholic

ESPN is now inventing their own abbreviations for teams:
SMT vs IVC
Michael Zevallos

???
dietmar

what do they call The Oscar in argentina…the diego?
tedpaul

dutch looking ok
freakaholic

can someone pleeeeeease tell me what is in the Magic Spray?

Its not nanotechnology yet is it?
tedpaul

Roland, you must like the dutch
Mia

Holland 4-2 if we’re going by the history books…
hoa

Good chance for the Dutch there.
tedpaul

I like Kuyt!!!!
Roland

tedpaul, I actually called Argentina and Spain in the finals this year. I just want a great match.
Sam

Magic spray is just a coolant. Makes it hurt less, doesn’t actually fix anything.
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

My friend, change the picture please!!!
Michael Zevallos

Anybody know where i can watch the game online? Im stuck at work!!!!
eddie

I don’t think the Tevez face marks comments are funny.
Takeshi

I’d like to see a European team win the cup this year…so….GO NETHERLANDS!
Roland

Sorry Michael, I know there are others who watch it online, but I don’t know.
Jon

Magic spray = you’re injured, you walk off, sip of water, and BOOM you’re ready to go again, more or less.

Mods, the link from the main page to this is broken, it goes to liveblog-argentina-nedtherlands.html Worse, it then says to refresh the page, so that is probably causing a world of bandwidth wasting.
hoa

Michael: http://www.tvunetworks.com/player/index.html
choose CCTV-5
Roland

Injuries are starting to rear their ugly head in this tournament.
tims

Whatdetermine s which team a player will play for? Doesnt seem to be country of origi—apparently Australia, e.g., had a number of Russians plaing on the Aus. team.
Roland

The expression on the refs face was priceless on that yellow. Richly deserved.
hoa

Teves really gets it going! I heard his nickname is the “Bulldog”. What a striker he is!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Dutch Defence holding off Argentine Assault
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

and now the post helps Dutch !
tedpaul

harsh yellow
tedpaul

close call
Roland

Good thing Van Basten remembered to put the twelfth man on the pitch, lol.
hoa

Thunderous shot from Argentina #18.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Tim, it’s country origin. But basically, you can play for any country that you actually have nationality, and that’s why you’ll have Polish people playing for Germany, an English guy playing for Trinidad & Tobago, Croatians playing for Australia, Australians playing for Croatia, Brazilians playing for Mexico, Portugal and Tunisa, etc.

One thing to remember though is that a player can never change his team. If he played for, say, Australia sub-20 once, he can never play for Croatia’s national team even if he has Croatian nationality.
Jonathan

his name is maxi rodriguez
hoa

Van Der Sha will be very busy today!!
Stuart

Messi is going to be a player of real import for a long time to come…Argentina fans can smile.
tedpaul

were getting out played
Stuart

You’re right Chris, Kuyt ain’t makin’ it, and van Persie is on the wrong side.
Stuart

The lesson of the tournament is initiative…those that show it are successful, those that don’t aren’t. Netherlands has talent, but they’ve not shown any initiative (Robben excluded, of course).
hoa

Look at the attention the Dutch defense give to the 18 year old Messi. He is no doubt will provide the fire power for Argentina in this WC and more in the future.
Stuart

Netherlands will be lucky to enter halftime even. Maybe van Basten can whip some life into his charges.
Roland

That was not his arm, it was well handled. Ref was too far and missed the call.
Tom

This has been a decent game so far. So many chances for Argentina.
Leslie

Um…could you NOT refer to Maxi as “Maxi-pad?” Totally freakin’ not necessary…
hoa

Argentina is no doubt a title contender. Their play has been very impressive so far. I would not be suprised if they beat Brazil if the two teams meet.
Bobbio

Tim you play for your country, it being where you were born, where your parents were born or your current nationality. But once you play for a country you can never leave it. Your example of Australia wasn’t a good one to illustrate this, seing as it is a country of immigrants, but name ethnicity should not necesserily be taken at face value.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Leslie: WCB made jokes about the names of every other player from other teams, that’s not exclusive to Maxi Rodriguez or Argentina. Just chill and have a laugh.
freakaholic

Maxi-Priest better?
Tom

I thought the Maxi-pad joke was decent. *shrug* I didn’t find it terribly offensive.
hoa

Dutch defense has been solid so far.
Roland

Decent but not a great display of futbol so far. Argentina would seem to have gotten the better of it, but comes up empty. If my prediction pans out, it’s going to be an explosive second half.
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

I’m sure that guy using orange tshirt is from Argentina!!
dietmar

damn my cable went out for twenty min(sigh), its finally back on
Bobbio

All the cool stuff is going on in the other game.
Stuart

Van Basten needs to make some moves. Kuyt is clueless on the wing, and van Persie’s on the wrong side. He also needs to put some life in his squad. As for a draw, I don’t know that it’s a bad result , given the choice at this juncture, I’d rather face Portugal and probably England than Mexico and probably Germany.
chris

Ze, thanks for the update about Tevez’s face. I was actually referring to the cuts he has on his neck tonight. Let’s face it, the dude was beaten badly with the ugly stick but he’s a great striker so who cares. But his neck looks like someone had a go at him in an alley with a knife tonite.
Stuart

That’s the spirit, Philip!
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Stuart,

As for a draw, I don’t know that it’s a bad result , given the choice at this juncture, I’d rather face Portugal and probably Ecuador than Mexico and probably Germany.

FYP. :-D
chris

Apologies for the maxi-pad reference, Leslie. I’m not a fast enough typer to write Rodriguez quickly and I’m not smart enough to come up with Maxi-Priest on the fly.
dietmar

just say maxi-me!
Leslie

Chris,
All is forgiven! Thanks for doing the liveblog, from one of those who’s stuck in the office today. Love it!
dietmar

its another fine acting job
Stuart

Great comment…the Sun announcer refers to Messi as “using his low center of gravity” rather than calling him short.
freakaholic

whos the announcers for espn2? one of em sounds british, and could really be one of the reasons that game is much more exciting.
Richard

In the 70s, Argentina beat Holland in the world cup finals. This is our chance to get even… But I am not sure we’re gonna make it.
hoa

The Dutch seems to lose their confidence against the mighty Argentina.
Stuart

I’m surprised the ref hasn’t talked to Tevez about his hand use when he’s on the ball and being challenged…reminds me of Walter Payton stiff-arming defensive backs in the NFL.
Laura

Chris, Tevez had an accident when he was a child, he got seriously burnt on his neck… I bet he didn’t find it funny at all, and you shouldn’t either.
SES

Argentina and the Dutch are both playing quite aggresively. This game could end up a draw, but I think the Argentines will squeak a goal in injury time.
SES

Do you all think it’s more exciting to watch a game where both teams have advanced (e.g. – Netherlands v. Argentina) or a match where the order of the group has yet to be determined? (e.g. – Ghana v. U.S.)
Stuart

Dutch youth is showing, they’ve lost their composure.
ETucker

SES-

i dont think one can generalize based on advancing vs. set groups.

Case in point: the Ivory Coast S and M game’s first half was SPECTACULAR.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

remarkable ball control by argentines
Roland

That’s a tough non-call for the Argentines. They giveth and they taketh away.
Laura

sorry, I’m not watching the game… what colour is Argentina wearing? is it the lucky dark blue?
Roland

No, it’s the stripes.
Roland

Alright, go Ivory Coast!
Bill

Looks like this ball may never lose its virginity…
Richard

The Argentines played in their stripes in that fateful 70’s game too. Didn’t help Holland then…
Filipe

Come on argentina!
Laura

Cheers Roland.
Stripes… oh, well… after all, it just luck what my boys need :P
Laura

it isn’t just luck, I meant
Roland

Argentina really bringing it now; moved up their lines.
hoa

Tevez is just tireless. He is every where.
Laura

You gotta love little Tevez. He’s a cheeky street boy with an enormus talent.
ETucker

Come on Argentina! Get a goal for ET…my rent is coming up and I need an Argentina win!
Roland

If that’s the best counterattack Holland can muster, this is going to be over very soon.
Jonathan

Aimar should get some time on the pitch.
Stuart

Robben’s really been missed by the Dutch.
ETucker

Finally, Aimar gets on the field…..four years too late.

Any shots of Veron in the stands, cheering on his former teammates? Perhaps blowing a kiss to Sorin?
Laura

Please, mates, keep me posted… what’s happening now?
SES

ETucker:

I’ll give it to ya there. the S&M-Ivory Coast as well as the other eliminated teams have been great. I think it’s more exciting than this game right now between Argentina and the Netherlands. I’m just hearing the highlights at the moment.

I think it’ll end as a draw. Maybe they’re preserving their energy for the next match? The two teams both have qualified so it could be a legitimate reason for the lack of energy.
Ukrainian Hooligan

Seems like a game that the fans could of missed nevermind paying for it too.
Roland

Thing’s are getting interesting. Both sides reaching.
Roland

They Dutch defense is very good, but they only threaten sporadically. Still htey have had some very dangerous chances.

Argentina looks sharp, especially on defense, but they haven’t finished, although they have the statistical advantage.

Very interesting 0 – 0 match, but goals would be nice.
Ukrainian Hooligan

Interesting match? What game are you watching? :)

Looks like a low league preseason game:
ETucker

A 0-0 bore of a game.

This is a preview of the outrounds: two nervous teams that are more afraid of losing than wanting to win…
Roland

Man, that almost scored. Gives you an idea of how quickly they can score on you if you’re caught sleeping.

And that’s it folks. Somewhat disappointing, but the second round is coming soon, so I will remain patient. Ciao!
Stuart

Well…too bad there was no scoring, but not a terrible game. Argentina had the better of it, but I think the result was appropriate given the run of play. Netherlands still trying to find some enthusiasm in their play. I still say finishing runner-up is the preferrable result given the initial competition in the next rounds.
Liliana

Oh no, Mexico has to play Argentina! This is not good from a cultural standpoint. Too much tension.
John

go argentina all the way!!!! SO FAR ,THE BEST TEAM!!
hoa

It will be diificult for Mexico to play against Argentina.
http://www.angeloabruzzese Angelo Abruzzese

Fear of loosing is stronge than the ambition of crushing your opposition.

Oh well , Round 2 will not see such matches.
Dan Lourenco

How do you think Portugal will do against the Netherlands?

If Euro 2004 was any indication of what’s to come, I think Portugal might have the edge… don’t want to jinx it, though!
futbol

Right wing defense on Arg is weak. Player #4 is weak. Need to get another player to do the job
SES

Portugal seems like a strong contender to go far this WC. I think they’ll pose a significant challenge to the Dutch. Mexico and Argentina sure is going to be an interesting match as Argentina is definitely a powerhouse. :) Mexico needs to be more defensive and improve on those pesky penalty kicks if they want to survive.
hoa

Mexico attact and midfield seem not a good match to those of Argentina, and their defense will face maybe the strongest front in the Cup so far.
But the underdog status can give energy and focus to the Mexican side. and Certainly, they can rely on their Argentine manager for good guidance against the mighty Argentina. I bet it will be a good game to watch.
Gabe

how much were the tickets selling for before game start??
Mcthingy2

If Rafia Marquez plays as crap against Argentina as he played against Portugal…….this could be double figures…….
http://www.oldcoachhouseinn.co.uk oli

Good match but no goals i thought this was going to be a good game with lots of goals but the Nederlands look a division 2 side and Argentina were no better!