Skip to main content

ARGENTINA 2 - GREECE 0


Martin Demichelis and substitute Martin Palermo succeeded where Argentina's multi-talented strikeforce had failed as they scored the goals to break Greece's resilience and end their World Cup hopes at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Demichelis fired home from close range in the 77th minute after his header from Lionel Messi's corner bounced back off team-mate Diego Milito. Palermo tapped in the rebound from Messi's shot to complete the victory a minute from time.

It sent Argentina into the knockout phase to face Mexico full of confidence on the back of three successive wins as Greece's best defensive efforts ultimately proved to be in vain. South Korea's 2-2 draw with Nigeria put them through as Group B runners-up.

Argentina did not really need to exert themselves as they were virtually guaranteed to progress as group winners before the match kicked off. Messi captained the side after Maradona made seven changes from victory over South Korea but found himself closely marked throughout.

It was 24 years to the day since Maradona scored his infamous Hand of God goal against England in the quarter-finals of 1986 Mexico World Cup, Argentina's last triumph at this tournament, and the frustrated players might have felt like indulging in similar skulduggery themselves.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PORTUGAL WINS THRILLING NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Portugal captured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title in breathtaking fashion, defeating Spain 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Munich. The final exploded into life when Spain took a 2-1 lead before halftime through goals by Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal . But Portugal roared back— Nuno Mendes equalized, and Cristiano Ronaldo , ever the talisman, netted his 138th international goal to level the tie. Extra time couldn't separate the sides, setting up a nerve-shredding shootout. Álvaro Morata ’s miss proved costly for Spain, as Portugal converted all five of their penalties. Rúben Neves slotted the decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations from the Portuguese squad and fans. For Ronaldo, this triumph adds yet another glittering jewel to his legendary career. For Portugal, it’s a powerful statement: they remain a force in European football, with a new generation stepping up under the fire of pressure and glory. ASIA S...
Post a Comment
Read more

LIVERPOOL CLINCH PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE

Liverpool clinched their 20th English league title and second in the Premier League era. Under new manager Arne Slot , the Reds secured the championship with a commanding 5–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on April 27, 2025, at Anfield. This triumph marked Slot as only the fifth manager to win the Premier League in his debut season. A cornerstone of Liverpool's success was Mohamed Salah , who set a new record for goal contributions in a 38-game Premier League season, amassing 45 combined goals and assists. The team demonstrated remarkable consistency, leading the league table for 234 days, 193 more than any other club. The title celebration was particularly poignant as club legend Alan Hansen, recovering from a serious illness, presented the trophy to captain Virgil van Dijk . This moment resonated deeply with fans, contrasting the behind-closed-doors celebration of their 2020 triumph. With this victory, Liverpool not only matched Manchester United ...
Post a Comment
Read more

MESSI INSPIRES ARGENTINA TO WIN THIRD WORLD CUP

In probably the wildest final in the tournament’s 92-year history, Argentina won its third World Cup title. They beat France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw featuring two goals from Lionel Messi and a hat trick by Kylian Mbappé. Messi was in scintillating form from the start of the final, putting Argentina ahead from the penalty spot after Angel Di Maria was tripped. Just 11 minutes later, he played a part in a flowing team move that resulted in Di Maria making it 2-0 after 36 minutes. Argentina dominated the first half and took a 2-0 lead into the break. Mbappé, on the other hand, was anonymous until bursting into life by scoring two goals in a 97-second span. The first came from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, and the other was a volley to take the game to extra time at 2-2. The 35-year-old Messi still had plenty of energy, and he was in the right position to tap in his second goal in the 108th minute. Argentina was on the brink of the title once again. However, Franc...
Post a Comment
Read more