Argentina v Nigeria GOLD MATCH (R)

[El_Gaucho]

no it isn't.

I thought their goals against Belgium were quite remarkable.. didn't you? That's what I feared most from Nigeria..

[naija]

yeah, but that isn't really what we do best. the ball control is our best assest. just need better finishing... same story for decades now..

[Palacas]

Congrats to Messi he gets a gold to go along with his springboard diving silver medal he won earlier in the olympics

[El_Gaucho]

yeah, but that isn't really what we do best. the ball control is our best assest. just need better finishing... same story for decades now..

you guys had some very good passing too.. I think you guys are getting better every tournament.. how does senior side look?

if you bring these guys, 2010 is going to be your year to be in the final or semi-finals.. forget South Africa.

[vancity eagle]

congrats to ARgentina

now analysis

very boring and uninspiring match, both teams playing cautious, and the midday game did not help. Argentina had more possession but Nigeria had the more dangerous,and better chances (other than the goal obviously). I thought Nigeria and ARgentina both defended very well, that was the best part of each side. Once again our goalies poor decision cost us a goal. No way should he have charged off his line so far out, leaving DeMaria no option but to chip. Nice finish, south americans are very good at those finishes. If he doesn't come out so far, I dont think he would have scored, our defender was closing in. I was dissapointed with our attack, it was uninspiring. For the first time in this competition we did not boss our opponents, as I said before Argentina is a different class from the others in this tournament (Brazil included). I think in other games we relied on counter attacks alot with our quick pace. Arg must have figured this out and did not overcommit to any attacks. I have to question our coach for not playing our best player in the last 2 matches, and starting our worst player of the tournament in his place. I am still baffled. For what its worth, Messi was pretty much completely shut out, and limited to a long range effort.

All in all I am happy with the boys considering the quality of the opponent, pretty much a full Argentina team without the defence (who shut us out regardless). Considering our 2 best U23 players weren't even in the team and we only had 1 overage player who was far from the best option we could have taken, it was a very good account.

[El_Gaucho]

I think in other games we relied on counter attacks alot with our quick pace. Arg must have figured this out and did not overcommit to any attacks.

I think it was Nigeria's bad luck that Arg has finally learned the lesson of defending against counter attacks. We prepared well against Brazil for that, and we used the same recipe against Nigeria.

Nigeria had some great defending and was able to really diminish Messi's contribution to the game. I would say CIV counter attack was more deadly than Nigeria's against Argentina, but Nigeria overall looks better.

[vancity eagle]

I think it was Nigeria's bad luck that Arg has finally learned the lesson of defending against counter attacks. We prepared well against Brazil for that, and we used the same recipe against Nigeria.

Nigeria had some great defending and was able to really diminish Messi's contribution to the game. I would say CIV counter attack was more deadly than Nigeria's against Argentina, but Nigeria overall looks better.

yes I thought CIV did a much better job attacking Argentina than we did. The only thing I was really happy with from the game was the discipline in our defence. The counter that led to the goal cannot be faulted on our defence in any way. It was a horrible giveaway in a bad position by one of our forwards. Messi I think with a nice pass to DiMaria. I thought the best part of Messis game today was his passing. I think it became obvious he wasn't going to get any room up top so he dropped back and released 2 or 3 really dangerous passes throughout the game.

[Volrath]

I've become an undisputed fan of Pareja. What a ********ing rock that guy is.

[Maruti]

As far as Nigeria:

I really doubt either Uche or Enyeama would bring much to this team. Similarly leaving Mikel at home was arguably a good idea, although Promise didn't fill in his shoes too badly.

I believe Okonkwo did a good job fillig in for Taiwo for the whole tournament, although Taiwo is just a whole other level of good.

The other regret I have was no Ogbuke in the final... I really believe that if he had been on Nigeria would have at least scored. He was to Nigeria in the 1/4 and 1/2 what Messi was to Argentina.

In my opinion this is what the National Squad of Nigeria should look like this:

GK: Vincent Enyeama
DF: Taye Taiwo, Onyekachi Apam, Joseph Yobo, Chidi Odiah
MF: Kalu Uche, Oluwafemi Ajilore, Mikel Obi
AT: Ike Uche, Peter Odemwingie, Edu Ogbuke

Other players to be looked at:
GK: Vanzekin
DF: Chibuzor Okonkwo, Olubayo Adefemi, Dele Adeleye, Obinna Nwaneri, Danny Shittu, Oladapo Olufemi, Kingsley Udoh
MF: Lukman Haruna, Promise Isaac, Ayila Yussuf , Rabiu Ibrahim
AT: Victor Nsofor Obinna, Obafemi Martins, Solomon Okoronkwo, Victor Anichebe, Macauley Chrisantus

So basically mix this Olympic side with the senior squad, look out for several other players, including those that made headlines at the u17 championships.

So much talent... But can you make a team out of it???

p.s. I disagree that Promise had a bad tournament. He was just played out of position as a defensive midfielder in place of Mikel Obi. He works much better closer to goal.

[argentine soccer fan]

It was a very even game, both sides worked hard and struggled in the heat, but in the end I think a well deserved win. Argentina proposed more, and took the iniciative. Props to Nigeria, they have good young players and they have a bright future. But today is our day. We are the olympic champions and well deserving of the gold.

GRANDE ARGENTINA!!!!!

[vancity eagle]

Maruti what the hell are you talking about. Promise Isaac was terrible all tournament. He was a waste of a player. I also disagree that players like Uche, Mikel etc. would not have made a difference to this team. Mikel gives us creativity we lacked in the middle instead of relying soley on wing play. Uche is a player who WILL disgrace any defender. He is one of the best dribblers in the world. Enyeama would also not have made the 3 critical errors Vanzekin made to give up 3 goals this tournament.

[Maruti]

It was a very even game, both sides worked hard and struggled in the heat, but in the end I think a well deserved win. Argentina proposed more, and took the iniciative. Props to Nigeria, they have good young players and they have a bright future. But today is our day. We are the olympic champions and well deserving of the gold.

GRANDE ARGENTINA!!!!!

Big up to you! And congratulations.

[Maruti]

Maruti what the hell are you talking about. Promise Isaac was terrible all tournament. He was a waste of a player.

Isaac terrible? No. He was uneven and definitely not up to his potential. But he was also playing as defensive midfielder, which was an unusual position for him. I agree having Mikel in for Promise would instantly improve the game of Nigeria. So yes - I guess it was my anger at Mikel for not showing up speaking. He will be key to the Nigeria squad in 2010, unless Haruna Lukman dethrones him.

Why was Mikel missed? We had no holding player of Mikel's quality in the middle of the field.

Nonetheless dropping Isaac from the squad would be a mistake, as he can be very brilliant when he plays closer to goal.

Uche is a player who WILL disgrace any defender. He is one of the best dribblers in the world.

Which Uche? Kalu or Ike? Or both? Nonetheless. Yes. They are great dribblers. But so is Ogbuke.

And now read your comment and see my suggested senior squad. It had both Kalu and Ike Uche, as well as Mikel. So I am in no way degrading them.

Enyeama would also not have made the 3 critical errors Vanzekin made to give up 3 goals this tournament.

The third goal was maybe a bad decision and Vanzekin should have probably stayed on his line in such a situation. But It was two Argentinians against one Nigerian defender, so even if he had not left the line Argentina would have scored more often than not.

Vanzekin makes bad decisions, but he is young and still is a very good goalkeeper. He just needs to correct leaving the line. Apart from that he has great reaction time and is very sure of himself in most situations.

[bsas]

Well fought, Nigeria! You have a very talented and athletic team. Definitely a contender in any WC.

Delighted for Argentina to win.

[DaPrince84]

The better team won the Gold medal.

amargos.

not sure if you watched the match... but Nigeria's defense neutralized Messi completely... Riquelme was on self check.. Kun had a shocker... they really did not create many clear chances, and the goal was on a counter....

if Nigeria finishes better, they put at least one goal on the board... most of the game was played in front of Argentina's goal...


if anything, Argentina's talent came through (messi's passing), but they were not better... not even close


but they got the goal... and they won...


Messi is the most classiest Argentine player ive ever seen tho... doesnt dive or time waste... doesnt do the petulant stuff... a really nice player...

Gago was amazing also...

[bigpoppapump]

I dont know I thought it was pretty even. I wouldn't say they were alot better but I also wouldn't say Nigeria deserved the win..if that makes sense lol.

Also wtf is up with Gago?? Hes awesome in some games and has really come along way but he usually has like 1-2 wtf moments in a game???

[Maruti]

Messi is the most classiest Argentine player ive ever seen tho... doesnt dive or time waste... doesnt do the petulant stuff... a really nice player...

Don't get me wrong. I love Messi and love watching him. I think he is a much or even more a talent than 'the hand of god'.

But...

Messi was not too nice at the end of the first match. Reacted very unsportsmanlike at the end of the first half and almost provoked a quarrel. During timewasting he did dive two or three times.

And... in Barcelona he is renowned for being a PK diver.

So however much I like him Messi very much DOES DO THE PETULANT STUFF

[Pekerman]

bunch of bs ^^

[El viejo Matias]

Don't get me wrong. I love Messi and love watching him. I think he is a much or even more a talent than 'the hand of god'.

But...

Messi was not too nice at the end of the first match. Reacted very unsportsmanlike at the end of the first half and almost provoked a quarrel. During timewasting he did dive two or three times.

And... in Barcelona he is renowned for being a PK diver.

So however much I like him Messi very much DOES DO THE PETULANT STUFF

Not this again, how is Messi renowned in Barca for being a PK diver???:rolleyes: If anything Im amazed how the little flea stays on his feet when he gets bumped, and slashed so much.

[CHthirteen]

Messi is the most classiest Argentine player ive ever seen tho... doesnt dive or time waste... doesnt do the petulant stuff... a really nice player...


Jaun Roman Riquelme is the classiest Argentine player i've ever seen.