In La Liga Lahoz usually doesn't get many calls flat-out wrong, and he's usually quick to brandish cards. But it's his antics that are so annoying and unnecessary. He clearly wants some of the limelight, when it's the ref's job to be as invisible as possible.
I have not seen Holland trailing in this tournament but: even though without that Messi moment, this game would probably be still 0:0, I think the Dutch will be opened up in the 2nd half. Unlike the Saudi game when Argentina had the lead but was unwilling to step a little back to better exploit the Saudi high press (mainly because Argentina didn't want to cede much possession to a lesser side like Saudi Arabia, causing something like 20 players all clogged up in a small area of the pitch), I think Argentina has the right tools to score a couple more now that it has the lead against Holland.
I hate that argument... I often hear it: "if it wasn't because of Messi's play".. Guess what? Messi is part of the team! And besides, if Messi wasn't playing another player would be in his role and who says they wouldn't have a flash of brilliance.. A Dybala, a Di Maria, etc.
That was both outside the box and a clear dive. This is the worst refereeing since WC 2002. What on earth even? Might as well just declare Argentina vs Portugal and give Messi the trophy right now. Argentina have been diving the entire 2nd half and instead of punishing them the ref is calling everything for them. This is Byron Morenesque.
In all honesty you looked finished before that goal. You've been trailing 30 minutes and not a single interesting attack...
random question, is De Jong a common dutch name? and are the current De Jong's related? They look pretty similar
It takes 1 time. It's not like Argentina were doing anything either. Netherlands could have still came back. The ref just killed the game.
That was the worst penalty call by far this tournament, the fact that it didn't even go VAR is a red flag.
Might want to get new glasses as contact was obviously inside the box, and a clear and obvious penalty. I'm not even a fan of Argentina, but they're clearly the much better side here.
Not sure whether it was inside the box, but that's one of the weakest penalty calls... Actually the penalty call for the Dutch at 77' was much stronger. But yes, clearly the better side.
Honestly. Messi has had three penalty calls and all three were like 10/90 calls (as in if it wasn't Argentina I don't see those called)