Greece's "Anti-Messi" strategy, broken thanks to Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore, was not enough for the Hellenics to join Argentina to the round of 16.
Argentina had a hard time against Greece as it looked almost impossible to get through the packed European defense. Maradona's alternative players offered security in the back line, with a great match for Nicolas Otamendi and Clemente Rodriguez, but will this be enough for them to take over Jonas Gutierrez's place? Martin Demichellis was unable to beat Georgios Samaras most of the times, but at the same time his aerial expertise gave Argentina the first goal, and completely changed the course of the last 15 minutes of the game. The Albiceleste dominated the game with 81% ball possession, forcing the Hellenic squad to make over 15 fouls. From the last minutes we expect to see Javier Pastore more frequently on the fields, as he was responsible for taking some of Messi's personal defense, offering Lio spaces from where to let his magic flow. On Sunday Argentina will face Mexico, will history repeat at the fourth match of Argentina in this competition?Two new St. Martins for Argentina's Bicentennial
As the Liberator of South America did 200 years ago, Martin Demichellis and Martin Palermo joined the Illustrious Pantheon of Argentina's history by confirming once again the Albiceleste is indeed a solid candidate for the title. Greece's defenders were suffocating Messi from the first moment, as two or three Europeans kept constant watch of Blaugrana's striker every move. Juan Sebastian Veron was unable to drive the ball towards Argentina's strikers, and it was only thanks first to Di Maria and most importantly to young Palermo's Javier Pastore that the spaces were found where it was thought to be none.
Martin Demichellis was the only defender that performed the first two matches with Argentina on the starting eleven. Walter Samuel and Jonas Gutierrez were sidelined by force (The first has not yet recovered from a muscular fatigue from the Korean match, the latter having already received two cautions) while Gabriel Heinze was given an opportunity to rest as well as secure his presence against Mexico, as he already received a yellow card in this championship. The performance of the three substitutes was memorable, and Clemente Rodriguez or Nicolas Otamendi should at least jeopardize Jonas Gutierrez in the back line, for the two of them were solid in the defense and joined the offense constantly, Boca's Rodriguez in particular who was a determinant part of Argentina's rebirth during the last part of the match.
Sergio Aguero played a key role constantly asking for the ball, gaining the back of the Greek defenders and leading Argentina's advance when Messi couldn't do it. He had one of the clearest shots in the first half when Diego Milito assisted him beautifully at the doorsteps of their rival's area: Aguero managed to face one-on-one Alexandros Tzorvas, who could only deflect the ball with his foot. On the 45th minute Maxi Rodriguez forced Greece's goalkeeper who couldn't control the ball, Messi opened a space in the Mediterranean defense, who was sent to the corner by the figure of this first half, Tzorvas.Otto Rehhagel's substitution for the second half, for team's playmaker Georgios Karagounis was replaced by Nikos Spyropoulos, to strengthen Greece's back line against the Albiceleste. Greece relegated the whole offensive on Georgios Samaras, who had the opportunity to worry Sergio Romero a few times, but Argentina's young goalkeeper was ever ready to keep his goal shut. Samaras didn't have the ambition needed to lead Greek's advance on his own, and when Maxi Rodriguez made place for Di Maria the situation turned around completely.
Most of Greece strategy was about neutralizing Messi's creation, and Argentina appeared to be rather lost without their captain commanding the advance. Di Maria created new opportunities and gave Rodriguez the confidence needed to join Argentina's offensive trident, constantly sending high balls to Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero. Il Principe was replaced by Martin Palermo and Javier Pastore replaced Aguero.
Variety is the spice of life
The last 15 minutes showed the best of Argentina in this competition. With four creative midfielders (Veron, Messi, Pastore, Bolatti), there was nothing the Hellenic squad could do against the greedy Gauchos. Messi shot one of the bars after an incredible individual advance and had a wonderful shot at the end of the half. Greece's goalkeeper could only deflect the ball, which was served for Martin Palermo. Boca's legendary striker sent it in and Argentina's glorious future was sealed.Now Argentina will have to face Mexico in the round of 16, while the Greeks will have to return to their land after their best performance in a world championship. Is Diego Maradona's team ready to write history in the Black Continent, or the fifteen minutes of fame are about to be over
