Argetina in a game they did not really have to win either to qualify to the next round or to do so in first place won by 2-0 over Greece. This in a match which in all truth; they were faced by a very solid Greek defense which did not break down till 77 minutes in to the match when defender, Demichelis scored Argentina’s first and long awaited goal. A few minutes later Messi would hit the post which easily could have made the score 2-0 yet this would have to wait for veteran Martin Palermo to enter the field. It being, Martin Palermo who with one minute left in the game gave Argentina their second goal of the game to seal the score at 2-0. Martin Palermo scoring of a shot from Messi which Greek goalkeeper, Tzorvas was unable to control.
Greece overall played well and was solid on defense but was simply dominated for most of the game by Argentina. This despite Maradona having left out some key players such as Higuain. Argentina perhaps at times not getting the ball to bounce their way or not finishing as well as they could have or Greece simply being very solid on defense; failed to score in the first half yet would go on to win by a comfortable 2-0. Greece, for its part is now out of South Africa 2010 yet despite not qualifying did manage a win and two goals which is a clear improvement over their last world cup performance of USA 94. Argentina now will go on to face Mexico in what should be a great match in which most will expect them to win but it would be unwise for anybody to rule out Mexico.
In conclusion, I would say that Maradona is proving himself to be a much better coach then many would have ever given him credit for, specially after the 6-1 defeat Argentina suffered last year in Bolivia.
Maradona’s Argentina Defeats Greece By 2-0 To Set Up Rematch Against Mexico