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United States 1-1 Argentina: Heroic Juan Agudelo Cancels Out Lionel Messi-Inspired Argentina
Substitute Juan Agudelo was the hero for the Americans, scoring from close in the second half to earn the draw
18-year-old sensation Juan Agudelo caught the headlines yet again with a close-range equaliser for the United States midway through the second half, earning his side a draw against an Argentina outfit that seemed to have the game wrapped up after 45 minutes.
Esteban Cambiasso opened the scoring late in the opening period after the Argentines had dominated proceedings, and in truth they could have gone in at the break with a far greater advantage than a single goal's worth. But the USA battled hard, and Agudelo's equaliser earned them a share of the spoils as the Albiceleste struggled to convert their chances.
Argentina were breathtaking in the first half, controlling the possession and making the Americans look like amateurs with their slick passing play on the edge of the box.
Most of the scoring chances came thanks to Lionel Messi, who sauntered in and out of the American defence at will for the entire 45 minutes.
Seven minutes in the South Americans had their first chance. Angel Di Maria received a pass from Messi outside the area, and the Real Madrid star went into the box, cut to the left and hit a low shot that was saved by Tim Howard.
As the two-time World Cup winners controlled possession, not allowing the United States to have the ball for more than a few seconds, they began playing it to each other with short passes inside the Americans' dangerzone, reminiscent of Barcelona.
27 minutes in, Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi enjoyed a little combination that resulted in the Napoli star getting a decent look at goal that went wide of the post. In fact there were several opportunities of this ilk, but Howard was largely untested.
Di Maria had another tremendous chance when he beat his defender and ran towards the front post, getting within metres of Howard. Di Maria went for the clever chip but it was saved by the goalkeeper.
The Americans had their best chance of the opening half when Jermaine Jones held off Javier Mascherano to play the ball down the line to Donovan. The former Everton player cut at the top of the box and played it to a incoming Dempsey, who took a shot that hit a defender. The ball bounced right back to Dempsey who then aimed for the far post with a placed shot that was saved by Andujar.
Yet first goal finally came in favour of Argentina in the 41st minute when Esteban Cambiasso celebrated his 50th cap with Argentina with an easy finish from close range. Messi played another combination with Lavezzi, who then placed a delicate chip into the box right to Messi's feet, allowing the Barca star to take the ball to the line before passing it in.
Messi's pass went between the legs of Carlos Bocanegra, finding Di Maria at the front post. Di Maria's shot was saved, but the rebound fell right to Cambiasso, who powerfully slammed the ball into the roof of the net for the 1-0 advantage.
In the second half, the United States showed a great deal more fight. After Argentina had two chances early, one by Di Maria that went just over the bar and another by Messi from close that was saved by a sliding Howard, the USA started attacking with larger numbers.
Maurice Edu, who played a little higher up, almost leveled with a low shot in the box that went just wide in a clear signal of intent.
Shortly afterwards USA coach Bob Bradley, who was looking for more in attack in the second half, brought on Juan Agudelo of the New York Red Bulls to accompany Jozy Altidore up top.
The young Colombian-born player rewarded his coach in the 59th minute with the goal. Off a set piece, Landon Donovan sent in a beautiful cross that was headed towards goal by Carlos Bocanegra. Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar made the stop, but the ball bounced right to Agudelo who put it home from close with a soft touch, earning the United States a 1-1 draw.
Agudelo had another chance at a header 71 minutes in but sent the ball over the top of the goal.
The Americans looked more organized in the second half, enjoying a great deal more success down the wings. Sadly for the hosts, though, the final deliveries into the box were almost invariably cleared with ease by Argentina, and as such the game finished 1-1.
Sergio Batista may not be pleased with the result, but his side showed elite creativity, giving the nation hope for the future after a dismal World Cup under Diego Maradona. However, that they conceded in the second period, and had only one goal to show for their dominance, must be a cause for concern.
The United States will admit that they were outplayed in technical terms, but yet again Bradley's men showed bravery and determination in the face of severe difficulty. A draw is the best the hosts could have hoped for, but they fought hard to get it.
Undefeated in their last five contests, USA will take on Paraguay on Tuesday. On the same day a heavily-rotated Argentina side will face Costa Rica.
Thanks giggs..
Welcome realityOriginally Posted by reality
Ossie Ardiles: Lionel Messi Is Better Than Pele And Diego Maradona
Soccer legend Ossie Ardiles claims Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer ever – even better than Pele and Maradona.
The former Tottenham Hotspur player and manager says the only difference between Messi and ex-team-mate Maradona is that the 23-year-old is better.
Ardiles, who helped nurture Maradona for the national side, believes Messi is at a higher level than the greats because the Catalan hero has to play with more pressure.
“I think there is only one player you can compare with Messi, and that is Maradona, and in many ways they are very similar,” Ardiles said.
“But for some time I have thought that Diego could never be surpassed, and nor could Pele, but no longer.
“I would now say that Messi will go down in history as the No1 player of all time, the best that there ever was.
“The big difference is that Maradona played in Argentina, then in Italy, while Pele stayed in Brazil, and during their time the pressures were less intense than they are now. Messi is under pressure all the time, and has to play in incredibly high intensity games all of the time, the Champions League being the perfect example. Pele was supported by a well-balanced team. Maradona single-handedly led the team. Pele lasted for 10-12 years. Maradona had a shorter term. Comparitively, Messi has achieved so much and he is just 23. Soccer players reach their peak between 25-30 years. So, if Messi is able to keep continuing the same way, he might even be able to lay hands on the world Cup, which is one aspect where Pele and Maradona have an edge over him."
Diego Maradona has been appointed coach of Al-Wasl club in UAE.
Friendly Match
05 June 2011 11:00pm IST Poland v Argentina
Nummade Mesi kuttan ki Jai............
thanks Giggs for the pictures..
Every flight begins with a fall.
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