Goals: Argentina—Di Maria 118’
Recap: It took nearly 120 minutes, but Argentina was finally able to move past Switzerland on Tuesday, capturing a 1-0 victory at the death.
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A fairly contested first half saw both teams enter the break scoreless. Argentina would flex its proverbial muscle following the break, dominating possession and creating a majority of the chances. It was, however, to no avail. Extra time would be needed to determine the contest. Lionel Messi’s one moment of brilliance decided it. A slotted pass to Angel Di Maria was enough to see Argentina through to the quarterfinals.
Key Moment: Switzerland had the opportunity to score an improbable equalizer in the 120th minute, but a glancing header from Blerim Dzemaili rattled off the far post and innocently ricocheted off his foot. The ball crossing the end line signified the end of Switzerland’s World Cup dreams.
Man of the Match: No player was more active in 120 minutes of action than Argentina’s Angel Di Maria. The 26-year-old finished the match with 125 touches, 12 shots, nine successful take-ons and the eventual match-winner.
Lesson Learned: Argentina is living dangerously close to the edge. A 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the group-stage opener was followed by a slim, 1-0 escape over Iran. More of Messi’s brilliance was needed to polish off Nigeria (3-2). Today’s result over Switzerland was the team’s fourth consecutive one-goal victory. Luck eventually runs out. Fortunately for the Albiceleste, it hasn’t just been luck. The transcendent talents of Lionel Messi is carrying Argentina.
Up Next: Argentina travels Brasilia to participate in the quarterfinals on July 5, while Switzerland returns home to prepare for the 2016 European cup.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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