World Youth Championship Finals : 2nd July: Argentina vs Nigeria

[fasteddy]

Argentina : 10pts win ( freely available at 2.00)

I've seen most of the games involving these two sides and for me it's a clear Argentina win on so many levels.
Individually the S.Americans have the greater talents eg Messi and Oberman. As a group they play the better game as well. Their discipline record read well compared to their opponents: 14 yellow cards from 5 games ( 1 Red), Nigeria 19 yellows from 5 (0 Red).

I have read so much about how good this Nigerian team is, but I have to say..I don't agree. I don't get it.
Sure, the defensive aspect is impressive, but it's the way they go about it that bothers me.
Relying heavily on their fitness , they are happy to attack in numbers , then sprint back to position. Dangerous game to play, but it's worked for them so far.
I don't see it being as effective in this Final.

They are very quick, but that precious speed isn't being matched with accuracy on the shots, or even intelligent use of the final ball.
It's been a case of the teams they have played flattering them thru the reputations of the 'countries' defeated, rather than the 'merits of the players' themselves.

0-0 Brasil : Brasil look to have a pretty average bunch this year. Not outstanding really. In hindsight this is a poor result by Nigeria. All their goalscoring talent couldn't breach a decidedly average defence.
3-0 Swiss: The swiss just under performed big time . Quietly fancied at the start of the tournament due to the experience they had in their squad, it just never happened for them.
1-2 Korea: Lost to a side with as much pace as them. As skillful in many ways, although overall a little bit lower in experience/ability..

Argentina have always looked a class above the other sides, more mature, tremendous skill and they ooze confidence.
Losing to USA 1-0 in the opening game seemed to work in a positive way. They didn't make the same arrogant error of keeping Messi on the bench again, plus they gave every game the respect it deserved.
Two wins followed, both clean sheets and they progressed to the next round.
A 2-1 defeat of Colombia, was then topped by a great display against Spain: 3-1. The spanish had been very impressive in their matches up until then, but had no answer for the Argentinians in full flow.

Messi and Oberman combine very well. Both stocky builds, powerful legs and will run straight at you if given the openings.
"Mesmirising Messi" : a real talent. True class. Will turn a game...and that's the key.

Zabaleta and Torres are strong midfielders, and as we ( well, Me ) saw against Morocco, Nigeria will happily run thru the middle and let fly from all angles and distances if you let them.
Shutting off the channels between the 1st and 3rd areas ( put a MIDFIELD in there!!) leaves Nigeria without a gameplan. I don't believe they have a Plan B. It's always Plan A : run like crazy for 90mins, keep smashing shots in hoping one finds its mark, foul as often as possible but try to do it round about the half way line- break up the play there.
Too many sides have given them too much respect and it's played into their hands. This won't happen with Argentina.

Nigeria are a good side, lots of skill and huge potential for the future , but I just can't see them outplaying such a technically superior team , with better tactics.

Their luck stops here.
Better side will win: Argentina.

I make this a 10pt bet becasue I have seen both sides play and there is a big gap in my opinion, with Argentina peaking at the right time, whereas Nigeria have already overachieved with reaching the finals.

[kompressaur]

1-1 Eddy

[Kiko]

Come on. Gooooaaaallll!!!

2-1 Argentina - Messi scores the 2nd from the penalty spot. Nigeria must be feeling hard done by just now.

Got on it at half time at 1/2. Thought i had blown my hard earned tennis winnings. Hopefully they can hold on

[kompressaur]

They call that after eventing you know Kiko

sorry i thought that was right on time. How long left?

[Kiko]

Not if you have evidence to back your case up mate

[kompressaur]

thats not evidence kiko thats some words on a piece of paper

[kompressaur]

I cant believe i made a profit on the day.

Cheers Eddy

You have the correct score too Kiko?

[Kiko]

If you use Betfair you will believe its genuine. I know you believe me really you cnuT!!

[Kiko]

And Komp - look at my vBookie total now. Im gunning for your hairy smelly ass.

[kompressaur]

Aye youve nearly got half as much as me Kiko. I suppse that should be seen as a triumph for you