Incredible Match Today

A classic game was played in Germany today between Argentina and Mexico. 120 minutes of football, punch and counterpunch back and forth on the field. Mexico, which to date, had disappointed in its group stage games, played like their capable of doing, pushing the attack and playing physical defense. The Tricolores scored in the 6th minute on a set piece header from Rafael Marquez. Argentina came back 3 minutes later with a Mexico own goal off a corner kick that was caused by pressure from Hernan Crespo. At that point, Argentina looked like they were going to take command of the game and put a few more on the board, but Mexico refused and the two teams settled in for 80 more regular time minues and 30 overtime minutes of slug it out soccer.

The difference was Argentina's ability to replace its front line in the late stages with young guns Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi. They kept Mexico's defense spread out, allowing Maxi Rodriquez the split second it took to launch perhaps the greatest strike of this World Cup. After that, their pressure kept Mexico worried enough about the attack that reduced their options for the quick counterattack. It was a great game and hats off to the Mexican team for a great performance.

I haven't watched the entire Germany-Sweden game yet. I only saw the first 15 minutes, but that's where all the scoring was with the German soccer machine running at peak, ruthless efficiency. I'll have to see if they played as well through the rest of the game, but the first 15 minutes had me re-thinking my prediction that Argentina would down them in the quarterfinals. Argentina's defense had difficulty all game long with Jared Borghetti. If they think he's tough, wait until they see Klose and Podolski and Co.

Football players and plans always complain about the refs. There's a saying that there are two kinds of referees. Bad referees. And worse referees. Anyone who disputes that would have a hard time making their case after this World Cup. I have yet to see a game in which the referees didn't make at least one egregious call. The offsides call on Argentina's goal at the end of regulation was a blown call, and should've ended the game there. But usually it's been more than just one bad call (and offsides is a massively tricky and close call to make). Graham Poll had a nightmare game with the Croats and Australians, even citing one player with 3 yellow cards before deciding to issue the red. The confused fellow in charge of the US-Italy game had a horrid night. And all in all, this Cup's crop of refs are issuing cards as if they're in for bonuses. The downside is its marring what is otherwise an exhilarating tournament. Let's hope that the further rounds see refereeing equal to the level of the football.

And one music related item:

I just heard a new version of Gang of Four's I Love a Man in a Uniform from the Return the Gift album. This version rocks, with hard-edged guitar and none of the girl back-up singers from the original version. Great song. I'm going to have to pick up this album