FFB 6.2 - Foster's Futbol Brew 12.13.22.1

Foster's Futbol Brew 12.13.22.1

Argentines at home and abroad have their stomachs in knots this morning.  It's as if they drank this bad batch of Foster's Football Brew.

Google says Argentina has a 61% chance to win this semifinal game vs. Croatia.  Oddsmakers at various casinos and online sports betting sites are also leaning steadily toward La Albiceleste.  I have to scratch my head as to who should be favored; I think Croatia may have a slight edge.  Let's take look at the Pro's & Con's on why either team should advance to the finals or go home in defeat:

ARG Con's:

-Lost to SAUDI ARABIA.  That still sticks with every player on the pitch that took a shot or didn't clear the ball on defense when scored against by SAUDI ARABIA.

-Starting every game anxiously since losing to Saudi Arabia- they don't hold their nerve as well as CRO, and it's been evident in the first 25-30 minutes of the four games ARG won

-Knowing they lost bad to CRO in 2019

-Without regular starting left wingback Acuna due to two yellow cards.  That hurts on both offense and defense.

-Messi's Last Stand- did I mention the nerves?  Messi has had some uncharacteristically bad shots on free kicks and from open play whenever he tries to aim for the "top shelf"... sailing too many attempts over the bar (and in some cases wide)

-Unable to hold on to leads, giving up late goals vs. Saudi Arabia, Australia, and The Netherlands

CRO Con's:

-Only scored two goals thus far in 5 games against teams not named Canada

-Third oldest squad at the World Cup at 29.5 years of age, and thus far have played the most minutes of any team at the tourney. Although they could have tired legs, their lack of possession reduces the impact of these extra minutes.

-A poor run in 2020-2021 UEFA Nations League and not-so-great run at the 2020 Euro Finals (took place in 2021) reflects lackluster recent major tournament performance where the team "looked old"

FFB 6.1 - Foster's Football Brew 12.3.22.1

Foster's Football Brew 12.3.22.1

So there's some real irony watching Argentina play against Australia at an Outback Steakhouse at the international airport in Buenos Aires (EZE)!  I think Ken Berry (who introduced me to HWCI many years ago) told me it was founded in FLA, not AUS?! 

My half-Argentine heritage is fully rooting for La Albiceleste, along with everyone else here. Nearly every airline & airport worker is wearing an Argentina jersey, sometimes under their blazer!

Let's break down the key issues of this game per Argentine TV pundits earlier in the day:

1) No DiMaria- he's out with a a slight hamstring issue they'll want to preserve him for latter stages of the Tourney

2) Lack of speed and dribble-penetration skills on the right wing to create higher % chances - three choices to take DiMaria's spot, and they're going w Papu Gomez. The pundits all had criticisms of each, so we'll see how Gomez can fill in. The strategy will likely be different, with more emphasis on bringing the ball up the left wing.

3) No team can be taken for granted, as was the case w Saudi. ARG must study the Soceroos tactics and exploit their weaknesses while defending against the counterattack and crosses.

4) The Aussies are a tall team. ARG must limit corner kicks and crosses to minimize AUS goal scoring chances. 

This will be the second of four ARG games I've been forced to watch gojng to and from airports. At least the streets and freeways were empty both times!  Imagine a Super Bowl atmosphere x 10 for your team, every time there's ARG plays in the World Cup (or Copa América, for that matter) 

On a side note, I'm saving this pictured Budweiser, the Messi edition, hopefully as a form of champagne celebration at the conclusion of the World Cup!!

-FFF