Match in Mind 12, by Shadiq A-H. Free of charge.
Côte d'Ivoire 1-2 Argentina
Olympic Games 2008 - Mens Football Tournament
7/8/08
7.45pm
Shanghai Stadium, China
Intro: Quite a few reasons why I watched this match and MiMmed it. Like how I haven't seen any competitive football since Euro 08 ended. And how all of u people are probably doing ur chem ias, math worksheets, history ias, what have u. But i, ah i dont change much (unlike our climate, thanks to deforestation, carbon emissions, ozone depletion... ah man i've been listening in bio, though) and so watched a football match instead. And also, this is true, nothing unites like football so if 5.11 needs anyth, its football (call this propaganda from me, but hey we've been getting quite alot of that stuff recently eh?). And one more reason, probably the biggest reason too, the reputation of the teams. Argentina have always been strong forces in youth levels (Olympics is under 23, with 3 overaged players allowed) and so had that reputation going into this tournament. Côte d'Ivoire (CIV) are African, and African teams have somehow been able to surprise us and win so much at youth levels over time, with their physical power mainly, so CIV could be the next African team to surprise us.
Tactics: Both teams had modified 4-3-3s. Argentina had a 4-3-3 where Lionel Messi was the focus in the 3 upfront. CIV had a 4-3-3 with their 2 wingers upfront dropping to about the halfway line alot. Other than that, Argentina tried to play their usual passing game.
My Man of the Match: Sekou Cisse (CIV). He made the left wing his in the first half, and got the goal for CIV. Had a very good game. His runs with the ball down the left wing were based mainly on his physical power and pace, and these runs did alot to make the Argentinian defence nervous. They fouled him at times, leading to free kicks too. Oh and in case u havent heard his name before, he playes for Roda JC in Holland. And e 'JC' in Roda JC isnt 'junior college', neither is the 'Holland' that place near school, i dont know what this 'JC' is and this 'Holland' is the country.
“What the..?”: Very few lah. Although when i saw the two teams and saw Juan Román Riquelme being Argentina's captain i was surprised, because I didn't read anywhere that he was even included as one of their overage players. Riquelme's passing range is (ask anyone) too good and seeing him there was surprising yet nice. Like i said, very few "what the?" moments. This one also not so shocking.
Commentator’s memorable quotes: I dont know who the commentator was, but caught a few quotes. "Here is Antoine N'gossan, CIV's youngest player, who's 17.. nicely done there", "I don't think i need to tell u when Messi gets the ball, the crowd's roar will tell u", "He scored one goal and set up one, another day at the office then for Lionel Messi" - commentator. The first quote above was just so.. The jealousy, turning saints into the sea, swimming through sick lullabies.
Implications/Expectations: Argentina did not really live up to their reputation in this match, i think they are capable of a much better passing game. So, yup that might be expected. CIV deserved a draw, i think, i expect them to keep this going and continue playing this well in their remaining 2 matches. Another implication is.. eh, that player was 17. the guy who wrote this post so nge ah?
haha, nevermind nevermind. enjoy ur national day holiday, classmates.
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