0' Well if there is any David versus Goliath match in this tournament its today's match. The Argentines still with something to prove in this tournament, but the field is wide open for them as several European teams have been struggling, and if they can find their form in the next few weeks they might find themselves lifting the cup. Iran doing well to garner a point so far, but all odds against them today.
5' Well its Iran with the first good opportunity. A free kick sees an attacker get a head to the ball after finding himself in space, but he can't send it onto goal. Perhaps a small wake-up call for the Argentine defense, and Iran have to convert all their opportunities if they want to have a chance at the spoiler in this one. Argentina with nearly all of the possession thus far though, and they are in nearly full control.
15' Argentina controlling near 80% of possession, and its a constant barrage of attack on Iran's defense, and so far they are closing down spaces well, but you get the feeling its only a matter of time before the flood gates crack.
35' Well still scoreless, and I think surprisingly so. Iran with one or two small opportunities to catch the Argentine defense napping, but unable to convert. The Iranians defending well enough, but the Argentines really lacking the finishing touch so far, perhaps taking for granted that they would win the match. They'll have to come up with something. Three good opportunities on free kicks and corners, but no headers on target thus far, although they have been agonizingly close.
42' Well its nearly a goal for Iran off a corner kick, as an Iranian attacker gets a head to the ball and sends it to the near post, and its goes just above the crossbar. What an opportunity. Iran have to be pleased with themselves thus far, holding Argentina at bay, but what an upset it would be if they can manage to convert one of these scant opportunities.
53' Well, an opportunity for Argentina on a beautiful cross but no striker able to get a head to it. Iran then counter excellently with a beautiful run through midfield and then a nice through ball outside. The cross comes in and a beautiful header onto goal requires a brilliant save from the Argentine keeper. And nearly a goal that, and what a wakeup call for Argentina, perhaps what they needed, nearly finding themselves down a goal. A minute later, a long ball is chased down by Iran and perhaps a small controversy as he was tackled harshly and no penalty or even a foul awarded. Might have been from a different referee, and Iran feel robbed of the spot kick there.
64' Chaos in the back for Argentina. Its a corner from a deflected shot for Iran that gets knocked about the penalty box for a long while before finally cleared. Dangerous moments for Argentina, and Iran unlucky to have not found the back of the net yet. Minutes later another near goal for Iran. A Brilliant cross in finds Dejagah in space and he gets a good head onto it requiring a brilliant save from Romero to keep Argentina level. Iran full of confidence, but need to be careful not to get caught on the counter attack.
74' Another good chance for Di Maria of Argentina, as he finds himself with the ball in the box with only the keeper to beat, but he drills it right at the keeper and its a good save to keep Iran level. A Messi free kick going just wide minutes earlier, and Iran have to believe that they might hold on here, but they'll certainly have a flurry of attack to deal with in this final fifteen minutes.
86' Oh my nearly a goal for Iran again. A high line by two Argentine defenders sees a through ball beat them and the runner for Iran gets there first and puts a good shot on goal that requires a brilliant save by the Argentine keeper again to keep them level.
91' Well its heroics from Messi to save the day for Argentina. Iran leaving him with just a little bit too much space at the top of the box, and he curls an absolutely gorgeous shot into the far side of goal to beat the keeper. Messi with another great goal, and Iran will be disappointed at coming so close to a miracle draw.
Final' All Argentine urgency gone after the goal, and the see the rest of stoppage time out slowly, but its the three points they were expecting, but certainly not in the style and dominance that everyone was expecting of them. Iran nearly pulling off the upset, and they might have even deserved to win this one. Luck simply not on their side today, but their performance today, or rather the Argentines' performance against Iran, raising real doubts as to whether this side has what it takes to win the tournament. Argentina will be in the knockout phase, but they'll have to do better than today. Iran still with a chance, but they'll have to beat the Bosnians and hope that Argentina beat the Nigerians.
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