Two extraordinary defensive moments by Argentina's Lisandro Martinez (top left and bottom) and Emiliano Martinez to deny a resurgent comeback by the Socceroos (Argentina 2 Australia 1)
This morning's clash between Argentina and Australia captures just about everything that this game is all about, including what it means to the players and fans. For all the drama and excitement, we must take our hats off to both teams, who showed extraordinary commitment. This game was about Messi and his quest for immortality, his team's utter dedication to helping their captain get to that summit, and Australia, the most unfancied team in the competition, who had everything to playful, which always seems to be about lifting the reputation of our game in a county filled with commercial media 'boofheads'. The Socceroos played beyond their talents and salaries. For all the positive reasons, Argentina v Australia is turning into a genuine modern-day football rivalry.
Regarding the ladder, Si Webb's small patriotic gesture, which was perhaps a mixture of a pro-Australia or England v Argentina rivalry, caused a minor slip-up in his standing that has allowed Aramis to extend his lead, Nestor to move momentarily into second, and Yianni to go equal third; all three predicted Argentina 2-1. Tomorrow morning, England plays Senegal and World Champions France will go against Poland. And yes, in the earlier game, the Netherlands beat USA 3:1, and will now play Argentina again in the Quater Finals.
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