FIFA U-20 World Cup: Argentina 0 - 0 Czech Republic

After watching two games today involving two highly hyped teams, I came away a bit more pleased with this evening's product.

Yes, the Czech Rep. tied a team they had no business holding, but they looked more like a team who were counting their lucky stars. In comparison, the Poles (a man down, I might add) looked like a squad who played with poise and purpose to a series of lucky breaks in the case of the Czechs.

Argentina swarmed the Czechs for most of the 90 minutes, peppering 22 shots on the Czech keeper to their opponent's 2 lonely attempts. As opposed to the Brazilians, who seemed to lose composure near the penalty area, Argentina only lost their nerve when staring down legitimate chances.

The big names on the Czech team, Strestik, Fenin and Pekhart were held relatively silent, with Strestik in particular looking pedestrian, especially during open play.

Finishing surely was the difference at Frank Clair stadium this evening. Players like Aguero, Zarate and Banega looked a class above their opponents, save for their finishing prowess. Banega in particular had almost a half dozen long range drives from good position sail harmlessly over the net.

The gem of the Argentine side might be their 5'3" midfielder Moralez. This dynamic half-pint drifted around the field at will and pestered the Czech defenders to no end, particularly in the first half. Watch out for this guy as the tournament progresses.

The CBC production was much better this time around, deferring the play-by-play duties to Premiership stalwart Steve Banyard. All by himself, he managed to keep the presentation lively and interesting, even as Argentina looked more and more like caged animal thrashing against the Czech wall. Perhaps they have John Champion and Martin Tyler somewhere in the wings as well...