The Goal is Over There

Argentina-Nigeria was certainly entertaining, and also maddening. Hey, fellas, the goal is down there, not way up there! There was no shortage of chances, as Nigeria had a hard time containing Argentina's attack, and Nigeria got off several decent shots as well. But so many of the shots were off, it made me wonder if they practiced on a field with a goal suspended by wires off field level. Stop kicking so high, it's not paying off! Nigeria's keeper played a very solid game and kept his team in it, and Argentina has to feel pretty good about at least getting so many chances. I thought the Argentine defense was pretty solid, too. Lionel Messi did little to make people change their minds about his performance for his country, but he did make Nigeria work. I mean, those chances he created don't just happen. Now it's a matter of finishing, which, of course, is the entire point. What stood out to me the most, though, was the confidence that Argentina had with the ball. They were clearly the most composed offensive team I've seen so far, which isn't a big surprise, but was fun to see. Speaking of fun to see, England-U.S.A. in about two hours!