He was so good tonight, though, Messi. He and Pastore really starred:
they look like have a genuine understanding, and some of their
one-touch stuff was fabulous.
Everything was very tight, but we knew once we scored one, many goals
would come. We scored an early goal, found more spaces, and then it got
better. We continued to play the same way, created many chances.
If I score a goal in the final, the important thing is we made it. We
played the final of the World Cup, now of the Copa America – and we
need to win it.
OK, he’s not Peter Ustinov, but I guess we should focus on his football, not his ability as a raconteur.
The funny thing is, Paraguay weren’t truly dire. They showed some
spunk at 2-0, and got that goal through Barrios, and it looked as though
the second half would be a real treat. But the third goal really killed
them: at 3-1, they tried to have a go, and Argentina simply picked them off on the break.
Di Maria scored two and takes the credit, but Pastore and Messi were
dazzling, and Higuain and Aguero are just ur-predators, aren’t they:
they love to feast on goals. If you have a chance, check out Pastore’s
goal and Di Maria’s first one: lovely, lovely team goals worth watching
again and again. It’s been a hugely enjoyable game, and Chile face a job
if Argentina play like that. I can’t wait!
What a display, particularly in the second half. That continues Argentina’s unbeaten record against Paraguay
in the Copa America, and they’ll play Chile in what should be a tip-top
final against the hosts Chile on Saturday. Look at Justo Villar’s face:
it kind of says it all:
Argentina’s Sergio Aguero, top, celebrates after scoring against
Paraguay’s goalkeeper Justo Villar. Photograph: Natacha Pisarenko/AP
90 min: Oscar Romero, who replaced Valdez, hits it
hard and low, but Romero fields it smartly. And that’s it! Six-one, and
Argentina have served up a masterclass.
88 min: I thought Argentina were satisfied with four
– but now they look hungry for a seventh. Messi wants his goal! No
yellow card for Bobadilla, who just decks Otamendi, WWE-style.
86 min: I love that: the notion that you can
withdraw Aguero and Pastore bring on Banega and Higuain. What a fabulous
array of attacking talent. And Messi hasn’t even scored! Unbelievable.
Banega’s corner, but Otamendi’s header is high.
84 min: Higuain has been on the pitch about two
minutes! Messi tried to play a one-two with Banega in the box, but it
broke down, and Higuain just reacted quickest to flash a shot into the
roof of the net. This is magical!
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