The powerful and cold winds of La Santa Rosa from last week subsided over the weekend and yesterday evening's game was played under blazing sun and crystal clear blue sky. Football fans unfurled their flags and began to shout from the outset as Spain took control of the ball in the first seconds of the friendly FIFA match. The World Cup Champions garbed in royal red remeras (jerseys) and blue pantalones (shorts) were efficient and cautious with the ball as they wove precise passes from player to player and advanced the ball towards the net and Argentina's arquero (goalkeeper). Cheers echoed from one side of the high decks of the stadium to the other like a canyon or gorge and the dull roar of over ten thousand fans buzzed without cease.
There are few things Argentines are more proud of than their football team and its glorious history. In 1978, Argentina hosted here in Buenos Aires and emerged victorious. Later in 1986, a younger Maradonna led his team to victory in Mexico City. I have a suspicion that a bit of this tradition, fire and home-team advantage sparked the play that the Argentines produced yesterday. It was beautiful to watch.
After the careful, calculated and machine-like advance made by Spain, the Argentines took command of the pace of play and didn't let go for the next 90 minutes. Within the first five minutes, the midfield threaded needles to the strikers who turned on a burst of speed. Carlitos Tevez (#11) assisted Lionel Messi (#10) on the first electrifying goal of the night that came about because Argentina played with daring passes. The fans were shocked - I couldn't believe Argentina had drawn blood so early! Less than another five minutes later Carlitos gave another assist to his fellow striker and the unexpected lead grew! To give you an idea of how uncanny these goals were, two Argentines were arguing about seats in front of Brian and I. Few people respect actual seat assignments and the slighted man wouldn't stop his protest. As the crowd continued to cheer after the second goal and the man kept arguing loudly I said, "Che, tranquilo. Estamos ganando!" (Hey cool it. We're winning!) Not the first time I've opened my mouth and been surprised at what came out in Spanish since arriving here...
The most impressive goal of the night belonged to Carlitos Tevez and no one else. Let me preface this with a back story. One of my first nights in Buenos Aires I was watching television with host mother, Ana, and my brother Juan José. Tevez was playing a game of cards for a fundraiser on the program with a famous hostess. Ana explained to me that Carlitos comes from a very humble beginning in a barrio of Buenos Aires. From a young footballer who once didn't know where his next meal was coming from, it mean's something when he tells you, "I play like every game is my last and I put everything I have in it." The easy thing to do while playing defense on the offensive end of any field (lacrosse, basketball or otherwise) is to give your opponent slack as you catch your breath. Not exactly Tevez's style. He followed the ball passed by a Spanish defender to the arquero (keeper) at a sprint - and by a stroke of luck the keeper tripped and missed his chance to control the ball and pass it up field. Anticipating this, Tevez bolted in a race to the dislodged ball against the panicked goaltender and slid and struck the ball simultaneously putting the pelota in the back of the goal! You can't imagine how loud the reaction was to the third goal in primer tiempo (first 45 minutes of play).
That picture. is the most. Ridiculous. Thing. Ever.
ReplyDeleteThat picture=epic!
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