Either way
THE Argentina-Netherlands semi-final encounter would have gone other way, according to Davao City football experts and enthusiasts. Both teams put up excellent defense to force the game into a penalty shootout, giving the Argentines a 4-2 victory and a seat in the final showdown with Germany.
Davao Football Association (DFA) secretary-general Erwin Protacio said, “The Dutch looked tired. Not as motivated as Argentina in that game.”
Ateneo de Davao University girls football coach Reynalyn Ranado Ravanes cited Argentina’s goalkeeper Sergio Romero as “very lucky and consistent in his position to save the penalties at yun ang isa sa nagpanalo sa kanila. Ang mga kickers nila sure ball talaga”.
Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO) spokesperson Charles Raymond A. Maxey, for his part, said both teams played organized football.
“They can’t penetrate each other’s defense that’s the reason the game was decided on penalty shootout,” Maxey said.
Philippine College of Technology-Medvil coach Ramonito “Lalas” Carreon said: “Both teams showed what elite teams are.They played very well. Argentines deserved the win.”
The Argentina-Germany championship, however, is expected to be another thriller.
Philippine Sports Commission executive director lawyer Guillermo Iroy, Jr. said, “It will be a battle of team play Germans versus one-man carry the burden of Argentina.”
Protacio added that Germany has the momentum but must not be too confident. “If the finals go to overtime, Germany has the edge.”
Ravanes also said Germany has the edge since it is an all-star cast team with most of them playing under multi-titled Bayern FC. Ang Argentina players ay mabibilis din lalunglalo na si Messi.”
Maxey went on saying, “Argentina’s defense will be tested against the expected German raid in the finals . But Messi will finally have his shot at glory, on soccer’s biggest stage.”
“The championship is going to be very exciting, full of drama and intense performance. It’s gonna be pride of Europe vs pride of South America,” Carreon added.
Davao Football Community’s Buboy Arrieta said, “Finals between Germany and Argentina will be either fitting history of Messi or the vindication of an unwanted coach (Germany coach Lowe). It’s going to be a drama of epic proportion. Whoever wins, history will be there for both.”