Here is a round up of the international friendlies that took place yesterday. We will discuss the biggest winners and losers as well as other important highlights and moments from the days events.
1) Biggest Winners – Argentina
Well it didn’t take long for Argentina to get revenge on Germany just two months. Argentina’s display in this friendly was phenomenal. Angel Di Maria more than made up for the absence of Lionel Messi. His three assist one goal performance against Germany begs the question what would have happened in the final if he was healthy. Albeit against a weaker Germany side Argentina showed they deserved to be in the World Cup final.
2. Biggest Losers – England
In their first game since the World Cup the three lions did little to show that they are on the up curve. Against a very average Norway squad England failed to show their supposed class and dominate at Wembley. England had several chances to go up early in the game and grab it by scruff of the neck, but they did not and looked shaky at the back when Norway went on the counter attack. Overall a win is a win but England need confidence and this performance is one that doesn’t inspire.
3. Standout Preformer- Angel Di Maria
Being forced out of the World Cup final through injury can be a great motivator. In his first game for Argentina since the semi final Di Maria lit up Dusseldorf and Germany with his electric performance. He set up the first three goals and then added the fourth himself to earn this spot.
4. Best Comment
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/DiMaria?src=hash”>#DiMaria</a> grande partido! What a game for el fideo!</p>— Homero campos (@hcamposjr) <a href=”https://twitter.com/hcamposjr/status/507277370953572352″>September 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
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5. Biggest Surprise- France over Spain
Thought the World Cup was a fluke for both sides? Looks like the trends for both teams should continue. France is on the up swing with a talented youthful core while the Spanish are trying to find their way again after losing key veterans.
6. Best Moment- Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sweden’s Top Scorer
The great Zlatan added to his legacy by scoring both goals for Sweden in their 2-0 victory of Estonia. The brace puts Zlatan at 50 international goals surpassing Sven Rydell who held the mark at 49 since 1932.
7. Best Goal – Angel Di Maria’s Little Dink
Di María’s cheeky chip http://www.marca.com/en/2014/09/04/en/football/international_football/1409829524.html?cid=SMBOSO34503&s_kw=Twitter via @MarcainEnglish
8. Extra Time
Youngsters can play given the right environment and culture. This is evident with all the young talent throughout the world bursting on the scene and making an impact at the senior levels. The US can include themselves in this conversation as their inexperienced squad got a good victory on European soil.
