Soccer / columbia

The long awaited Copa America is now in full swing and trust me, for a team to withstand the heat of a tournament like the Copa, Physicality and endurance plays a great role. While some teams have kicked off with a scintillating smile on their faces, others have been left with a disappointing start and Argentina will be regretting not being part of the smiling clique. Well, my posture towards Scaloni's side even before the tournament kicked off was without much expectations, so Am not too worried with their defeat to Columbia. Source However, I thought the team would surprise me after seeing the attacking trio of Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Messi. There was a glimpse of hope, it may not have been the best attacking front line we've seen in decades, but they appeared threatening. Sometimes, I wonder why South American football is full of so much physicality. The memories of Chile vs Argentina previous two finals are still fresh in my head, the mental picture of the aggression in those games makes me fear more than the players. Yesterday, in Argentina vs Columbia game, I was afraid someone was gonna get a red card. I mean, the tempo, reckless tackles and frenzy was too heightened. But that's by the way, let's continue. So, the game ended 2-0 in favour of James Rodriguez side. It wasn't easy though, but the second half brought smiles to the Columbians despite being under pressure from the unfortunate Argentine side. The first half saw Columbia taking the center stage and appeared more likely to draw the first blood, but Argentine defence was a bit more stable than they were in the second half. Columbians pressed more in the first half, but second half saw Scaloni's side retake the game and tried to take the match to the Columbians who owe most of their gratitude to the awesome gloves of the man in between the sticks, Ospina. He was at his best yesterday and was equal to the task. Though the Argentine came pushing the ball to him, but he showed comportment in handling the shots and making sure none of those attempts found its way beyond the goal line. With Scaloni's side exerting more pressure to get an opening goal, the reverse became the case. With about twenty minutes left to play, the Columbians struck, thanks to Roger Martinez awesome strike from the left flank. I could see the pain in Argentina's eyes, they fought so hard and wanted to prove their detractors wrong. But this wasn't their game. With Columbia a goal up, I thought Argentina still had hope of getting away with a point. However, Duvan Zapata made it 2-0 for Columbia to put the game beyond the reach of Argentina. It's the first time in 20 years they have beating Argentina in a major international tournament. I wish Messi's side had gotten a point out of the game, they conceded both goals in a half that they were the better team. But that's football for you. The Argentine Captain mince no words in describing how bad the team felt after the loss, and will be hoping they make amends against Paraguay and Qatar. After the game, the five times Ballon d'Or winner said: "In the second half we had our chances. We didn't want to start this way, obviously, but now we have to lift our heads and keep going. In the first half we retreated a little and were holding on, but in the second we really opened up, Whenever you lose it's hard for us, we usually take it badly. Now we have to think about Paraguay." The team still stands a chance a chance of advancing despite the loss, they only need to take their chances when they come against Paraguay in their next game. Till then, Game On!