Maradona fielded an experimental lineup for this match against Greece in which a draw would have been enough to see Argentina progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup as group leaders. And although Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain were both rested, FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi took to the field wearing the Captain’s armband for the first time in his international career. Argentina defeated Greece 2-0 with goals from defender Martin Demichelis (77′) and 37 year old striker Martin Palermo (89′). The result meant that the Argentines finished as Group B leaders, with a perfect record in the first phase of the tournament. With the loss, their second in the group phase, Greece was eliminated from the World Cup.
With the team virtually assured of progressing, Maradona fielded a lineup that featured seven changes from the squad that had beaten South Korea a few days before. And frankly, for large stretches of the match, it was obvious that this was the Argentine “B-Team.” A trio of substitutions late in the second period changed the tempo and quality of the Argentine play, however, and ultimately put the Greeks to the sword. Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore injected pace and fluency, and Palermo did what he seems to do best: be at the right place at the right time.
For his part, Messi had a relatively quiet game, struggling to impose himself on the physically imposing Greek defense. But he also sprang into action late in the match, hitting the post with one shot, and forcing the Greek keeper into numerous other saves.
Argentina will next roll into action on Sunday June 27 where they’ll face Rafa Marquez’s Mexico at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. With the Group phase now complete for Maradona’s men, what do you make of their chances against Mexico?
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