Argentina v India
Argentina (11) v (1) India
It took Argentina more than 4 minutes to break down a stubborn India defence in what was initially a very tight game. The Indian team played some no-nonsense football to keep the scores level, threatening on several ocassions to ruin Argentina's party. However as with the weather in Copenhagen this week, when it rained, it poured. After the fifth minute the South Americans were 4-0 up, matching India's simple passing play and adding lethal finishing. India threatened with several ambitious efforts but couldn't prevent Gustav from putting Argentina 5-0 up. The Indian number 6 scored a penalty using a crafty stepover to make it 5-1 going in to half time.
In the second half Argentina's Rolando punished India three times to go beyond his hat-trick, his job made easier after the referee gave a blue card to an Indian player after 3 minutes of the second half. India fought corageously when a player down, with special praise going to the India goalkeeper who saved more Indian blushes with excellent saves throughout the game. Several India players picked up knocks throughout the game, but were helped up by the Argentina players in some typical gestures of fair play.
Matthew Simpson