Argentina looking for - and finding- those happy moments
A natural phenomenon at any Homeless World Cup tournament is that whenever Argentina take to the field then the bums of their fellow players go on seats, such is the pull of those majestic blue and white striped jerseys.
And that was the case as they took on fellow frequent competitors Czech Republic on Day 4 of the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup in front of a fantastic, noisy crowd - with Argentina counting on the support of neighbours Chile to cheer them on to a 6-4 victory.
Argentina broke the deadlock off the back of some brilliant individual play before a diving save from the Czech keeper kept them from doubling their lead. A cool finish low into the bottom corner saw Czech Republic draw level. However, soon Argentina saw themselves two in front, with some quick thinking off a rebound putting them 2-1 up before a shot from distance moments later found the net. With Argentina in the ascendancy, two point blank saves from the Czech keeper prevented them from stretching their lead. However, as half-time approached a shot off a rebound saw Czech Republic pull one back.
Into the second half, strong defending by the Czech Republic kept Argentina from extending their lead on two occasions, before Czech Republic found themselves level off a good team move. Argentina then restored their lead before the Czech Republic scored again to make it 4-4. A nice switch of play allowed Argentina to score their fifth of the game before they twice failed to extend their lead with a shot screwed wide before another was blazed over the bar. As Czech Republic made a double change in search of an equaliser, they sent a shot wide before Argentina broke up the park and a player produced a fine piece of skill to finish past the diving Czech keeper to make it 6-4.
Argentina coach Sergio J Rotman said:
“The victory was great for the players to believe in themselves once more. That’s the most important thing and that’s what we are here for. It was a great and very evenly-matched game. And it was entertaining because the crowd encouraged both teams with a lot of enthusiasm. It was a real proper football atmosphere that you’d expect to see at a World Cup.
“We are looking for those happy moments that allow the players to have a better future. And really it’s with these situations that we hope the players will believe in themselves once more. From there they can believe in the chance to better themselves.”
Words by Craig Williams | Photos by Anita Milas