World Cup 2010: Argentina 0-0 Greece - Stubborn defence keeps out Lionel Messi & Co but Otto Rehhagel's men still face elimination

22 Jun 2010 20:18:00

By James Daly

More On :  Argentina, Greece
2010 FIFA World Cup - Greece vs Argentina, Diego Maradona(Getty Images)
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Greece can still progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup, but they need to beat Argentina if the situation elsewhere stays like this.

Argentina started the match the better side of the two, but the Greeks were responsible for the first dangerous situation of the game. Georgios Samaras beat Martin Demichelis to a long ball and looked favoured to dribble past his marker. However, the Bayern Munich defender recovered to slide tackle the ball away before Samaras could get a shot in.

Sergio Aguero then almost opened the score for the South Americans after eighteen minutes of play. The Atletico Madrid man exploded past the Greek defence after a pass from Sebastian Veron before unleashing a great shot that forced a save from the goalkeeper.

The following corner then led to a chance for Veron to demonstrate his shooting skills and he veteran defender almost found the net with a superb long range strike. Nevertheless, Alexandros Tzorvas pulled off an excellent save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Greece midfielder Giorgios Karagounis then tried to reach Samaras with a great long pass, but the Celtic star failed to control the ball and the chance went begging. Minutes later, another long ball went to Samaras, but Demichelis made a fine challenge to thwart danger.

Aguero again caused the Greece defence all kinds of trouble at the half hour mark. Milito crossed from the right byline, finding the Atleti man at the far post. An exceptional block by Loukas Vyntra denied the young forward though.

Romero was called into action minutes before the interval after a free-kick from Greece. Karagounis curled in a free kick from the right that looked dangerous, but the AZ 'keeper rushed off his line to collect the cross.

Maxi Rodriguez almost opened the score seconds before the half-time break when the Greek defence allowed him too much space inside the area. Tzorvas saved the winger's shot from close range though.

The loose ball was then picked up by the Argentinians again and Messi eventually won possession at the edge of the box. The Barcelona star tried his luck with a placed shot, but Tzorvas was once again on hand to deny the tricky forward.

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