by Ethan Johnson
June 25, 2006

Like I said, we have now come to the time in the World Cup where's it's all about heart. Heart heart heart. Mexico showed heart, but went home anyway. But they did take Argentina into the first "extended time" of World Cup 2006.

Mexico scored early (within the first 5 minutes), and I expected a shootout. Instead, Argentina scored the tie goal a little later and both sides played conservatively. I suppose on some level, you want to be aggressive and play with heart, but if you get sloppy, you'll go down in infamy as the "goat" who blew your team's, nay, your country's chance of advancing to the next round. Nothing like immense pressure and expectations to inspire conservative play.

When the Extended Time came along, both sides really turned up the heat. Sadly, I think Mexico was outclassed big time by Argentina, who knew that if they played for the draw they'd smush Mexico like a bug when the chips were down. Oh, did they ever. It didn't take long for Argentina to score the game-winner and drive Mexico into frantic attempts to score. Argentina kept the ball control tight and frustrated the [marbles] out of Mexico. Argentina vs Germany will be a must-watch match.

You've come a long way, Mexico! Thanks for the excitement.

Next reviewed match: Brazil vs Ghana. <EM>