So, it’s old news, but the most intriguing quarter-final match at the World Cup was the one between Germany and Argentina. Even while watching the game, before Germany scored the equalizer, I was mystified by Pekerman’s choice of substitutes. Of course, by now, it is common wisdom that Pekerman’s subbing goofs were one of the main reasons why Argentina lost. First, he took out their crucial playmaker Requelme. Second, he replaced Crespo, not with Messi, but with … Cruz! Why was Messi left out when he could have been the vital spark that could lead Argentina to their 2nd goal?
So, Cruz was ineffective, Klose equalized for Germany, and it went to overtime and penalty kicks. Without Requelme, Argentina’s attack was uncoordinated, and without Messi, they showed they couldn’t score a second goal.
Imagine being Cruz. Millions of people condemning him as the lousy player whose lack of speed (as compared with Messi) prevented Argentina from having a chance for their second goal… "what? why is Cruz coming in?" "what’s that *$#! doing on the field instead of Messi"… it must be terrible to be in that position.
Almost as bad as being Roberto Carlos, whose lackadaisical attitude (fiddling with his socks while Zidane was crossing the ball to an unmarked Henry to score) caused Brazil to lose to France.
