Argentina and Switzerland met at the Arena de Sao Paolo yesterday in what proved to be an underwhelming match with the favourites barely scraping by with a 1 – 0 win. The first half was a quiet affair with both sides playing cagey football but with Argentina dominating possession. In the second half Swiss keeper Benaglio had to withstand a barrage of Argentina pressure and the Wolfsburg no 1 was more than up to the challenge with top saves to deny Higuain and Messi. With the two nations at a stalemate extra-time ensued. The lack of energy was apparent from the players are both teams struggled to conjure up concrete chances. The deadlock was eventually broken by Angel Di Maria who slotted Messi’s through ball into the back of the net with a crisp finish 2 minutes from time. Argentina’s deserved lead was almost cancelled out by Napoli’s Blerim Dzemaili as the Swiss midfielder nodded a point-blank header on to the post. An exciting end to a lacklustre match, Argentina ran out 1 – 0 winners in what can only be described as an ‘ugly’ victory.

Gonzalo Higuaín - Napoli As always Higuain’s movement was good but his finishing throughout the match was disappointing and his link up play with Messi was not at its best. The Napoli no 9 struggled to make an impact in the first half as the service provided to him was poor. After a quiet first half Gonzalo forced Swiss keeper Benaglio into a good save from a bullet header on the 61st minute. Soon after the former Real Madrid man spurned a guilt-edged chance as he glanced a close range header wide. These missed chances could have proved costly as the Argentina attack looked sluggish in the brutal heat of Sao Paolo. We will need to see an improvement from the Napoli hit man if Argentina are to truly be considered a contender for the trophy. Industrious at times but sub-standard finishing.

Federico Fernandez - Napoli The Napoli defender made some clumsy challenges throughout the game and was part of a less than convincing Argentina defence that looked shaky when called upon. The young centre –back gave away possession on too many occasions and his lack of International experience showed at times. Improving but still a risky starter in defence.

Rodrigo Palacio - Inter The Inter man replaced former Napoli striker Lavezzi in the 74th minute as Sabella looked to shake up an under-performing attack. Palacio had an opportunity to make an immediate impact as he glanced a header wide from a superb Messi cross; he really should have scored. He injected some much needed pace and energy into the Argentine forward line and was a positive presence. An impressive cameo performance from the Inter man.

Lucas Biglia – Lazio Brought on by Sabella to refresh his midfield in extra-time. Lazio’s Biglia had a small part to play but looked competent in the time he was given to shine.

Gokhan Inler - Napoli One of the true standout performers for the Swiss side. The Napoli man captained his side and led by example as he dominated the midfield. He was excellent at breaking up the Argentinian play and distributed the ball very well. Inler blasted an early warning shot over Romero’s goal but held the ball up well in the midfield during the first-half. The Napoli man looked confident in possession as he matched the skilful Argentine midfield. In the second-half Inler made some mazy runs through the centre of the park easily cutting through his opponents with surprising grace for a big man. Along with his Napoli teammate Behrami, Inler was a dominating force and defended well throughout the match. An impressive display from the losing captain.

Valon Behrami - Napoli The Napoli man was caught in possession a few times in the opening quarter by Messi but improved and, along with Inler, was excellent throughout the game. He was pivotal in defending the Argentinian bombardment and was on the end of many a blocked shot. He linked up brilliantly with Inler as they broke down the argentine possession and Napoli duo were the heartbeat of the Swiss midfield. A wall on the edge of the Swiss box.

Blerim Dzemaili - Napoli Another one of Napoli’s players had a big part to play in the 8 or so minutes he was on the pitch. He was brought on in extra-time as the Swiss looked to hold onto a 0 – 0 draw. He had a point-black chance at glory that he headed against the woodwork. Dzemaili claimed after the match that he ‘didn’t see the ball’ as he spilled his header onto the post. A potential headline-grabbing cameo appearance that will be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Juventus The Juventus right back had a very quiet game down the right attacking wise and was poor defensively. He had a chance saved by Romero in the first as he pounced on a rebound from a Xhaka shot. Litchsteiner was tireless as ever but struggled to contend with the running of Angel Di Maria and ultimately it was his loss of possession in the midfield that led to the winning goal from the Argentinians. A disappointed display from one of Switzerland’s more experienced heads.

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