No. 14--Columbia vs. Argentina Soccer, Three Points to Consider for Young Players

by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup South America Qualifiers Nov. 20, 2007, Argentina, as usual for this team, had a great passing game but lost to Columbia. I believe the loss was partially due to its defense and partially due to fouls. Argentina initially came on strong. Then in about 37 minutes of the first half, Argentina’s Leon Messi dribbled through two defenders, like a bull and made a left-footed shot from the left side of the goal. His speed and control showed how strong of a player he is. In my opinion, it was a great goal; but Argentina never scored again.

Columbia did not look too good until about the middle of the second half. Then, at about 18 minutes into the half, a free kick was awarded to Columbia because of a “leg” tackle made by an Argentine player who drew a foul. Note: A soccer-legal tackle is one where the tackler must first contact the ball, than if he or she contacts the legs the tackle is not penalized—unless it is obvious that there was intention to harm the dribbling player. A free kick a few yards from outside of the penalty area was given. Bustos took the kick and scored. From then on, Columbia became alive. Two of their several chances to score were in front into an open goal, but they only scored on the second of the two chances. The first chance came when the dribbling player pushed the ball in front of the open goal, but there was no follow-up striker nearby. However, this opportunity was repeated at 38 minutes in the second half with Moreno following up. He then booted the ball into the open net. The final score was 2-1 in favor of Columbia.

This was one of the best-refereed games that I have seen when it comes to disallowing violent behavior. Most of that soccer violent behavior has been coming from kicking out the legs from behind an opponent as this player is dribbling or attempting to control the ball. This game showed no exception with this type of violent tackle, but these tackles were not near as frequent as with some of the games lately. A red card was given in this game to one of the Argentine players for a violent kick—he was ejected only after 26 minutes of play; therefore, they played one player short for the game’s duration. The fouls and red card certainly did not help Argentina and most likely contributed to their loss: That first goal was scored against them due to a free kick awarded to Columbia just outside of the penalty area. Also, playing with ten players cannot help a team to win a game. The referee took control and maintained it throughout the game. And I for one was pleased to see it.

There are three points players should be aware of:

1. Young players should practice kicking the ball low to the ground. This takes self-control where the player must get over the ball before the kick. There were a few panic shots on goal where the ball went too high to even be close to the top of the goal. For a professional player, this is unfortunate. This is a common practice in many soccer matches, especially in amateur soccer.

2. Young forward and midfield players should follow the ball to the goal as it is dribbled towards the opponent’s goal. There was no follow-up player when Columbia had its first chance to score on an open net. Their second chance gave them a goal because there was a follow-up.

3. Young players should learn to play a clean game. There is no need to be kicking out the legs of opponents.

a. Fouls of the violent nature should not to be tolerated in soccer: They are
against FIFA Laws of the Game.

b. Fouls can be costly in terms of losing the game as was the case in this game

All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.