No.33—South American Soccer, Argentina: Boca Juniors vs. River Plate—A game Without Finesse

by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo

The game was played on January 26, 2008. I expected it to be a game of super quality since it was a match between two Argentine top teams: Argentina being one of the world’s top produces world-class players. However I was quite disappointed as these two super rivals battled it out on the soccer field. Only three yellow cards were issued in the first half—far too little in my opinion. The final score was Boca Juniors 2 and River Plate 0. I did not enjoy the match.

It was a war for the most part. The weapons used were tripping and kicking the legs. And, it was a poor passing game with lots of long balls sent up field with no particular player intended for receiving the ball. The game’s first quarter was dominated mostly by River Plate, but soon afterwards, they seemed to lose their edge.

What I also could not understand, even though it is a minor point, is that both goalkeepers were allowed to wear dark uniforms very similar in color to that of Boca’s uniform. I suspect that the shades may have been slightly different, but it was not by much.

Anyway, the game went like this. Boca’s Sebastian Battaglia scored at 19 minutes into the match. There was no defender in front of the net as he stood about 30 yards out from the center of the goal. He kicked a hard side volley from this distance and scored the only goal in the first half.

The game in the second half was mostly dominated by Boca as they were everywhere the ball went. Their energy never seemed to cease; but River’s team seemed to feel their energy leave them. They had much difficulty getting beyond the midfield resulting in mistakes such as trapping and passing errors, and kicking long balls upfield.

At 55 minutes into the game, River Plate’s Ortega got an elbow on the jaw and was subsequently tripped and or pushed, but no yellow card was issued to the offender. At the 57th minute, Boca’s Juan Riquelme kicked the ball to River’s goalkeeper who flat-handed the ball sending it straight up in the air. Boca's Martin Palermo then headed the ball into the back of the net as it descended while holding onto the crossbar with one hand. This goal was caused by a goalkeeper error using his hands the wrong way. At the 58th minute, the 6th yellow card was issued.

Analysis:
The game reminded me of a highly competitive high school game, but at 1.5 times the speed. By that I mean the players made many mistakes by doing plenty of high speed running and kicking long balls, but often not with skillful efficiency. However, in Boca Junior’s favor was their apparent top physical conditioning. This allowed them to maintain a highly energetic pace until the end of the match.

In general, the less than skillful play by these two teams does not reach the standards set by top South American or European teams. I suspect that the impassioned rivalry of both teams’ fans have instilled the need for aggressive play over skillful play.

Also, the refereeing was lacking by allowing both teams to constantly go for the legs of players rather than the ball. The referee clearly should have intervened earlier in the game to curb some of the dirty play. The FIFA Laws of the Game (initially scrolling down is necessary at this web site) are designed to protect the players from violent behavior. The referees are paid to enforce these laws.

I like to see goals scored as much as any soccer fan, but is it just me that dislikes the sound of the announcer’s "gooooooool"? I think that we all know that a goal was scored.

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.