Gary Lineker and his opinion about World Cup final Gary Lineker jokes with Diego Maradona about his hand of god Lineker was unimpressed with Messi’s work-rate during Argentina’s semi-final against Holland. He added: ‘I know in all the games teams have put players on him but he has done so little to create space for himself. Every now and then he will light the place up, get the ball and beat three men but you have to wait a long time for that. ‘I have watched him for years and he scores a lot of poacher’s goals, but on the occasions Argentina did counter attack down the flanks, with Lavezzi or Zabaleta or whoever it was, he didn’t even try to get anywhere near the box. ‘I don’t think in 120 minutes he touched the ball in the box. I saw a quote from his father saying he’s exhausted and his legs weigh 100kgs. It looks a bit like that.’ Messi’s goals got Argentina out the group, but he has yet to control the tournament in the same way as Maradona. Quadruple: Messi has scored four goals for Argentina at this World Cup but all were during the group stages Phenomenal: Maradona (right) dominated the 1986 and 1990 World Cups for Argentina Lineker added: ‘They might have struggled to get through the group without some Messi magic. He got them through, in all ways. ‘Then there was the brilliant bit of play for Di Maria to get the winner in the last 16 against Switzerland. ‘He’s been massively influential. They wouldn’t be where they are without him, or without Mascherano either.’ To prevent Germany winning their fourth World Cup, Argentina must restrain the midfield three of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira. The former England man said: ‘The Germany-Brazil game was the most amazing, remarkable match I have ever seen. The thing about them is that they are a team and they are very strong. Trio: Germanys midfield three, which includes Bastian Schweinsteiger, destroyed Brazil during the semi-final Stellar: Sami Khedira was also brilliant as Germany destroyed hosts Brazil 7-1 to reach the final Brilliant: Toni Kroos excelled during Germanys semi-final demolition of Brazil, scoring twice Position: Germanys decision to shift Philipp Lahm back to full-back has benefited the side Unusual: Germany forward Thomas Muller has a unique style but is extremely effective Messi must reach new heights if Argentina are to beat Germany in Sundays World Cup final ‘Schweinsteiger is important, Kroos has had a lot of stick in Germany but he has come through. ‘I also like Muller. He is a funny looking footballer, slightly ungainly, he falls over a bit and yet he sees things and he is a wonderful finisher. ‘The best thing that happened to them was shifting Lahm to full back. I don’t think he is a defensive midfielder - he is a bit ill-disciplined. They got away with it against the (United) States and Ghana. Whereas Khedira is not as a good a footballer as Lahm, he is very good in the position. ‘Their high line is the only risk, but Argentina don’t have runners in there. Mascherano is as good a holding player as you will ever see. His performance in the semi final was epic.’ Gary Lineker presents the World Cup final on BBC One at 7pm on Sunday. Deadly duo: Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano (right) have inspired Argentina to the World Cup final
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 18:36:27 +0000
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