Soccer is a game of inches and Argentina know that more than anyone early on at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In the first half alone, Argentina was busted offside seven times and had three goals ruled offside. It takes two to make that happen and Saudi Arabia deserves credit for having their organized high defensive line and putting on an offside trap clinic on the world’s stage.
After going up 1-0 on an early penalty, Lionel Messi thought he had his second goal of the match but leaned a bit too much in the offside area and was whistled after putting the ball in the back of the net.
Six minutes later, Lautaro Martinez chipped Mohammed Al Owais and thought he doubled Argentina’s lead but he was busted for offside. This time, it was outrageously close as the semi-automatic offside system determined his shoulder was off.
Six minutes after that, Argentina had a third goal disallowed for offside though this one was a lot more obvious and probably should’ve been called by the linesman at the time.
Many took notice to all the offside calls, either by poking a bit of fun at Argentina’s expense or praising Saudi Arabia for maybe having the best offside trap game in World Cup history.
Argentine attackers when asked if they understand the offside rule https://t.co/w5fbeRwMvS
— Wazza (@outwithglazers) November 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/SpainSystem/status/1595005405809311744?s=20&t=EzCcON8oAKSTOrg9WBSOCw
Saudia Arabia going for 'most successful offside traps' is extremely commendable. Pick a category and win it.
— Rhys James (@rhysjamesy) November 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/yosoyskinny/status/1595002507826176001?s=20&t=EzCcON8oAKSTOrg9WBSOCw
The entire Argentina frontline has come down with David Villa Always Offside Syndrome.
— Luis Paez-Pumar (@lppny) November 22, 2022
The thing with Argentina is that while it’s getting laughable they’re getting a bunch of offside calls, it also shows their attack is strong and they only need to beat the offside trap once to make it all worth it.
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
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