2013-14 Argentina Away Shorts Size Medium - #10
THE VITALS:
Team: Argentina
Brand: Adidas
Era: 2013-14 (Used for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final)
Name/Number: #10
CONDITION: EXCELLENT
These shorts are in nothing short of excellent condition with the crest and numbering print remaining steadfast, and the material showing little to no wear whatsoever.
DIMENSIONS:
Size: Medium
Waist Measurement: 11 inches
Shorts Length: 16 inches
DESCRIPTION:
A Lionel Messi inspired Argentina were set to make a splash in Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and Alejandro Sabella’s side did not disappoint as they reached the final in Rio de Janeiro, only to be heartbroken by Germany in the final. It would be the change strip which the ‘Albiceleste’ adorned as they took the field that fateful July evening in Rio. While this shirt will always be synonymous with that tragedy, this strip is nothing short of a thing of glory, with the different shades of navy and blue creating a neo-hoop pattern, while the gold crest, name and numbering, and Adidas embroidery only add to the majesty of this glorious ensemble!
THE SEASON(S):
Argentina ended a fine 2013 with just one defeat in 12 games after their November double header against Ecuador and Bosnia and Herzegovina; the latter of course, a dress rehearsal ahead of the match-day 1 clash in Group F of the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.
They’d finish preparation ahead of the tournament starting with a draw against Romania, before securing back-to-back wins over Trinidad and Tobago and then finally Slovenia; all of which without conceding a goal,
A brilliant Group Stage showing began on June 15th 2004, when Argentina defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 in their opener. Lionel Messi would silence any doubters he had after a difficult domestic season by his own standards, when he scored a sumptuous goal to put Argentina 2-0 up; this would be his first World Cup goal since 2006! There was more Messi magic again 6 days later, when his incredible long range strike broke the hearts of a resilient Iran side who held on for 90 minutes at 0-0. With qualification in the bag, they would finish the group against a familiar foe: Nigeria. A thorough absorbing contest ended 3-2 to the ‘Albiceleste’ with Messi scoring a brace and Marcos Rojo scoring the winning goal.
Their Round of 16 opponents would be Switzerland, and the Swiss with no goal coming in 90 minutes; extra time was called upon to determine the winner. Messi would turn provider as Angel Di Maria’s goal, late in 2nd half of extra time was enough to seal a 1-0 win, and a place against Belgium in the quarter final. This test against one of the tournament dark-horses and most talented squads would be decided early as this time Di Maria was provider; setting up Gonzalo Higuain’s 8th minute goal as Argentina won 1-0 and reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1990!
Their opponents would be the Netherlands in a rematch of their epic quarter final showdown in 1998! Holland had shocked the world to reach the semi-final; and ironically, after scraping past Mexico and Costa Rica to reach the last 4, they’d save their best performance of the knockout stage for Alejandro Sabella’s side. A tight game where the defences shone would go to a penalty shoot-out. Sergio Romero would again prove his worth under shoot-out conditions as saved Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder’s penalty’s, while veteran: Maxi Rodriguez scored the decisive to penalty to set up a rematch of the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cup Finals against Germany.
With Argentina winning in ’86 and Germany winning in ’90; this was the rubber match between two of Europe and South America’s greatest ever footballing nations. While Argentina built momentum with each win and had the wildcard of Messi; Germany had been all guns blazing from game 1: defeated Portugal and France before their now infamous 7-1 destruction of hosts Brazil in the semi-final. Despite great chances for both sides, the game would stand 0-0 and with penalties looking ever closer; the substation of Mario Gotze for Germany would be decisive as he scored the winning goal to break Argentine hearts.
The aftermath of Brazil 2014 saw Sabella replaced by Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino as head coach, and in his first game in charge; they’d get revenge over the world champions beating them 4-2 in a friendly on September 3rd! His start wasn’t all roses however as Argentina suffered to defeats to Brazil and Portugal; they would however end 2014 having also beaten Croatia, and later Hong Kong 7-0 on October 14th 2014!
The notable players that season(s) were:
Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Rodrigo Palacio, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel di Maria, Maxi Rodriguez, Ricky Alvarez, Enzo Perez, Fernando Gago, Lucas Biglia, Augusto Fernandez, Javier Mascherano, Pablo Zabaletta, Marcos Rojo, Hugo Campagnaro, Martin Demichelis, Jose Maria Basanta, Federico Fernandez, Sergio Romero, Mariano Andujar
We Also Recommend