The Vamos Albiceleste thread v2.0 **SPOILERS**

[saurabh]

Emiliano Insua.

[Aimar-21]

I try to believe that Messi playing CAM or SS is just a temporary solution until a proper CAM is enlisted. Will Basile play Roman in the qualifiers even if he doesn't get pitch time?



bottinelli and clemente.

Although my question was a rhetorical one I agree with you. Especially for Clemente. I think Bottinelli is way better as a DC.

Also I believe Aguero should find another time so he can save his career :D
Sorry for any Atletico fans, but this team seems to be cursed or something. So many good players, so few things achieved.

[west501]

formation against aussies (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/09/10/um/01496415.html)

pato :eek:
burdisso-demichelis-g.milito-heinze
zanetti(c)-masche-gutierrez
insúa
messi-tévez

this will be basile's last time to try something out before the big game against bielsa's chile
looking forward to seeing micho, I hope he'll push forward over burdisso or heinze

[Aimar-21]

Gutierrez is the spiderman guy ?
:)

[west501]

Gutierrez is the spiderman guy ?
:)

I don't know about that?
I have finally watched the game against the australians, never seen so many gulls on the pitch, and was it a cricket ground?
what was for sure is that it was a poor match, though one where a few more goals could easily have been scored

positive: micho as the 2, let's keep it going
messi is a god of futbol

negative: lack of cohesion particularly in midfield
insúa and gutierrez should not start
burdisso and heinze are poor wingbacks..well they're just not wingbacks
the short man front line just won't cut it without a godly midfield behind them, so many times we were up at 3/4 of the pitch and not one was in the box

players I'd like to see against bielsa's chile: CRESPO, lucho, maxi, micho again
can I dream?
saviola-crespo-messi
maxi-masche-lucho
arca-g.milito-micho-pupi(c)
jpcarrizo

[threervana]

could anyone tell me why Pato wore our away jersey(a little different on the sleeves) with #13 ,instead of the ordinary one with #1?????
Was there any speacial meaning???

[Vip]

Reporters are stating that despite not having competitive games since the end of the Copa America, Riquelme will be called-up tomorrow for the games agaisnt Chile and Venezuela.

Basile should submit the official request to European clubs tomorrow.

.

[threervana]

Welcome back~~Roman~~:)

The List:

Roberto Abbondanzieri, Oscar Ustari and Daniel Diaz (Getafe of Spain);
Gabriel Heinze, Javier Saviola and Fernando Gago (Real Madrid of Spain);
Lionel Messi and Gabriel Milito(Barcelona of Spain);
Sergio Agüero and Maximiliano Rodriguez (Athletic Madrid of Spain);
Fabricio Coloccini (Sport the Corunna of Spain);
Jonás Gutiérrez (Majorca of Spain);
Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal of Spain);
Javier Zanetti, Nicholas Burdisso, Esteban Cambiasso (Internazionale of Italy);
Carlos Tevez (Manchester United of England);
Javier Mascherano (Liverpool of England);
Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich of Germany)
and Federico Insúa (America of Mexico).

P.S Poor Aimar~~

[saurabh]

No manager will ever acheive any success by ignoring the likes of Pablo Aimar. Also I am surprised that there is only one Liverpool player in that team. Leto has been playing so well.

[west501]

Welcome back~~Roman~~:)
...
P.S Poor Aimar~~

will never understand why they don't play together
I also think that lucho and licha from porto deserve a look
we have two extraodinarily versatile players in our formation in pupi and maxi so we should use them on that right side
ustari; pupi(c), micho, gabi, gaby; maxi, masche, roman; messi, tevez, saviola

this could easily look like
----------ustari____________________ustari
pupi(c)-micho-gabi-gaby________micho-gabi-gaby
----maxi-masche-roman_________pupi(c)-masche
----messi-tevez-saviola______maxi-----messi----roman
_______________________________tevez-saviola

we will need to be very good to beat bielsa's chile because unlike us, they have a very clear tactical mandate from the bench

[progott]

No manager will ever acheive any success by ignoring the likes of Pablo Aimar. Also I am surprised that there is only one Liverpool player in that team. Leto has been playing so well.

Is leto playing in liverpools first team?

[saurabh]

Is leto playing in liverpools first team?

He played and also created an assist for Torres in the last game.

[threervana]

No manager will ever acheive any success by ignoring the likes of Pablo Aimar. Also I am surprised that there is only one Liverpool player in that team. Leto has been playing so well.

If your manager Rafa was our manager，Aimar would be our key Figure～～:rolleyes:

And I think Leto needs more match practices before being selected~

I guess COCO will reuse his formation and strategy in Copa America~~
So I estimate the lineup would be like this:
Pato
Zanetti(C) Micho Milito Heinze
Maxi Masche Cuchu
Roman
Messi Tevez
(Just 2 replacements for the retired ones, Ayala & Veron)

[Arg10]

I'm happy enough with this list. I think we're more than solid enough up front(as usual). But the questions are always from the midfield and back. I think(and I pray that I'm wrong) that come 2010 we won't have a solid #1 goalkeeper. Abbondanzieri was playing good until the injury in the World Cup and I don't know how much you can fault Franco for that loss. And from the looks of it, Abbondanzieri isn't getting that better either. So I'm not sure about that position.

The big question in my opinion is in midfield. To steal a quote from Rambo 2, "Questions need to be answered". I'm glad Riquelme is back on the team, but what about Aimar? Since when is he black listed? He barely played in the Copa and wasn't even listed for the friendlys versus Norway and Australia. Ah the suspence of being an Albiceleste fan:rolleyes:

[west501]

'For me, Messi-Aguero is the perfect tandem!' -Sergio Aguero (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/10/02/um/01510970.html)

love it, the two pichichis!

[threervana]

Messi-Aguero will be a wonderful pair~~
as well as Tevez-Saviola ~

But Messi-Tevez may be not~~:)

[west501]

possible lineup for saturday (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/10/09/um/01515794.html)

____________________Abbondanzieri :eek: :eek: :eek:
(Ibarra :eek: o) Zanetti(c), Demichelis, Milito, Heinze;
____________Mascherano, Cambiasso, Maxi Rodríguez;
______________________Riquelme;
____________________Messi y Agüero

excited about the pichichi forwards, though I'd love to see them play with Crespo
if Riquelme sits, Messi will drop back and Carlitos will come in

[chauchey]

are we playing this weekend?! :eek: i'd totally forgotten!

There are some forwards that just work well together. Crespo/Saviola are one pair, Saviola/Higuain could very well be another(and should be seriously considered) Messi/aimar/aguero could be a sick treble if aimar could be recalled. The problem with aimar is his size, and because of this his inability to be affective for a whole game. He gets so much attention, it just wears him out. But i think he's the best choice for 65 minutes on, and has all the tools to break a game wide open. I hope the training staff realize this. :)

[threervana]

Similar to my forecast except Tevez being replaced by Aguero
Hope Messi will cooperate better with KUN

[chauchey]

I wonder if they would do better bringing the players closer together for short periods of time, or operating with a more forward pressing midfield. Perhaps recovery experts(mascherano for example) pushing up. Because these players up front are small, they dont have a wide footprint on the field of play, and i think they would do better working in tight with each other, or, when they have extended possetion in the offensive zone, moving up a midfielder to play as a transition player from the wingers to the center forward/playmaking midfielder?

[threervana]

It seems Veron haven't say goodbye to the NT~
I clearly remember I heard the news of his retirement after copa america`~~~?

[riostrioff]

Similar to my forecast except Tevez being replaced by Aguero
Hope Messi will cooperate better with KUN


???

http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/10/11/01516884.html

[threervana]

???

http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/10/11/01516884.html

yep~

The previous possible lineup might change and Tevez would still accompany messi ~~

Waiting for the final confirmation~~~

[west501]

yeah they probably just saw el kun paired with messi in practise and typed away..it looks like tévez but we'll see in a few days
even though I don't often do so I 'predict' an ugly match that even if we win, chile will look more complete and promising
either that or we'll run away with it, though I'd be surprised..it would certainly be welcome
I watch because of messi, the better he gets the more sure I see the cup in the plaza de mayo
vamos todavia

[progott]

well, argentina won effortles with 2-0.
Both goals came from great Riquelme freekicks.

[west501]

I would have liked to see at least one goal from play
player by player

pato: actually looked good

pupi: what a tremendous player, he has the power and acceleration he had 10 years ago..legend
micho: good, though gave the ball away a few times I like him for this role
gabi: is growing into his role well
gaby: heinze looked fantastic! better than I've seen him since before the injury

masche: great defensively, not so much offensively (particularly when he moved to the right and just passed it back instead of crossing)
cuchu: looked solid, but was better defensively than offensively, he and masche kept mati as quiet as a windy night in the patagonian desert
maxi: looked a bit out of place but worked hard

román: looked somewhat slow, but the man is tremendous and stuck it to the chilean team (with the argentine coach who didn't give him a chance) and made his current chilean coach blush, almost brought a tear to my eye..I screamed his first goal harder than I have one for a while

messi: phenomenal, we are looking at the best player in the world and possibly the standout player of his generation..he covers the whole field like cruyff and beats defenders more simply than anyone I have seen in a long time
tévez: worked hard as ever but didn't look so good to me..mostly because he was isolated on the wings a lot

this was a good win to start out with but the side still needs work

[akd]

Olé is a very funny newspaper, they are so pro-Boca it makes me sick...:rolleyes: They wrote that Messi was a bit selfish and tried too much to go one-one when Tévez did the same (or worse) and didn't give him any criticism at all. What did they expect was going to happen when Messi had to run to midfield because there were no passes coming to him? Those editors must be the same retards from Estudio Fútbol.

[threervana]

Tévez was given a 4 score(the worst) and criticed too by Olé~~~
I think those editors were relatively fair and these two forwards were actually far away from the box in the most time of game~~~

We need a #9 badly~~
Don't know whether Basile would try Denis in the next match~~

[west501]

tonight vs Venezuela in Maracaibo..the very site where we were on the wrong side of one of the greatest upsets in Copa America history in July
the Vinotinto are looking to pull off an even bigger upset, though it wouldn't be as much of a surprise because they have made the biggest improvements of any south american side over the last decade
they come from winning in the heights of Quito (almost impossible because players can't breathe in the second half)

apparently Gaby and Kun picked up injuries over the weekend source (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/10/16/um/01520369.html)
Zanetti would switch sides and Ibarra :eek: would come in
very dangerous opponent

[chauchey]

Do we have any matches coming up here this weekend guys? Also, any word from the spanish papers as to what the lineups might be like?

[akd]

So I guess we are using a new shirt design this saturday...

http://www.ole.clarin.com/diario/2007/11/15/fotos/messi.jpg

[threervana]

Yep~~17 Nov VS Bolivia~~
The Lineup will be the same as the first match against Chile~~
Nothing new we can get from COCO ,right?

[akd]

Yep~~17 Nov VS Bolivia~~
The Lineup will be the same as the first match against Chile~~
Nothing new we can get from COCO ,right?

Actually I was reading in Olé that the we might lineup like this:

--------------Pato---------------

----Demichelis---Milito---Heinze--

Zanetti---------------------

---Mascherano----Cambiasso

-----------------Riquelme

Messi-----Crespo-----Tévez

If that is the case, Messi would play in a similar style to that of Barca. That would then be a 4-3-3 formation.

[threervana]

Oh~~Is it the updated report?Go have a look at Ole~~

I am really keen to see 4-3-3 Formation instead of same old 4-3-1-2~~haah haha~~

Cuchu will be more comfortable as a DMF,not a LMF~

But unfortunately,Maxi will have to compete with Messi in the position as RWF~~and Messi ,of course, will be the first choice~~

[akd]

But unfortunately,Maxi will have to compete with Messi in the position as RWF~~and Messi ,of course, will be the first choice~~

Unless you take out Tévez and put Messi on that side and Maxi on Messi's side...

[west501]

it seems only logical for Basile to go for a cuarteto magico up front
besides Chile, we are clearly the most offensive side on the continent right now and possibly the world
I read that our strike force at the club level is the most prolific of any national side in the world :cool:
but what does it matter if a far weaker side defends with 10 men and hits you for 3 on the counterattack in each of your last two matches? :eek:

edit:
Crespo might be out
http://www.ole.clarin.com/diario/2007/11/16/thumb/arg.jpg
source (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2007/11/16/01541786.html)
how funny is his new hairstyle?
the title is humorous, asking if he has a muscular kuntraction, hinting at who might be in his place
Heinze too is a doubt
colloquialised formation may look like this

----------pato :eek:
negro-micho-gabi-pupi(c)
-------jefe-cuchu
----------romi
---pulga-apache-kun

http://www.ole.clarin.com/diario/2007/11/17/thumb/f004ah01.jpg
they need to work on looking more scary :D

[threervana]

I start feeling excited now~~wa hahah~~~
Kun Apache Pulga Romi will be on the pitch at the same time~~~
Finally,something new from COCO~~
Hope to watch a goals' feast~~

[chauchey]

To be perfectly honest, i'm sorry we didnt get to see more of the Crespo/Saviola combo as the front two. :( They had undeniable chemistry, more-so than any other combination i've seen thusfar.
People can say that Saviola hasnt played well, but in the games i've watched him play for RMA, he's only played poorly in one. He scored in all the other games he started(all two of them). Of course, if you're a forward in Madrid, you dont play much these days. Poor kid. He really is a great catalist for quick, forward moving passes. And the nice thing about him is that he's competent all around, and isnt as selfish as the others...which works out well.
But such is life. I dont much like the Tevez/Messi/Kun combo. I'd like to see someone taller in the middle. Denis seemed to do well, and i would like to see at some point this next 12 months, Higuain start in meaningful games for the Albiceleste. Not quite there yet, but its only a matter of consistant playing time i think.

[akd]

To be perfectly honest, i'm sorry we didnt get to see more of the Crespo/Saviola combo as the front two. :( They had undeniable chemistry, more-so than any other combination i've seen thusfar.
People can say that Saviola hasnt played well, but in the games i've watched him play for RMA, he's only played poorly in one. He scored in all the other games he started(all two of them). Of course, if you're a forward in Madrid, you dont play much these days. Poor kid. He really is a great catalist for quick, forward moving passes. And the nice thing about him is that he's competent all around, and isnt as selfish as the others...which works out well.
But such is life. I dont much like the Tevez/Messi/Kun combo. I'd like to see someone taller in the middle. Denis seemed to do well, and i would like to see at some point this next 12 months, Higuain start in meaningful games for the Albiceleste. Not quite there yet, but its only a matter of consistant playing time i think.

But in this game, I didn't see Denis touch one ball...anyways, out of the three strikers Messi was the best by a long shot. Tévez put a lot of balls as always, but his attacks as usual seem to go nowhere. Kun had a pretty poor game I must say.

[Toone10]

Cambiasso should be out for sometime after his ankle/knee injury...

[threervana]

Cambiasso is okay and could play in the next match~:)

[west501]

game lacked the fantasy you might think such big names would give
carlitos looks lost out there on the left wing
agüero didn't find it, though congrats on his first goal with the senior side..amazing how many goals he scores with his head :eek: though he is the tallest of the trio
messi is a wonder of football and is starting to fill out the shirt that will lift the cup
román was discreet besides the moments of singular brilliance..I guess he has a lot of time to practise those free kicks :p:mad:

this was overall not a great game
I don't think the 3 forward approach worked because they're all too similar and crowded each other
the problem with Basile is that he doesn't really assign roles and Carlitos, the role player that he so clearly is, seems to struggle with this lack of definition

[chauchey]

Well, I thought for a team that was playing against 11 defenders, they created a decent amount of chances. The front three played better together than I thought they would, Roman looked supriseingly well oiled and not rusty at all. Another 2 goals!! :cool: Who's the best player in the world not playing football? The choice, sadly, is obvious. :(

[threervana]

:)~Maybe~Roman is more powerful without regular league matches since there will be no problem about his physical force~~
Basile will redisplay 4312 in the next match vs columbia:
Maxi will come back to Lineup
Kun or Tevez will go sit on the bench or both of them if Crespo is available~
Gago might replace Cuchu and play in the LMF position as a DMF~~~Actually,I think it is more like 4222~

[akd]

:)~Maybe~Roman is more powerful without regular league matches since there will be no problem about his physical force~~

Yes, but he should be playing regularly....or else he will be like that fine china that you only take out on important dates...

[chauchey]

If you'll notice he didnt produce a whole lot in the first half, but in the second he came out with some fire. I think this display's that it did take him some time to adjust to the level of play. Against a team like Brasil, i dont know if he would have done as well.
But kudo's to him for showing up, playing hard, and winning the game for us for the last 3 times(and hopefully 4)!! :)

[west501]

very difficult match tomorrow 2,600 metres closer to the stars
I'll be thrilled with 3 points, because with the following match being at home against Ecuador means we can head into Brazil perfect, while I expect them to drop anywhere between 2 and 5 points in their two very difficult matches before facing us..not that any of that bears on what happens when we face them, it will just be nice if those are our first 3 points dropped :cool:
also, starting with Brazil we go into our toughest stretch of matches, facing Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay where we are all but guaranteed to drop points
so this match tomorrow is absolutely essential!

formation will look like this

------------pato:eek:
negro-micho-gabi-pupi(c)
------fiera-jefe-cuchu
------------romi
--------pulga-apache

if Cuchu isn't back we'll likely see Gago push Masche right and Maxi left
though I hope this doesn't happen because Cambiasso is much more resilient than Gago, who has barely played
I also expect Román to fade tomorrow, though it mightn't matter if we can get him some free kicks!

[threervana]

if Cuchu isn't back we'll likely see Gago push Masche right and Maxi left
though I hope this doesn't happen because Cambiasso is much more resilient than Gago, who has barely played
I also expect Román to fade tomorrow, though it mightn't matter if we can get him some free kicks!

Actually,Gago has played a lot recently in RMD~~

I feel that Maxi is more powerful on the right side ,but Basile might not think so~~
And putting whom to the position of #5 is really a tough choice since Gago and Masche are both more comfortable in their favourite position~
But it will be more safe if Masche is there~right?~
Obviously,Basile don't agree with me ~~We will see the effect of this new arrangement in the midfield~

Yes, but he should be playing regularly....or else he will be like that fine china that you only take out on important dates...

of course,Roman needs to play regularly in order to keep the level~:D

Actually,That "Maybe" I said was just a joke~~ :p

[west501]

I stand corrected, Gago has been playing
but I still think Cambiasso has more legs

[Arg10]

I'm just gonna paste what I wrote on an Argentina blog.

I can't believe this. I wonder what the AFA will do about this... Better question, what CAN they do about this? Because we all know how much FIFA hates Argentina. That was in no way shape or form ONSIDE, he was clearly offside yet they allowed the goal. Tevez should not of been sent off(a yellow card at best), no where near a red but what can you do.

Demichelis had a difficult second half and it showed. I don't know if it was the altitude problem or not, but something wasn't right. Also, does anyone know how many games Tevez misses? Is it only 1 or 3 like in clubs. Next matches are versus Ecuador on June 14(my birthday!) and June 17 versus Brazil in Brazil.

[akd]

I'm just gonna paste what I wrote on an Argentina blog.

I can't believe this. I wonder what the AFA will do about this... Better question, what CAN they do about this? Because we all know how much FIFA hates Argentina. That was in no way shape or form ONSIDE, he was clearly offside yet they allowed the goal. Tevez should not of been sent off(a yellow card at best), no where near a red but what can you do.

Demichelis had a difficult second half and it showed. I don't know if it was the altitude problem or not, but something wasn't right. Also, does anyone know how many games Tevez misses? Is it only 1 or 3 like in clubs. Next matches are versus Ecuador on June 14(my birthday!) and June 17 versus Brazil in Brazil.

Tévez commited a stupid foul. PERIOD. Yellow or red it doesn't matter, he exposed himself innocently and should have known better. He fucked over his team.

[west501]

even if it was a harsh call the possibility for a red for a dirty foul off the ball always exists
it's up to the ref* and in this case he gave it
I have to see a more conclusive replay of the second goal because the d1g replay from the match discussion thread is not clear when the pass leaves the players foot
it looks very close, and I'd lean towards saying it was clearly offside until I see something to prove me wrong..Ibarra may have fallen asleep
I'm pissed we didn't get the point because this means Brazil may have the chance to overtake us in June, and as I mention, we have a terribly difficult stretch of games starting with that one
so far the result looks like the one in 93, but hopefully we'll be the ones winning 5-0 in Buenos Aires next time!

*the Uruguayans have had a lot to complain about with the Argentine refs they've inexplicably had in 2 of their first three matches (and tomorrow will be 3 of 4)..well now we have something to complain about too :o:mad::rolleyes:

[threervana]

Personally,I think we played not too bad with one man down ridiculously.(I still do not know why Tevez did that motion)
But our wing backs fell asleep a bit while we made offside trap today,one by Pupi(thanks for the ref who made the wrong decision) and one by Ibarra whick causes the second goal of rivals.

Overall,a defeat in time may be good for us.
Now we still have a lot to improve, in order to beat Brazil next year:).

[AxelFoley]

Damn you Argentina, now COlombia is an even bigger threat to us :(

[roy4hire]

relax AxelFoley, you will qualify without a problem, you outplayed brazil and should have beaten them.

as for argentina, lets hope next year we start calling players that will go to the world cup, enouth of the zanetti, crespo, ibarra and the rest of the over 32`s years old and not more cambiasso please.
i love teves but he`s not even close to his best, time to dump him on the bench.

does any one know the fixture of argentinas upcoming friendlies.

[chauchey]

I think that the consistantly poor calls in favor of Columbia(including the Tevez red, and blown offside call, and the many fouls/yellows that where missed on Messi) that bogged down the game so Argentina couldnt get moving. Missing a man, the game was almost even. It was in Columbia, i can honestly say I expected something like this, my father did as well. We made a match of it even though there where many things against us.
Had Tevez not tried to irritate the columbian and gotten the red card, i could see us having come away with a win.
I'm interested in seeing the game when we're at home, because i have a feeling the score will read 'Alot - Very little. ;)

[lazymagician]

I thought we actually played very well even though we lost...considering the unfair calls in favor of Colombia and being 1 player down. With only 10 men for Argentina, the match actually looked pretty even, imagine if Tevez had'nt been sent off, we would have won. Its only near the end, the Colombians started attacking as Argentina started to run out of steam understandably. We cant win every match, but as long as we're playing well, i'm not worried...b/c usually things have to go really really wrong (which they did in colombia, lol) for us to lose.

[roy4hire]

the pitch was heavy bacause of all the rain before the game, 2600M of high attitude and one man short, what do you expect we had to run out of petrol, i thik we played our best game yet in that 1st half. long way to go and at home im expecting a big revenge.

[west501]

as for argentina, lets hope next year we start calling players that will go to the world cup, enouth of the zanetti, crespo, ibarra and the rest of the over 32`s years old and not more cambiasso please.
i love teves but he`s not even close to his best, time to dump him on the bench.

does any one know the fixture of argentinas upcoming friendlies.

I don't know about friendlies because the European leagues will not be holding international weekends for the rest of the season
if we were to get friendlies I do think we should try new players, but for me Zanetti remains untouchable
if we had a friendly tomorrow

Lisandro
Agüero
D'Alessandro------------Maxi(c)
Arca-Gago-Lucho
Samuel-Burdisso-Coloccini
Carrizo

[roy4hire]

these were the matches we have for next year but i can`t remember the date;

feb/march; portugal or some other european, some african nation or mexico (in europe) 2 matches.

may/june; italy and some other country could be england now that they are not going to euro.

oct/nov can not remember the month but it is comfirmed against spain the revenge for last years game.

and there were others which i can not remember, these matches are set up by world 11.

when choosing an argentina squad you have to know that the coach basile always plays 4 in the back and wont change from that.

my team,
---- ------------------carrizo---------------------------
------zanetti dimichelles burdisso c.rodrigues
---------zabaleta macherano banega/gago (either)
-----------------------riquelme
-------------------aguero labezzi
give messi a rest.

[west501]

when choosing an argentina squad you have to know that the coach basile always plays 4 in the back and wont change from that.


it's true, but I did watch Italia Argentina 2001 (a match I released here) over the weekend
I continue to be unimpressed by Basile, but think that if Messi and cohorts have a good world cup, we may not need a good coach to win
I'd love a link to those friendlies if you can find it

[roy4hire]

guest501 im with you about basile, that game you mantion was the graet biesa, can you imagine messi with bielsa as our coach, as hes team play a lot faster. don`t look at bielsa now at chile as chile don`t even come close to our players.

i`ll try and get those date for you, it was in ole about a month ago and last week on radio they said a very busy 2008 for the national team.

here it is; http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/deportes/8-90950-2007-09-07.html

Argentina empezará el año que viene jugando en febrero, con Portugal o Irlanda del Norte. Para el 26 de marzo quedó confirmado un amistoso con México en Dubai y, en mayo, el seleccionado afrontará un par de compromisos sucesivos contra dos potencias europeas: el 24 contra Alemania en Madrid y el 28 contra Italia en Milán, aunque este último resta que se confirme oficialmente.

En junio, el seleccionado viajará a Estados Unidos para enfrentarse con la selección local y contra Polonia y para el 28 de agosto se pactó un partido con Bielorrusia en Minsk, la capital de ese país. Basile y sus jugadores descansarán tres meses de los amistosos –no así de las Eliminatorias– para finalmente cerrar 2008 jugando el 9 de noviembre contra España en Madrid o Sevilla.

[Arg10]

Damn thats a tough schedule. Portugal(or Northern Ireland), Mexico, Germany, Italy? Re-match(Number 2) for Mexico, re-match for us for the Quarter Finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the Final that SHOULD of happened versus Italy in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Tough schedule ahead. Tough schedule...

[threervana]

I love Tough schedule!!:)
Great opponents are what we want~~

[roy4hire]

i agree with you threervana. we need to play countries at our level, and test players to come up with the right team combination. you can olny do that playing these teams.

and don`t forget in june there`s world cup qualifiers;
Agentina vs Equador and Brazil vs Argentina.

[west501]

actually that should have been the semifinal against Italy, the final would have been against France :mad:
thanks for the schedule
they get around the European leagues busy weekends by scheduling friendlies in the middle of the week, but I fear for Messi in particular because he is indispensable for Barça in the same way Ronnie was before the world cup
I'd say test new players in every match, use Messi against Portugal and Italy only
if I'm not mistaken though, the Renova Group (who Grondona sold our national team to for 24 matches) has say in who plays in the games, in which case Messi will be a beast of burden
don't forget the match vs. Spain last season that should never have been played and cost Maxi the whole year

[roy4hire]

@ guest501, basile can pick from a list of over 30 players so messi wont have to play, just like riquelme and crespo are on the list but haven`t played every friendly, that list is to asure argentina puts out a star team and not 11 players from a second devition.

don`t forget that the season in europe should finish early i`ll say before the may friendly`s (euro2008), and you are right we have to protect messi, he plays to many matches already for barcelona, anyway test players because for me is messi + 10.

[west501]

Aguero is Tuttosport's Golden Boy 2007 (http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/atletico/es/desarrollo/1066234.html)
http://www.marca.com/ficheros/marca/imagenes/aguero71207_ES.jpg

Kun before Tevez in 2008, please
he doesn't exactly solve the '9' debate but 4 of his 7 liga goals so far are with his head (as well as his first goal with the national team)

[roy4hire]

in today`s ole this match was comfirmed;

Se confirmó que la Selección jugará un amistoso ante Egipto, en El Cairo, el 26 de marzo. Hay gestiones para enfrentar a México, en febrero, en Dubai. En Eliminatorias, el próximo es el 14 ó 15 de junio, ante Ecuador en Buenos Aires.

[west501]

in the retrospective of 2007 in Argentine sport, the Copa America winners were glaringly missing..still can't believe we allowed ourselves to be beaten by such a poor side
in any case the u20s were glorious and I'd like to see some of them besides Aguero in the senior squad in 2007:
Zarate, Moralez, Escudero, Piatti, and Di Maria looked ready
to those wondering, Zarate has not dropped off the map..he's in Qatar for 2 seasons, a move he made because the 20,000,000 U$D have him set financially for the rest of his life
Moralez is in Russia..don't hear much
the latter three are notable left-sided players worth a look
(and Piatti and Moralez make Messi and Tevez look tall :o)

[threervana]

I would love to see Diego Valeri wearing the Albicelestes shirt in the coming year ~:p

[west501]

I'd like to see him in River shirt first :p

[threervana]

It seems Simeone doesn't take him into account~~:)
And as this kid's idol is Roman,he's only willing to wear Boca shirt~:p

[lazymagician]

in the retrospective of 2007 in Argentine sport, the Copa America winners were glaringly missing..still can't believe we allowed ourselves to be beaten by such a poor side
in any case the u20s were glorious and I'd like to see some of them besides Aguero in the senior squad in 2007:
Zarate, Moralez, Escudero, Piatti, and Di Maria looked ready
to those wondering, Zarate has not dropped off the map..he's in Qatar for 2 seasons, a move he made because the 20,000,000 U$D have him set financially for the rest of his life
Moralez is in Russia..don't hear much
the latter three are notable left-sided players worth a look
(and Piatti and Moralez make Messi and Tevez look tall :o)


- thats really great to hear the kids from the U20 WC are still playing. I was very impressed with the whole team in the summer, only wish i lived in Ottawa so could have gone to see them play live. They were very talented, esp Banega, Moralez, Di Maria...i really hope we hear more from them in the coming years playing for bigger teams. They def were'nt a tall team...but them winning that WC proves, height aint everything in football, you need skill even more.

[chauchey]

For my money, Di Maria's soft passing ability was not only the pleasant suprise of the tournament, but also the most underrated reason(in western media anyways) why Argentina did so well. You heard nothing about it, but i remember seeing a couple of passes that where long, and once they hit the ground didn't roll forward but had sufficient backspin to stay in place or even bounce backwards. I haven't seen that since Diego, or more recently from Ronnie. This kid could be an X-factor in 2010, kind of like Mascerano was in 2006(but perhaps not quite so much).
Either way, i was really impressed by him, and aside from Aguero, i felt he was argentina's most dangerous player.

[River]

Argentina is expected to face Guatemala in a friendly in the Los Angeles Coliseum on February 6th. Supposedly the two federations have reached an agreement, and the only thing needed is Alfio Basile's acceptance to play this match. The game should be confirmed tomorrow.

Related Articles (in spanish):
Ole (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/01/13/01584526.html)
La Opinion (http://www.laopinion.com/deportes/futbol/?rkey=00000000000003034550)
El Ciudadano (http://www.elciudadano.net/NOTAS/nota.php?nombre=ULT-13-01-2008-030)

If this proposal becomes a reality (as it seems it will), I'm going for sure. :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to Guatefutbol (http://www.guatefutbol.com/content/blogcategory/34/64/), the match has been confirmed. It also appears as a match date on the FIFA website (http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=arg/index.html). :)

I guess I'm heading down there. Anyone else going?

[roy4hire]

actually is going to be the olympic side which is coached by batista.
hes hoping to take all the stars. will see.

[west501]

it is very strange that Checho gets the sub-23
in 96 Passarella went and cemented his role as the best South American trainer going into France, in 04 it was Bielsa's master class and (sadly imo) swansong
is this trouble for Basile?
with Agüero, Messi, Gago, Banega, and Román and I assume 2 other senior team regulars being taken, this Olympic side could impress after what could be another embarrassment against Dunga's poor side in June

[roy4hire]

i agree with you guest501, basile should coach them as this is going to be the base of the world cup squad;
messi, aguero, gago, vanega,valeri,riquelme,zabaleta and others that would want to impress and get a spot for the national team.
i think there`s trouble ahead for basile, he could be replaced after the brazil match in june depending on the result.

[threervana]

i think there`s trouble ahead for basile, he could be replaced after the brazil match in june depending on the result.

Couldn't agree more~:D

With the U20 champion players in 05 & 07,this olympic side should no doubt be called "THE DREAM TEAM"!!!:cool: I can not think of any reason why Basile don't want to direct such a wonderful team except that~:p

[River]

According to this article (http://www.lasoccernews.com/article.php?article_id=2494), there could be more upcoming Argentina friendlies in the USA in the next few months! :eek:

The international match is being promoted by Chicago based Gebka’s Co., a FIFA-registered match and player agent.

The company expects to promote additional matches involving Argentina in the United States in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Ole claims that the list of the 23-players that will travel to Los Angeles will be confirmed on Tuesday, though Riquelme, Mascherano, and Demichelis are all guaranteed to be there. :)

[threervana]

River,it seems that no current river plate players will be there because Bastia has decided not to call up players from Copa Libertadores teams that need to do the preparation .That's not good news for you but you can see some Ex-Rivers like Masch and Micho.Have a good time there.

P.S Romy is exceptional again and he will go to L.A~~~:)

[west501]

great news about Masche and Micho being selected
as for Basile being in trouble, it remains to be seen how this decision (to give the sub23 to Checho) is framed
I don't think Basile's job is in danger, but I think his popularity will run out if we play recklessly and lose again on counterattack goals to Dunga's overtly defensive and poorly coached Brazil
though I think he's more likely to resign than be sacked outright

funny note: in my search for news on Batista I found this humorous tribute to 'The Greatest Bearded Sportsman of All-Time (http://theworldofbeards.wordpress.com/2006/09/24/the-greatest-bearded-sportsman-of-all-time/)'
I think Checho better grow that beard back if he wants the 'Greatest Bearded Trainer of All-Time' :o:p
you have to admit, it's a glorious beard
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2006/06/19/batista2.gifhttp://www.argentinosjuniors.com.ar/secciones/glorias/images/g_batista_1.jpg

[River]

I got this information off of the official LA Coliseum website. Pretty much everything you need to know:

When and What?
The Argentinian National Soccer team takes on Guatemala at the Coliseum on Wednesday, February 6th.

What Time?
Kickoff is at 7:30pm, gates will open at 6pm.

Where to Purchase Tickets?
Tickets will go on sale on shortly at the Sports Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, by charge by phone at 213/480-3232.

Possible Squad?
The Argentinian team features Leonel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Ezequiel Garay, Fernando Gago, Gonzalo Higuain, Oscar Ustari, Sergio Aguero, Ever Baegas, Federico Fazio, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin, DeMichelis, Jose Sosa, Sergio Romero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Cristian Ansaldi and Mauro Zarate.

Special Promotions?
Ticket buyers who get their tickets in advance will receive free admission to a special practice conducted by the Argentinian team at the Coliseum on Tuesday, February 5th.

I wasn't thinking of buying my tickets online, since Ticketmaster charges you an extra fee, but the training session is making me think twice. :)

[roy4hire]

here is the list of some of the players by Batista;

zabaleta, dimichelle, garay, fazio, banega, gago, macherano, higuain, lavezzi, aguero and messi. i forgot the others i`ll put them tomorrow, it just came out in argentinian radio la red.

[River]

here is the list of some of the players by Batista;

zabaleta, dimichelle, garay, fazio, banega, gago, macherano, higuain, lavezzi, aguero and messi. i forgot the others i`ll put them tomorrow, it just came out in argentinian radio la red.

Here's the complete list of players coming to Los Angeles:

Goalkeepers
Oscar Ustari - Getafe
Sergio Romero - AZ Aalkmar

Defenders
Martin Demichelis – Bayer Munich
Pablo Zabaleta – Espanyol
Ezequiel Garay – Racing Santader
Federico Fazio – Sevilla
Cristian Ansaldi - FC Rubin Kazan

Midfielders
Juan Roman Riquelme – Boca Jrs
Javier Mascherano - Liverpool
José Sosa – Bayer Munich
Fernando Gago - Real Madrid
Ever Banegas - Valencia
Damián Escudero – Vélez Sársfield

Fowards
Leonel Messi – FC Barcelona
Gonzalo Higuain - Real Madrid
Sergio Aguero – Atlético Madrid
Ezequiel Lavezzi - Napolli
Mauro Zarate - Birmingam
Marco Rubén – River Plate

Marco Ruben? I don't think he's River Plate material, let alone National Team. Besides, is there really any point in considering taking him to the Olympics when we have Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Lavezzi, M. Zarate, Di Maria, Ismael Sosa, etc. in his position?

Oh well. There's no doubt, though, that I am extremely excited for this game. Even though it's mainly U-23, it still is one hell of a squad.

[threervana]

Ruben??Another exception?:confused::confused:

Since River Plate is one of the teams that compete Liber Cup,I guess the reason why Ruben being called up is that he is not in the plan of Cholo.;)
BTW,I heard that he is gonna join Deportivo de La Coruna~

[west501]

I agree about Ruben..can't believe he made it into a squad with so much quality
look at that midfield :o and to think we're leaving out Pablito, Maxi, Cuchu, Lucho (all over age), and Di Maria, etc
we continue to boast the best midfielders in the world
will be interesting to see what formation Checho uses
4-3-1-2?

Ustari
Fazio-Micho-Garay-Ansaldi
Zabaleta-Masche-Escudero
Roman
Lavezzi-Aguero

edit: olé's list (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/01/22/um/01591323.html) has a few differences..Di Maria in :cool: Messi out :eek: and Zarate was the 19th man in the other list..I'd replace Ruben with him, Checho can expect a voicemail

[roy4hire]

no messi and no zarate, di maria is in. i agree with River why ruben?, why not take trejo from mallorca as the italian are triyng to get him to play for their olympic squad, im fed up with the italians taking our players, this is going to be the 4rd.

i think batista uses 4-3-1-2

Goalkeepers
Oscar Ustari (Getafe – España)
Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar - Holanda)

Defenders
Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol –España)
Ezequiel Garay (Racing de Santander – España)
Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich – Alemania)
Federico Fazio (Sevilla –España)
Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kasan - Rusia)

Midfielders
Fernando Gago (Real Madrid – España)
Ever Banega (Valencia – España)
José Sosa (Bayern Munich – Alemania)
Javier Mascherano (Liverpool Inglaterra)
Damián Escudero (Vélez Sársfield)
Juan Román Riquelme (Boca Juniors)

Fowards
Gonzalo Higuain, (Real Madrid–España)
Sergio Agüero (Atlético de Madrid – España)
Angel Di María (Benfica –Portugal)
Ezequiel Lavezzi (Nápoli – Italia)
Marco Ruben (River Plate)

[threervana]

Let's guess the line-up as usual~:)
4312
Ustari
Zabaleta Garay Micho Ansaldi
Masch Gago Banega
Roman
Kun Lavezzi(or Ruben?The #9?)

P.S Hope Oscar Trejo would join the list as soon as possible~~~:(

[River]

The tickets for the Argentina-Guatemala match are now officially available:

RESERVED SEATING
US $25.00 - US $75.00

NON-RESERVED GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
US $25.00

Internet Onsale Info
Onsale to General Public:
Tue, 01/22/08 05:00 PM PST

GEBKA'S CO. PRESENTS
ARGENTINA
VS.
GUATEMALA
LOS ANGELES COLISEUM
WED FEB 6 2008 7:30 PM

Click here (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/090040369B503265?artistid=1110112&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=11) to go to the direct link to the tickets on Ticketmaster.

Which team will play? I am not sure, but this is the starting eleven I would like to see:

Ustari;
Zabaleta-Garay-Demichelis-Fazio;
Sosa-Mascherano-Escudero;
Riquelme;
Aguero-Lavezzi

I can understand why you would put Mascherano-Gago-Banegas, but 3 DMFs at the same time is waaay too many for me.

Side-note: Woot, woot! Just purchased 4 tickets for the game. Muahaha, envy me motha f***ers! :D

[chauchey]

I'm really stoked about Di Maria getting a shot. This kid really caught my eye in the YWC when he made a cross field pass(at a forward angle) that apon first bounce, actually bounced backwards. He was running forwards when he made the kick, which made it all the more impressive. I haven't seen more than a couple of passes like that since Diego played. It was really nice. I've often thought that Barca should get him, and I hope that they do. :)
Hopefully he'll get to sub in, and we'll see him showcase a couple of nice passes like that again. :cool:

[Arg10]

Here's the full list.
http://www.afa.org.ar/?m=news&n=5441&idm=13


GOALKEEPERS
USTARI, Oscar Alfredo
Club actual: Getafe (España)

ROMERO, Sergio Germán
Club actual: AZ Alkmaar (Holanda)

DEFENCE
FAZIO, Federico Julián
Club Actual: Sevilla (España)

GARAY, Ezequiel
Club Actual: Racing de Santander (España)

ZABALETA, Pablo
Club Actual: Espanyol (España)

ANSALDI, Cristian Daniel
Club Actual: Rubin Kasan (Rusia)

DEMICHELIS, Martín
Club Actual: Bayern Munich (Alemania)

MIDFIELD
GAGO, Fernando Rubén
Club Actual: Real Madrid (España)

MASCHERANO, Javier Alejandro
Club Actual: Liverpool (Inglaterra)

BANEGA, Ever Maximiliano David
Club Actual: Valencia (España)

SOSA, José Ernesto
Club Actual: Bayern Münich (Alemania)

RIQUELME, Juan Román
Club Actual: Boca Juniors

ESCUDERO, Damián Ariel
Club Actual: Vélez Sársfield

STRIKERS
AGÜERO, Sergio Leonel
Club Actual: Atlético Madrid (España)

DI MARIA, Angel Fabián
Club Actual: Benfica (Portugal)

LAVEZZI, Ezequiel Iván
Club Actual: Napoli (Italia)

HIGUAIN, Gonzalo Gerardo
Club Actual: Real Madrid (España)

RUBEN, Marco Gastón
Club Actual: River Plate



Very interesting list. I'm assuming Aguero will be one of the strikers and who knows, maybe even Higuain as the other? This is the future right here(minus Messi and Tevez). Very happy to see Ustari get the call again, maybe this means the end for Abbondanzieri? Can't wait to see the line-up.

[west501]

I'm not sure if this will impact the friendly, but Bayern Munich has declared they will not cede players for the olympics http://fbtz.com/forum/images/icons/icon13.gif
but to be honest, we are covered in both positions and this could be the opportunity to invite one of the most formidable targetmen to come out south american football in recent years
I'm speaking of course of Fernando Cavenaghi, who after so many years of struggling abroad is finally starring in France, scoring 4 in his last 5 appearances (in both UEFA and league) for a total of 8 goals in 14 appearances (only 9 of which he started)
Blanc has finally decided to play Cave and has confidence el Torito in 2008, confidence for which he is rewarded with spectacular goals and truly inspirational football
Cavegol enters the race for the next 9 and what better time than the olympics to try..I think the free spot left by Micho should be taken by the 24 year-old Cave

[roy4hire]

Don`t worry guest501, they will play 100% if called, bayern should have read the fine print, the olympics futbol is under fifa with all fifa rules, players must be seeded.
if they are chossen they will be availeble.
about cavigoal is about time we been waiting for a long time, he was always going to be our 9 but russia stoped hes progress a mistake going there. now nothing is going to stop him, he is the 9 we need. my opinion.

[chauchey]

I'm speaking of course of Fernando Cavenaghi, who after so many years of struggling abroad is finally starring in France, scoring 4 in his last 5 appearances (in both UEFA and league) for a total of 8 goals in 14 appearances (only 9 of which he started)what team does he play for, and do you have any highlight clips on him at all? At #9, thats center forward right?

[threervana]

The NT needs a true #9.
That's el Torino!!!!
A #9 with #10 skills.
Chauchey,he plays for Bordeaux now.U can find many clips here :)http://fercavenaghi.rutube.ru/

[west501]

he is becoming somewhat of a cult hero for Bordeaux, which is very promising because he can be a goal scoring machine like he was at River
they are calling him the new Pauleta and his new nickname is the liberator
here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x41igq_fernando-cavenaghi-a-bordeaux_sport) is a compilation of almost all of his goals for his new club
here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x457bc_bordeaux-reportage-cavenaghi_sport) is a recent report on French tv about him that shows some of his glories at River Plate
the French love dailymotion, so just get in there and search for 'cavenaghi bordeaux' or 'bordeaux cavenaghi' and order by most recent and as long as he keeps scoring there will be more goals

[Arg10]

Don`t worry guest501, they will play 100% if called, bayern should have read the fine print, the olympics futbol is under fifa with all fifa rules, players must be seeded.
if they are chossen they will be availeble.
about cavigoal is about time we been waiting for a long time, he was always going to be our 9 but russia stoped hes progress a mistake going there. now nothing is going to stop him, he is the 9 we need. my opinion.

I've always wondered that. Are the Olympic futbol games sanctioned by FIFA? What I mean is that does it count as an Official FIFA Tournament? Because I always hear about how we haven't won anything sinca Copa America 1993 and everything, but when I mention the 2004 Olympic Games, everyone says it's not a FIFA tournament.

[roy4hire]

@ Arg10, it`s under fifa, i found out when i read it in ole from Argentina, FIFA are in charge of the Tournament, but i still think that it is an Olympic Tournament.

is FIFA rules to play sub23 + 3 over age players, and only fifa can change this rules.

when you say an Official FIFA Tournament neither is the copa america or european cup. what we haven`t won is an over age (normal national team) Tournament. the olympics are sub 23. and the olympic are important, just look at brazil they are desperate to win it. and don`t forget that argentina beat italy which had 5 world cup players; rossi, pirlo, gilardino, and i can remember the names of the others.

and we won a FIFA Tournament it was the sub 20. we just need to win with our real national team.

[roy4hire]

Madiana of boca was called up by Batista for the up coming friendly.
he also said that gago or banega will play from the start next to macherano, and it looks like Gago has the head start.

[west501]

so it seems he'll go for the two DMs
more on Cave from an anonymous author at fifa.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=681460.html)

El Torito back in the ring
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 30 January 2008

Could Bordeaux be the first French club in six years to come between Lyon and the Ligue 1 trophy? Unthinkable until quite recently, this is a very real possibility now that the Girondins lie just four points behind the pacesetters from Stade Gerland.

Strangely enough, Bordeaux's surge back into contention has coincided with a dip in form for the club's top scorer, David Bellion. Marouane Chamakh has been absent on CAF Africa Cup of Nations duty too, but fortunately coach Laurent Blanc had another ace in his pack in the shape of a certain Fernando Cavenaghi. One of football's forgotten men until his stunning reversal of fortunes this month, the Argentinian Cavenaghi had spent far too long in the wilderness.

It was all so different a few years ago. Nicknamed El Torito (the little bull), Cavenaghi exploded on to the scene at the turn of the millennium, starring alongside hugely-talented players such as Ariel Ortega, Esteban Cambiasso and Andres D'Alessandro in the River Plate line-up. With a record of 55 goals in 88 Millonarios appearances between 2001 and 2004, in addition to his three Apertura wins (2002, 2003 and 2004) and starring role at the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup, there never seemed to be any doubt that he would go on to enjoy an excellent career.

As far as Argentinian fans were concerned, he was the successor to Mario Kempes and Gabriel Batistuta, and Europe's biggest clubs did not lag far behind in taking interest. Cavenaghi's Italian passport made him almost as attractive as his extraordinary technique and predatory instincts, so eyebrows were certainly raised when he joined Spartak Moscow during the 2004/05 campaign. The forward then went on to spend two-and-a-half largely anonymous years in Russia.

Glass half-full
Placed alongside his River Plate feats, Cavenaghi's Russian return of 12 strikes from 51 matches seems underwhelming, but the 2003 South American U-20 Championship winner and top-scorer insists he does not regret his choice. "In spite of everything, that experience remains positive," he said. "It proved useful to me in my life as a man and also in my career as a professional footballer.

"That page has been turned now. It was very important for me to come to western Europe. I came to Bordeaux to give my career a boost. My job is to score lots of goals and do everything I can for the club. I want to show that the Girondins did not make a mistake."

Cavegol touched down in wine country in January 2007, bringing with him a reputation as a formidable marksman but not the match fitness to go with it. The Russian championship had finished two months earlier, and despite the newcomer's hard work and enthusiasm in training - where his superb touch soon drew gazes - he struggled to break into a side already rich in attacking options. Indeed, he contested just nine games and managed only two goals before the season was out, although at least his CV now boasted a French League Cup win.

The 2007/08 campaign kicked off in much the same way, due both to a groin problem during the summer and the constantly fierce competition for places up front. However, instead of voicing his frustration, Cavenaghi kept his counsel and stepped up his efforts on the training ground. When opportunities did come his way, he seized them with both hands, producing four goals in five UEFA Cup appearances plus an effort in the French Cup.

That combination of dedication and results could not go unnoticed forever and on 12 January Laurent Blanc finally accorded him his chance with a starting berth at home to Auxerre. Until then, Cavenaghi had played just 196 minutes in Ligue 1 all season.

Bull on the loose
By the end of the game, Cavenaghi had seduced the 30,000-strong Stade Chaban Delmas faithful with two goals and a performance bristling with vision and technique as the team's target man: all of which reminded the locals of Portuguese goal-machine Pauleta, who plundered 65 strikes for the club between 2000 and 2003.

The bull had been let loose and the following week he found the back of the net yet again, scoring against Le Mans with an exquisite lob at full stretch. Then, three days later, Saint-Etienne became the Argentinian's latest victims as he served up a lesson in selfless forward play interrupted only by an equally valuable lesson in effective finishing: he fired in the winning goal after battling away like a 'little bull' in a forest of opposition defenders.

As a result, his qualities have been appreciated as much by his team-mates as by supporters. "He's a super player," said David Bellion. "His touch is exceptional and although he hasn't played much in Ligue 1, every time he does play he produces some very classy moments."

The views of coach Blanc in the dugout are similarly positive. "He's the kind of player we didn't have in the team; a very good player in the opposition area," explained Le Président. "What I like about this lad is that he knows how to bring the rest of the team into the game. And what's so useful about that is that he's surrounded by players with a good enough technique to make the most of it."

Blanc's men have certainly made the most of Cavenaghi's renaissance so far. His goals and all-round play have raised the very real prospect that Lyon could surrender their trophy in the coming months. Whether Bordeaux go on to steal their crown or not, their Argentinian talisman already has much to celebrate. Cavenaghi has put his career back on track and can now hope to finally raise himself to the levels attained by the more successful prodigies of his generation.

[River]

Woot, woot - just received my tickets through mail:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Arg_Gua_Tix.jpg

Muahaha!! Envy me. :D

[threervana]

Envy you,mo!@@$$f###er~:)

[roy4hire]

3 players are out of the squad;

sosa, garay, esqudero,

[progott]

3 players are out of the squad;

sosa, garay, esqudero,

why ?

[threervana]

3 players are out of the squad;

sosa, garay, esqudero,

TRUE??:confused:

garay was out because of injury so maidana in~

but escudero is going to LA with riquelme,ansaldi & maidana(see this on Ole)

and I don't know the situation about Jose Sosa~:p

[west501]

I think Bayern aren't cooperating with Sosita
also, Gago is injured, and Augusto Fernandez is taking his place :D (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/02/01/um/01598376.html)
looking forward to the match

[progott]

Woot, woot - just received my tickets through mail:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Arg_Gua_Tix.jpg

Muahaha!! Envy me. :D

trust me, i do :D

isn't it possible to for me to print this tickets and get your seat in the stadium? Of course i will also have to book a flight to LA and spent money on a hotel......mmmhhh......that's to much effort only for taking you on a ride.

[roy4hire]

sosa has a visa problem, but they are going to wait untill monday, but looks hard.
escudero is injured, he could still go to but will see if he plays, batista said gogo is also going and they`ll see how he is, i don`t think batista belives that gago is injured.

offtopic:
if gago does not want to play for argentina scratch him for ever of argentina national team, the same for tevez who doesn`t wan to play against brazil in june, who doesn`t want to play that game?
these is whay we can win anything, because player don`t play for the shirt as they did in the past. let`s pick players that really want to be there;
riquelme, messi, macherano, demichelle, d`lesandro, aguero ect.

[River]

3 players are out of the squad;

sosa, garay, esqudero,

Gago, Aguero, and Di Maria out as well. :mad:

As for the training session:

Ticket buyers who get their tickets in advance can show their ticket to get special admission into practice sessions conducted by both the Guatemalan and Argentinian National Teams.

All attendees MUST have their tickets in hand and can enter the Coliseum via Gate 4 at the Southeast corner of the facility. Gates for the practice will oepn at 3:30pm. The Guatemalan team will begin their practice at 4pm and the Argentinian team at 7:30pm.

[Arg10]

Gago, Aguero, and Di Maria out as well. :mad:

As for the training session:

Ticket buyers who get their tickets in advance can show their ticket to get special admission into practice sessions conducted by both the Guatemalan and Argentinian National Teams.

Oh! So another reason to hate you:)

Haha, hope you get to go.

[west501]

http://www.marca.com/ficheros/marca/imagenes/aguero_lesion030208_2_ES.jpg

too bad about Agüerito, luckily the golden boy is only out for 10 days according to marca (http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/atletico/es/desarrollo/1085679.html)
keep us posted about the formations you see in training, River

[River]

keep us posted about the formations you see in training, River

Will do... if I find a way out of work that day. :o

[Sataris]

Are you sure about Sosa not playing

because

Martin and Jose will not arrive back in Munich until Friday this week

:confused:

[River]

Are you sure about Sosa not playing

because

:confused:

I believe he was wrong when he mentioned that Sosa and Escudero will not be playing. The players that should be missing out will be Messi, Aguero, Garay, and possibly Gago and Di Maria.

I may be mistakened though.

[west501]

Will do... if I find a way out of work that day. :o

pone la carita de puchero:
_______________________http://www.marca.com/ficheros/marca/imagenes/aguero_lesion030208_2_ES.jpg

no boss would let you stay in, particularly if you bring in 4 medical staff and a fleece blanket
call checho, see if he can lend you a few doctors

edit: it was reported last week that Bayern will not cede players for the olympics source (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/01/24/01592344.html)
I think we all just wrongfully assumed Sosa was not coming because of that, when in reality, that decision has nothing to do with Checho's selection for this particular match
indeed he has not called up replacements for them, so it makes sense they'd go
plus, it is a Fifa sanctioned tournament so Bayern must let them go

2nd edit: ole interviews Batista (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/02/04/01599949.html)
on this team Masche and Gago will play together with Banega as a sub in a 4-2-3-1 with Messi or Sosa on the right, and Higuain Sosa Di Maria Aguero Zarate or Escudero on the left

I am guessing the formation for Thursday will look something like this
---------Ustari
Fazio-Garay-Micho-Ansaldi
-----Masche-Gago
----Sosa-Roman(c?)-Di Maria
---------Lavezzi

[threervana]

The possible lineup in Checho's mind (you can find many resources online:))will be 4312:
Ustari,
Zabaleta, Demichelis, Fazio, Escudero;
Banega, Mascherano, Sosa;
Riquelme(OF COURSE ,THE C!!!!);
Higuaín and Lavezzi.

I can't see why Checho put Escudero on LB instead of Ansaldi~:(

Sosa & Di Maria have arrived but it seems Gago would stay in Spain??

[west501]

that
is an incredibly interesting formation, very Bilardo if you look at them side by side
---------pumpido_____________________________ustari
cuciuffo-ruggeri-brown_________________zabaleta-micho-fazio
------------------------olarticoechea_______________________escudero
----giusti-batista___________________________banega-masche
--burruchaga-enrique________________________roman-sosa
--------maradona_________________________lavezzi
---------valdano_______________________________higuaín

the key player here is obviously Escudero who is being played out of position, and if this is the case (I won't believe it until I see it) he is being given more responsibility than I've seen him afforded at Vélez
one thing is running forward, the other is running back
like I said, I'm not sure if Escudero is selected to perform this role, or if it's a role Checho ideally wants to fill with a midfielder (I wouldn't be surprised to see Ansaldi there on Thursday)
but I am all for experimentation and pushing the limits of talented players
that's one hell of a goddamn midfield in any case

[threervana]

IMO,Escudero is with full attaking mind and I seldom see him running back to defend....?
I guess Ansaldi is more suitable for this position~
BTW,guest,your formation posted is similar to that of Pekerman,2.
Who will take Sorin's role in the coming years?
We are so eager to find a #3, right?And we will see...

[River]

Here's my complete story:

I left my house at 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, the freeway was packed at the time, and what is normally a one hour drive for me became a two hour one.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Argentina%20-%20Guatemala/DSC00133.jpg

I eventually got to the stadium at 7:00, thirty minutes before the game. Having had one extra ticket (one of my friends couldn't make it), I was forced to sell the additional admission for $20 to some random guy that was waiting outside the stadium (I was in a hurry, didn't want to negociate a higher price). After that, I waited in the following line to get in:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Argentina%20-%20Guatemala/DSC00140.jpg

I was carrying two thing with me: a huge bag of cut up papers (confetti) and a big Argentina flag. Unfortunately, the first was taken away at the entrance. Supposedly no confetti was allowed. I was a bit upset, but the fact that I finally was inside the stadium covered up the negative emotions. I got in, made my way to the stands with the Argentine fans, and displayed my flag:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Argentina%20-%20Guatemala/DSC00144.jpg

Not trying to brag, but the flag itself was pretty cool. It was big, had a sun in the middle, and displayed the words "CADA DIA TE QUIERO MAS". It took me a long time to make, and plenty of money ($40+). Sounds good right? Well, at first it was. But after taking it out a few times, it eventually broke! Yes, I suppose by all the pulls it was taking from different people at the same time it began coming apart, it slowly got disparted:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Argentina%20-%20Guatemala/DSC00188.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Argentina%20-%20Guatemala/DSC00190.jpg

So pretty much everything started off wrong for me -- I got there later than I wanted to, I had my "papelitos" taken away from me, and my flag broke. Later on though, things got better, and I had a blast with the whole Argentine fan base. The five goals were great too, and it was nice finally being able to meet ElMuneco.

After the game a fight broke out. I couldn't see exactly what happened, but supposedly one Guatemalan jumped in between the whole Argentine group and started talking shit.. and, well, he got his ass beaten. I then left the stadium, but it couldn't have been a trip without those delicious LA Hot Dogs:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Argentina%20-%20Guatemala/DSC00187.jpg

MMMMMM..

I have a whole bunch of videos and many more photos, but I have to upload the whole thing onto Youtube later on tonight. I'll post it when it gets through. Aguante Argentina!

- Locoxriver

Edit: The video has gone through. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6Y0eTObMGI

[west501]

excellent account, River!
some good tiki taka from los Checho's Boys
Lavezzi is a beast and I continue to be impressed with Banega, who grows when he puts on the albiceleste to the point where I would prefer him to Gago
it's interesting to have an essentially free midfield around the rock that is Mascherano
the press again criticised Román saying he was not great, but I disagree, I was satisfied with his performance directly setting up 3 goals

edit:
Cavenaghi watch..the genius scores one with his backheel (http://www.dailymotion.com/search/cavenaghi/video/x49e9r_bordeaux-10-le-mans-but-de-cavenagh_extreme), though whether he touched it is up for debate
I thought if he didn't deviate the trajectory the ball would have bounced harmlessly to the keeper, but that last angle they show makes it look like he didn't touch it
but still, the video, the celebration, the loudspeaker, the fan chant, they gave him the goal possibly for just attempting it ;)

2nd edit: Cave scores another two yesterday, I found personal highlights of the match (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4c238_cavenaghi-dans-de-jeu-bordeauxmetz_sport) !!! cult-phenomenon olé (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/02/10/futbolinternacional/01604557.html) says he deserves more than a practice with the senior team (reacting to his asking for that as a minimum participation a few weeks ago)

[Sataris]

How was Sosa? :p

[threervana]

Sosa didn't do good in my opinion~
Actually,an opponent like this just could not practice and prove anything and we just wasted our time.
The good news is that our next rival in the following month will be the African Champion--Egypt.

[DSGB]

Sosa didn't do good in my opinion~
Actually,an opponent like this just could not practice and prove anything and we just wasted our time.
The good news is that our next rival in the following month will be the African Champion--Egypt.

Do you have a date for that match?

[threervana]

Do you have a date for that match?

March 26th～:D

[chauchey]

Guys, I have a problem and I need your help. :o This past argentina/guatamala game I have not been able to download because of a torrent error. At least one other user has had the same issue, and I was wondering if anyone here had managed to download the game, and would be willing to re-up it? :o Thanks to whomever does(if anyone did actually get the game) and if theres any way i can help you(perhaps with an invite someplace) let me know! :)

Original Release Thread Here (http://www.fbtz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95225)

[DSGB]

Hey guys, I was wondering if y'all know of any good English sites that I can go to to keep up with la selección news. While I'm beginning to learn Spanish, I don't yet know enough to read it without using some sort of translator. Anyways, any help would be appreciated.

Also I was wondering about any good Boca sites for the same reason or Liga Argentina in general.

Thanks in advance!

[threervana]

As far as I know,
http://www.argentinesoccer.com/indexen.cfm
http://www.en.tangooo.com/news.php
http://albicelestes.com/
http://www.bocajuniors.com.ar/english/
http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=arg/index.html

Actually,the best sites are in Spanish....

[DSGB]

As far as I know,
http://www.argentinesoccer.com/indexen.cfm
http://www.en.tangooo.com/news.php
http://albicelestes.com/
http://www.bocajuniors.com.ar/english/
http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=arg/index.html

Actually,the best sites are in Spanish....

Ha, yeah. More motivation to learn Spanish quicker.

[River]

TyC Sports delivered a pleasant surprise today confirming a friendly match between Argentina and Mexico, to be played on June 4th in San Diego. Not much was mentioned, other than the fact that all the starters of the first team will be here (unlike the previous match vs. Guatemala) and that a few days later the team will be facing USA in New York.

I already decided that I will be making the trip, and will probably be going with a group. Anyone else down to go?

[threervana]

Envy Again!!!!!

But from what I see on FIFA,(http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=arg/index.html)
the two opponents are:
31.05.08 Jamaica Argentina
04.06.08 Hungary Argentina

[River]

Envy Again!!!!!

But from what I see on FIFA,(http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=arg/index.html)
the two opponents are:
31.05.08 Jamaica Argentina
04.06.08 Hungary Argentina

It was confirmed on AFA's official website:

Argentina jugará amistosos con México y Estados Unidos en junio

La Selección actuará con los aztecas en San Diego y con los norteamericanos en Nueva York, antes de la participación en las Eliminatorias.

La Selección Argentina realizará en junio próximo una mini gira por Norteamérica. El equipo dirigido por Alfio Basile enfrentará el 4 de ese mes a México en San Diego y 4 días después a Estados Unidos en Nueva York. En ambos casos, aún no se conocen los horarios ni los estadios en que tendrán lugar los cotejos.

It usually takes FIFA a while to update their calendar. It was the same scenario for the game vs. Guatemala. As for the Hungary game, it has been cancelled and replaced by the game vs. Mexico. The match vs. Jamaica is also at risk.

[threervana]

I hear that on June 4th Argentina will play two matches!!

Unbelievable....

[west501]

that would be something..we could call up 46 players and play them all
because I'm bored a 46 man callup

Carrizo, Ustari, Lux, Orion, Romero, Ojeda
Milito, Heinze, Micho, Garay, Zanetti, Burdisso, Arca, Ferrari, Zabaleta, Ibarra, Diaz, Coloccini, Fazio, Ansaldi
Masche, Roman, Cambiasso, Lucho, Aimar, D'Alessandro, Belluschi, Piatti, Banega, Gago, Veron, Sosa, Moralez, Escudero
Cavenaghi, Aguero, Crespo, Cruz, Messi, Saviola, Higuain, Zarate, Di Maria, Lavezzi, Ortega, Palacio

[akd]

TyC Sports delivered a pleasant surprise today confirming a friendly match between Argentina and Mexico, to be played on June 4th in San Diego. Not much was mentioned, other than the fact that all the starters of the first team will be here (unlike the previous match vs. Guatemala) and that a few days later the team will be facing USA in New York.

I already decided that I will be making the trip, and will probably be going with a group. Anyone else down to go?

I might go on and make the trip to San Diego....any news of how to be with the fellow Argentine crowd?

[River]

I might go on and make the trip to San Diego....any news of how to be with the fellow Argentine crowd?

Well I'm trying to stay in contact with other Argentinos who will be attending the match, so I'll let you know when I have more updates. In the mean time, check out the Argentinos en California Group:

http://www.myspace.com/hinchadaargentina

Lot's of the people there should be attending the game.

[threervana]

that would be something..we could call up 46 players and play them all
because I'm bored a 46 man callup

Carrizo, Ustari, Lux, Orion, Romero, Ojeda
Milito, Heinze, Micho, Garay, Zanetti, Burdisso, Arca, Ferrari, Zabaleta, Ibarra, Diaz, Coloccini, Fazio, Ansaldi
Masche, Roman, Cambiasso, Lucho, Aimar, D'Alessandro, Belluschi, Piatti, Banega, Gago, Veron, Sosa, Moralez, Escudero
Cavenaghi, Aguero, Crespo, Cruz, Messi, Saviola, Higuain, Zarate, Di Maria, Lavezzi, Ortega, Palacio

I just wanna point out that your 46 man list still miss some key players...:D
Actually,even calling up 100 good players won't be a problem for us.

BTW,I also heard that U23 will take one rival and leave the other to the national team.

[west501]

I just wanna point out that your 46 man list still miss some key players...:D
Actually,even calling up 100 good players won't be a problem for us.


I was thinking the same thing :p

[threervana]

Guest, Ole claimed today that Torino would come back to NT!(His first callup was nearly 3 years ago).And he might join KUN as a duo!

Let's celebrate!!!:)

Besides,Licha and Lucho from Porto will come back,2.

[Arg10]

that would be something..we could call up 46 players and play them all
because I'm bored a 46 man callup

Carrizo, Ustari, Lux, Orion, Romero, Ojeda
Milito, Heinze, Micho, Garay, Zanetti, Burdisso, Arca, Ferrari, Zabaleta, Ibarra, Diaz, Coloccini, Fazio, Ansaldi
Masche, Roman, Cambiasso, Lucho, Aimar, D'Alessandro, Belluschi, Piatti, Banega, Gago, Veron, Sosa, Moralez, Escudero
Cavenaghi, Aguero, Crespo, Cruz, Messi, Saviola, Higuain, Zarate, Di Maria, Lavezzi, Ortega, Palacio

Can't forget Diego Milito and Tevez.

Hey guys, I was wondering if y'all know of any good English sites that I can go to to keep up with la selección news. While I'm beginning to learn Spanish, I don't yet know enough to read it without using some sort of translator. Anyways, any help would be appreciated.

Also I was wondering about any good Boca sites for the same reason or Liga Argentina in general.

Thanks in advance!

For all my Argentina news(in english) I always use http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/

Don't want to advertise, but it says that Coco will name his squad to face Egypt today. Will be a VERY interesting squad. Looking forward to it.

[west501]

Can't forget Diego Milito and Tevez.


I think I did :o and so did Coco :eek:
anyway the list Coco gave (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/03/11/seleccion/01626027.html) is of players based in Europe only
Abbondanzieri :eek:, Ustari, Romero,
Zanetti(c), Demichelis, Gaby Milito, Heinze, Burdisso, Coloccini, Zabaleta,
Mascherano, Gago, Cambiasso, Maxi Rodríguez, Lucho González;
Lisandro López, Agüero, Cruz, Lavezzi y Cavenaghi. :D

I want
---------Osky
Pupi(c)-Micho-Gabi-Gringo
---Fiera-Jefecito-Cuchu
--Pocho-Torito-Kun

[threervana]

I want something different:)

Osky

Zabaleta-Micho-Gabi-Pupi(c)

Lucho-Jefecito-Pintita-Fiera

Torito-Kun

[DSGB]

Can't forget Diego Milito and Tevez.



For all my Argentina news(in english) I always use http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/

Don't want to advertise, but it says that Coco will name his squad to face Egypt today. Will be a VERY interesting squad. Looking forward to it.

Gracias! :D

[chauchey]

I'm really looking forward to this game, and hopefully seeing Cavenaghi play! :cool:

[west501]

I'm really looking forward to this game, and hopefully seeing Cavenaghi play! :cool:

so is el Torito (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/03/14/futbolinternacional/01627960.html)
I thought I would translate it, but Nick Dorrington did so for me! (http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=621718)
cheers, Nick



v/vYRi8GvMf-s
y ya lo ve! y ya lo ve, es para Tevez que lo mira por TV! ;)

[Bearded Kyle]

So where is Juan Pablo Sorin playing these days? He was always one of my favorite Argentines (must've been the hair.) Who captains the Argentina side when they have their full squad now?

[threervana]

So where is Juan Pablo Sorin playing these days? He was always one of my favorite Argentines (must've been the hair.) Who captains the Argentina side when they have their full squad now?

Sorin plays for Hamburg in Germany.

After Ayala's retirement, our cap is Zanetti!!!

[west501]

proposed lineup (source (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/03/25/seleccion/01635974.html))

The squad, as of yet unconfirmed by the trainer, would be:

Abbondanzieri :eek:
Zanetti(c), Demichelis, Burdisso, Heinze
Mascherano, Gago, Maxi Rodríguez
Lucho González
Agüero y Cruz/Cavenaghi

vamos CAVE todavia
I hope he wins a place for the next qualifiers!!!!

[chauchey]

hey guys, i was wondering if i could enlist the help of you fellow argie fans to help boost support for a cap to be done. Currently nobody has called this game, and i was hoping a few extra signatures in the video request thread might do the trick! ;)
Video Request Thread Here (http://www.fbtz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98911&highlight=argentina)

Thanks everyone!!

[Arg10]

hey guys, i was wondering if i could enlist the help of you fellow argie fans to help boost support for a cap to be done. Currently nobody has called this game, and i was hoping a few extra signatures in the video request thread might do the trick! ;)
Video Request Thread Here (http://www.fbtz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98911&highlight=argentina)

Thanks everyone!!

Consider it done. I'd like to see someone cap it(even if I do end up watching).

As for the line-ups... Abbondanzieri? I don't know what to say to be honest. I suppose it was expected since he was in the squad that was announced, but I thought we were done having him between the posts.

I'd like Aguero/Caven up front, please. Cruz as a sub or something.

[threervana]

El Torino needs to be lined up,right?:)

As for Pato，I guess he would definitely go to South Africa and wear our #1 because Coco likes him.

[Arg10]

2-0 victory. It clearly showed that we were missing Riquelme and Messi in there but boy did Aguero show up. I think Cruz's time is officialy done with the NT. Personally I would of prefered to take Crespo instead, but you have to pick your battles. Pato looked extremely nervous. Other than that, a boring match. Caven only got like 10-15 minutes of play, when really it should of been much more than that.

[DSGB]

2-0 victory. It clearly showed that we were missing Riquelme and Messi in there but boy did Aguero show up. I think Cruz's time is officialy done with the NT. Personally I would of prefered to take Crespo instead, but you have to pick your battles. Pato looked extremely nervous. Other than that, a boring match. Caven only got like 10-15 minutes of play, when really it should of been much more than that.

Very disappointed not to see Cavenaghi get more of a chance, as well as the other players on the bench. When you're allowed 6 substitutions, you need to take advantage of the opportunity and see some of your players in a game situation. It sucks that we didn't do that.

I really hope that Basile's claim against the game ball is true, because otherwise we did not look too good at controlling the ball and distributing it around the field. I'm hoping this is just a case of playing to the level of your opponent (though I'd prefer we'd play top notch every match). Still a couple more friendlies before the important matches in June. Hopefully we'll get everything worked out before then. We really need to take advantage of Brasil's recent lack of form.

Here's hoping that we have a 100% healthy team around June...

[west501]

I haven't seen the match yet and probably will not get to do so until later in the weekend
I was initially surprised/disappointed that Coco started Cruz but at the same time, what Julio has done this season merits a callup, the 9, and a starting role
out of respect to a player who has spent his career in the shadows, I think he deserved it after the 3/4 of a season he's had
anyway, Ray 'Orgasmo' Hudson aside, I look forward to watching the match soon and will comment here when I do

edit: seen it now
I liked this win, it reminded me very much of the approach in France a year ago..cautious but incisive
Agüero, without having a very good match, showed he is a must pick, let's go with him and Messi vs Brazil
Cruz was off the mark and didn't associate well with el Kun
Lucho didn't show much, unfortunately, but I honestly wouldn't mind to go with him more
to show something, he needs consistency and I applaud Basile for playing him and Maxi (who was very good) at the same time
Gago was good at times and I think if he matures to his potential he could be fundamental..Masche was solid as ever and I look forward to seeing him break Zanetti's (il capitano was solid) caps record in about 10 years
I'm liking Micho, and Heinze seems to be gaining some of his mobility back, Burdisso was also excellent
the back four is beginning to take shape
there was one sore spot, and that was Pato :eek:, I've never seen such a nervy professional footballer
the guy is almost 36 and we all know he isn't going to get over it..we should have used someone, anyone, else

deuxième édition: Cavenaghi scored two second half goals to overturn the 0-1 to Nancy Lorraine
this puts his 'season total' at 12, leading his squad and second in the league behind Benzema
I put 'season total' in quotes because he was not started in the first half of the season and has scored all 12 league goals since he won a starting spot after the midseason break in January (http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/5963/)
being a super fan, I did the numbers..it's 18 total goals in 16 starts and 26 overall appearances this season
in the league it's 12 goals in 12 starts and 18 appearances

[west501]

Checho chooses totally* sub-23 squad for friendlies at the end of May (source (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/04/08/futbolinternacional/01646640.html))

Los convocados son: Oscar Ustari, Nicolás Navarro, Sergio Romero, Pablo Zabaleta, Federico Fazio, Cristian Ansaldi, Fernando Gago, Lucas Biglia, Ever Banega, José Sosa, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Lautaro Acosta, Sergio Agüero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Diego Valeri, Damián Escudero, Jonathan Maidana, Augusto Fernández, Gabriel Paletta y Angel Di María.

not a bad looking squad, surprised not to see Eze Garay who is injured, but so is Messi..does anyone know the extent of Garay's injury? is it that long term?
if Checho keeps the interesting formation he tried (at least at the beginning of) the last match I'd like to see

---------------Ustari
Zabaleta(c)-Maidana-Fazio
-----------------------------Escudero
----------Banega-Gago
Sosa-----------------------Valeri
---------------Messi
--------------Agüero

that's a pretty ridiculous formation, if Escudero has the discipline to do it..if not I'd probably move him up and sacrifice Valeri/Sosa for a defender or just play 3-5-2

*remember for the Olympics he can take three old guys, and has publicly stated he's chosen Micho, Masche, and Román(c)..we have to see what happens with Micho and Sosa as word is Bayern still think they can stop them from going :confused:

[indomitable_lion]

It's too bad that Argentina doesn't have a tournament to play in this summer because Cavenaghi has been in unbelievable form. He's in the kind of goal scoring form Berbatov was when he signed for Spurs last season. I wonder if a big club will sign him next season. It seems nobody can pass up form players these days.........except Karim Benzema.

Does the olympics still allow 3 senior players? He would be a great one to take............He's in form after all.

[west501]

It's too bad that Argentina doesn't have a tournament to play in this summer because Cavenaghi has been in unbelievable form. He's in the kind of goal scoring form Berbatov was when he signed for Spurs last season. I wonder if a big club will sign him next season. It seems nobody can pass up form players these days.........except Karim Benzema.

Does the olympics still allow 3 senior players? He would be a great one to take............He's in form after all.

well, in terms of volume of games I think if you add the matches against Ecuador and Brazil + the Olympics, it will be like a major tournament..if only because our Olympic side is so damn good
I hope Cave gets a shot in the WCQ at least..those are very important matches because we can come out of those on top or far from it
if Basile gets embarrassed by Dunga's embarrassment of a Brazil for a 3rd time straight the sky will fall for him..that will be a very interesting match
as for the Olympics, Checho has already stated he intends to take Micho, Masche, and Román as the 3 senior spots, but I would consider Cave over Micho based on current form..this summer could be a real spotlight for him
the question of whether el Torito should take the opportunity based on the return of his devastating form to move to the big squad he should have moved to in the first place is a very difficult question
it would be a big gamble, will he score as many for Juventus (or a side of similar stature? I think so, and if so he'll be a superstar, but if not it will be a quick return to another 2-3 years of relative obscurity
I can't answer that right now

[threervana]

It seems Napoli has a huge interest in Cave now~~
Maybe we'll see Argentine Duo Cave+Lave next season~~:)

[On The Edge of Insanity]

so is el Torito (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/03/14/futbolinternacional/01627960.html)
I thought I would translate it, but Nick Dorrington did so for me! (http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=621718)
cheers, Nick


No problem ;)

[Arg10]

The groups have been drawn for the Olympics!

GROUP A: Ivory Coast, Argentina, Australia and Serbia

GROUP B: Netherlands, Nigeria, Japan and USA

GROUP C: China, New Zealand, Brazil and Belgium.

GROUP D: Korea, Cameroon, Honduras and Italy.

Groups A and B are tough. As usual, Brazil has the easiest group and Italy got away with one. Our group looks nearly identical to the one we had in 2006 for the World Cup. Just replace Australia with Holland and voila! It won't be easy, but hopefully we can pull it off!

[threervana]

We have got used to be drawn into a death group!!haha~

[Arg10]

We have got used to be drawn into a death group!!haha~

It really is weird.

2002 World Cup: Argentina, Sweden, England, Nigeria

2006 World Cup: Argentina, Holland, Serbia and Montenegro, Cote D'Ivoire

2007 Copa America: Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, USA

2008 Olympics: Argentina, Australia, Serbia, Cote D'Ivoire

May I predict the 2010 World Cup?: Argentina, Germany, France, Italy

But I'm confident we will top the group. Australia is going to be our toughest opponent in the group stage, no doubt. But we'll get through:).

[west501]

the favourites are looking to be Ivory Coast, Netherlands, Brazil, Italy, and Argentina
I wonder who the other sides will take as their senior squad places, though with Brazil I'm more interested in the youth players :o
I'm looking forward to this, particularly considering that we shouldn't be in the tournament
thank Lautaro Acosta's 92nd minute goal in the sudamericano and laugh celebration scenes without sound

v/AgPfJA-wB4o

[River]

Tickets for the Argentina-Mexico game go on sale through Ticketmaster in less than 5 hours (12:00 PM Pacific Time). Here's the link for whoever's interested in purchasing a ticket:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A004095C9A6664E?artistid=856033&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=11

If you are going, make sure to buy tickets in Section 52 (Plaza Level) -- with the Hinchada Argentina!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Qualcomm_Section24.jpg

[west501]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/locoxriver/Qualcomm_Section24.jpg

El resto de las secciones - Hinchada del Tri

[deviant]

We are going to get murdered but I'll will be there anyway :)

[River]

Just bought four tickets for the game vs. Mexico. :D

To be with the hinchada Argentina, follow the following steps:

1) Visit the Argentina vs. Mexico Ticketmaster page - http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A004095C9A6664E?artistid=856033&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=11
2) Select the quantity of tickets you want to purchase. Next to it, select the "$30" option.
3) Under "section", choose "East End of Stadium". This should then guide you to Plaza Level (followed by a number in the 50s). Each ticket costs only $30.

The Hinchada Argentina will be around Section 52.

See you guys in June. :)

[west501]

Milito out 6 months (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/05/05/futbolinternacional/01665041.html) :(
just when he was solidifying his place in the back four, he has to miss the next 6 qualifiers..all huge matches :eek:

[threervana]

unfortunate mishap~~~:(

[River]

Just bought four tickets for the game vs. Mexico. :D

To be with the hinchada Argentina, follow the following steps:

1) Visit the Argentina vs. Mexico Ticketmaster page - http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A004095C9A6664E?artistid=856033&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=11
2) Select the quantity of tickets you want to purchase. Next to it, select the "$30" option.
3) Under "section", choose "East End of Stadium". This should then guide you to Plaza Level (followed by a number in the 50s). Each ticket costs only $30.

The Hinchada Argentina will be around Section 52.

See you guys in June.

I received my ticekts a few days ago. :)

Unfortunately, I don't know how many Argentineans we will be in Section 52:

- The $30 tickets that Ticketmaster is now offering (East End of the Stadium) are in the View section. These are some of the worst tickets in the stadium, and no where near Section 52 PLAZA (where we will be).
- The $50 tickets in East End Plaza Level no longer appear. I don't know if this means that they are sold out or that they have taken them down temporarily.

My point is that unless there's a change, only the Argentinos who bought tickets during the Pre-Sale will be in Section 52. Hopefully this is wrong, because I honestly do not know how many bought them before (many people didn't have Visa and were waiting for the tix to go on sale to the general public).

[west501]

ole just linked up to a rare interview with Claudio Paul Caniggia (http://www.diariosur.es/20080512/deportes/mas-futbol/claudio-canniggia-futbolista-mayor-20080512.html)
it's lengthy so I would suggest google translate (http://translate.google.com/translate_t)
if there are any questions let me know and I can clarify

on what he's doing now:
[He keeps in shape.] I play with a group of friends and 2-3 months ago I started training 3-4 times a week.
I'm still in the business of futbol. I am working as a talent scout for various clubs in England and Argentina.
I would like to start a football academy in Marbella.

on Cristiano Ronaldo:
'I would like to see him play in a tougher league like Italy or Spain, then I would really consider him the best.'

on Argentine football:
'Comparing with the time I played, the big clubs (Boca, River, or Independiente) would buy experienced players of foreigners and it was more difficult for the academy kids to enter into the team. Now the championship is not as competitive and there is less money. That's why the youngsters get more of a chance and mature quicker and are ultimately sold to Europe because clubs need money. The kids play for that.

on the second yellow that prevented him from playing the World Cup final:
It was an instinctive moment. I don't really see the point of a second yellow card suspension in a case like that: a meaningless handball in the middle of the pitch.

he also says the wonder-goal against Brazil* was the most important of his career and that in his day he could run 100 metres in 10.7!!!

*v/mlbbY2I1a44
as the comment states, one of the most screamed goals in the history of the seleccion
watch it once and again, and hope Messi pulls three of them next month

[Arg10]

Beautiful goal. The run was absolutely sublime. Looking at that, it clearly shows what Argentina is missing. A leader. We need a player that can grab the team by the throat and lead them to victory. When the chips were down, Argentina was always able to count on Maradona. There's the usual 1986 World Cup, the 1990 World Cup where we lost that opening match but came back and managed to reach the finals.

It basically comes down to mental toughness. Not just the players, but the coaches. Look back at the 2006 World Cup. We were up 1-0 with 12 minutes to play and Pekerman starts feeling the German pressure so he decides to play defensivly. He takes out Riquelme to put in Cambiasso and Crespo for Cruz. The only reason I would take out Riquelme in ANY game is if he pulls one of his ghost appearances where he disappears in matches or if he's dying on the field with 1 leg broken. Aside from that, there's absolutely NO reason to take him off. If he really can't continue then you do the usual choice. Pull Riquelme and put in freaking Aimar. We lost the match with Aimar, Saviola and Messi on the bench.

Then you look back at the Copa America last year. We go down 1-0 and everything starts going downhill. Granted we hit the post 2 minutes following Brazil's first goal, but that was it. They kept fouling and we couldn't do anything about it. Mental toughness and a missing leader has cost us 1 too many trophies.

[threervana]

Hope Messi scores thrice against Brazil next month,too!!!:)

Now I guess the leader we can count on is Roman, and hope he could show his leadership in the NT as he always does in Boca. And the coach should never think of taking him off the pitch.

[west501]

another flash of brilliance from el Diego, this time in the 103rd minute of the semifinal..it's just beautiful

v/_A5kKhec44U

edit: would like a gif of this and the run vs Brazil, how do you make those??

I have to edit my statement from before, I do not want Messi to score 3 goals..well I do, but that cannot be the mission..we must go there for a 0-0 draw
thinking about the matches from Italia90 I have posted clips from, we were able to pass those clearly superior sides because they underestimated us and tried to play us into the ground but couldn't..you can't forget Bilardo's was a defensive side that counted on Diego's unique individuality
our problem against Brazil lately, like against Germany, is that we underestimated them, thinking we were entitled to win because we were the better side, but that was our mistake because football is more complicated
Basile believes in the simplicity of football, but he has not found an answer to Dunga's catenaccio and if he doesn't respond after 2 matches of the same thing I'm afraid we will suffer a similar fate next month
so I reiterate, I want Messi to score 3 in Brazil, but I don't want to go there to do that..I'd be happy with a 0-0 or a 0-1 with an 80th minute goal completely against the run of play ;)

[progott]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfPDmSqklcQ

this version of the clip is soo much better :D

[sportsmen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfPDmSqklcQ

this version of the clip is soo much better :D
^^^
Fixed that for you.

v/EfPDmSqklcQ

[progott]

opps, thanks dude

[west501]

this version of the clip is soo much better :D

ajaja
some of you may raise the question is 501, one of the board's biggest proponents of attacking football and hater of all things cataenaccio, endorsing a defensive approach next month?
not exactly, I just think we need to re-evaluate our strategy against a predictably defensive Brazil

[lazymagician]

^^^
Fixed that for you.

v/EfPDmSqklcQ

LMAO!! thats hilarious.

I think i agree with Guest about the tactics we need in the olympics...i hope defensively we do much better. I would never want us to lose the attacking style we employ most of the time, but against teams that play defensively we will get slaughtered...there has to be more of a balance in attack and defense than what we saw in the Copa.

[west501]

Dunga calls up massive squad (http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/90871/6412261.html)

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Internazionale), Doni (Roma), Diego Alves (Almeria);
Defenders: Lucio (Bayern Munich), Alex Costa (Chelsea), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica)
Wingbacks: Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Maicon (Internazionale), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Marcelo* (Real Madrid), Kleber (Santos);
Midfielders: Elano (Manchester City), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal),Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Josue (Wolfsburg), Anderson (Manchester United), Diego (Werder Bremen), Kaka (Milan)
Forwards: Adriano (Sao Paulo), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Rafael Sobis* (Betis), Robinho (Real Madrid)

it makes sense because Dunga faces his two biggest challenges in 1st place Paraguay and 2nd place Argentina
the Emperor makes a comeback, and in good time as he's been in good form lately
our list should be forthcoming

and just cos I can't resist..if I were in charge of Brazil
Julio Cesar
Lucio-Juan-Alex
Maicon-Gilberto-Maxwell**
Diego-Kaka-Robinho
Adriano

*only called up for friendlies
**not called up, why I don't know

[River]

21 players have been called up by Basile for the friendly matches vs. Mexico and USA:

Goalkeepers: Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe-Spain), Oscar Ustari (Getafe-Spain).

Defenders: Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid-Spain), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna-Spain), Gonzalo Rodríguez (Villarreal-Spain), Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol-Spain), Nicolás Burdisso (Inter-Italy), Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich-Germany).

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Real Madrid-Spain), Maximiliano Rodríguez (Atlético Madrid-Spain), Jonás Gutiérrez (Mallorca-Spain), Ever Banega (Sevilla-Spain), Javier Zanetti (Inter-Italy), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter-Italy), José Sosa (Bayern Munich-Germany), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool-England).

Delanteros: Lionel Messi (Barcelona-Spain), Julio Cruz (Inter-Italy), Lisandro López (Porto-Portugal), Fernando Cavenaghi (Bordeaux-France), Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid-Spain).

I am extremely impressed by this squad, and am more than anxious to see Messi, Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez, Mascherano, Cambiasso, Zanetti, Banega, Licha Lopez, etc. in action. But what surprised me the most is the inclusion of Fernando Cavenaghi. He is one of my favorite River players of this decade (and probably one of my fav. forwards of all time), so I'm jumping off the walls after reading that I'll be seeing him in San Diego. :D

[west501]

vamos Cavegol
that's a very strong squad for a couple of friendlies, the point obviously being that that is the perfect excuse to get the team together for 18 days :cool:
I assume he will add Román upon returning to Argentina but for the love of D10S, he has to stop calling up Pato :eek:...it's time to give the 1 to Carrizo who is the best Argentine keeper in a generation and a possible future captain

[Arg10]

Very, very impressed with that squad. It looks like we're gonna see Pato in 2010 since Ustari has only played what like 2 games(with the NT team) this year and Carrizo will never get his chance. As always, I'd like to see Crespo over Cruz but sadly it won't look like it will happen. I'd LOVE to see Crespo versus either Ecuador or Brazil for the WC Qual. next month.

Other than that, an extremely strong team. We always have great games versus Mexico, so hopefully this one isn't any different. The States will have a stronger side then the Copa one but I still think we should beat them.

[west501]

taking a fresh look, it's a slap in the face to Lucho to include Jonas Gutierrez, I must say..I was hoping to see Lucho start
and I know I bring this up every time, but Pato is not a national team keeper..he is nervous and lacks the confidence
Carrizo is the opposite..sometimes he has too much confidence, but his resilience and his incredible sense of self-belief makes him unique amongst our keepers now
Ustari didn't have a good year, though he does have promise, Carrizo is clearly ahead of him at this point
the keeper is not important just for what he does in between the 3 posts, but for the confidence he exudes in the back line
this could not be more important against a team like Brazil, where they scored 3 identical goals against us in London, and another 3 soft ones in the Copa America
brilliant saves on those plays from a confident keeper, instead of letting in the first one both times, are what turn the momentum in tight games like these and Basile shows he is very stubborn by settling with Pato's permanent mediocrity..he says he wants to change against Brazil and the first change is obvious and the most fundamental
I can't understand this, it's very very frustrating :mad:

[Arg10]

taking a fresh look, it's a slap in the face to Lucho to include Jonas Gutierrez, I must say..I was hoping to see Lucho start
and I know I bring this up every time, but Pato is not a national team keeper..he is nervous and lacks the confidence
Carrizo is the opposite..sometimes he has too much confidence, but his resilience and his incredible sense of self-belief makes him unique amongst our keepers now
Ustari didn't have a good year, though he does have promise, Carrizo is clearly ahead of him at this point
the keeper is not important just for what he does in between the 3 posts, but for the confidence he exudes in the back line
this could not be more important against a team like Brazil, where they scored 3 identical goals against us in London, and another 3 soft ones in the Copa America
brilliant saves on those plays from a confident keeper, instead of letting in the first one both times, are what turn the momentum in tight games like these and Basile shows he is very stubborn by settling with Pato's permanent mediocrity..he says he wants to change against Brazil and the first change is obvious and the most fundamental
I can't understand this, it's very very frustrating :mad:

Exactly! If your back line doesn't have confidence in the goalkeeper, they try and do too much which eventually leads to a mistake. Look at Brazil's second goal(Ayala's own goal) in the Copa America. Maybe Ayala thought that Pato wouldn't be able to get it or would let the rebound. Or even mis-communication. If that second goal doesn't go in, it's only a 1 goal game. Pato had several chances to prove himself. I don't think there's any way anyone can blame him for 2006. But 2007 I think was all him. The only reason we made it to the finals is because of our attack. And a major part of the reason why we lost was Pato's innability to save anything.

Christ, just look at his performance in the second leg of the UEFA Cup versus Bayern. I felt very bad for Getafe because that performance by Pato was atrocious. He's the only reason Getafe didn't win that match.

[west501]

Christ, just look at his performance in the second leg of the UEFA Cup versus Bayern. I felt very bad for Getafe because that performance by Pato was atrocious. He's the only reason Getafe didn't win that match.

and Ustari f@#%$d Getafe in the Copa del Rey final a few days later..so we have two keepers that all but singlehandedly lost the most significant matches of the season for the same team..use your head Coco :p
significant is the key word, because when you face anyone you can get away with selections like this but when you face the likes of Brazil, France, Italy, England, Germany, and Holland, etc, they are so good that they find and expose your weakness
Brazil made our backline shaky in that first match and used Ayala's hesitance to score the first goal and his desperation to score the second
Ribery exposed Burdisso's relatively weaker ability to play fullback in Paris
we can't invite our opponents like this by stubbornly selecting the wrong keeper or playing someone out of position
to beat Brazil at home we need to play with confidence in the back, starting with the 1, who needs to provide huge saves from the first minute

[Arg10]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24052008/1/veron-wins-argentina-reprieve.html

Argentina boss Alfio Basile has revealed he will include Juan Sebastian Veron in his squad for the upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers.The 33-year-old midfielder has not played for the Albiceleste since the Copa America in 2007, after which he questioned his desire to continue on the international scene, saying he was "not focused enough".

However, the former Internazionale, Manchester United and Chelsea playmaker has been given a reprieve, and Basile believes he can be instrumental in the qualifiers against Ecuador on June 14 and Brazil four days later.

"Veron is a very important player but he missed the last matches through injury," Basile told Nacional radio station.

"Now he is fine and we will definitely call on him again."

Basile also revealed Boca's Juan Roma Riquelme will be included, even though the playmaker is still suffering with an ankle injury, while his in-form team-mate, striker Martin Palermo, will miss out.

"There is no player like Riquelme, he is fantastic," said Basile. "Playing at 50% of his capabilities he can still create seven scoring chances per game.

"He is the leader of the national squad and a very important member in the system.

"Palermo is an outstanding striker but in that position I have other players such as (Sergio) Aguero, and (Carlos) Tevez. To field Palermo I would have to leave one of them out.

"In addition, (Julio) Cruz and (Fernando) Cavenaghi are young, very interesting forwards. I can't field 60 players."


Not sure what to think about this to be honest. He played decent in the Copa America(he was great versus Mexico). I haven't watched him since the Copa(don't get that much coverage of the South American clubs, except for Fox Sports en Espanol and some other channel).

[west501]

Verón has aged like a fine wine, he is in absolutely amazing form for Estudiantes who are currently in second place (with a match less)
hopefully they lose tomorrow, but I digress :o
I would be interested to see la Brujita in June, he was a key player in the match last time we beat Brazil in Brazil (a match I released here) and could be a good experienced player to have this time around

[Arg10]

Verón has aged like a fine wine, he is in absolutely amazing form for Estudiantes who are currently in second place (with a match less)
hopefully they lose tomorrow, but I digress :o
I would be interested to see la Brujita in June, he was a key player in the match last time we beat Brazil in Brazil (a match I released here) and could be a good experienced player to have this time around

Thats why I really want Crespo on the squad. If memory serves me right, he's done very well versus Brazil in WC Qualifiers and has always been a great #9 for us. If for nothing, we should maybe use a target man because having 2 midgets in the form of Aguero/Messi up front will never do us any good on set pieces.

PS: I can't seem to find the Brazil/Argentina match. I did a search in the Classic Section and all I found was the 1990 World Cup match and a Brazil/Russia game.

[DSGB]

Does anyone know on which channel the match against Mexico will be? I always seem to have a hard time finding that information online, and the one site I normally use doesn't have it listed. Thanks in advance!

[Arg10]

Does anyone know on which channel the match against Mexico will be? I always seem to have a hard time finding that information online, and the one site I normally use doesn't have it listed. Thanks in advance!

I tried checking but didn't find anything. I usually go to http://www.livesoccertv.com/fixtures.php but they still don't have anything listed. For Wednesday's matches, they'll usually update it on Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Unlike Argentina vs. Guatemala, this one will not be on Dish Network Pay Per View. I just checked and it's not on ESPND(but they might change it, who knows). It might be on Telefutora(I think thats what its called) or some spanish channel. I'm sure there's going to be some info come Tuesday.

[DSGB]

I tried checking but didn't find anything. I usually go to http://www.livesoccertv.com/fixtures.php but they still don't have anything listed. For Wednesday's matches, they'll usually update it on Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Unlike Argentina vs. Guatemala, this one will not be on Dish Network Pay Per View. I just checked and it's not on ESPND(but they might change it, who knows). It might be on Telefutora(I think thats what its called) or some spanish channel. I'm sure there's going to be some info come Tuesday.

Yeah, that's my normal site. Oh well, I hope they do update the site with some good news about being able to record the match. Since Boca's match will be taking place around the same time, I'll have to watch a recording.

[progott]

try this site. It's the best i've found so far.
http://liveonsat.com/

just wait some days, i'm pretty sure there will be enough programms broadcasting the match.

[threervana]

Yeah, that's my normal site. Oh well, I hope they do update the site with some good news about being able to record the match. Since Boca's match will be taking place around the same time, I'll have to watch a recording.


Boca's match is definitely more important,so I wll watch a recording of this friendly,2.:D

[Arg10]

Looks like you'll be able to watch both matches if what I just found is correct.

Fluminense vs Boca Juniors - FSE - 8:30 PM Eastern
Mexico vs Argentina - Telemundo - 11:00 PM Eastern

http://www.livesoccertv.com/fixture-2008-06-04.php

Hope that's the case:).

[DSGB]

Looks like you'll be able to watch both matches if what I just found is correct.

Fluminense vs Boca Juniors - FSE - 8:30 PM Eastern
Mexico vs Argentina - Telemundo - 11:00 PM Eastern

http://www.livesoccertv.com/fixture-2008-06-04.php

Hope that's the case:).

That's great! The only issue I see is that last time the Boca match was also scheduled for 8:30, but didn't start until after 9:00. Either way, it'll be a great night of fútbol.

[roy4hire]

i'm not sure but i read some were that setanta sports is showing both argie friendlies.

[River]

I had a great time at the game vs. Mexico last night. Here's the link to a video/picture compilation I made of the Argentine fans:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wSHCrk-C6w

The game itself was also good. Messi is incredibly running nonstop all over the place, Aguero is a beast, and Abbondanzieri is just.. well, Abbondanzieri (typical Pato mistake on Mexico's only goal :rolleyes:).

Anyway, yesterday I got to meet Messi, Demichelis, Zanetti, Jose Sosa, and Basile. I told Coco "Gracias por todo, pero acordate que Carrizo es Argentino y es un fenomeno", and he replied "Bueno, si me pongo a tomar tus instrucciones...". After today's game, I seriously think he should follow my instructions. :D

Overall this trip was a huge success. I met some idols, saw Argentina humiliate another rival in person (second time in 4 months), and had a spectacular time with the hinchada. Oh, and don't think I wasn't celebrating in the stands with the other River fans when we found out Fluminense defeated Boca. :D

[west501]

Anyway, yesterday I got to meet Messi, Demichelis, Zanetti, Jose Sosa, and Basile. I told Coco "Gracias por todo, pero acordate que Carrizo es Argentino y es un fenomeno", and he replied "Bueno, si me pongo a tomar tus instrucciones...". After today's game, I seriously think he should follow my instructions. :D

Overall this trip was a huge success. I met some idols, saw Argentina humiliate another rival in person (second time in 4 months), and had a spectacular time with the hinchada. Oh, and don't think I wasn't celebrating in the stands with the other River fans when we found out Fluminense defeated Boca. :D

ajaja, fantastico man! :D
sounds like a great time
I am without an internet connection for now and fear I will miss all of the games :(
I might actually request some of those stream caps

[sportsmen]

Oh, and don't think I wasn't celebrating in the stands with the other River fans when we found out Fluminense defeated Boca. :D
Hey, this is a spoiler, maaan :mad:. A non-Argentina's national team game spoiler...

[threervana]

Hey, this is a spoiler, maaan :mad:. A non-Argentina's national team game spoiler...

The Vamos Albiceleste thread v2.0 **SPOILERS** :D

I feel sorry for u,mate.:o

[McLaren]

It's your fault threervana. You can spoil only about the Argentinean national team.

[threervana]

My fault???!!!

I never spoil about any team in any thread...:)

[sportsmen]

But we hate you no matter what :p ;).

[threervana]

Unfair...

Obviously River's mistake...

[west501]

I'll give you a spoiler, looks like we will see Messi-Kun in attack tomorrow :p :D
more details to come....

[chauchey]

I'll give you a spoiler, looks like we will see Messi-Kun in attack tomorrow :p :D
more details to come....Really looking forward to the game! :) Will have to watch it on Channel KC as per usual though. :) :p :D

[cavenaghi]

Ok, this may not be the best thread to post about it but... Scocco to AEK? WTF!?!
First it was Russia, now it looks like there is a new connection between Argentina and Greece.
It's a shame, I would have prefered to watch him play in Spain... :(

[west501]

Really looking forward to the game! :) Will have to watch it on Channel KC as per usual though. :) :p :D

yeah, I have to see how I watch it..I might need a .nsv :eek:
unconfirmed lineup from olé (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/06/14/seleccion/01694305.html)

Pato :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
Burdisso-Micho-Heinze
Zanetti(c)-Masche-Verón
Maxi-Román
Messi-Kun

this is a huge week..I don't know why we risk so much with such a poor keeper, for the love of D10S

update:
so the squad is in Brazil after blowing it in River the other day
we'll be missing Micho, Masche, and our best player from Sunday, Verón :eek:
of those, only Mascherano is irreplaceable..Gago is much much less than him
why can't Pato get injured? :p:mad:
who knows, maybe going in weaker will be the thing we need to overturn this ridiculous streak against Dunga
I think it will likely end in a draw, but am cynical that Dunga's catenaccio tactics may again outwit Basile
does anyone have the callup list that travelled to Brazil?

[west501]

Basile failed in these two matches
I was sick when I saw Battaglia on the bench, much less when he took the pitch against Brazil in Brazil..why? he has done nothing but be born in Argentina
Riquelme is again in a regrettable form and Messi needs to be assigned a very specific role
with the players we have right now, we shouldn't have any trouble forming a good team
I know Basile's secret is getting any group of players to play similarly, but so far he hasn't gotten enough good results to get any momentum going
we beat a poor Mexican team in a transitional period..not enough
I still doubt what this team can do against a major European team, or even England, in the next World Cup
the players can prove me wrong, but can el Coco?

[chauchey]

There are a couple things I need some help understanding, so if any of you have Coco's number, please pass it onto me so I can call him for clarification. They are the following...

Veron - A do nothing has been who should not be playing for the NT.

Cruz - If they need someone to miss sitter chances in front of the net, I can fill that roll. And I'll be less picky about the room I stay in at the hotel. Seriously...you're sitting Higuaine for this guy?! You're letting Diego Milito stay at home for someone who...well..I'm stopping there. Notice how the team became 2x as good the second Cruz got subbed off, both times? Its like playing a man down.

Pato saved us against Brasil. I honestly feel that he has troubles handeling the pressure of the blue and white jersey. The only reason why I don't trash him more is because I watched him win the Copa Sud 2005, and WOW, he looked like the best goalie on the planet. He showed signs of that against Brasil, but not enough for me to desire the spot to remain his.

I wonder what our Olympic team will look like? Does anyone have a heads up about their potential lineup? Also, when is the next game being played by the NT?

[west501]

Coco would do best to change his number after last week :o
I see your point about Verón, but Basile chooses on form and la Brujita has been fantastic for the past year. He was probably our best player vs Ecuador, but honestly I would use him in a formation without Román over Gago, with Messi playing behind two strikers, one of whom is Kun and the other Milito, Cave, Pipita, or Licha.
I like Cruz, but not on the national team. He has this ability to always be in the right position when we cross but then we play him and don't cross and he has to go to the wing to get the ball! :eek: Unfortunately, the other target men have also come up short, but Basile needs to find one and stick with him.
Even though Gutierrez played well, I would like to see Lucho back, and I also really like the way Sosa plays. also how about Escudero on the left? He is fantastic!
You're right, Pato came up big. If he didn't stop Adriano in the first half we would likely have lost 0-3 again, so he saved us a few times while we didn't challenge Julio Cesar enough. But at the same time, if Pato had come up big against Elano 2 years ago and Julio Baptista last year, we could have won both of those matches. I still hold his nervousness responsible in those matches. It's an insult to Carrizo, possibly the best Argentine keeper in a generation, to continue to play the soon to be 36 year old Pato.

Our next match is hosting Paraguay on the 6th of Septiembre. After that we visit Peru on the 10th before finishing the first round of qualifiers hosting the classic match against Uruguay on the 11/10. As for the Olympic side, I am looking forward to it but for now I don't know who will play. FIFA has just required Barça to cede Messi, maybe they will do the same for Micho. If I hear anything I will post it.

[threervana]

I wonder what our Olympic team will look like? Does anyone have a heads up about their potential lineup? Also, when is the next game being played by the NT?

As far as I know,the possible lineup in Batista's mind might be::D:cool:
Ustari
Zabaleta Fazio Coloccini/Burdisso Ansaldi/Escudero
Gago/Banega Mascherano
Messi Riquelme Higuain/Lavezzi
Aguero

[chauchey]

Does anyone know if Trejo is likely to get chosen for the Olympics? Also, I thought the Olympics where U-23? Are we allowed to take 2 over aged players? Or how does that work?

[roy4hire]

it's 3 over aged players.

batista spoke last friday and said that monson the left back of boca and buananote are close to being in the squad.
in river the rumor is that buonanote is going to be called.

[threervana]

Does anyone know if Trejo is likely to get chosen for the Olympics? Also, I thought the Olympics where U-23? Are we allowed to take 2 over aged players? Or how does that work?

The chance of Trejo being chosen is very very slim cos he has to compete with Aguero、Lavezzi、Higuian、Ruben、Zarate and so on and he didn't get called up in the last two friendly matches.

it's 3 over aged players.

batista spoke last friday and said that monson the left back of boca and buananote are close to being in the squad.
in river the rumor is that buonanote is going to be called.

If Monzon and Buonanotte are close, I guess Ansaldi and Valeri/Sosa/Di Maria will be far away from the 18 players squad.

[roy4hire]

Monson Looks Like It, Even Basile Has Him On His Plans, And He Looks Like A Sure Thing Of Going. I Can't See Buonanotte Going, But Who Knows.

[chauchey]

If Monzon and Buonanotte are close, I guess Ansaldi and Valeri/Sosa/Di Maria will be far away from the 18 players squad.

If Di Maria doesn't go, I'd be really disapointed. :( I really like that player. Such a soft pass, even at long distances. A talent that I feel is very difficult to find these days, and should be coveted more by teams than it is.

[Arg10]

If Di Maria doesn't go, I'd be really disapointed. :( I really like that player. Such a soft pass, even at long distances. A talent that I feel is very difficult to find these days, and should be coveted more by teams than it is.

Di Maria is going. This was Batista's shortlist(which consisted of 56 players for the Olympics):eek: that was released in March.

1. Martín DEMICHELIS (Bayern Munich, Germany)
2. Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool, England)
3. Juan Román RIQUELME (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
4. Gabriel MILITO (FC Barcelona, Spain)
5. Esteban CAMBIASSO (Internazionale, Italy)
6. Julio CRUZ (Internazionale, Italy)
7. Oscar USTARI, (GK) (Getafe, Spain)
8. Sergio ROMERO, (GK) (AZ Alkmaar, Holland)
9. Federico FAZIO, (Sevilla, Spain)
10. Jonatan MAIDANA, (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
11. Pablo ZABALETA, (Espanyol, Spain)
12. Cristian ANSALDI, (ex-Newell's Old Boys, now at Rubin Kazan, Russia)
13. Ever BANEGA, (Valencia, Spain)
14. José SOSA, (Bayern Munich, Germany)
15. Damián ESCUDERO, (Vélez Sársfield, Argentina)
16. Augusto FERNANDEZ, (River Plate, Argentina)
17. Angel DI MARIA, (Benfica, Portugal)
18. Ezequiel LAVEZZI, (Napoli, Italia)
19. Gonzalo HIGUAIN, (Real Madrid, Spain)
20. Marco RUBEN, (Recreativo de Huelva, Spain)
21. Nicolás NAVARRO, (GK) (ex-Argentinos Juniors, now at Napoli, Italy)
22. Fabián ASSMANN, (GK) (Independiente, Argentina)
23. Gabriel PALETTA, (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
24. Ezequiel GARAY, (Racing Santander, Spain)
25. Emiliano INSUA, (Liverpool, England)
26. Claudio YACOB, (Racing Club, Argentina)
27. Matías SANCHEZ, (Racing Club, Argentina)
28. Maximiliano MORALEZ, (Racing Club, Argentina)
29. Alejandro GOMEZ, (Arsenal, Argentina)
30. Franco DI SANTO, (Chelsea, England)
31. Gastón DIAZ, (Vélez Sársfield, Spain)
32. Diego VALERI, (Lanús, Argentina)
33. Lautaro ACOSTA, (Lanús, Argentina)
34. Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid, Spain)
35. Lionel MESSI (FC Barcelona, Spain)
36. Sergio AGÜERO (Atletico de Madrid, Spain)
37. Matías ABELAIRAS (River Plate, Argentina)
38. Rodrigo ARCHUBI (River Plate, Argentina)
39. Lucas BIGLIA (Anderlecht, Belgium)
40. Mauro BOSELLI (Boca Juniors)
41. Diego BUONANOTTE (River Plate, Argentina)
42. Alejandro CABRAL (Vélez Sársfield, Argentina)
43. Gustavo CABRAL (River Plate, Argentina)
44. Matías CAHAIS (FC Groningen, Holland)
45. Neri CARDOZO (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
46. Mauro ZÁRATE (Birmingham City, England)
47. Federico INSÚA (América, México)
48. Sebastián LETO (Liverpool, England)
49. Gabriel MERCADO (Racing Club, Argentina)
50. Gastón MONZÓN (GK) (Huracán, Argentina)
51. Luciano MONZÓN (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
52. Pablo MOUCHE (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
53. Pablo PIATTI (Estudiantes de La Plata, Argentina)
54. Leonardo SIGALI (Lanús, Argentina)
55. Juan Manuel TORRES (San Lorenzo, Argentina)
56. Oscar TREJO (Mallorca, Spain)

To confirm it even more, he said that the players who played versus Guatemala are going to the Olympics. Which means that the following players are confirmed.

Oscar USTARI, (Getafe, Spain)
Sergio ROMERO, (AZ Alkmaar, Holland)
Federico FAZIO, (Sevilla, Spain)
Jonatan MAIDANA, (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Pablo ZABALETA, (Espanyol, Spain)
Cristian ANSALDI, (Newell's Old Boys, Argentina)
Ever BANEGA, (Valencia, Spain)
José SOSA, (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Damián ESCUDERO, (Vélez Sársfield, Argentina)
Augusto FERNANDEZ, (River Plate, Argentina)
Angel DI MARIA, (Benfica, Portugal)
Ezequiel LAVEZZI, (Napoli, Italia)
Gonzalo HIGUAIN, (Real Madrid, Spain)
Marco RUBEN, (Recreativo de Huelva, Spain)

Of course Aguero, Riquelme and Messi are going. So we have...

Messi, Aguero, Lavezzi, Higuain up front:D

[west501]

Messi, Aguero, Lavezzi, Higuain up front:D

this is possibly better than the senior squad :eek:

[roy4hire]

TO Arg10, players who played versus Guatemala are NOT ALL GOING, I HOPE DI MARIA DOES MAKE IT, BUT HE'S LOOKS MORE OUT THEN IN.

Oscar USTARI, (Getafe, Spain)
Sergio ROMERO, (AZ Alkmaar, Holland)
Federico FAZIO, (Sevilla, Spain)
Jonatan MAIDANA, (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Gabriel PALETTA, (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Ezequiel GARAY, (Racing Santander, Spain)
Emiliano INSUA, (Liverpool, England)
Luciano MONZÓN (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Pablo ZABALETA, (Espanyol, Spain)

Ever BANEGA, (Valencia, Spain)
Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool, England)
Angel DI MARIA, (Benfica, Portugal)
Damián ESCUDERO, (Vélez Sársfield, Argentina)
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid, Spain)
Juan Román RIQUELME (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Lionel MESSI (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Sergio AGÜERO (Atletico de Madrid, Spain)
Ezequiel LAVEZZI, (Napoli, Italia)
Gonzalo HIGUAIN, (Real Madrid, Spain)

Diego BUONANOTTE (River Plate, Argentina)
José SOSA, (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Mauro ZÁRATE (Birmingham City, England)
Diego VALERI, (Lanús, Argentina)

I THINK THAT FROM HERE WILL COME THE 18 MAN SQUAD. FROM THE LAST BATISTA INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY.
YERSTUDAY THE BOCA PRESIDENT CAME OUT AND SAID THAT HE WILL PUT A LIMET IF THEY TAKE RIQUELME AS THERE ARE RUMORS OF UP TO 3 PLAYERS FROM BOCA BEING CALLED.

[threervana]

To confirm it even more, he said that the players who played versus Guatemala are going to the Olympics. Which means that the following players are confirmed.

Oscar USTARI, (Getafe, Spain)
Sergio ROMERO, (AZ Alkmaar, Holland)
Federico FAZIO, (Sevilla, Spain)
Jonatan MAIDANA, (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Pablo ZABALETA, (Espanyol, Spain)
Cristian ANSALDI, (Newell's Old Boys, Argentina)
Ever BANEGA, (Valencia, Spain)
José SOSA, (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Damián ESCUDERO, (Vélez Sársfield, Argentina)
Augusto FERNANDEZ, (River Plate, Argentina)
Angel DI MARIA, (Benfica, Portugal)
Ezequiel LAVEZZI, (Napoli, Italia)
Gonzalo HIGUAIN, (Real Madrid, Spain)
Marco RUBEN, (Recreativo de Huelva, Spain)

Of course Aguero, Riquelme and Messi are going. So we have...

Messi, Aguero, Lavezzi, Higuain up front:D

Even if Batista really said that, not all these players will go.
Maidana and Fernandez were just replacements of Garay and Gago who were injuried at that time.
Marco RUBEN? I believe many fans will not think so, but maybe he will be chosen as one of the 4 subs waiting at home.

So, I guess the final 18 you assume are as followed:

Oscar USTARI, (Getafe, Spain)
Sergio ROMERO, (AZ Alkmaar, Holland)
Federico FAZIO, (Sevilla, Spain)
Jonatan MAIDANA, (Boca Juniors, Argentina)---Garay
Pablo ZABALETA, (Espanyol, Spain)
Cristian ANSALDI, (Newell's Old Boys, Argentina)
Ever BANEGA, (Valencia, Spain)
José SOSA, (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Damián ESCUDERO, (Vélez Sársfield, Argentina)
Augusto FERNANDEZ, (River Plate, Argentina)---Gago
Angel DI MARIA, (Benfica, Portugal)
Ezequiel LAVEZZI, (Napoli, Italia)
Gonzalo HIGUAIN, (Real Madrid, Spain)
Marco RUBEN, (Recreativo de Huelva, Spain)---Aguero
+
Messi
Riquelme
Mascherano
Coloccini/Burdisso(what a pity Micho is not available!:()

Then where are Monzon, Buonanotte,Valeri and Zarate? So I agree with roy4hire, Di Maria is not so confirmed.:)

Besides, we have to consider the inevitable injuries and obstacles from the clubs.

P.S If Roman is on pitch, Messi, Aguero, Lavezzi, Higuain upfront is impossible.:D

[roy4hire]

YOU ARE SPOT ON threervana,

BATISTA WAS ON THE RADIO THIS MORNING AND HERE IS THE ARTICLE THAT COME OUT TODAY FROM OLE, IT'S IN SPANISH.
http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/06/26/seleccion/01702739.html

FROM OLE;

"Batista admitió algunas dudas con la convocatoria de los defensores. Garay se está recuperando de una lesión (aunque llegaría bien) y a Fabricio Coloccini, el mayor que eligió después de las bajas de Demichelis (negativa del Bayern) y de Gaby Milito (lesión), no tendría el permiso del Depor. Por otro lado, Checho admitió que Luciano Monzón les saca ventaja a Insúa y Ansaldi, pero Boca no lo cedería. Confirmó a Buonanotte y deslizó que arriba duda entre Acosta, Gonzalo Higuaín, Zárate y Di María para un lugar. "

[threervana]

It is obvious that Gonzalo Higuaín is more important than Di Maria in Batista's heart.:)

[houston3721]

I am downloading the Equador game now... I know its been a while but I missed the game. Haven't seen Veron play for a long time!

Is he playing well in Estudiantes recently? and do you think the coach will keep calling him up into the NT squad?

I am a United fan and I like England. But it doesn't affect the fact that I like Veron. And I appreciate Argentina's style of play very much, especially when la Brujita is there in the middle of the field. :p

Cheers,
Houston

[west501]

I missed the second half of that one but in the first half Verón was good and was generally recognised as our best player in that match
he's been giving master classes at Estudiantes ever since he's come back and he is in the kind of physical shape that you wouldn't tell the difference between him and a 27-28 year old and even though he moves less now, his understanding of the game has improved in a way that makes him just as effective
I liked him but understood his run to be over during Bielsa and agreed at his exclusion because of his poor relationship with Sorín
now there seems to be a fresh start for him but also a lot of uncertainty in the national side as Basile, in two years, has failed to make the team play consistently well
I'm not really sure about la Brujita's future for the seleccionado is because right now we're going from match to match..so if he plays in a match where we do well he might be back..but if right now we're not so the lineup is constantly testing

[roy4hire]

the list is out, there are clubs already complaining, like sevilla for fazio and boca for monzon.


Oscar USTARI, (Getafe, Spain)
Sergio ROMERO, (AZ Alkmaar, Holland)
Federico FAZIO, (Sevilla, Spain)
Garay
Burdisso
Pablo ZABALETA, (Espanyol, Spain)
Luciano MONZÓN (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Ever BANEGA, (Valencia, Spain)
Mascherano
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid, Spain)
Diego BUONANOTTE (River Plate, Argentina)
José SOSA, (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Juan Román RIQUELME (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Angel DI MARIA, (Benfica, Portugal)
Ezequiel LAVEZZI, (Napoli, Italia)
Messi
Aguero
acosta

these are 4 that are on stand by.

Nicolás Navarro (goalkeeper, napoly), Biglia, Pareja y Emiliano Insúa.

on the 29/7 we play a friendly in tokio against japan.

[Arg10]

I'm liking it, I'm liking it. But I do have a few complaints. We might miss a tall #9 in there. I know we won in 2004 without a proper #9(it was pretty much all Tevez up front), but I'm not sure this time around. Interesting to see that Higuain didn't make the list. Extremely pissed that Demichelis can't go. I really feel bad for him.

Other than that, it looks good.

[threervana]

A little surprise for me to see Di Maria beated Higuaín,Zárate,Valeri and Escudero.:)
Congratuations to him!

[west501]

Batista said he likes left footed players for the left side
that's why he takes Monzón, and I agree, this is one of the few Boca players I actually like and think has a possible future for la selección
I don't think he needed to take Banega and Gago, particularly when we have Masche (please make him and not Riquelme captain) in there already
Di Maria is not better than Escudero but I think he is more of a squad player than Escudero, who as good as he is may suffer on the national level due to stiff competition in a similar way to el mago Capria in the 90s

[chauchey]

I'm suprised that they took Lavezzi over Higuain... :confused: Has anyone been watching him play in Lazio? I know I've watched Higuain play in RMA, and considering the amount of playing time they've given him due to the big name forwards on the squad, he's shown he's as worthy as they are of a starting spot. If someone knows more about this situation, please fill me in because I'm a little puzzled, as well as happy tha Di Maria got a shot. I hope he makes the most of it. :)

[roy4hire]

NO ONLY IS Lavezzi IN THE SQUAD BUT IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S GOING TO START, BY THE WAY HE HAD A GOOD YEAR IN NAPOLES.
BATISTA YERSTUDAY GAVE A GOOD INTERVIEW AND GAVE ALMOST THE STARTING LINE UP, HE WILL PLAY WITHA A 4-2-2-2 GAGO-MACHERANO,MESSI-RIQUELME,AGUERO-LAVEZZI.
HE ALSO SAID HE MAY USE THE 4-2-3-1 GAGO-MACHERANO,MESSI-RIQUELME-BUONANOTTE,AGUERO OR THE 3-4-1-2. HE WILL BE ON RADIO MITRE AS A SPECIAL GUEST NEXT WEEK I'LL RECORDE IT AND POST IT HERE IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED, AFCOURSE IT WILL BE IN SPANISH.

[threervana]

If someone knows more about this situation, please fill me in because I'm a little puzzled

Batista said Higuain and Zarate play a similar role as Kun and both of them are not a type of #9, so OUT.

And He preferred Di Maria, Acosta and Buona, who might perform better than Higuian in wings attacking, in order to enrich the tactics.:)

P.S. Lavezzi, who has been chosen several times to NT, is obviously over Higuan. No doubt about that.:cool:

[chauchey]

is this Acosta of any relation to the Acosta that played in the early to mid 90's?

[west501]

Lavezzi is an animal and was a revelation for Napoli and the Serie A, a player I really like and hope to see succeed for the national team
he is definitely a Tévez type player, though I disagree that Higuaín is more like Kun than Crespo
I think el Pipita is possibly a very important player because he has the mobility and construction of Kun, but he also has a targetman's presence and power in the box
I'm sad he did not make the cut, to be honest

and I think you're talking about the legendary Beto Acosta..though I don't think Lautaro is related..there are probably thousands of Acosta's in Argentina :o
it's a very common family name
Lautaro, aside from being a deadly player, deserves to go because without his goal in the 92nd minute against Uruguay, we wouldn't even be speaking of a sub-23 team going to the Olympics

v/AgPfJA-wB4o

[houston3721]

I missed the second half of that one but in the first half Verón was good and was generally recognised as our best player in that match
he's been giving master classes at Estudiantes ever since he's come back and he is in the kind of physical shape that you wouldn't tell the difference between him and a 27-28 year old and even though he moves less now, his understanding of the game has improved in a way that makes him just as effective
I liked him but understood his run to be over during Bielsa and agreed at his exclusion because of his poor relationship with Sorín
now there seems to be a fresh start for him but also a lot of uncertainty in the national side as Basile, in two years, has failed to make the team play consistently well
I'm not really sure about la Brujita's future for the seleccionado is because right now we're going from match to match..so if he plays in a match where we do well he might be back..but if right now we're not so the lineup is constantly testing
I've downloaded that match and watched the 1st half. Veron's short and long passes are very accurate, as usual. And the best part is when he gave a perfect through pass to Riquelme! Maybe he moves less now, but he runs back and forth in the middle of the field as well as link up the play between the defence line and midfield.

I've watched some games and highlight of Estudiantes last season (when they won the title) and I even managed to buy an Estudiantes kit with #11 VERON in Hong Kong. This shirt is actually quite rare and hard to find in Hong Kong. :p

But as I am now in Australia, I can't constantly download many matches (because of the download quota thing!@#*@!#)...maybe I should find the highlight videos of Estudiantes matches :(

In the list posted above, Veron isn't there. Is that squad just for the coming game or for the coming round in WCQ?

Thanks for the info! you know, I don't know Spanish so I miss out on many websites...

[chauchey]

and I think you're talking about the legendary Beto Acosta..though I don't think Lautaro is related..there are probably thousands of Acosta's in Argentina :o
it's a very common family name
Lautaro, aside from being a deadly player, deserves to go because without his goal in the 92nd minute against Uruguay, we wouldn't even be speaking of a sub-23 team going to the Olympics

v/AgPfJA-wB4o
Thanks for the clarification. :)

[roy4hire]

But as I am now in Australia, I can't constantly download many matches (because of the download quota thing!@#*@!#)...maybe I should find the highlight videos of Estudiantes matches :(

In the list posted above, Veron isn't there. Is that squad just for the coming game or for the coming round in WCQ?

Thanks for the info! you know, I don't know Spanish so I miss out on many websites...

in australia the best deals are in TPG. check them out.

this is the olympic team going to bejiin, veron will play the next qualifiers against paraguay as both macherano and gago are suspended.

[houston3721]

in australia the best deals are in TPG. check them out.

this is the olympic team going to bejiin, veron will play the next qualifiers against paraguay as both macherano and gago are suspended.
I am already using TPG... :p

Thanks for the info!

[Arg10]

We beat Tokyo Verdy in a Pre-Olympic friendly 4-0. Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Acosta all scored for us, I didn't watch the match so I'm not sure how well we played. According to goal.com this was the starting XI.

Argentina Starting XI:
Oscar Ustari, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Pareja, Diego Garay, Fabian Monzon, Fernando Gago, Javier Mascherano, Juan Roman Riquelme, Diego Buonanotte, Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Substitutes Who Saw Action:
Federico Fazio, Jose Sosa, Ever Banega, Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Acosta.

Quick question, if Messi doesn't go to the Olympics(which it doesn't look like), does Batista get to pick another player?

[threervana]

Yes!~~Marco Ruben will replace Messi if Leo could not come here.:(

I heard that Ruben has already packed his suitcases.hah~

[west501]

Yes!~~Marco Ruben will replace Messi if Leo could not come here.:(

I heard that Ruben has already packed his suitcases.hah~

3, are you going to be able to attend the Olympic games?

with regards to Messi, the trouble has been present all along, particularly from the Bundesliga
it seems many clubs and leagues are doing their best to undermine the Olympic football tournament
I wouldn't be surprised if Ruben's club raise hell if he is taken all of a sudden
imo club is never as important as country, but clubs are bigger business and Barça's tour stands to lose if Messi is not present
they're not scared of not making the champions

[threervana]

Yep~!I'm going to watch two group matches (VS Ivory & Australia).

~~hahah~~

~Envy Me now~

[west501]

¡fantastico!

possible starting eleven for Thursday's match against Côte d'Ivoire
Ustari; Zabaleta, Pareja, Garay, Monzón; Masche, Gago; Messi, Román(c); Lavezzi, Agüero
:cool:

[Arg10]

So the squad for next months WCQ was released and there's one big surprise.

Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe, España).
Juan Pablo Carrizo (Lazio, Italia).
Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar, Holanda).

Javier Zanetti (Inter, Italia).
Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol, España).
Nicolás Burdisso (Inter, Italia).
Gonzalo Rodríguez (Villarreal, España).
Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich, Alemania).
Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle, Inglaterra).
Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid, España).

Andrés D’Alessandro (Inter, Brasil).
Angel Di María (Benfica, Portugal).
Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, Inglaterra).
Fernando Gago (Real Madrid, España).
Esteban Cambiaso (Inter, Italia).

Lionel Messi (Barcelona, España).
Sergio Agüero (Atlético de Madrid, España).
Carlos Tevez (Manchester United, Inglaterra).
Lisandro López (Porto, Portugal).

I'll admit I haven't seen much of D'Alessandro since he left Zaragoza so I'm not sure how good he has been lately. With no Riquelme this means he'll play be #10 and the playmaker. Other than that, no surprises.

[west501]

So the squad for next months WCQ was released

how come no Riquelme??
and why doesn't he choose Cavenaghi :confused:
el Torito came in the other day and things immediately started looking more dangerous for us
I would hope to see

----------------Carrizo :D
Zanetti(c)-Coloccini-Demichelis-Heinze
-------Masche-Cambiasso-Di María
------------------Messi
--------------Tévez-Agüero

[threervana]

The players based on local wil add to the list next week.And it is almost impossible that the name of Roman is not listed in the lineup given by Basile in WCQ.

[Aimar-21]

I'll admit I haven't seen much of D'Alessandro since he left Zaragoza so I'm not sure how good he has been lately. With no Riquelme this means he'll play be #10 and the playmaker. Other than that, no surprises.


He was pretty good in San Lorenzo, had some very good games

[west501]

alright so looks like this will be the team for the battle for first place this afternoon (source (http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/09/05/seleccion/01754298.html))

Pato :eek::eek::eek:.....:eek:
Zanetti(c)-Micho-Coloccini-Heinze
Masche-Cambiasso
Román-Di María
Messi-Tévez