¡OFFICIAL LIST!

a) Zanetti should be ahead of any player in ARgentina

b) Scaloni should not be anywhere near the NT.

C) Demechelis had a better season than Scaloni, Cufre, Coloccini and Burdisso COMBINED.

d) Palacio is nothing special. Aguero should have been ahead of him.

e) Pekerman is a fuckhead.

Other than that I m satisfied

told you cruz was in. so who’s our 11?

Hello from Serbia and Montenegro und thanks Pekerman for the 3 points

also, for the people talking about zanetti, remember that futbol is a team sport. picking the best players doesn’t mean victory–picking the best team does. it’s like basketball. argentina won the world championship because it had the best team. none of the players on that team (even ginobili) would have made it on the us squad on individual talent alone. they won because they played best together. pekerman has considered what matchups he’ll face and what flexibility he’ll need off the bench and what players will cause problems because they’re not starting. these guys will win. can’t wait for june 10!!!!!!!!!

lol, you are pretty fucking negative, you should relax a bit and realize that no matter who goes to the WC we will have a strong team. Pekerman has won World Cups before and he knows a little more than you about this. Why don’t you hold your judgements until after the WC? When we are hoisting the cup you’ll be singing Perkeman’s praises…

Definitely agree with the two people above. I think that might be the reason many players from the previous cup were not chosen, (Zanetti) because they do not play in a team but more indivdually, at least that’s what I thought, specially when you watched Veron play.
So enough pessimsm and support your the team damn it.. we will win.

“La joya” Palacio is one of the best strikers we have. Here we have at least 2 or 3 defenders better than Zanetti (Ibarra for instance)

There was no replacement for Crespo, so the choice of Cruz istead Demichelis is ok. 5 Strikers, 2 Enganches and 5 midfielders is OK.

Alright what is the starting line-up and what are the formations for the first three games?

The best squad possible to win the cup:

Abbondanzieri
Sorin Ayala Coloccini Heinze
Mascherano
Messi Riquelme Cambiaso
Tevez Crespo

I hope to see Carlitos and Palacio Togheter. The can paint of yellow all the defenders of the other team.

Yea because Zanetti is not a team a player right ?

ARE you people crazy ? Seriously ? Zanetti would give everything for the team. ALways did.

Stop acting like if Zanetti has soem big ass EGO like adriano….
plz.

Gib no need to thank us! Your team has not one player that I would take in our starting line-up. Maybe your goalie. Have fun defending Messi, Tevez, Riquelme and Aimar.

I like Ahmad’s Squad (since it’s too much to hope that Ustari will start). I’d be quick with Maxi for Cambiasso and Aimar for Riquelme…And Chicago – Ginobili is certainly among the top 10 players in the US.

lol I love Zanetti and he is a great player and has done nothing wrong but it is not the end of the world that he is not on the team. Move on and get behind the team you claim to cheer for. The coach has his tactical reasons for this lineup. Go Argentina!

zenneti said today that he is sad but will remain argentinas #1 fan

kinda sad

Coloccini, Burdiso and Cufre could play on any possition od the defense line. So I think is a very good idea to have 1 more striker.

2 “Centrals” (crespo and Cruz)
2 “Diagonals” Messi for the right ant Tevez for the left
1 to open the game. Palacio can play for the left and for the right.

ginobili is really good. there is no way he would make the us basketball team. a us starting five:

billups
wade
lebron
duncan
b wallace

off the bench seven are:

chris paul
arenas
rip hamilton
raja bell or bruce bowen (defensive specialist w/some 3-point range)
marion
elton brand
j o’neal

no way ginobili gets in there. he’s like wade or arenas, only not as good.

ahmad:
You’re starting lineup is a joke man ! pffff…. You don’know football. Why ?
because this defence is impossible: No right back ! You got heinze or sorin as right back! you go crazy ! Moreover you should no colocinni is a sub.
Here’s the lineup:
Keeper (I don’t know)
Ayala-Milito-Heinze-Sorin
Mascherano-Cambiasso
Riquelme
Messi Tevez
Crespo

For sure Zanetti and samuel are stronger than all the other defenders, I’d like to know why ? Fucking Veron-Sorin Battle ?
I’m please for Cruz (what a goleador), surprised with palacio instead saviola, but satisfied with all. I just miss Zanetti and Samuel

The only argentine player, I would let play 100% for Serbia-Montenegro is – well, guess – Javier Zanetti

Is a bittersweet sensation after not having Zanetti in the team but I’m glad he picked Cruz…I had a bit of a hope for Solari, I think he’s much better than many in the list, as well as Demichelis…

My ideal team would be like this:

Ustari

Coloccini Ayala Heinze Sorin

Mascherano Cambiasso

Messi Riquelme Tevez

Cruz

pekerman is a bias man. he only picked players that have played for him at junior level.they will not pass the group stage.he should be made to pay for this .mass attack and mass defence is the only option.cambiasso,the so call defensive player does not win tackle.riquelme just stroll along on the pitch.pekerman God will not forgive you.

Okay, why are we talking about Ginobli here????? soccer and basketball arent the same things, one player could dominate a game in basketball, but in soccer no one player could dominate as they would in basketball, unless you are MARADONA or MESSI(he will be the best of all time)

This list looks really really good, i dont know why we are crying about the defence, understand that Mascherano is a really really good marker he could play defence, and so does cambiasso. Heinze is a great passer so these guys are felxible, as far as our

Midfield we are just great(by far the best midfield in the WC. Germany and italy might come close as well as brazil but i would take Messi, aimar and riquelme over beckham, Lampard(the worlds most overated athlet(not just in soccer), and Gerrard(the hard and soal of the england squad.

Attack another great players, tevez could end up winning the golden ball or the golden shoe. crespo plays unreal when he wears the white and blue. CRUZ will be a great leader as well as well as reserve

Scolani will never see the feild so stop whining.

Of course I agree that Zanetti should be captain of the team and way ahead of any other argentine player, hands down.

It’s a real shame Pekerhole deprived us from the sheer pleasure of watching Javier playing.

Btw., where is Arruabarena ? He seemed quite solid in the CL for Villareal.

is this sorin veron dispute playing a role in team selection.

no samuel, no zanetti, we in england can’t believe that.

and youve picked one of the worst right backs in the premiership in scaloni, even west ham fans want rid of him.

the line up will look like this:

————Pato———–

Coloccini-Ayala-Heinze-Sorin
———Cambiasso———
Messi——————Lucho
———–Riquelme———
—–Crespo—–Tevez——-

Jonathan…You’re crazy if you think Messi will be behind Riquelme.

Gib…Your Zanetti comment is silly. Serbia’s best player = Argentina’s 50th best player. Argentina could field three separate teams that would crush S&M…

Its unbelievable how Scaloni was chosen ahead of Zanetti. Scaloni is considered “the weakest link” in the west Ham team.

JP, come on.

Do you really believe your own writing.

But ok, underestimate us. I tell you what. The defeat you will get against us in Gelsenkirchen will even be your second in the tournament!

serbia can barely score against san marino

you guys will get owned

Where is Javier Zanetti?
It is beyond my rational that he is not there. He is a solid if not the best right back in the world who has played consistently well for club and country and a good senior figure along with ayala.
I believe this was a result of the veron/sorin dispute.
Samuel as wellis a shocker.
This argentina 23 is good…but come on scaloni instead of zanetti?
Unacceptable!!!

Gib, Boca Junior can probably defeat your Serbia team. Do u honestly believe u have a chance against us ?LOL

The midfield is class no doubt about it, apart from Scaloni, im not too sure which position he plays in!!

I hope we play the 3313 formation which will restrict Scaloni’s chances further of getting any time on the pitch.

(Keeper in best form here)

—Coloccini—Ayala—Heinze—

—Mascherano—Cambiasso—Sorin

————-Riquelme————

—-Messi————–Tevez—

————-Crespo————-

As our choice of subs that can be made

Aimar
Cruz
Milito
Lucho
Maxi
Palacio
GK

These are the choice of subs that could be made.If we have to include either cufre or Burdisso in as well but only because of their versatality, whoever is the better of the pair.

Just got to hope Coloccini sorts himself out.

I’m happy with the above players, the rest are no good to me as far as I’m concerned.

Their have been many names that have been mentioned who most of us belive that should have been in the squad. Aguero, Gonzalo, D’Alessandro etc.

But the omission of these players have hurt nowhere as near as much as the decision to omit Zanetti. A true player who the fans are sincerely proud of.

I am a Kenyan citizen and an ardent fan of Argentina. I have supported Arg. since 1986 when Maradona captained your team to victory over Germany.

My heart goes out to you guys and I sincerely hope that you make it this time. It’s been a painful 20 years.

I’ll take your coach’s decision by faith for he knows his team. Let’s give him all the necessary support.

I also hope and pray that we go to the finals with Brazil for what can be sweeter than beating Brazil 3-1?

Have fun everyone, June 09 isn’t coming fast enough.

regards,

Native Son,
Kenyan residing in Silver Spring, MD. USA

Solid team picked by Pekerman. Like many other teams, mixed with young and experienced talent. The thing is no one really knows which 11 he’ll play.
Hopefully, he’ll field a true offensive system that can win matches playing the ‘beautiful game’ (which pisses me off the Brazilians think they’ve originated). No other team in the World Cup has the offensive power and creativity like Argentina. So, I hope he fields Riquelme, Messi, Tevez, Saviola, Aimar, and Crespo together and doesn’t think it’s ‘contradictory’ to his system, like it was to Bielsa, to put such an offensive team together.

@lol, we need not to take anyone lightly… but for Gib to say because we don’t have Zanetti, we can’t beat them, that’s b.s… let him be confident all he wants…

we need to get behind our team now… maybe Scaloni will surprise us if he surprisingly gets into a game…

vamos!

ZANETTI not going. That is unheard of. I dont care what kind of tactics your trying to make you have to fit this guy in somewhere over some of the “shoemakers” that are on the team

argie, your 11 looks about right, except I don’t think we’ll see Cambiasso and Mascherano on the field together at the same time…
They both play that defending midfield.

I think pekerman will give the nod to Cambiasso for one game, Masche for another…and look for them to sub each other out if one gets a card.

Now,
Think back to the friendly vs. Croatia…

They had Messi as a “forward”

but in reality, he was playing as an attacking winger, while Tevez and Crespo were the forwards.

Messi causes all kinds of problems for the defense, and he’ll keep bringing the pressure until someone gets on him… opening it up for everyone else.

on a side note: I still don’t know yet how Messi and Riquelme will work at their best. Riquelme is slow and percise, while Messi is fast and irratic.

Sorin will also make runs into the attack, (like Zanetti has done) and our defense will be tight with Heinze, Ayala and Coloccini.

The only REAL concern I have is Pato.
He’s been playing a lot better, but when he wears the national team jersey, he acts like an f’ing retard back there…

Expect, AT LEAST, 1 goal against us because of him.

I’m excited.

Hey Gib. SM are good enough to play in the SPL but not with the big boys.

GIB, i wish i could commment on how you thought S&B could beat argentina. but That it aint worth it, see we are trying to win the world cup, not trying to score just one goal and celebrate. your team wont score if our golie is Stevie wonder or ray charles.

as for putting messi, tevez, aimar, riquelme, saviola, crespo in, wow. That would be fun to see on FIFA06 but not at the worldcup, outside of tevez and messi, that list of players wont even dare come to the midfield line unless it is the kickoff, you have to be crazy to wish that. I really hoped Demichelis would have been picked. he is a great midfielder as well as defender

Im not going to waste my time arguing with Pekerman on why Zanetti was ommited. All you must know is I’m extremely pissed about it. Winning it without the most honorable and committed player will just not be the same. I would have been satisfied even if he was to sit on the bench the whole tournament…his presence alone would have been enough. He deserves to be there with the squad when/if they win it. However, the inclusion of Cruz is a smart choice. He will play to honour Zanetti.

Anyway here are the many options Pekerman may take, and considering his past tinkering, u never really know what he will do. That is the reason for so many possible outcomes. With the 3-3-2-2 and 3-3-1-3, Cambiasso may replace Lucho to accomodate Sorin in midfield if Pekerman decides he wants both to play.

(3-3-2-2)
—————-Abbondanzieri—————-
——-Coloccini—-Ayala—-Heinze———-
———————————————
—-L.Gonzalez—Mascherano—Cambiasso/Sorin
———————————————
———–Messi/Aimar—-Riquelme———–
———————————————
————-Tevez———Crespo————

(3-3-1-3)
—————-Abbondanzieri—————-
——-Coloccini—-Ayala—-Heinze———-
———————————————
—-L.Gonzalez—Mascherano—Cambiasso/Sorin
———————————————
——————-Riquelme——————
——Messi———————–Tevez——
——————-Crespo——————–

(4-4-2)DIAMOND
—————-Abbondanzieri—————-
Coloccini——Ayala——-Heinze——Sorin-
———————————————
——————Mascherano—————–
———L.Gonzalez——Cambiasso———–
——————Riquelme——————-
———————————————
————–Tevez—-Crespo—————-

(3-4-1-2)
—————-Abbondanzieri—————-
——Coloccini—–Ayala—-Heinze———-
———————————————
————Mascherano———————–
L.Gonzalez———-Cambiasso/Aimar—–Sorin
———————————————
——————Riquelme——————-
———————————————
———-Tevez/Messi—-Crespo————–

(4-2-3-1)
—————-Abbondanzieri—————-
Coloccini——Ayala——-Heinze——Sorin-
———————————————
————-Mascherano–Cambiasso———–
———————————————
—-M.Rodriguez—-Riquelme——-Messi——
———————————————
——————-Crespo——————–

how are the people in argentina taking this news anyone?

Abbondanzieri is a fool man. pekerman should pick Cavallero. Besides that, bastards Scaloni and Cufre should be omitted. Their names should not even be mentioned. That goes for Burdisso too. Include Samuel, Zenetti and Demechelis. Fuck man. Now we have a weakened squad, let alone the first eleven. Zanetti is a must-play, man. Come on Pekerman, you’ll regret this. Palacio or Aguero, it’s ok!

all we needed were 4 more players to have made the perfect squad. demichillis for scaloni, zanetti for cufre, aguero for palacio, and samuel for burdisso. oh well it’s just a dream

maybe in the next world cup well get it right.

This is my squad, sure it’s better than Pekerman’s.

Goalkeepers:

Abbondanzieri – Leo Franco – Ustari

Defense:

Coloccini – Zanetti – Ayala – Gabriel Milito – Heinze – Samuel – Sorin

Midfield:

Lucho González – Maxi Rodríguez – Cambiasso – Mascherano – Aimar – Riquelme – Demechelis

Forwards:

Palacio – Crespo – Tevez – Messí – Cruz – Saviola

My first 11 (3-4-3)

Keeper – Anyone of 3,maybe not Pato
Defence: Coloccini, Ayala, Heinze
MF: Cambiasso, Lucho/Aimar*, Sorin, Roman
STR: Crespo, Messi, Tevez

* If it’s gonna be an attacking game eg steamrolling S&M, take Aimar, if not take Lucho to add some steel into the middle of the park

What do you think?

When Cruz scores a goal, I WANT HIM TO RIP HIS SHIRT OFF and dedicate it to EL CAPITANO.

Zanetti is a hero. A hero who always gave his all but was surrounded by retards.

[...] ARGENTINA Scaloni makes it; Zanetti does not. Peckerman’s team is strong up front. [...]

Gino, you’re right about the perfect squad. But I have to differ on the Palacio-Aguero swap, I don’t think we’re like the English who needs a young boy We’re good enough. Having said that, I think Aguero could be a star next time around. Just wait for your turn. Just like Saviola who was ommited the previous WC. Chin up El Kun!!!

Over and over again, I’m mulling the desicion that Pekerhead did. No Zanneti? This is a crime againts football. Imagine Brazil without Cafu. England without Neville. Portugal witout Ferreira. And remember these playes have able replacements eg Cicinho, Carragher and Miguel. What about us? Scaloni? It’s unthinkable. Or Coloccini? He’s a central defender!!! Fuck Pekerman. Long live Zanneti, a real hero, a real man!!!

I am adding one more voice of disbelieve at the omission of Zanetti. He was so good in the Inter-Villareal match rcently. Scaloni for Zanetti is unreal. However, I am really looking forward to the Riquelme, Messi, Tevez, Crespo front line. Do you think Pekerman will play all 4 together? As far as I remember Bielsa never put Veron in with Aimar in the last cup,and I thought it was a mistake.

i donno why u guys getting worried..come on..we have Tevez,Messi,Riquelme,Aimer, Crespo,Maxi,Lucho,Mascherano, Cambiasso,Henzie…whos is gonna beat us?about Zenneti?I donno…may be he does not match with Pekerman’s strategy..may be Pekerman thinks he plays for Gallary not for team..but i have faith on Pekerman…i know he has given us a team with excellent team spirit & all r united as well….there is no problems between players as well as coach…lets see what next..surely this team has some sort of balance….if star players only matters then from each & every time Real madrid will get all the cups…nothing to do by accumulating star players…team spirit & balance is a necessary thing…last but not the least..scaloni is not as bad as u claim…last match against liverpool he was really good..specially for the 1st goal…..lets support our most beloved team…..Go Argentina Go…kill them on field…Come on Argentina Come on..Fight Argies Fight..the real time is there to prove that east or west, we r THE BESTTTT…

“Zanetti is a hero. A hero who always gave his all but was surrounded by retards. ”

hahaha

Anyway here is a quote from Zanetti after being dropped. I posted it on the other blog comment as well but anyway..

““Nobody told me what I did wrong to not be in the World Cup squad.

“I’m calm because I think I did my best to be on the list and I’ve been always available for the national team when they needed me.

“We’ll never know if I’ve been excluded because of football reasons or not.”

no matter!!Argentina will champthis time.

Jonathan:
Once again I see that US people don’t know well football, we’re here to explain to you:
You’re lineup is impossible:
Messi position is not his, Messi is offensive midfielf or even a forward.

does anyone know tht who is gonna wear no 10 in our side?do u know the other players no?i guess Riquelme 8 & sorin 3 with Crespo 9 & Tevez 11….but othrs?is it Aimer who is probably 10 or Messie?Plz reply…

was zanetti included in recent argentina games or was his exclusion kinda expected? i mean, as an azzurri fan, i’m disappointed over iaquinta’s and materazzi’s inclusion, but not shocked. I saw it coming.

But i always felt that zanetti was a regular for argentina. wht happened?

1. Zanetti should have been there, off course. In place of Scaloni
2. Samuel in place of Cufre.
3. Aguero in place of Palacio

I am happy the IDIOT picked Cruz. That`s one positive thing.
Cruz has scored 20 goals this season and deserves his place.

truely the right decicion peker picked Cruz.the one n only can replace crespo in this 23 list name.cannot wait the combination of messi-crespo-tevez

I heard that riquelme would
wear the #10

i have got the shirt no. of each players featuring for world cup with the following link—http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_national_football_team

hey guys,look here:
http://www.afa.org.ar/?m=news&n=-1
Riquelme wear the 10

With Zanetti not going, do you think Pekerman will play a 4-4-2 formation, or a 3-5-2 formation, or a 3-4-3 formation?? With Zanetti gone, I feel we’ve lost a natural right-sided fullback! Would Scaloni play there instead?? If its a 4-4-2 I think it will be: Abbond (GK), Scaloni (RB), Ayala, Heinze, Sorin (LB); Messi (RWing), Mascherano, Riquelme, Cambiasso (LMid); Crespo, Tevez (CF’s); OR … if its 3-4-3, then I think players like Coloccini (NOOOO!!!) or Maxi Rodriguez come into play … Abbond (GK); Coloccini (RB), Ayala (CB), Heinze (LB); Maximilliano (RM), Mascherano, Riquelme, Sorin (LM); Messi-Crespo-Tevez (up front). I think Lionel Scaloni and Fabricio Coloccini are weak links! Argentina will score goals! How can they not? With Crespo, Tevez, Messi and Riquelme goals will come for sure. BUT – its conceding that is the problem! Ayala and Heinze aside, we’re very clumsy and sloppy at the back! Especially “Sideshow Bob (Simpsons)” aka Coloccini!

The fact:
Riquelme will wear the “10″.

I think:
Palacio is the far best striker in the argentine league.

Don Julio puts Ustari in the list. Ustari had terrible perfomences in the las matches of independiente….Please, see Independiente 0 – Boca 2. And Lux had very good matches in the Libertadores.

Zanetti or Ibarra (I prefer Ibarra) should be instead Coloccini.

A Question:
If we will play 4-2-2-2 why we do not have classical argentine “4″ and “3″ (sorin is the only “3″ one we have, but since a couple of years he is more a midfielder than a defender)

Another Idea:
Yes…”el Kun” Aguero should be instead Aimar (le pesa la camiseta)

Makato.

Yeah he managed to get something right by including Cruz. Just got to hope Ustari can stake his claim for the GK position but is unlikely to edge Pato no matter how badly he plays because Pekerman loves him.

Just got to hope Messi and Heinze are in in good condition for the world cup because both players are so important to the team.

Zanetti knows fully well its because of politics that he has been excluded and no other reason. That is just sad. Im going to pissed off if Pekerman plays a wingback system.

The big news about the argentina squad here in england is the exclusion of Zanetti and everyone is bewildered. I’ve already had people come up to me taking the piss about Scaloni being in the squad.

Its just occurred to me. Has anyone realised Pekerman has gone for the players that beat Brazil 3-1 in the qualifiers apart form Kily. Interesting….

God will win for Argentina even though its a weak squad.
still we do not have a playmaker who can win matches for Argentina like Maradonathe great

Give the number 10 to Messi or Tevez. They’re consistent performers. All of you who are biotching about Zanetti, forget him. We don’t need him to win the WC.

who said that Pekerman likes to pick the players who plaied in his squand U-20 is not worng, I think perkerman has selected the best argentians player now, but i’m not totally agree with his list:
Goalkeepers:
Roberto Abbondanzieri
Leonardo Franco
Oscar Ustari
This is a good selcetion , they have almost the same level, Cavallero is not an extraordinary he has taken his chance in WC it’s over for him.
””’Defenders(8 players)””:
–Fabricio Coloccini
–Roberto Ayala
–Gabriel Heinze
–Juan Pablo Sorin
–Lionel Scaloni
–Gabriel Milito
–Nicolás Burdisso
–Leandro Cufré
Good selection even i don’t know Milito, Burdisso and Cufré, but it’s ok if this Scaloni was out!!
i’m gree with the changes in any team, the team should not alwyas keep the same faces for ever, Samuel and Zaneeti played 2 WC,and i don’t no how many cup d’America ! ! they did nothing WC 2002 hey have been kiked from the first round with that stupid Belssa! i was wondring how AFA can keep such stupid coach for 6 years! ! ! so no worry about Zaneti and Samuel they played enough it’s over for them, they have to give the chance for the other players !

”””Midfield(7 players) ””:
–Esteban Cambiasso
–Javier Mascherano
–Luis González
–Martín Demichelis
–Pablo Aimar
–Juan Román Riquelme
–Maximiliano Rodríguez

again good selection, i never seen Demichelis and Max Rodriguez, i hope one of them at least plays like Mascherano! but i’m sure that they are good players

”””Strikers (5 players) ”’:
–Carlos Tevez
–Hernán Crespo
–Lionel Messi
–Rodrigo Palacio
–Javier Saviola
maybe one extra player here 5 forwards and only 7 midfields! but i think pekerman will start with 3 strikers( Tevez, Crespo and Messi) Messi is a great excellent player looks like Maradona! he can play a little bit behind Crespo, Tevez can also do similar, but Crespo has only one place.
Saviola was a good player in the U-20 squad , but now i think he will be only the subsitute of either Crespo or Tevez in the last 15 mintues the same for Rodrigo Palacio, i’m not againtes this player why not in the team let see him maybe he has some thing to do! i beleive in such selections,
Cruz, first who’s Cruz ? no i think he is far to be in such level,
Aguero Yes, but he is young , i’m sure Pekerman was hesitating to selecte him because of his age, if he is in the list do you think that he will play ?? Did you see Maradona in this age in WC 1978 ? or Ronaldo in 1994 ? don’t worry he will play the next 3 or 4 WCs , these Maradonias skills that he has will surly make any cauch to select him no question about that, but now i don’t think he can take a place,

finally who missed ? i’m agree with the idea to mix the team with the national players there should be for sur some one better than Scaloni ! ! ! ! but don’t mind if Zaneti Sameul were there or not. it’s not interMilan or Real madird, it’s kind of integration.
just remember what C Billardo done in 1986 ! ! do you know D.Bertoni, M.kemps, O.Ardilss, O.Filliol, R.Diaz, Tarantini etc !! he didn’t select any of them in his WC team 86, even D Passarella didn’t play, do you remember how J.L.Brown subsitued him and how he played, and his score in the final ! ! !
football is not names, remeber again wc1982, argentians team was the first top, great players, but but lost 3 matchs out of 5 ! ! and back to home with nothing,
beleive in your hopes, and how to play this is very important to win, i think carlos Billardo was a very intelegent coach he know how to select and how to play. . . i hope that pekerman playes a little like him, Brazil lernt from him and played as argentian with Billardo and won the WC tow tiems because of that, they learn every day even hey have their names Perrira or Zagalo or this guy in 2002, Not like that Belssa! !

Omar ,
argentinas team admirator and non professional player, and wish to be a football coach very soon.

Hi, Tarun
you’re english but you’re like americans you don’t know football !
Scaloni won’t play (or as sub)
You should coloccini and ayala are able to play right Back, José Pekermann himself told which Formation he’ll set:
4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-2-1
So the forget the defence with 3 players, Zanetti has his position in the formation, moreover Javier is able to play as right midfiel or even forward as good as right back. Zanetti isn’t for politic reasons.

Here are the available fomrmations:

4-3-2-1 CRESPO
TEVEZ MESSI
RIQUELME
CAMBIASSO MASCHERANO

SORIN COLOCCINI
HEINZE AYALA Abondanzieri
4-3-1-2
TEVEZ CRESPO
RIQUELME
CAMBIASSO MASCHERANO LUCHO GONZ
SORIN COLOCCINI
HEINZE AYALA Abondanzieri
4-4-2
TEVEZ CRESPO
RIQUELME MAXI RODRIGUEZ(MESSI)
CAMBIASSO MASCHERANO
SORIN AYALA
HEINZE MILITO

Being from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and 40 yo,I know one or two things about Serbia and Montenegro football. Deffinitely not to underestimate them, because they are unpredictable, but also nothing special to be scared of. One thing stands for sure – they panic when under pressure, lose their confidence fast (especially if they don’t score first) and never had real team coordination. I dwell on them because the first game is always important. Argentina should win that one as strongly as possible, for the moral of the team. Remember how on the last WC it was obvious even after the opening victory over Nigeria (was it?) that something was wrong with the attack? That’s the most important. This
Argentina’s team seems much more aggressive than the last WC one, and that’s essential. Brasil has much worse defense line than Argentina, but they rely heavily on the pressure they can put on the opponent. All together, I thing Argentina has much better balanced team than Canarinhos, and should be able to dominate the game with them, for instance. But then again, Brasil has never been Argentina’s greatest problem.Remember Romania, Holland, Sweden (not to mention England). Somehow the European teams have usually their best day when they face Argentinians. I hope this time things will turn out differently, and that Argentina (whom I support since 1978, even when it was playing against Yugoslavia at times) will win the WC. It’s been a long waiting.
Pitty for Zanetti, of course…

Now, the list is final and this is my starting eleven, in 4-2-2-2 formation:

GK: Abbondanzieri
RB: Coloccini
CB: Ayala
CB: Heinze
LB: Sorin
DM: Mascherano
DM: Cambiasso
AM: Riquelme
AM: Messi
ST: Tevez
ST: Crespo

Now, what do you guys think about that? Seems to be the best line up to me. Remember that Pekershit has stated that he will play with 4 defenders, so we can forget about anything else.

[...] It has been fun checking out the different reactions to the roster selections on our team blogs. The Argentina blog continues to capture my attention with no shortage of passionate fans that agree or disagree with Jose Pekerman’s World Cup selections. I think everyone in Argentina must be a coach. Not a bad thing at all, except if you are actually the guy who heads up the team and you have millions of people scrutinizing your every move. [...]

Yeah no need to cry about players not selcted. we cant change nothing so lets forget that. I have a question.

where do yall see Aimar play under this formation? I really like to see him play, but would he start? I know it would be impossible to put Aimar, riquelme, and Messi all together at once, that is just welcoming the opposing team to score at will. But i really think Aimar should play along side messi. I love riquelme i really do, but mannnn he is inconstintant, aimar is alot faster than him, and he is really really aggressive.

Messi will be the best player on the squad along side tevez I think. if yall remember all the games messi played for argentina (he was the best player) Vs Peru, Vs Croatia and Vs Qatar.

i’m pleased with the squad that is selected, with such a potent srike force i cant imagine us leaving Germany without the cup. However Zanetti should have been in the team because of his experince. Fans, we will not have to cry for Argentia this time around.I love you argentina.

[...] Argentina [...]

I agree with Rune’s lineup, except aimar has to be an attackin midfielder instead of Messi. Messi should come in as a sub.

Abbondanzieri
Coloccini zanetti

ayala Cambiasso

heinz Sorin

messi Riquelme

rabee ziad younis

————Abbondanzieri——–

—Coloccini ———zanetti—-

———ayala —-Cambiasso—–

–heinz——————-Sorin–

———messi—–Riquelme——

——rabih riad—ziad younis—

I agree with Rune’s lineup too. I prefer to reserv Messi and Palacio for the 2nd half.

And Rune, remember, in Argentina to play 4 defenders is a “life motiv”. You can play with 3,2 or 1 striker, but you must have 4 defenders. See Boca, Velez they change between 4-3-3 and 4-2-2-2 dipending the game, but they allways defends with 4, even loosing the game and playing with 10. River (jogo bonito) had lots of headaches playing with 3 defenders years ago in order to be more “agressive”, and now is playing again with 4.

[...] How much does it mean for a player to be called upon to represent his country at the World Cup? For Martin Demichelis it means everything. The Bayern Munich midfielder is beyond devastated that he was not included on Argentina’s World Cup squad. “It’s not only that I don’t have any desire to play anymore – I don’t have any desire to live,” Demichelis told an Argentine television network. [...]

i still think he brought too many strikers

ohh..people complaint on zannetti exclusion because they know how good he is. i guess we will notice something not complete when watching the right side of abileste in the world cup without zannetti presence as he is such a quality…it’s like watching the left side of brazil without roberto carlos raiding there…

anyway…the little trio of messi, saviola and tevez is good enough..no need of aguero..they need guys like crespo and cruz to be marksmen to create room especially when dealings with european counterpart with physical approach such as the serbian.

i think ayala, mascherano, riquelme and tevez will be the backbone for the squad…they need to perform…

why sorin is captain?? he’s not consistent neither too inspiring…why not ayala instead??

We love Zanetti and he is a great player as well as Argentina is the end of the soccer. Argentina lord of Brazil.
Argentina: you either win or loss, Iran peoples love it.
Long love Argentina

I’m pleased with the squad that is selected, with such a potent srike force I can’t imagine us leaving Germany without the cup. However Zanetti should have been in the team because of his experience. I love you Argentina.
Messi will be the best player on the squad in World cup.
The best squad possible to win the cup (3-4-3):
Keeper – Abbondanzieri
Defence: Coloccini, Ayala, Heinze
MF: Cambiasso, Aimar, Maxi, Roman
STR: Cruz, Messi, Tevez
¡Vamos Argentina!

I agree, may be he could have taken demichelis instead of palacio or Saviola because indeed, there are only 2 real defensive midfiel, lucho can play here OK, but if injuries happen to cambiasso or mascherano, then if one is suspended… We lack demichelis, I think one striker will never play: Palacio.
I am the greatest fan of Pablo Aimar, so I would put Aimar instead of Riquelme, but Aimar is even more complete than Riquelme, he can Play on the Wing, so he could replace Messi or Riquelme whenever during the game.
Whatever, Aimar is in a great shape, he could get a place in the the starting lineup among Messi’s recovering.
I even think we could put make the most technical and dribbling attack of the whole world:

Tevez
Aimar Messi
Riquelme
Then the DMF….
It would lack “air ability” but It would be impossible to Stop on the ground. To switch strategy, just sub with Crespo And Cruz…

To conclude I’d say The offensive abilities are unlimited. The main problem is the defense, Samuel was the greater defender, Sorin is not very good in D, Ayala’s old, Heinze comes back from injury, coloccini is not very good, Milito is good but limited physicly. We’ll see.
Fortunetly, I’m very confident with the defensive midfields with cambiasso especially. His technic and Stamina are at the Top.

Yes, Demichelis should be instead a central defender. Mascherano is an “amarillero” and probably he will receive two yellow cards during the WC.

So…is what is strategy ? Be defensive “esperar atras” with 2 pseudo midfielders like Sorin and Scaloni as LD and RD with a fast transit midfield ?

again forget about Zanetti, samuel and cruz , there are usellss, the first 2 they played 2 wc , and did they win ????? 2002 from the first round, the thired alwyas drops down on the ground to touch the ball, useless player, Aguero is so young but this new Maradona will surely play a major role in this coming few years like Messi as i’m expecting
!

look at these formations from the selected list!

formation1:

GK:
———Abbondanzieri ——–
DF:
-Coloccini-Ayala-G.Milito-Heinze-
MF:
——–Javier Mascherano——-

-Aimar–Riquelme –Cambiasso–

FW:
—–Messi——–
——————-Crespo——

_________________________________

formation2:

GK:
———Abbondanzieri ——–
DF:
-Coloccini-Ayala–Heinze-
———————-Sorin—–
MF:
——–Javier Mascherano——-

-Rodríguez–Riquelme–Cambiasso-

FW:
—–Messi——–
——————-Crespo——

________________________________

formation3:

GK:
———Abbondanzieri ——–
DF:
Burdisso-Coloccini-Ayala–Heinze-
MF:
——–Javier Mascherano——-

- González–Riquelme–Cambiasso-

FW:
—–Messi——–
————-Carlos Tevez ——

_________________________________

formation4:

GK:
———Abbondanzieri ——–
DF:
Cufré -Coloccini-Milito–Heinze-
MF:
——–Javier Mascherano——-

—Riquelme–Cambiasso-

—–Messi——–
FW:
—-Carlos Tevez ——–
——————–Crespo——
_________________________________

formation4:

GK:
———Abbondanzieri ——–
DF:
Coloccini-Ayala-Milito–Burdisso-
MF:
——–Javier Mascherano——-

—Riquelme–Cambiasso-

—–Aimar——–
FW:
—-Messi ——–
——————–Crespo——

____________________________

let me know your opinion,, , do you like Sorin to play ?? i can’t find a place for him; ; but he is the captin , right ? ohh i don’t know where he playes , DF, MF, or FW ????
Cruz has been selected ??

I can’t believe I won’t have the pleasure of watching my favorite player Zanetti in the World Cup. It is all stupid Pekerman’s fault. But even without Zanetti we are still the best team so cheer up you guys

i’m sure Perkerman will always start by
GK:
Abbondanzieri
DF:
( Coloccini-Ayala–Heinze)
MF:
( Riqulmé, cambiasso and Mascherano )
FW:
Messi, Crespo

no question about Heinze Riqulmé, cambiasso ! ! they will be always there in any formation i’m sure he likes them ! !
but tell me playing with a Libro ( sorin ) is nont useless ????i think he will make the team weak , he has no fixed place! ! but he is the captain , , ,why him ?

Makato ,

To me Sorin will be left Back,
Scaloni Won’t play, we’ll have 2 DM Cambia and Mash

Abbondanzieri

Cufre Ayala Heinze Sorin

Maschrano Cambiasso

Riquelme

Palacio Crespo Tevez

Makato

4-3-3 ! ! ! only 3 MFs ! ! in fact your formation is 3-3-3 ( sorin libero movaible) can’t be considered as a DF! ! !

i’m in total agreement with you Carrie,that the team is a great team therefore let us all as fans give our full support to the team. Long live Argentina

My Question is who will be the leader? We need someone who can control the tempo be vocal while commanding the team. It does not not have to be a skill player but someone that is respected by all. Sorin isnt. Riquelme is quiet. No leader no winner!Also the problem with the defense is that there needs to be more communication. too often the offside trap isnt set properly mainly collocini.when a defender comes down the wing it is elementary, he will not score the goal all you need to do is keep him on the wingand try and stop the cross. Concentration needs to be placed on players making runs toward the goal to pick him up and anyone else trailing him. I believe this has been a problem because Ayala has not been there. I beleive also because of his experience he will be critical. Plus because he does not come up he can see everthing in front of him. Peck needs to give him this endorsement

Is it just me, but i don’t want collocini to start. He is too erratic, makes dangerous tackles and in critical positons sometimes unnecessarily. He is the type of player that will be sent off unnecessarily and change the whole game like Ortega in 98 againt Holland which we could have won that world cup if that did not happen ! Same thing in 90 if caniggia did not foolishly get that second yellow he would have torn up that slow german defense. 2002 carelss penalty against England. There is a lesson to be remembered.In 1994 we played some of the most beautiful ball ever. After they beat Nigeria they left the home base where they were stationed in foxboro to go to texas to play the last match of the group they then learned that they would loose Diego( messi ). As group winners they would be stationed there up to the semi final giving them a considereable advantageplus an extra 3 days to spare between matches. The coach chose Islas ( abundanzierri )instead of goycochea ( Lux ) and had a very very slow rugerri because of sentiment and public outcry for him. all they had to do was draw the match or loose by one goal. They had enough talent to rebound. Instead poor goalkeeping by Islas caused Stoickov to score a goal that he should’nt. Rugerri made the forward walk righ pass him on a throgh pass. 2-0. We then had to travel to la to play a game in 3 days against Romania.In that game in what what has been called one of the greatest games ever in a world cup we outplayed them but because of poor goalkeeping and rugerri again we lost 3-2. Basile was using a similar approach. Batistuta( Crespo), Balbo(tevez) and caniggia ( Messi )to roam and feed them.We must learn from our mistakes

Hey guys

Just read that the shirt numbers are out. Riquelme gets 10. Macherano takes his number 8. Messi is 19.

The Fifa World Cup Website has all the names and numbers.

i am italian and argentina is my second land fro footbal i watch evey week games and love Boca but all the Argentinian soccer …i see Arg as a real favourite hope that the top four will include italy ..but…i feel a bit confused how could Zanetti be left home i don’t see any outstanding new name in the defence it actually quite old looking ..even Samuel would have been useful..in the midfield i have admired recently the class of Gago…i think the the attack is good Cruz is so reliable coming from the bench…but how can you leave behind such a ferocious scorer as Diego Milito ? in anycase QUE VIVA ARGENTINA …

Corey; Caniggia did not play against Rumania i 94. He was injured. Ortega played.

RUNE
i never said he played against Romania. In fact there was speculation that after Diego tested positive that Caniggia did not play because he did not want to be tested either

Yeah, and that was rubbish. Cani injured his toe in training and had to be substituted in the game against Bulgaria for that reason.

I would love to see saviola play. He was sensational on Barcelona. I know we have Messi, Crespo, and Tevez, but saviola is so fast. If they choose three fowards, they have to go with Crespo, Tevez and saviola. saviola is a much more proven player than Messi.