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Am I the only one?

June 13th, 2006 | By: Noman Ansari | 32 Comments »

Am I the only one?

So, am I the only one who is satisfied by our team’s performance? Am I the only one who is actually pleased by how things are going?

Firstly let’s talk about Riquelme. To me, the man is a genius. He is a fantastic free kick taker, and has great vision as evidenced by his assist to Saviola. After Ronaldinho, Riquelme is one the best midfielders in the tournament. I say you allow him all the luxuries while he is performing.

There have been many who aren’t convinced that Crespo should be in the side, even after he opened our account against the Ivory Coast. I believe that right now, Crespo would walk into a lot of sides. In the world cup so far, most matches have had both sides with a relatively equal amount of possession as well as a similar level of shots on goal. Yet the sides that have won have won comfortably.

Why is it that Ghana was beaten by Italy, even though they had near equal possession? Why did Ivory Coast get beaten by Argentina, even though they had had so many chances? Why was France incapable of beating Switzerland despite the many opportunities presented to Thierry Henry?

Finishing.

Crespo isn’t creative and he can’t defend. Heck he can’t even score from outside the box, yet with the right midfielder Crespo can be devastating. Crespo is an extremely accurate finisher and times his runs beautifully and cleverly. To me, Riquelme is like the missile while Crespo is the warhead. You need your missile to carry the ball to the target, while all you ask of the warhead is to go BOOM!

A lot of people have talked about how Tevez, Messi and Aimar aren’t playing. From Jose Pekerman’s point of view, it makes sense for them not to play immediately.

Compiling a good football side isn’t about playing the most powerful pieces, but using the pieces that fit together the best. It is like a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes you need to use the ugly pieces with the pretty ones to get the whole picture.

I too was disappointed that Tevez wasn’t starting, but Saviola certainly had a good and creative game. According to our coach, in the practice games Saviola has had the most chemistry with the rest of the team.

Aimar is a superb attacking mid fielder, and brings are lot of delicious qualities to the Argentinean game, but you can’t play him with Riquelme. If you play both, then you don’t have room for defensive midfielders like Cambiasso and Macherano. As long as Riquelme is our number one midfielder, Aimar will find himself on the bench. And believe me, Riquelme is number one.

This brings me to the man who could turn the world cup for us; Lionel Messi.

Many were upset that they didn’t get a chance to see the prodigy against the Ivory Coast. But to me, it made perfect sense. As evident by the fact that Crespo was substituted early, the coach was thinking beyond the match.

Would you really risk Messi so soon after he recovered from his injury?

Argentina has the most exhausting group in the world cup. And it will get tougher once we progress. We could be facing either Mexico or Portugal in the next round, while in the quarter finals we are likely to face the hosts or our nemesis, England.

I think Pekerman has things spot on so far. I bet Argentina will experiment with Messi and Tevez only when they are sure of qualifying. Yes the two young superstars need match practice, but not at the cost of qualifying.

I am behind you Pekerman. Don’t let us down.

Tags: Aimar, Argentina, Crespo, Football, Messi, Perkerman, Riquelme, Saviola, Soccer., Tevez, World Cup, Worldcup

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By Pelocorto | June 13th, 2006 at 11:20 pm

No, you’re not the only one! I liked the performance as much as you did. Second half was a very controlled play by the albiceleste. Why spend more than necessary? It’s still a long way to Berlin. And let Messi rest and keep him as a joker.

Posted from Switzerland

By Slick | June 13th, 2006 at 11:23 pm

Good topic guys.

I will agree that I am satisfied with the performance of the team. Indeed, such class finishing was amazing to see, and I think one major positive is that we are scoring goals. The ball was in the back of the net on 4 occasions and this can only mean good things.

With respect to the comments on Riquelme, I think that if he can produce just one pass like the one to Saviola every game, then it’s worth having him on the field. His set pieces are also of the finest quality, something that Aimar does not have. Riquelme’s ability to stamp authority onto a game is unmatched in my opinion, and we just have to hope that he is a man for the big stage.

It also seems that Pekerman’s call to play Saviola was a master stroke. No one know’s what Tevez would have done, but we certainly know that Saviola played magnificently well, and he’s probably guaranteed himself a place on Friday’s line up.

What I am hoping is that Argentina has a similar lead after the first half on Friday, and then Pekerman can look to bring on Tevez and/or Messi. They need playing time, and will both be important as the tournament unfolds.

It will be disappointing if Pekerman chooses to retreat into a shell, where Argentina cannot control the game, since they are not playing naturally. This also focuses the game on their defense, which while playing brilliantly on Saturday, is breachable.

I dont know if you all will agree with this assessment, but I truly believe that Argentina must play attacking foobtall, or at least play in the opposition’s half. It is the only way we can control a game. Our attack can also vary greatly due to the many different world class players we have, so it just means that Pekerman will need to react quickly if things are not going our way.

On a lighter note , I just watched Brazil play, and they were very ordinary. The attacking quartet was asleep and un-imaginative, with Ronaldo strolling around for the entire game. The defense also looked very shaky, and i’m sure many sides can score against them. Czech Republic seem to be the best side so far.

Anyway, I now just can’t wait for Friday. Does anyone know where I can download Saturday’s game to re-watch? Sorry for the lengthy post, but I guess we all want to have our say.

Vamos Argentina!

Posted from Trinidad And Tobago

By Cc | June 13th, 2006 at 11:27 pm

i agree with you. However, my point is that Riquelme is not a 90 minute player like Aimar, so it would fit perfect for Aimar to be put in with about 30 to 25 minutes to play. I keep saying that Peckerman is approaching each game different. But he needs to get Tevez feet wet. I don’t know if anyone realizes that we have seven games in seven different cities in one month ot win the cup. Coaching and tactics will be critical.My problem is that why Palacio? Crespo was giving them problems becuase of his size. When we play certain european teams we may have the same problem. We know that Tevez and Messi will play soon, so why not Give Cruz the shot? Palacio has no where going!He had alot of touches and squandered each one

Posted from United States

By Pugnate | June 13th, 2006 at 11:34 pm

” Sorry for the lengthy post, but I guess we all want to have our say.”

Not at all. That was pretty good.

“But he needs to get Tevez feet wet.”

Yes I agree. And I think the time will come in part of the next match and all of the one against Holland.

I believe that in the next game we will be leading 2-0 against S&M by the second half and we will see some changes. Tevez needs to get his feet wet and will. Messi may be given a go.

After we win the game, Pekerman may think of experimenting since we have already qualified.

“i agree with you. However, my point is that Riquelme is not a 90 minute player like Aimar, so it would fit perfect for Aimar to be put in with about 30 to 25 minutes to play”

Yea I also agree with that. I think since it was the FIRST game Perkerman wanted to be sure of a win first. He may be more flexible with the next two games.

“Give Cruz the shot? Palacio has no where going!He had alot of touches and squandered each one ”

Exactly. Cruz is Crespo’s sub. I think Palacio probably played his last game of the cup.

Anyway the point of my post was that we all want to see the young wonderkids play, but let’s not expect the present to come before christmas.

Posted from Pakistan

By carrie | June 13th, 2006 at 11:58 pm

no you are not the only one. We more and more start appriciate our team and its performance. I think Argentina so far has been the only team seriously showing the world its capabilities to win the WC. we should be proud of our team and support our players and the couch till the end. We have the greatest team so far that is full of passion and motive.
Vamos Argentina
Love you guys
Love you Argentina

By el pibe | June 14th, 2006 at 12:40 am

La misma miercoles de siempre.
Es que somos la teta este vez, y a ver quien se nos atreve a mamarsenosla.

For those who don’t speak Spanish (and my deepest condolences for your loss), there is a simple translation to the above: Argentina is the best team this year. Don’t struggle with the idea that we are yearn for the past, a past when we were hard, cunning and beautiful to watch. I saw it imprinted on Saviola’s ( el nene) face, Crespo’s ( el guerrero )grin and Riquelme’s ( el maestro) frown.
Just wait until Aimar ( el dinamico), Tevez ( el comodin) and the rest of team relax. Because we all know we are our own worst enemy.

Brasil cago hoy, y me gusta.

Translation.

Brasil had a very bad game and I’m happy.

But, como argentino, I never really liked those guys,

Dale pibe, dale negro, dale Argentina…

Quien contra nosotros?

Posted from United Kingdom

By maxilopez | June 14th, 2006 at 12:47 am

I agree with you slick. I think Riquelme and Aimar can play together but only if Messi is injured. Vamos Argentina.

ARG 2-0 SM

Posted from France

By Keyser | June 14th, 2006 at 1:00 am

I also think that it was a good start. Of all the teams, the only one who delivered a better match were the Czechs, and they were playing against no one. In the general blogs everybody agree that ARG was one of the best teams so far, and for many, the best until today.
And I would ask my fellow ‘compatritas’ to stop yelling for Messi in the Team. He has 18 yeaars old, and we think that he is Maradona. Only this year he started playing in the first Barça team, and when Rijkard didn’t use him on the champions league final, nobody in Barcelona did much a fuzz about it.
Pek chose Saviola and Crepo, and they scored a goal each. Enough said. And riquelme was involved in both goals. again, enough said. Let Messi sit on the bench, and we can require him when he is needed.
And I agree that I would not give Palacio a second chance. He already got one and he flunked it in a useless half an hour..
Finally, Ole and Clarin make me sick. they should inform, not tell Pek to put Messi. They guy was twice world champion. he is not an idiot.

By zee | June 14th, 2006 at 1:07 am

Wow! Thank you Pugnate for the subject. Finally somebody said it! I absolutely agree with you. I thoroughly enjoyed our performance. And as much as I like Kempes, I strongly disagree with his current criticism of our guy Roman! Riquelme is the majestic monarch of the pitch and given the freedom that he was given last match, it is a pure joy watching him providing the crosses, the killer passes and shaking off challenges like a bunch of flies (!) and strolling on th efield like a king! It is almost insulting to the opposite sides the ease with which he plays. Who cares for a bursting run, which, many many of our guys have and are ready to embark on once Roman feeds them the ball!!
Finally, yes, it is 7 games that we want. And we don’t waqnt to show all our cards right away, or run out of battery! All good teams that win the WC (or want to win) start easy. Look how ENG, BRA and ITA did. Bu tthey did get the win! And we did too and we are going to beat them because simply we are BETTER and looked much sharper than them even with our “lack of depth” on the first match. (as our captain Sorin correctly had said)
This is a month long tournament we are preparing for. And Peker-men will win it for us. Isnhallah! (meaning God willing!)

Have faith amigos.

Vamos Argentina.

Posted from United States

By zee | June 14th, 2006 at 1:39 am

One last time, about Roman:

Riquelme Rules!!!

Read this:
BRA coach wish they had one like Roman!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/argentina/5008070.stm

This debate is nonsense! We all know Roman is a different type of player. He is no Maradona, and he is no Ronaldinho, even he is no Messi. But so what!!!???
This comparison is sickening. He is Roman! And we are blessed to have him!!!

Go Roman!!!
GO ARGENTINA!!!

Posted from United States

By zee | June 14th, 2006 at 1:57 am

Riquelme Rules!!!

Read this:
BRA coach wish they had one like Roman!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/argentina/5008070.stm

Go Roman!!!
GO ARGENTINA!!!

Posted from United States

By NK | June 14th, 2006 at 1:59 am

Solo si hubiera jugado Brazil haci en las finales de la Copa..
Jugando haci no pasan ni a los quartos.. (esperemos).

I’v had enough of Brazil, I want them to lose the cup, in the finals, to Argentina!!

As for the first post, I completely agree with Pugnate, however I am getting slightly worried with Messi, as he was the only person in the squad not to join the argentine’s team celebrations on the pitch, and he went straight into the changing room.

When Messi, Tevez, Crespo, Roman/Aimar are on the pitch, the goals will come by the minute.

I hope we meet England in the quarters and tear them apart once and for all, I’v had enough of their lucky wins.
If Owen dives once more in that penalty box, I will stalk him down, and brake his legs off.

Posted from United Kingdom

By phil | June 14th, 2006 at 2:26 am

Guys Argentina have a great team but other teams seem really impressive also. Tevez and Messi must play if they are to win against highly defensive teams like Italy. Look at robben how good he played and he is not as good as messi (they are very similar though)

anyways Argentina is the team to be feared this year.

By Malik | June 14th, 2006 at 3:13 am

you are not the only one, i agree, i dont think messi should play till the holland game, but tevez should definatley start during the serbs, we need someone larger in size against that type of defensive line

Posted from United States

By sam | June 14th, 2006 at 3:40 am

Quite frankly, I am getting sick of who should be in the starting line up or not. We are not trying to assemble an all star team here, we are trying to win games. Just put players who can dish the ball to the back of the net, I don’t care how pretty it looks, or what size the scorer is or who is it, I just want players to score period. If we can score goals, then we have no weakness. Scoring goals has been our problem. Looking at the first game, I was ecouraged that we were able to score the ball 4 times, even though some of them were contrevertial.

Posted from United States

By lol | June 14th, 2006 at 4:47 am

forget what I said.

Riquelme is much better than any of Ronaldinho’s gimmicky useless move.

He couldnt do shit against Croatia today.

Posted from Canada

By saswata | June 14th, 2006 at 6:23 am

i completely agree with the topic…i am with u pugnated…i believe pekerman is doing a wonderful job..viva Argentina..

Posted from India

By Ray | June 14th, 2006 at 7:49 am

I cant agree though.
Brasil had a great game.they beat croatia 1-0,the same team that defeated argentina 3-2 just 3 or 4 months ago.
OK,world cup is different but you gota admit that brasilian attack had a lot of sharpness.They opened up croatian defence like it was nothing.
I mean the goal from kaka reminded me of the confed final goal against the argies.kaka was awsome .ronaldinho was good aswell.And so was roberto carlos.the finishing was not that great.the defence was weak.And ronaldo was totally out of form.

In the end brasil looks like a team to worry about .they were not in full flow because they were facing a strong team after the weak frienlies.but as theyget into the rhythm it will get dangerous.

Overall,argies looked slightly better but their game never thrilled liked the brasil game

Posted from India

By Gummi | June 14th, 2006 at 8:12 am

Ray. Were you watching the same game as I was. Brazil was so bad it reminded me about how they played in the first half of the SAM qualifiers when by the way Argentina was cruising through. Croatia almost totally controlled the match throughout and should have scored 2 or 3 goals if they had directed their shots from Dida. The defense is rubbish and uncoordinated, the only holding midfielder is worn out after playing too many matches for Juve and the strikers are not on form, not Robinho or Fred either. Brazil wont go far with only Kaka and Ronaldinho playing well and they would most certainly loose to Argentina.
Vamos Argentina

Posted from Denmark

By kathmandu | June 14th, 2006 at 8:49 am

I think without Tevez and Messi B team will not qualify for the quarter final.

Pikerman is not good coacher.

Posted from Nepal

By farey | June 14th, 2006 at 9:19 am

its better to stop criticizing here.now we have to look for the next match.here is my prediction

Arg 2 S&M 0

Posted from Maldives

By wamdiego10 | June 14th, 2006 at 1:49 pm

LOL,
You are not realistic, You’re in love with Riquelme, but don’t compare Riquelme to Ronaldinho, Rony is the best in the world.
Moreover, Aimar would do better than Riquelme.

Posted from France

By NK | June 14th, 2006 at 8:33 pm

Ray,
Brazil played like a peice of crap, I think you were watching another game or something..
and Argentina lost 4-1 not 3-2 in the confederations.
As for calling us Argies, I find that insulting and rude.. - Paki’s Blackies, etc.. = rascism.

My predictions:

Argentina 2 - 0 S&M

and Ronaldinho is all nice and pretty skills, but it has no effect.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Denis Susac | June 15th, 2006 at 1:08 am

wow, some argentian guys came to croatias blog and said we SUCK because we lost against brazil..wow what a funny guy he was…lol

He probably didnt watch the game, CROATIA did feaking aweseome, now you probably belive that croatia is a great team..

by the way I think the Argentina vs S&M will be 0-1

Those serbians will be lucky, and they will somehow manage to win the game…

Posted from United States

By Ana | June 21st, 2006 at 2:22 am

VAMOS ARGENTINA TODAVÍA!!!!!