Now Christian, let me tell that in Malaysia, the No.1 Ortega fan is non other than me! Yes and I’m proud of it. I feel sad for him that he wasn’t unable to reveal his true potential wherever he went.

He was in Valencia for a season. Then went to Sampdoria, subsequently they got relegated. A big move to Parma but nothing much there as well. Finally back to River. Then to Turkey (I’m not sure which club)…..so on so on……

I did expect him to shine at 2002 WC but we all know what happened then. Anyway considering his age, I supposed it is good idea for him to go there. I’m sure the money is good.

So we are just a couple of days left. Man!!! I can feel as if it is still a long way.

Just for your info, I’ll be putting up A Match Thread article on my blog for every game. Hope to see you guys commenting and sharing your thoughts as the match progresses.

I feel sad when i see the way things are going, everywhere you look there’s exploitation, lives being ruined for the sake of greed. Now, even sports are going the same way.

Aurelius – you’re so funny.

My question is — why do you guys think the Olympic team is so full of little bull Messi types, and not a classic tall number 9, like Higuain? I’m not sure if Lavezzi would ever make the NT, only because the competition for his spot is so absolutely fierce.

I’m looking forward to seeing how garay plays.

Alexa Rune ought to be careful he might encounter John in Norway.Three Billy Goats Gruff and all that.

I like many first saw Ortega play in 1994 when he was asked to fill the boots that cannot be filled those of Diegol.

However watching him against Romania one could not fail to see why the comparison was being drawn. Incredible dribbling & close control & strength to shake off larger opponents and the ability to see a pass allied with a very accurate shot.

I guess he will be remembered for the so called ‘head-butt’ against Holland in 98 but I remember him setting up several decent chances & hitting the post with a beaten de Sar from some thirty yards out on the left.

And in Europe he alwasy played the part of conductor in his side whether it was at Valencia & Parma setting up numerous goals.

Its a real pity that alcoholism overshadowed his career but hopefully will be a lesson learnt by our youngsters.

Had he kept on the straight and narrow I am sure he would have been present even at the last WC.

daystar it is worrying & even the talent factories in Argentina & less so Brazil due to its far higher population cannot surely keep on going at the rate required.

But there is no law to stop it. Most of the Argentines & Brazilians can come in on EU passports or a KOLPAK arrangement. The latter is being tightenend up soon I believe. But for these players (not those at the top range who earn more in a year than most people earn in a lifetime & that includes well paid professions ie hospital consultants) this is a genuine chance to settle their families on a financial basis.

What is worrying are the unscrupulous underhand agents who bring in kids from Brazil or Africa who have talent then when they do not make it (for a number of reasons) are left to fend for themselves.

And many players careers take a U-turn going when they have not matured physically & mentally for the challenge (something Tim Vickery has often complained about).

But there are no laws at present governing player movements. This is the reason why clubs like Ajax ie South Africa Real Madrid oddly in Bali of all places are setting up soccer schools.

Not out of the goodness of their hearts. No club is altruistic in its motives. Everyone is desperate to find the next Leo Messi or Dinho & earn fortunes on the back of it thorugh winning cups ,leagues but mainly via merchandising & sponsorship.

Those that dont make it are discarded like chaff from the grain. Scouts are venturing all over the globe. Club databases for example Internazionale cover junior leagues from all over the world & progress reports are kept on each potential star.

Its sad in a way that kids are not enjoying the game.Often there are pushy parents in the background dreaming of riches but this is football today a global business where the competition for resources is cutthroat & the tiniest advantage will be taken.

Regarding the line up I’d play di Maria out left 4-2-3-1 rather than ‘young’ Buonnanotte. We’ll get genuine width out there allowing Kun more space to come out into the channel or drop deep & run at the defence with JRR in the box when required.

Garay & Fazio at the back should handle anyone. Monzon is as good a candidate for the LB berth. Fine prospect. Throw in Ansaldi ,Insua even Escudero its starting to look rosy for 2010 regarding this formerly troubling spot.

Chau compadres.