Spain 2 - Argentina 1

Maradona, before I post this up, I wanna make sure you understand that I’m not Jason,
I am Albo. I agree with Jason on some things, some we don’t.
Also, I am not a part of any “lobby that harbors bias against big names in europe”
On the contrary, those are our best players, that’s why they make the big bucks and everybody and their mother wants them on their TV sets, just like you and me.
Basile never said he was going to dismiss any players from Europe.
If I implied that when I translated the article, I apologize and I’m not translating anymore for this board.

That said, I do sense a tone in your postings that seems a bit confrontational for my taste.
Do you want everybody to think the way you do?
And if you do, how bad you want it?

Now in response to a post of yours, and sorry for taking this long to answer but my time has been short:

>Aimar, Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez, Crespo, Saviola, Ayala, Heinze, Samuel, Cambiasso, Mascherano, Burdisso, Sorin, Zanetti. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to conclude that not playing them is a mistake.>

Oh really??? and who says so???
Where did you read it? Did your argentinean friends give you the tip?
First of all, none of those players, except for Agüero, Saviola and Burdisso, are interested in playing any of these matches right now, until it’s time to prepare for copa América. They are part of a list of players that Grondona guaranteed for the “russian” friendlies, and the guys have to swallow it. They’re not happy. They’re not ready to become the force they know they can be. The money is ridiculous but the rights for broadcasting are enormous. The whole thing is an unfair deal for them.
Basile has been trying to tell the players to take it easy because there’s no way out.
But the players don’t want to get hurt in these matches. See what happened to Maxi, which is what triggered that most players (including Messi) left the premises mad as hell, before the time of the meeting that never took place.
Second, out of that list of yours, Mascherano and Tevez played, Maxi played and got hurt, Zanetti and Samuel have been both up and down and Basile is not the first coach that doesn’t call them. Crespo got called but couldn’t make it. Sorín will be there when he’s needed. Cambiasso might not be called because him and Mascherano don’t play in synch. And Gago has to wait till jan 07 to be allowed to play.

Is that the “shit” you said they’re taking from Basile?
You really think these guys can’t sleep at night? And if so, why?
Because Basile ignores them or something?

And you want me to think that way too?
Get a life…

Posted from  United States

Bati,
He called them becuz of his past in Boca. Palermo is really old and bad (cherry picker these days) and Ibarra is
probably the best solution at right back at the moment despite his age. I know that we are thinking 2010 but we also have to worry about Copa America 2007. With the players busy schedule out in Europe Basile will make good use of them even if only as temporary solutions. As far as the rest of that squad it is pretty offensive minded. The players that have been named as defenders are a little worrying but we are an attacking bunch so…hope for the best.

Che maradona, ponete esta que te queda linda:http://el-cagon.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/gabi.jpg

John not to argue ur point u are right. My point is we have great players and in the International Cups we have won 3 or 4 of the last 6. U know when Europes club champ plays ours and Asia’s in Japan in December. I bet a lot of people didn’t know that!

Albo, if I sounded confrontational then I apologize.

The reason I was frustrated was that I sensed a bias against some players just because they play in Europe.

My point is - the best players should get a chance regardless of where they are playing. If they are seen to be playing bad then move on. Playing in Argentina or Antarctica shouldnt matter as long as they are argentinian. Anyway, your post definitely implied that Basile was going to abandon all europe based players and the list you pasted didnt have any of their names. I see that as a disaster because not only will it create a very negative vibe within the team but also strain relations between Basile and the big names.

My viewpoint is not complicated - there should be no bias against players based on their geographical location. Brazil’s best european players right now are Robinho, Kaka, Ronaldinho, and Adriano. The first two are in form so they are given a satrting place in their NT. The later two are subs owing to their bad form. The other big names - Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and so on have been proven to be liabilities rather then assets. Otoh, all of Argentina’s big talents in europe are young and willing to play for the NT. So we should not equate Brazil’s big names with Argentina’s.

I am not crazy about Zanetti and Samuel; Especially Zanetti because of his inconsistency. I have to give them credit for their talent though. It is also hard to believe that players like Tevez, Messi and Masch wouldnt want to play for the NT right now. Both Tevez and Messi revolted when their Corinthians coach declined to let them play in the friendly. Crespo publicly expressed his frustration at being unable to play and Riquelme almost did a uturn on his retirement decision. I dont see any evidence that proves they dont want to give 100%. After all, winning for their country is the biggest prize in soccer.

> which is what triggered that most players…left the premises mad as hell, before the time of the meeting that never took place.

I am afraid, this sounds like it is straight out of a tabloid. Do you mean these players blamed the NT and Basile for putting them in some sort of danger? All of them know all too well that that even a training session with their clubs can suddenly end their careers. This behavior sounds too unsportsman like to be true.

> “russian friendlies”…They’re not happy.

How about using these friendlies as a team building exercise instead of dismissing them? All NTs have a friendly schedule precisely for that purpose. It is unfortunate that you think these are “russian” friendlies.

Posted from  United States

Anyway lets end this argument and let Basile do what he thinks is right. Its nice to know he doesnt plan to ignore the players in europe.

Posted from  United States

My dear Maradona,
I see that you have been taking a lot of slacks lately for sharing your views.
I do not see any problem with you being confrontational. In fact most revolution start with c…
I believe that you would be wrong if you were disrespectful which you were not. So please do not apologize just because you have a diiferent point of view. I for one concur with and see no point to respond others point of view because they are just opinion and not facts.

P.S Alfio, thanks buddy for your great posts, I was away for a while.

again, does anybody know how to contact the team?

ps: where is heinze? he IS a good player. its a shame that he is always sick.

Posted from  Malaysia

Just a very quick word. Gabriel Paletta as expected this season is to be confined to the reserves & League Cup side(which is a shame ).I terms of ompetitive football it would be better he be loaned out to a Championshi club here or return to Banfield for 1 more season who do need him back.

But GP highlighted his real attacking threat last night with a beautifully glanced headed goal against Reading in Liverpools 4-3 League Cup win.

GP looked comfortable until the last few minutes where his lack of match fitness allowed the Reading forwards some leeway & allowed 2 late goals.

His determination also earned him a yellow card. Heres to 2007/8 & his emergence as a real star alongside Gonzalo R. who is of course sadly sidelined for the rest of the Primera.

Posted from  United States

Hey Ken, thanks for your support. Yeah, I stand by my views. Things will be okay as long as Basile is fair to everyone. An “inhouse NT” (whatever the hell that means) is but a bigoted pipedream. Lets hope Argentina’s soccer tabloids dont win this one.

Posted from  United States

Difference of opinion isn’t a bad thing. Well, I read all of your posts: Maradona, Jason and Albo. I could conclude only one thing that you all care for Argentina NT and you all want good things for the team. A difference of opinion won’t change one thing that is common between you; love for Argentina Team.

Take care everyone and see you soon.

Posted from  United States

to cheer all of you up

here is one of the best clips I have ever seen for Argentina

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HchuvTwNciQ

Wow…when will that happen again

Posted from  United States

What about me I had a few opinions too

Posted from  United States

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=16099

This could be good.

Posted from  United States

I imagine if Basile had every player he wanted today, his team could be something like:

Abbondancieri
Ibarra, Ayala (captain), Heinze, Sorín
Mascherano, Gago
Messi, Aimar, Saviola (or Palacio)
Crespo

The main difference from our WC06 team being Gago and Messi.
Verón for Aimar could also work.
What do you guys say?

Posted from  United States

Todd Utah, you are alright because your opinions are NOT petty

Albo,
Do you really believe that Basile will bring back Sorin? If he does then our concept of “fielding the best eleven” is working.

I very much doubt that Basile will do so though.

Ken, please explain me:
“our concept of fielding the best eleven”
I don’t think I understood that.

Posted from  United States

My dear Albo,
It simply means that players should be picked based on their achievement, current form and the uniqueness that they bring to the NT, BUT not on preferential treatment or players loyalty.

One example of failure to field the best eleven is the case of Sorin. Through the 2006 world cup, he showed great leadership as a captain and played a great contribution in the Maxi Rodriguez goal against Mexico. Most people with common sense would concur that Sorin’s tendency to overlap on the left flank can be very helpful for the NT as he showed against Mexico. Right now he is playing in Germany, a good league. He is not injured.

Yet Sorin has been completely left out since Basile took over. I do not understand the reasons. May be you can help with Basile’s rationale.
Thanks for posting.

P.S it is too bad that you will no longer translate from spanish for us. I will miss your comments since I learn a lot from those translation of yours.

Yeah, Sorin’s work rate on the field is phenomenal and he leads by practice. His conduct is that of a natural leader. I think he is an unconventional leftback - more like an offensive leftback instead of the traditional notion of leftback being a defender first, winger second. He also played important roles in the first two goals against S&M. That brilliant cross-field assist to Maxi againt Mexico is unforgettable.

Posted from  United States

Ken, when the time comes to prepare for copa America, Sorín will be there. He’s the type of lateral that Basile loves in his team, that’s why you’ll probably see also Ibarra playing on the right side. Ibarra is the closest you can get to Sorín but on the right side.
Right now, Basile might want to test someone else or play France with a line of 3 instead of 4 defenders. Who knows?
I sincerely don’t understand what you mean by “failure to field the best eleven”.
I guess this week I’ve not been very lucky. Saludos

Posted from  United States

My dear Albo,
With all due respect to you I am not trying to be difficult here. I cannot be more explicit other than that I have been above. Perhaps I should mention that I am talking about an approach to picking players here. My words are not meant to be taken literally; what is more important is its connotation. That is the gist of my argument is more important than its literal meaning. Good to hear from you.

Maradona,
thanks for reminding me that Sorin also played an important role in the first two goals against Serbia.
Keep posting!

Batigol,

Thanks for putting up that you-tube video about 1986. I really enjoy it. Once You put it up there are some other world cup stories about 1986 which are even more interesting.

Your passion to support Argentina really amazed me.

can anybody tell me when will the game between argentina and france take place?

Posted from  Malaysia

The France v Argentina match takes place on 7th Februaury next year. Does anyone know if Basile will use any of his local players in that match?

Posted from  United Kingdom