Argentina Invading the U.S.

Well, it’s good that they are facing Mexico (and the US), but I think that Arg needs more quality opposition. WHo are these games up? I read that they were going to play Scotland, but talks broke down and they instead played Guatemala in LA. Scotland would have been a fantastic test for Arg, a great plucky defense. Now they are going all the way to England to play Jamaica?

Also — this summer — look at Messi’s supposed schedule–

Barcelona will be on tour in the US
The Olympics in CHina
The World Cup qualifiers South America

He can’t do all this, can he? And still be in one piece? It’s insanity!

I meant — WHo are setting these games up?

I’m going to be a ball boy at this game, so I can’t take pictures but after the half and after the game is over. I’ll will try to take pictures of the players close up and also take pictures of the Argentine fans. If there is any practice that is open to the public I’ll so go to that. I’ll just help wh ever is doing this.

Alexa,

AFA ca’t afford of having big friendlies ever fifa match day, and after watching tyc sports it looks like Barcelona won’t let there player go so Bapisita wouuld be callig on his clone, Pablo Piatti.

Zarate scores one for Birmingham.

Mauro Zarate scored his first goal for Birmingham last weekend against Reading. Today he followed up with a brace in Birmingham’s home win over Man City. It was two great goals also by the way. Wonderful!!

Have you guys seen the goal Cristiano Ronaldo scored against A. Villa?
He’s really from another planet.

Goal Tevez. Great header.

I think Manchester United just played the best soccer of the season so far. C Ronaldo was awesome.

Amazing performance by United. Too bad they’ll use that boring 4-5-1 against Roma.

4-0 final. C. Ronaldo (de taquito), Tevez (de Palomita) and Rooney (brace).
What is amazing to me, is the way this team rotate and create spaces using up the entirety of the pitch.
They make it look easy but they all know how to play without the ball.
MaxiLopez, you say Man-U are an over-rated team.
I have to disagree.
I think this team might make history.

Oh, translation:
“de taquito”= heel kick
“palomita”= dive head on header

A salute to Ronaldo from my side! He is out of the world this season, and improving each day.

Fantastic game from United! I have said it before and say it again: I really prefer Uniteds style of play over any other team, including Arsenals.
Ronaldo is from another planet. What a goal. Good game by Tevez. Nice goal, but he should have scored another…that miss in the second half was aweful!
Crespo just scored for Inter….And Cavegol scored two goals(one penalty)for Bordoux today. Nice day for Argie players…let us hope Kun Aguero can make this day even better. I have promised my wife a dvd evening, so I will record that game and se it tomorrow morning.

Otoh, Barca went up 2-0 within 15 minutes and then lost 3-2 to Betis. Barca is becoming impossible to watch now – they are a pathetic bunch. Puyol and Thuram need to be released from the team asap. It is funny how Puyol always gets very little blame for Barca’s terrible collective defense. It is time to recognize his incompetence and let him go. And without Messi, their offense is a joke, nuff’ said.

Theres not a team in the world I hate more than Villareal their up 2-0 now against atletico, undeservded

what is going on with inter? ibrahimovic seemed so casual out there like he doesn’t care anymore. are the players trying to send a message to morratti that they want mancini gone. they were well below par stankovic was awful and i don’t know why jiminez doesn’t start. i will keep saying this inter needs a recognizable playmaker.

Villareal were good because Gonzalo Rodriguez were brilliant!! this guy is gettin back to the best very rapidly which will be very good news for the argentine defence problems if any..he could partner Demichelis for sure!!
Zarate Scored a Brace today, making it 3 goals in 2 games for him..he’s already impressed alot of people in the premiership with his dribbling skills.if he improves his shooting, he’ll be lethal!!!
Tevez was awesome today with his determined and gritty performance, jus needs to work on his finishing as he missed an easy 2nd half chance!!
Emanuel Villa of Derby scored two goals aswell, little too late as Derby got relegated!!
Cavenaghi made my day with a brace aswell..this guy has scored 18 goals so far and is jus 3 behind Benzema which is brilliant consdiring he started on the bench nearly half the season!!

Manchester United looked this good last year, like they would blow everyone away, and then they were completely outclasses by ACMIlan in the CL. They are a really different team in the epl versus europe, sort of the reverse liverpool.

But if barcelona don’t win the Champions League (hey, it could still happen, if Messi comes back and can play!), I hope United do. They are way overdue.

It sucks ass that f’ing Villarreal jumped over barcelona today. I;ll never forgive them for ditching Riquelme, even if Riquelme was probably mostly to blame. They are dead to me!

Aguero had a very quiet game. Gonzalo Rodriguez was awesome and stopped Aguero every time. Gonzalo and Godin are very good together.

Cavenanghi scored a brace.

Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t really pass the ball, yo much of a ball hog.

I am really happy for Gonzalo Rodriguez he was fantastic last night, he is progressing really well,since his return villarreal have stopped concedig goals,i hope he can keep it up and once and for all let his injuries be something from the past.
he is our best defender,its too early but i hope soon he will partner demichelis as centreback dont forget he can play leftback too.

Higuain now scored in two of the last Real Madrid games

Gago played fairly impressive from what I could tell, Higauin needs to work on his finishing but looks to be a decent prospect if he can continue to play as the main striker next to Raul. The next few weeks are going to be a serious test for him.

Hi guys (& girl !)

I’ve just watched Argentina – Egypt that I recorded on a French channel that had the stupid idea to only show the second half (!)

I always like to watch Argentina without Messi and Tevez because without them, the team is always very collective (even when Riquelme or Aimar are not here) and I love it.

I thought Basile was gonna play a 4-3-Lucho-2 system switching to 4-4-2 without the ball, but not at all. It was a basic and standard 4-4-2 with Lucho completely on the left of the midfield which is not his position.

Argentina’s futbol culture is attacking minded, not the contrary. So it’s always risky to only defend in a game. And this is what we seemed to do during an hour.

After Aguero’s gol, everything became perfect. The passes, the possession, the confidence. Maybe because there was more space? Or because we are weak mentally at 0-0?

The team that played against Egypt was almost the same that was used against France. Collective but not as creative as when Riquelme is here. Lucho is excellent but he’s not Roman (even with his new style haha).

Concerning the players performances and Basile’s choices:

Cruz is a 34 year old striker and started. Why? Is Basile afraid to lose or what? Cruz belongs to the past. The future is Cavenaghi for the #9 role. Lisandro should have played more too. It’s a shame.

I don’t know how Abbondanzieri played and I don’t care: OUT! I he plays in 2010, we are dead.

The difficult point of our defence is Heinze. He defends well, is aggressive but man, he doesn’t build correctly and SHOULD have made Basile think about a 3-5-2 system. But as players need at least 3 years to adapt, it’s too late to change. Heinze made mistakes and we need to be used to it in the future.

Aguero is excellent (even if he missed a huge chance) and will make Basile have headaches. In his 4-3-1-2, he will need to choose a #9 between Cavenaghi and Tevez & Aguero (who are both second forwards). Without excluding Crespo, Milito, Palacio, Lisandro, Saviola next year, Cruz, …! All this should reactivate the system debate. Why excluding Aguero or Cavenaghi from our starting team in order to use, at any price, this 4-3-1-2? With our group, it would have been obvious to use 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or 3-5-2 systems.

Zanetti is outstanding with the ball but doesn’t defend well. He never presses. Maybe because he’s dead. I was really surprised he played the whole game. This guy is not human…

With this 4-4-2 it was pretty funny to see Mascherano more offensive than usually. I hope he won’t be used on the right of the diamond like against Colombia anymore.

The last thing I wanna say is that I was happy to watch Maxi Rodriguez, the best Argentine of the 2006 WC with Sorin.

All the Argentines at Real Madrid had a good game today..Heinze was Solid at the back and scored the crucial opener!! Gago was magnificent and literally controlled the game in the first half..and Higuain was quite impressive too,if he took all his chances he wudve scored a hatrick today!!
Ibagaza and Gutirez at Mallorca have been playin sum lovely football lately..Ibagaza he had 2 assists today and Gutirez destroyed the valencia defence with his pacey runs down the flank!!

RUNE,
Some say that Riquelme will be the starting playmaker for the Olympics in order to give a psychological & positive impact on his mental because he has never won with Argentina. As GOLAZO said, it would have been logic to start Valeri instead.

ALBO,
Yes, I like when we change our system, adapting to our opponent. Because a lot here are worried about Basile’s tactical skills after always using the same team at la copa. It’s good to use Gago & Masche together in the MIDDLE. I think Basile sacrified Lucho who wasn’t at his right position to let Gago play in the middle. Gago must not play on the left of the diamond. It would be a waste.

It’s surprising but I think I enjoy more the games when Messi is not here. The team is so compact and collective without him. I think his speed and lack of tempo is sometimes negative for the team which is a bit paradoxal.

GOLAZO,
Yes! What happened to Pinola? I liked him.
Burdisso is risky and I agree with RUNE. Not technique I would NEVER use him on the left of our defence. I like Coloccini, he gives excellent passes. I don’t know if he is regular now though. I watched him against Barca some time ago, he was good. Great to here from our friend ALFIO that G. Rodriguez is back. He will play CL next year.

TODDUTAH,
Yes 4-3-1-2 is too defensive when we have so much power in attack!

ALBO,
People criticize Basile because:

- he always used the same starting 11 and system at la Copa
- he doesn’t analize the talent & skills of his players to use them at their best in a system, he tries to adapt his players in a system that doesn’t really fit with them
- he thinks too much about today, not about tomorrow (2010)
- he has a love relationship with Pato

You are right when you say that the players are the ones on the field, not Basile or Pekerman. It’s not Pekerman’s fault if Coloccini didn’t press on Ballack’s cross. It’s not Basile’s fault if Veron & Cambiasso forgot their brains in the locker room at the Copa final. I admit it’s also easy to criticize Basile when we don’t know what’s going on at AFA. It must really be particular because of Grondona.

It’s good to say all these words and extract all this. Talking about Argentina is really rare in Europe…

Ciao ragazzi.

Another day of violence for Argentine soccer. The best way to deal with this would be to keep canceling the upcoming fixtures until the problem is resolved. But AFA is certainly not going to do.

congrats to hernan crespo for scoring his 300th career goal. he is definately one of the greatest strikers of all time. yet he seems to be underatted by so many maybe because he has been in batistuta shadow for so long. but he has proven time and time again that he is one of the most deadliest striker in the world. i hope to continue see him doing what he does best for inter as well as the national team

Andres D’allesandro scored two goals for San Lorenzo this weekend. Looks like he is starting to get into the swing of things again. Maybe Albo or someone else could fill us in on this?

Aimar10, well said about Crespo.

Rune, I had a busy weekend and don’t know much more than you do.
I read that D’Alessandro had a great game, scored a brace and made some spectacular passes.

First I love Crespo! Second he should not play another game for the national team.

Also heard that Di Santo is scoring a lot of goals for the Chelsea reserves and that they are in love with him. Rumors say that he will get some first team action if Chelsea have a game at the end that wil not effect the table.

Leto cleared to resume Liverpool career
tribalfooball.com – March 30, 2008

Liverpool winger Sebastian Leto is set to get the green light to resume his Anfield career.
The News of the World says the Argie winger was left in limbo due to a probe into dodgy Italian passports.

But the 21-year-old, a £2.5million signing from Lanus, is in the clear and will be available for the rest of this term.

It looks like Zarate has made his mark and will gwt some offers.
McLeish: I hope Birmingham not developing Zarate for another club
tribalfooball.com – March 30, 2008

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is desperate to keep on-loan Al Sadd striker Mauro Zarate.
McLeish said: “I just hope that we are not nurturing Mauro for someone else to get the benefit of him.

“Somebody else could reap the rewards in a year’s time if we can’t do a deal to keep Zarate here – but the plan is to try to hold on to him.

“Yes, he’s finding his feet and I know the purists say you shouldn’t be making a dribbler and ball player defend – but it is the way of the modern game.

“You see the great players like (Carlos) Tevez and (Cristiano) Ronaldo working so hard when Manchester United don’t have the ball and it is a side of the game Mauro is learning, but he is undoubtedly a talent.

“I think he has got something nobody else can give us. He can beat a man, he’s exciting and I want someone in my team who can make a difference. He’s getting to realise where he can lose the ball and where he can’t lose it.

“He took a step forward from the Portsmouth game at Reading last week, and was excellent against Manchester City. He is a fantastic young prospect.” He added: “I don’t know the ins and outs of the owners of Zarate or his agents. I’ve got him on loan. Anything else depends on the outcome of the season.

“Hopefully we can retain Premier League status and can talk to Zarate about staying on for another season.”

TODDUTAH, never say “never”! Crespo should be used as a sub. He is still motivated and I’m sure he would accept this role.

AIMAR10 or someone else, any news about Pablito Aimar??? He should have recovered from his pubalgia for some time. Damn, he is the most unluckiest player ever…

ALBO, nothing new concerning Placente? Did you watch him with San Lorenzo? Thx.

Now this is the best article that I have read in a long time. many of the quiote from the great Roberto Baggio. If Argentina can just find that balance between the skill and the speed we will be the envy of the world.

Calcio Debate: Is Baggio Right – Has Skill Disappeared From Football?
Italy legend Roberto Baggio launched a scathing attack against the modern game at the weekend, saying that all the skill was being replaced by pace and power. Carlo Garganese asks if the former European and World Footballer of the Year is right…
»Comments (69) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us
galleria zoom What has happened to the beautiful game? There used to be a time when the first thing a footballer was judged by was his technical ability.

After this, the order of importance would be tactical, mental, and then finally physical qualities. This was the process that was used in most European countries, although not in all. England has always been an exception, something I can vouch for personally as I was released by Luton Town (who had then just been relegated from the top-flight) as a skillful teenager because I was told I was “too small, short, and weak”.

Ever since this time I have always held the view that, not only the English youth system, but English football as a whole, has totally neglected skill and natural talent, in favour of pace, power, strength and other physical attributes. Indeed this helps explain why the country has always been so dreadfully poor on a technical level.

While England has always placed physical attributes as the primary consideration when judging a player, other European countries, such as Spain and Italy, have traditionally favored the aforementioned technical aspect.

Sadly, the way the game is evolving, it seems that there is an inevitable process in place whereby the blood-and-thunder English way is becoming the norm throughout Europe.

“It is all much faster and more difficult now,” blasted Baggio.

“In the 1990s it was more than the 80s, now even more than the 90s. It is the evolution of the sport and we have to follow it. However, one cannot criticize a player for trying a backheel during a game. Are we crazy?”

People that play today are – in most cases- athletes first, and footballers second. The desire to become quicker, fitter and stronger is destroying the game. All the skill, as Baggio says, is disappearing.

The classic ‘number 10’, the shirt and the position that every footballer growing up used to desire, is virtually extinct. The Italian national team exemplifies this perfectly. Over the years they have produced numerous world-class number 10s, the likes of Gianni Rivera, Sandro Mazzola, Baggio, and most recently Francesco Totti. At this summer’s European Championships, Coach Roberto Donadoni is set to employ a 4-3-3 formation, meaning that Italy will be playing with no creative support striker.

You look at the major teams around Europe, and many seem to favour a big, strong, man-mountain of a target man. Arsenal have Emmanuel Adebayor, Chelsea have Didier Drogba, Inter field Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and I predict that within five years it will be rare to see a top club or country with a striker who is below six foot.

Height is becoming important. A team with short players is liable to concede goals off set-pieces and crosses – thus once again the lumbering giant is preferred to the shorter, skilful player. Take the Chelsea or Inter Milan teams who are absolutely full to the rafters with 6 foot-plus machines.

Today, squads are also considered to be fragile unless they have two defensive midfielders in the middle-of-the-park. To be a good centre midfielder is to be able to run, run and run some more. A player like Momo Sissoko, wouldn’t have even made it into the semi-professional league in Italy a few decades ago, yet today he is being tipped by some to become one of the best midfield men in the whole of Serie A.

In modern football you can have the flair and natural talent of Diego Maradona, but if you have no pace, nobody wants to know you. Take Juan Roman Riquelme for example. If he was around in the 1980s, he would have had every top team in Italy and Spain queuing up to build their team around him. Riquelme is a genius, he sees passes that athletes like Sissoko would take 30 years to spot, yet he is unwanted because he is considered too slow for the modern game.

Former Spain and Barcelona star Josep Guardiola was a fantastic holding playmaker, but he had the pace of a snail. The player’s career can be split into two parts. During the first half, when football was still pure, he was simply world class and one of the best midfielders in the world. However towards the end of the 1990s, there was a sudden decline in his performances (injuries also played a part). The game had simply become too fast and physical for him, something he admitted himself, and Barcelona eventually let him go in 2001 at the age of just 30.

Of course there are always phenomenon’s who disprove this theory, but these are becoming rarer all the time. The best example of course is Zinedine Zidane, an old-school player like Riquelme, with very little pace or physical quality, yet who was far and away the best player of his generation, and was still sensational at the 2006 World Cup at the age of 34. The fact that Zidane excelled in such an era proves what a legend among legends he is. Andrea Pirlo is another exception, but even he has found himself in situations where he has been physically bullied, such as against Arsenal in the Champions League recently.

Baggio believes that the only place in the world where football is still football is South America, a continent where players are footballers first, and athletes second.

“In South America more than Europe they are much closer to the authentic spirit of football,” said the 1994 World Cup star. “This is why I adore Leo Messi.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry are two excellent examples of the modern day player. Both, when in form, are world class performers, but ask yourself how good they would be if you remove the pace and physical features from their games. Some would also place Kaka in this category.

Wayne Rooney, over the weekend, compared Manchester United to the old Brazil due to the way the teams play. The difference is that the great Brazil teams have played with irresistible skill, technique and panache, while The Red Devils’ game is at a high intensity, quickly zipping the ball about, and counter-attacking at a lightning pace.

I am unconvinced that either Ronaldo or Henry would have been world-class in the slower, and more technical/tactical oriented 1980s. On the same token you could probably find numerous players from that generation who wouldn’t have coped today – Brazilian legend Socrates is perhaps one.

The question is though – who would you consider more of a real footballer – Socrates or Henry?

Call me old-school, but I am sure that most football purists will agree that football was much better when it was slower and less athletic.

What are your views on this topic? Is Roberto Baggio right – has skill disappeared from modern football? What examples, like Riquelme, can you find of brilliant players who are being forced out because of their physical deficiencies? Was football better when it was slower? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…

Carlo Garganese

maxi i do say never at this point because we have three years until the world cup which I know that he will be to old for and we have to find the right combinations upfront with the young players that we have. I love Crespo but it is time for messi Aguero higuain lopez cavnaggi and that does not even include the likes of Levenzzi and di maria. These players all deserve there chance. Plus in three years there might be more to the list. Pato crespo need to take the lead and retire from international futbol.

MaxiLopez, sorry but I couldn’t watch any football during the weekend.
Working long hours.
I’ll try to catch some info on Diego Placente for you when I get a chance.
Ciao

TODDUTAH, yes you are probably right considering that there is only one spot for our forwards in the 4-3-1-2. Thanks for the article. Baggio and Carlo know about futbol.

ALBO, thanks a lot!

Inter Milan in talks with Boca Juniors defender Maidana
tribalfootball.com – March 30, 2008

Inter Milan are in talks for Boca Juniors defender Jonathan Maidana.

Inter chief Marco Branca has already held discussions with Maidana’s Italian agent, John Fiore, about an end-of-season move to Milan for the fullback.

However, Inter face competition from Sevilla, where sports director Monchi is dealing directly with Boca over a fee for the player.

AC Milan using Oliveira to land Zaragoza striker Milito
tribalfooball.com – March 29, 2008

AC Milan are eyeing Real Zaragoza striker Diego Milito.

The Argentina international has been a long-term target for Milan and could move to the San Siro in a swap for Ricardo Oliveira.

Controcampo says Real want to sign the Brazil international permanently and Milan are exploring the prospect of Milito being included as part of the deal.

Should Milan sign Milito, it’s understood they will immediately offer him to Genoa in exchange for full ownership of Marco Borriello.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, yesterday, admitted he saw Borriello leading his attack next season.

“There would be a much better and more balanced pairing between Pato and Marco Borriello, as they have different characteristics, yet they are compatible,” he said.

Hi all,
I have been reading the postings on this blog since it started (although I never posted anything myself).
I have gone thru the curve of happiness and pain of being an Argie supporter, but the fact remains no other teams play gives me so much happiness that Argentina gives.
I am concerned that the way young argentine talents are hounded by media and money making clubs , it may end up in the same situation like the national team of england.
Too many stars but no effectiveness, when fans get hungry for win, make up friendlies with lower level playing nations.
With the present coach or atleast present situation of team selections this is the impression I get. either Coco is not concentrating on WC2010 or he is too confident and forgets that he cant play more that 11 coherent players at a time.
Pato should retire from playing time in national side.
We should start searching a good left back .
G.Milito adds to confidence of opposite team( whichever 1 mistake he does it ends up as goal).
Put up a coach who can atleast inspire the team and not wait for the stars do the magic of their own.

I hope we dont change playing style like Brazil (for some opponents and matches may be yes).

Good luck to our young and promising players, Keep up the hunger time is coming soon.

Cheers!

Basile is not thinking about WC10 right now because he’s got the responsability to qualify la albiceleste first.
It sounds like a “gimme” for some but the last time he coached the qualies he had to get Maradona to save our asses on the “repechaje” against Australia.
Some of us still remember and don’t take anything for granted.
Saludos

Welcome WATCH10.

ALBO,

What is funny with this sport is that a futbol team acts like a company. A coach needs to fix classified objectives: 1) Qualify for the WC. 2) Win the WC. But you can’t dissociate them. You need to prepare WC with the qualifiers and with the same group of 20 players to make them understand themselves on the field. If you want to win a WC, you need at least 3 years to prepare it. A lot of European teams will only participate to the next Euro to prepare WC 2010. It doesn’t mean they don’t want to win this competition, they just want to think “longer term”, and think about a single big goal (WC) that can be reached by achieving objectives (Euro, friendlies). The best and latest example is Aimé Jacquet who excluded Ginola & Cantona from the French NT for the 1996 English Euro to train Djorkaeff & Zidane in an international and tuff competition. France would have maybe won in 1996 with Cantona & Ginola (who were really excellent at that time in England!) but would Zidane have made win France in 1998? That’s why some say that it is a mistake to use Veron, Ibarra, Crespo, Pato, Cruz or maybe Zanetti to prepare a WC and it is very understandable as you know that Argentine young talent is absolutely outstanding.

I remember that someone here was a bit disapointed for Tevez because Manchester would use a 4-5-1 system against Roma, tomorrow. Don’t forget that they often use 4-5-1 when they defend and 4-3-3 when they attack. 4-5-1 & 4-3-3 seem very close but when you watch Arsenal (4-5-1) and Barca (4-3-3), the 2 systems seem really different. Anyway, I wanted to say that Tevez is gonna start tomorrow and it will be dangerous for Roma. I still strongly believe that Roma will qualify, even without their star, Totti, who is injured…

maxi, sorry i have no information concerning aimar’s injury. i have tried several times by going on his personall website as well as other web site and i just can’t get any new information on him. last year zarragoza was such an exciting team they made the uefa cup and d milito was challenging ruud for top scorer in spain. this year with no aimar they are fighting for survival.

I really hope that Barcelona step up and play so that Messi has something to come back for. I still would love to know what their record is this year when he starrts and when he does not. It seems like barcelona are at best 50 50 when he does not start. I beleive the reason for this is that teams have to account for messi at all times and therefore do not press up as much as they do when he is not playing. It might seem silly but players like Messi actually help the defense as well as the offense. It also is true that a player like Messi gives the whole team a sense of confidence.

Watch 10 welcome to the blog! I concur that the coach has to make decisions that are best for short term and long term. Quite truthfully al things being equal you shold always go for the younger player. Sometimes basile picks a player that is not even as good as the younger player ie using Veron in the Copa or still using Pato. I thinkn that sometimes basile is like all of us he likes familiarity. The problem is that these guys really dont get much time to play together and as I have stated before these relationships and partneships need to be built over time. For example it is bnecoming eveident that Aguero and Messi should be on the pitch in 2010 so why not get hem together as much as possible now. Also we need to develope a back four that works as one so why no tfigure that out now as much as possible and have them together. I woiuld love to see a line up in the next freindly that I felt could be the line up in 2010 and yet I dont see that very often.

I mean a freindly in Egypt that means nothing and you have two maybe three guys starting that wont be around in 2010. Why waste those minutes?

Thank you AIMAR10. Zaragoza has had management problems. They have changed 3 times their coach this year! There are issues in the locker room too. It’s a disgrace for Ayala and all their good players (Diogo, Milito, Luccin, Oliveira,…) that are unable to work correctly.

TODDUTAH, I totally agree.

Toddutah, I don’t mean to sound rude but, don’t you ever get tired of asking the same questions over and over again?
Egypt was not supposed to be an easy friendly but the egyptians chocked, the same way we do sometimes when we face bigger teams.
A friendly that doesn’t “mean nothing”, what would that be?
Brazil? We’ll see them soon. Who else?
I personally get a little tired of hearing the same complaints every day.

I really don’t think Tevez has a chance to start against Roma. Ferguson will play either a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-1-1(with Ronaldo drifting behind Rooney). I don’t think Tevez will start any of the real big important games(in europe) now near the end of the season. Ferguson looks to have decided how to play in the big games in Europe and I don’t think he is gonna change that. But Tevez will get some minutes in the second half and could be the hero anyway……

RUNE,
I said Tevez is gonna start because Ferguson did to the press. A 100% reliable info! Don’t you trust me?

The only useless friendlies are the ones that bring tired players on the other side of the planet. In Australia for example. This friendly in Egypt was very good and useful. And not that far from Occidental Europe. The only problem is that Zanetti (which is dead, believe me) and Cruz, not Penelope but the grand father, played. You can’t deny that Argentina often plays friendies in countries where the team can be marketed at his best (Northern Africa, Australia, USA, …). The friendly in Melbourne was absolutely useless for our players unlike the game in Egypt. We must play Europeans too.

Buddiez, im a silent viewer of this great site but one thing clear that Argentina will win the World Cup 2010 for sure if Jose Pekerman returns before it and takes over to lead team otherwise its a waste of time supporting argentina . . . even though i give my heart to argentina, they lack somethin special to lift the world cup so pls pray to Jesus Christ to resurrect the argentina team to win the 2010 soccer world cup.

Carrizzo MUST play for the next qualifiers. Do you want to throw Pato to the bin? Clic!

http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/04/01/futbollocal/01641149.html

Albo to answer your question NO! I dont get tired of asking the same questions when I see Basile doing the same things over and over again. Of course I support him and agree with a lot of his decisions but I do think that sometimes he goes with the familar players when it does not make sense to do so. Why would a freindly against Egypt not be a good channce to start either Lopez or cavenaggi? Why in the world would you even bring Cruz? Please Albo answer me that and then I wont ask again.

It’s simple Todd.
Cruz still has better stats than Cavenaghi, playing in a more competitive league and sharing his minutes with 4 more players.
I like Cavenaghi a lot, everybody can tell you that.
But I think that Basile has an agenda that moves at a different pace than we would like to see. He’s giving his players a good chance to show their act.
If you look at the players we always wanted to see on the pitch you’ll see that he played Messi, he played Aguero, Tevez, everybody we wanted but took a longer time to do it. Why? Because he ows everybody a decent chance.
In Argentina, aside from the ususal criticism (everybody in Argentina gets criticized) nobody is trying to fire Basile like they just did in Mexico with Hugo Sanchez.
People are not losing their sleep over Coco Basile.
They giving him his time and space to work.
Why do we have to get so anxious here?
The best individual players on each position at any time????
That’s rubish.
We need a team.
And when Basile gets it, we’ll all notice!!!
Meanwhile, let’s be mature about it.
Sometimes we sound like kids without their toy.
Patience my friend, patience and faith.
I can assure you he’s not stupid.
Saludos

i think that with the increasing of player spending, argentina will have much more players in the mls in the future in order to help the betterment of football quality in the mls

ok ALbo I wont ask again but I still disagree with the answer saludos.

is he that indispensable to the NT, i think he can go if he wants to.

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=643178

great article, toddutah—–

just read in sport.es that Real Madrid is going to trade Saviola for some guy in Juventus. I know that Sport is just a gossip mag, but just wanted to post the rumor…

It looks like Saviola will end up in Sevilla Juventus or Napoli. Afer a two year vacation he should be ready to play

Update on Aimar.

Matuzalem And Aimar Could Return For Betis Clash
Real Zaragoza coach Manolo Villanova may be able to call on the services of Matuzalem and Pablo Aimar for the club’s crucial home match with Real Betis this weekend after the pair returned to training on Tuesday.
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galleria zoom Zaragoza’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Valladolid last weekend left them in 17th place in La Liga, with only a superior goal difference separating them from the bottom three, and in desperate need of a victory at home to Betis.

Their chances of doing so have received a boost with the news that Matuzalem and Pablo Aimar could both be fit enough to make the squad, after undergoing training with the rest of the squad on Tuesday without problems.

Matuzalem has spent the last week in Holland, receiving specialist recuperation treatment from Dutch physiotherapist Dick Van Toorn and has made sufficient progress to be considered for a starting berth at the weekend.

The Brazilian has failed to make the expected impact since joining from Shaktar Donetsk in the summer, with a series of injury and disciplinary problems limiting his time in the first team, and now would be the perfect time for him to repay the club for the money invested in him.

Aimar has been out of action for three months with a pelvic injury and is slightly behind Matuzalem in the recover stakes, but could still be part of the eighteen man squad at the weekend, with the creativity he offers greatly missed by the team in his extended absence.

Here is what Crespo thinks
Crespo Proud To Reach Goal-Scoring Milestone
Inter Milan striker Hernan Crespo indicated his pleasure at reaching 300 career goals when interviewed by the Argentine press on Monday.
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galleria zoom Crespo scored in Inter’s 1-1 draw with Lazio at the weekend, a goal that according to Argentine sports paper Olé, marks the 300th of his professional career.

“The truth is that I have no kept account of it and it was only when I spoke with you that I found out,” he told a reporter from the paper.

“Without doubt it is an important number that fills me with pride… it is something that has occurred and the fact that I have reached such a milestone shows that my career has gone well.”

Favourite Goals

When asked to name the most significant goals in his career, Crespo chose the two he scored to take River Plate to the Copa Libertadores title in 1996.

“Those that I scored against America that won the 96 Libertadores. Having begun my career and spent six years at River, to gain the trophy in front of your public, at the age the 20 and also because it was my goodbye to the club… there are no words for so many emotions,” he explained.

Crespo also remembered his hat-trick from Parma against Juventus in 1999 as another high point.

“I remember fondly the game with Juventus in 1999, because I scored three in a match that was Parma’s first ever win at Juventus’ stadium and that resulted in Lippi leaving the club,” he affirmed.

National Team Future

Crespo recognised that his limited appearances for Inter this season have had a negative effect on his chances of making the Argentina national team, but still feels that he has something to give at international level.

“It is normal, I understand that I have dropped down the pecking order at Inter, that this year I have not played as much as I would have liked and became accustomed to. That has complicated the national team situation, but I am calm because I feel in great shape,” he asserted.

“I refuse to believe that I have scored my last goal for the national team.”

Carlitos is not starting against Roma. Ji Sung Park is in the starting lineup instead of Tevez. I think Tevez will do really well next season – if infact what he’s been saying about his tiredness has been true. Then again – its not really been a bad season for him.

Arsenal push for Besiktas star Delgado
tribalfootball.com – April 01, 2008

Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Besiktas midfielder Matias Delgado.

Istanbul sources say Arsenal have made contact with Besiktas about Delgado’s availability and are willing to offer £4 million to bring him to London in the summer.

You see, Maxi Lopez: It is not what Ferguson says to the press that counts, it is what I think! LOL. Of course Tevez will not start the game……

as much as it pains me to write this, C. Ronaldo is something else. What a goal today, and a constant menace today. Tevez was lively in the few minutes he was on the pitch. As he has done for the national team, when he comes on as a sub for Man U (forget this game), he does tend to have a pretty major impact. maybe not in terms of goals scored but he definitely does pick up the pace and get things going.

And with Barca winning, one can only hope Sir Alex will play a 4-4-2 vs Barca so we can see Tevez vs Messi….

And as expected United did exactly what they had to do in Rome. Roma is a mediocre team when they are without Totti, and it is just too naive to play with only Vucinic up front when facing Ferdinand and Vidic. Spaletti never has a plan B……
Happy that Barca won…but they will lose in the semifinal against United anyway….

RUNE,
So Ferguson did some intox! I watched game. It’s easy to blame a coach for not having a plan B. What did Spaletti had to do? Come on the field and wake up his players. He tried to change things with Giuly but it wasn’t enough. Roma is a great team when they are wake up mentally. The Brazilians Mancini, Taddei, Toni were horrible. These players deserved to lose.

Ronaldo is a strange player. I watched him closely the whole game. Before his gol, he had touched only 9 balls and lost 5 of them. But he is the perfect modern player, the kind of guy who has an impact on the result of a game. After his gol, he was dribbling all around and making the mass think that he’s the best. He is so dangerous on counter attacks. Would Ronaldo be that effective in Zidane’s body?

Tevez is excellent. He gave an outstanding long pass to Ronaldo that wasted a superb volley.

Last thing I wanna say is that Manchester didn’t win only because of Ronaldo. They won because they defended with 10 players (Rooney included). Roma seemed an ordinary team because of this. I was very surprised of their tactical skills. They have reacted since their elimination against Milan a year ago.

ALBO,
Cruz will be 38 years old in 2010. He belongs to the past, stats included.

what concerns me is that Alex doesn’t play Tevez in Euro. Partly due to the uber defensive lineup (4-5-1) he likes to use in Europe, but nonetheless, one would think Tevez would be better suited to play against ‘technical’ teams from the continent than strictly English teams. Tevez isn’t Boca Tevez anymore and has gained a lot of weight/muscle to adapt to the English game, but he naturally is a better fit for the Italian and Spanish league’s style of play; and yet he never plays in the Champions League.

The reason why I watch Man U a lot is b/c they have somehow found a way to score a lot of goals without a ‘central’ or prototypical number 9. This obviously relates to Argentina where I envision Messi playing the role of the free winger like Ronaldo and Aguero playing Rooney’s role. Of course, Riquleme changes the dynamics but without him, Arg could employ a similar style of play that Man U uses..

Maxilopez,
great review from you about the
Man Utd game today. Don’t you think
that Schole really gave away the ball
too many times? Thanks

> After his gol, he was dribbling all around and making the mass think that he’s the best. He is so dangerous on counter attacks.

Maxi, agree completely with you on these points. He is very good on counter attacks and one-off situations like dead-balls but less effective on organized attacks. In a way he is like Kaka. And its really funny to see him make a monkey of himself after a high (like trying to do ridiculous dribbles and losing the ball).

I still contend that United have a lot to prove before they are given the European crown. They tend to look more limp in the cL, versus how they perform in the premier league, where they seem unbeatable.

But that said, barcelona is screwed if they go against United without Messi (and Ronaldinho), and even then, they’ll have to be in a groove. It’s going to be very hard for Barca (that’s supposing that they even make it to the semis, and not have a meltdown against Schalke in the Nou Camp, which is not out of the realm of possibilities these days)

off topic but here are the goals of Zarate from the weekend. I was in DC this weekend, so didnt get to watch any games.

i didnt even watch any cl games today.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8kiUysckotY&feature=related
first goal

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qka79SE7fNM&feature=related
second goal

MaxiLopez, Diego Placente was not in the lineup last Saturday when San Lorenzo beat Lanús 3-1.
But he’ll be a starter in Brazil this Thursday for Copa Libertadores, when San Lorenzo visits with Cruzeiro. That’s all I could find on him. Salutti

Spaletti should have changed things earlier…he should have brought someone on to partner Vucinic up front from the start of the second half. They were 1-0 down allready and I just can’t understand why he didn’t attack with two strikers the entire second half. By the way, I am not the only one to claim that Spaletti never has a plan B, this is often talked about in Italy.
Ronaldo is the best player on this planet at the moment! Like it or not.

The difference between Ronaldo and Messi is that Ronaldo needs more spaces. In CL he is decisive, he is the one that scores the first, OK. But you only really see him when MU is leading and when counter attacking. Same goes for Kaka. Messi doesn’t need to lead to destroy everything. He can play even in a cm2! That’s why he’s the best in the use of small spaces.

But all this is indiviual skills. The battle for space must be won collectively and guys like Maxi Rodriguez, Riquelme or Sorin are able to do this. Zidane being the god for oygen…

KEN, I watched more the Italians. I always focus carefully on Ronaldo because everybody say he’s the best. For me, he’s just a playboy with incredible individual skills that loses possession and that can be destroyed by tactics. I’m maybe wrong because Roma are usually really good tactically and couldn’t stop his header.

ALBO, thanks a lot.

ALEXA, I was also thinking this concerning MU. But they seem so lucky, so Italian… Don’t worry for Barca

RUNE, Spalletti is an excellent coach. The priority when you face MU at home is absolutely not to conceed gols. That’s why he started Taddei on the right flank instead of Giuly. Priority to the defence. But Spalletti reacted after Ronaldo’s gol. He lauched Giuly to attack from the right. And minutes later, he threw in Esposito and changes his tactics with Giuly partening Vucinic. I don’t know what Spalletti could have done in addition to this! I also remind you that Roma doesn’t have Tevez, Nani or Giggs on the bench…

Roma players lost the game mentally after some bad luck. At 0-2 they were destroyed.

I really do hope to see a fit Messi and Barca take on Man Utd. If Messi’s in good/decent form I think he’d absolutely annihilate Man Utd single handedly. I mean he ran circles around the Chelsea defence when he was 18! An injury free Messi is by far beyond comparison. That is all.

Lionel Messi is back on the plane back to Barca – to train with the squad. He ofcourse will not be competing in the upcoming matches – but he’s well on his way to making complete recovery. Here’s to hoping that Messi will lead Barca to the CL trophy and demolish Real Madrid in May.

Nice article on FIFA.com about Lavezzi:

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=728760.html

In my opinion, at the moment, C. Ronaldo is the best player. By far.

Yes ALBO. This is what modern futbol is: the best player in the world is individual, a dribbler and a physical machine

These guys, Ronaldo, Messi, Robinho, Robben, will never make me dream.

MaxiLopez, I’m sorry I make you nervous with my comments.
I love team football as much as you do.
But I was talking about an individual player and about this specific moment in time.

ALBO, your comments never make me nervous

The only thing in futbol that brings me nervous is FIFA.

The mass loves dribbles and gols. We Argentina fans love the ball, the movements, the short passes, the patience & the beauty. Otherwise, we would support Brazil…

MaxiLopez – just for old times sake:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0O7KkZn4rk

Beautiful.

Chelsea go for Boca Juniors star Palacio
tribalfootball.com – April 02, 2008

Chelsea are chasing Boca Juniors striker Rodrigo Palacio.

The Mirror says Chelsea are trying to broker a £6m deal for 24-year-old Palacio.

Palacio said: “Friends like Carlos Tevez play in the Premier League, it would be a fantastic challenge for me.”

The match commentators were saying during the game at home to Colo Colo that there were Chelsea scouts in the stadium. If that was true, they saw Palacio give an absolutely stellar performance. Boca fans should see him while they can.

That’s what I’ve been saying about Rodrigo Palacio.
He belongs with our very best floating forwards.

ajNYHC,
It’s funny that you sent this link because something very similar is coming for Argentina fans. I’m just doing the last details of this project that i do when i have time. You will see once more what beauty is soon.

ALBO,
Unlike Tevez, Palacio is just pure class. I really hope Rodrigo won’t go to Chelsea (Arsenal would suit him much better). It would be a big mistake. I mean, their coach has Drogba, Shevchenko & Anelka and he uses a 4-5-1 like all the other english teams and starts only one of these top forwards (and i don’t mention all the youngsters there neither). Secondly, Palacio’s game isn’t enough physical. Inter or Milan should renew their attacks wih him. He plays the beautiful game.

José Pekerman applies for Mexican NT.

http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/04/03/futbolinternacional/01642494.html

Great, that will give LaVolpe, Sanchez and the mMxican media something else to whine about.

Ha ha, well said James.
I think the Mexican media are the toughest I’ve seen.
Good luck to Pek.

MaxiLopez, Palacio is not a super talented dribbler of the ball.
He’s got speed. He must be the fastest man in argy football.
And he knows how to float around a striker because he’s been playing with Palermo for a long time.
Palacio runs the whole 90 minutes and drives defenders crazy.
He’s intelligent and understands the game to perfection.
The only thing I would like to see him improving a bit is the use of his left foot. Other than that, he’s tops.

where the heck is Miguel Tevez. CArlos tevez’s younger brother that fergusson was raging about. is he still in argentina or at Mand Utd. where is he?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALBO or ANYWONE else, what do you think about the fact that there is only one single spot between Messi, Tevez, Aguero & Palacio in our coach’s 4-3-1-2?

MaxiLopez, the way it looks and considering Basile would like to have a real striker as a 9, it looks like we have an overstock of little guys, one better than the next one.
In my opinion, I would build the team around Riquelme and Messi.
A 4-2-1-3.

A line of 4 defenders plus:
___Mascherano
_____________Gago
____Riquelme________
Messi_ Cavenaghi_Aguero

But in order for that formation to work, we need 2 excellent laterals, which we don’t have yet (considering Zanetti is too old).
I like Carrizo as a GK
and Demichelis as a right back, maybe with Garay.
We need to young laterals for the WC.
That’s how I see it at the moment.

ALBO,

It’s true, 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 systems are the ones that match the best with our group.

With your system (4-3-3), you can defend in 2 different ways:

You can defend like we did in 2006:

———Carrizzo——–
—X—–X—–X——X–
——-Mascherano——–
Messi-Riquelme-Gago-Aguero
———Cavenaghi——–

Or like all the English clubs:

———Carrizzo——–
—X—–X—–X——X–
Messi–Masche-Gago-Aguero
———Riquelme——–
———Cavenaghi——–

The first defending system can allow Messi & Aguero to do efficient defensive work, but the problem would be Riquelme.

The second defending system can release Riquelme of defensive work but the problem would be for Messi & Aguero who would get very tired and less efficient in attack.

This is why Basile, with Riquelme, will maybe never really use 4-3-3. Just what i think!

Interesting huh?

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=645267

MaxiLopez, interesting post.
I’ll try to continue with our dicussion later on tonight.
Ciao.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvJ62cqrYy4&NR=1

éramos pocos y parió la abuela…

MaxiLopez, the extreme defensive formation of my 4-3-3 would be a 4-4-1-1 like in your second example.
Riquelme would be exempted, Messi wouldn’t have a problem with that, just remember where did he start the play that ended in his best goal so far.
Agüero would have to work hard.
But that’s where Tevez has been feeling at home lately.
Gago is another player who would have to cover some territory, but he played well along Mascherano last time.

okay this might be insane but just a thought.

how about if our midfield consists of

—-x—–x—–x—–x——

——-Mascherano——–
Messi – Banega – gago – Aguero
—— Cavigol——

Instead of riquelme put in banega? and since this is the team we are taking to the olympic, why not try it?

Please dont get mad (at the fact that i left riquelme) it was just a thought. i was so impressed by banega, when i saw him play in person in LA with riquelme on the field. i thought banega was far more mobile and he isnt a defensive liability. with him and gago in the middle who could play as Deffensive mid when they have to.

what do yall think?

HI GUYS,

My name is Jat, i read this blog everyday to keep myself updated to all the argentine news and thanks for all the updates. I love argentina and have been supporting since 1986.

Well, i have been reading this blog for over 8 months. I never wrote anything but this time i couldn’t take it. WHO IS THIS STUPID ALI by posting youtube of argentina vs romania. No offence JOHN is one pain in the ass and now comes this stupid ali. John at one point does sound funny when he tries to promote his kaka or ac milan but disappears when ac loses. Thats y he is funny.

N this ali is totally out of his mind and one little stupid loser.

Rgds and once more thanks for all the updates.

cheers

MESSAY,

Why would we get mad?

It’s a puzzle to coach Argentina. Easy and difficult at the same time. For your 4-1-4-1, you play Riquelme, you have the beauty on the field but you are vulnerable defensively. Put him out and it’s the contrary. Some European coaches would not hesitate longer believe me…

I remind that Riquelme defended on the left of the 4-1-4-1 against Ivory Coast (thanks to Maxi who was defending with Cambiasso in the middle!). Riquelme also defednded like this with Villareal in front of Sorin.

I’m sure this would be a very efficient system for Argentina. A 4-3-3 that defends with 4-4-1-1. Everybody at the right position.

I’ve read that the Russian company RENOVA is the one that has signed contracts with AFA.
http://www.renova.ru/eng/company/

It has an big influence on Basile concerning all the lists of players called for friendlies. RENOVA decides where Argentina must play according to their Marketing strategies. They are the ones who decided to bring Argentina in Algeria, Australia or USA.

So this company wanted to play Cameroun but changed its mind for Egypt because of their African recent title.

They also want to play against a Catalan formation and Serbia (I don’t know why yet).

Anyway, I wanted to say that it’s easy to criticize a coach who has to work in these conditions. All this is obviously the reason why Pekerman refused Grondona’s proposal to stay after 2006. He wanted to work in peace with his players.

Maybe the Russians like Pato or Insua, who knows? Maybe they wanted Cruz for the last friendly?

I wouldn’t be surprised if their leader is an oligarch and friend/enemy of Abramovitch/Poutine.

Our federation is a disaster.

Real Madrid discuss shock raid for Atletico star Aguero
tribalfooball.com – April 04, 2008

Real Madrid directors have discussed raiding city rivals Atletico for Argentine superkid Sergio Aguero.

Marca says Real’s board discussed this week making a mega signing in the summer market, which would have global appeal.

“And why not El Kun?” asked one director.

“Yes, undoubtedly El Kun is already a big star in Spain,” replied a major club powerbroker.

Aguero’s current buyout clause is set at £37 million.

Porto striker Lisandro Lopez in Roma sights
tribalfootball.com – April 03, 2008

Porto striker Lisandro Lopez is interesting Roma.

A Bola says Roma are keeping tabs on the 25 year-old Argentine leading up to the summer market.

———Carrizzo——–
—X—–X—–X——X–
——-Mascherano——–
Messi-Riquelme-Gago-Aguero
———Cavenaghi——–

Love that one !!!

Mercado: La Lazio va a por Palacio
El equipo capitalino quiere sacudir el mercado con una gran contratación para la próxima temporada.

La prensa italiana da cuenta del interés de la Lazio por Rodrigo Palacio, agregándose a la lista de pretendientes que tiene el delantero de Boca Juniors.

Según Corriere dello Sport, el conjunto romano inició ya las gestiones para hacerse con los servicios del mundialista en Alemania 2006, a pesar de que considera muy alto los 15 millones de euros (unos 23.5 millones de dólares), que pide Boca Juniors por su pase.

El presidente lacial, Claudio Lotito, anunció a los aficionados del club celeste una gran incorporación de cara a la próxima temporada, y Palacio parece ser el nombre que quiere sumar el directivo.

De todas maneras, el precio del delantero no estaría al alcance de la Lazio en lo inmediato, por lo que el club romano negociaría con Boca la posibilidad un préstamo.

Palacio fue seguido de cerca la última semana por dirigentes del Chelsea inglés, quienes quedaron impresionados por su actuación en el partido de Copa Libertadores ante Colo Colo.

does anybody know when the argentina vs usa tickets will be available?

Lazio Chasing Palacio
Lazio president Claudio Lolito has reportedly approached Boca Juniors with a view to signing striker Rodrigo Palacio
»Comments (2) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us
galleria zoom The Argentina international has starred for the Buenos Aires giants in recent seasons, having formed a formidable attacking partnership with ex-Villarreal target man Martin Palermo.

Speculation has arisen that Lazio are looking to make a mega-money signing in the summer, and the Italian press have reported that Lolito held talks with Boca representatives on Tuesday to discuss the availability of the speedy 26-year-old.

Palacio has long been earmarked for a move to Europe, ever since bursting onto the scene with Boca after moving from Banfield in 2005.

Mike Maguire

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/04/04/zarate_steps_out_of_the_shadow.html

Nice blog on Zarate, would make for an ideal no 9 at the Olympics. Would link up well with Aguero.

Jonathan, the ticket sale date hasn’t been announced yet, but I’ll post it as soon as I hear something.

Wow is Zarate going to be the Tevez of last year coming to form just in time to save his team from relegation and then signing witha bigger club? Should be fun to watch him.

Kinda weird story.

Cavallero: We Created A Monster
River Plate director of press relations Héctor Cavallero has admitted that the club paid organised gangs to control the terraces at El Monumental, and that the power apportioned to these groups has since made it almost impossible to police them.
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galleria zoom In-fighting between the Borrachos del Tablon and Banda del Oeste supporter groups caused a mini-riot at the weekend in which seven people, including a police officer were injured and is just the latest in a collection of violent instances that have followed the club over the last few years.

Speaking on Argentine radio Cavallero confirmed what had always been suspected, but never proved, that the club were financing the likes of Adrián Rousseau and Alan Schlenker to create gangs to control the terraces during matches.

“Six years ago we put faith in a very interesting policy to give certain powers to set of boys who were partners of River so that they took control of the stadium, to stop disturbances, drugs, robberies and confrontations,” he told Alejandro Fantino on the radio program ‘Música con pelotas’.

“We created a monster that we could not control and these boys continue to make trouble and cause disasters, with the objective of, we can assume, getting the entrance money. I do not know what they want, I only assume that because they are young males without high incomes, but I don’t really know.

“If this is about entrances, the entrance to the ground does not cost anything, it is no business. It is 24 pesos to enter, with 1,000 entrances there are 24,000 pesos. It is not going to make you a millionaire.”

“This has come to us like boomerang that is hitting us hard. They do not have limits or anything to lose and do not respect any laws,” he concluded.

Toddutah, thanks for posting that story.
It gives me as an argentinean the chance to ratify it and denounce it openly.

We have “Barras Bravas” in almost every professional football club.
And they are everything that is wrong in the sport.
Starting by the low fact that the clubs pay them to attend the away games (many times out of the country) and give them a cut on things like ticket sales, parking lots money, food stands and what not.
They own the very middle of the main sector of the stadium and whatever the say the others do.
The business must have gotten important during the last years because now there’s always someone who dies in the middle of a battle between gangs.

You might say that happens in other countries too.
But it changes nothing.
Shame on us, argies.

Juan Pablo Sorin has played 5 minutes against Stuttgart today. He was recovering from an injury right? I love this player.

higuain is too darn slow!!!!!!!

Higuain & Jonas were very poor tonight, AS USUAL.

Gago did a mistake but was still excellent. His pressing was outstanding. He seems in very good shape.

Juampi Sorín played his first 4 minutes in the last 11 months!!!
Yes MaxiLopez, El Caudillo had suffered a nasty strain in a tendon of his right knee. The post-operatory and the healing took for ever but now it looks like he’s going to be able to play a little more of his energetic game, for his pleasure and ours.

I remember I was very very very nervous before watching Argentina-Ivory coast on television in 2006. when I saw Sorin, who seemed so confident and strong mentally, I felt cooler. This guy is a captain. His movements and tactical skills are important, but he’s also a fighter and we miss this a lot since Ayala & Sorin stopped playing for the NT. I hope Sorin will get back to his level (Placente too ).

how old is sorin???

32

It’s not gonna be easy to replace Sorín and Zanetti.

On a different note,

And here’s to Porto (with their 5 argies all on the pitch for the first time). They destroyed Amadora 6-0, with 2 goals by Lucho and one by Lisandro Lopez, to become “Tri-Campeao do Futebol Portuguese” !!!

A good weekend for Argie players so far, Aguero got a brace today making it 23 goals in all competitions, Coloccini scored and so did Pavone scored his 12th of the season. Albo you’re right about it being difficult to replace Zanetti and Sorin. I saw Grimi play in the UEFA cup agaist Rangers and he was outstanding!! i reckon we need a pacey left back with brilliant defensive skills like Zanetti!! hope someone fills this position soon!!

Wow that’s great for our Porto boys!

Did someone watched the Sevilla-Villareal game? How was Gonzalo Rodriguez who played the whole game???

Aguero, Pavone, Coloccini scored. Aguero is becoming a Liga crack.

Basile said one day that he doesn’t like SW running a lot between attack & defence. This is why he often uses Heinze & Burdisso on the flanks for a “strong” defence. Personnaly, I hope it’s not the end for Sorin.

ZANETTI,

Javier isn’t excellent in defence. He conceeds to much opponent crosses and doesn’t press a lot. But with the ball, he’s awesome. Class.

Villarreal are overperfoming, this was quite clear today.
Gonzalo made to many bad tackles. That’s a NT disaster waiting to happen.
Fazio played well for Sevilla as DM. All in all, deserved victory for Sevilla.

Barca 0 – 0 Getafe

Yet another forgettable performance by Barca. Its like they didnt have any forwards.

MAXI LOPEZ

I agree with you on that! Apparently i’ve heard that Emiliano Insua is doing really well for the Liverpool Reserves. why doesnt Basile play Escudero? i mean when argentina won 5-0 against Honduras,he was sublime as a left back and could also switch to a left sided midfielder if needed..

Barca are really missing Messi!! cnt wait to see him back in action!

if you are nostalgic or was to young,missed or wanna see some legendary games again just click on the link.
http://youtube.com/user/kimjjj
full matches.

i dont think gonzalo is a disaster waiting to happen.
he just came back from the injury that kept him out almost 2 years.
did you see him last week or the other weeks he did great,fantastic.
yes today was not his day the whole villarreal team sucked beside the goalkeeper,dont judge someone because of 1 game,mascherano was terrible and behaved like a child against man utd that doesnt take anything away from him because of 1 bad game he follewed it up with a monster performance against arsenal.so please have patient gonzalo deserves that.thanks.

FAZIO started to.he is really very talented but must still learn.he must work on his passing abilities and concentration to not make blunders like against arsenal,i seen that happen many times to him he just passes the ball to the opponent.but still with time he will learn.

insua is going to be part of the liverpool squad next year a the talk is rafa is going to give him a chance to compete to be the starting leftback.hope he grabs the chance!

http://goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=648593

check the ratings for the argies.

Spain really needs to do away with racism. There were loud monkey chants when Uche came on today. That takes the fun out of the game. Organized fans are usually responsible for this and like in Argentina, the Spanish teams themselves created these monsters.

Racism is absolutely everywhere. You can’t beat it. People are too stupid and far too many. Racism belongs to the human genes and we need to stick to it. All the sport managers can do is to get it out from the stadiums.

ALFIO, i’m positive for Rodriguez. Pellegrini is a clever coach and has never stopped protecting him in order to recover of his 2 big injuries. I don’t know why French Cygan doesn’t play anymore but Gonzalo must be happy of the coach’s confidence in him.

Messi is needed what a wasted opportunity by barcelona!! And on your own pitch. Right now nobody seems to want to win the title in spain and watch out MAn U here comes Chelsea.

It is kind of funny (and so pathetic at the time) that a team hires an African player and pays him a ton of money the make their team better, for their own fans to assume the player was sent from hell and deserves a racist treatment and a lesson in hatred.
What in the world do those fans have in their rotten minds?
Do they feel they’ve been invaded from planet of better athletes????
How stupid our human behaviour….

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1819054434941432566&q=Lan%C3%BAs+-+River&total=199&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

keep an eye out for Martin Bravo of San Martin(SJ).

MY very Dear Alfio,
Thanks a lot for your recent comments. I am so glad
to see you back on our blog.
You are right about Mascherano having a great game
against Arsenal. I cannot believe it that Arsenal
did not win that game. I predict that Liverpool
will finish them at Anfield. Did you notice how
Kuyt played at the back after the equalizer?
Since I have so much respect for you, may I
ask your point of about the recent Kosovo independence
and your prediction about the CL winner. Thanks
again for the youtube connection of that fellow
downloading those world cup games. May God bless.
Best wishes,
KEN

amazing goal J-Argie

hi ken.
i always read the blog but i had and have some personal problems in my life.
this season i did not watch much football for that reason so i couldnt comment on players performance,i like to know what i write.
i think arsenal is going to win against liverpool,my prediction is arsenal or man Utd gonna be the champions.

the kosovo independence is a great thing for us,we now can begin a new life and have a future,everybody knows is going to be hard but if we work work we can archive that.
thanks.

Dear Alfio,

Thanks for your response. I am so happy
to hear from you. With regards to your personal
problems, it appears you went through a hard time.
I believe that we all how have issues in this
short life. But the wiser ones RESPOND to them
instead of reacting to them. That is it is more
important how one responds to a given problem
that matters most. This applies to health, money or relationship. I will pray for you.

Going back to football, I want Man utd to win. But I believe that Liverpool
will win it because Rafa Benitez’s side will eventually prevail in part because of mascherano, Gerald, Rise, Torres and Rafa’s ability to shift stategy during the game. For example how he made Kirk Duyt played defense after the equalizer in the recent Arsenal game.

Thanks for your take on Kosovo’s independence. I am very happy for your country.

Special regards to Riquelme, the blogger and the rest of the bloggers.
Best wishes,
KEN

It’s great to see you back on the blog, Alfio!

I wonder how many Argentines are playing in the Champions League…I do know that if Liverpool win the Champions, the reason they’ll win will be because of nobody else but Mascherano.

I’m still holding out the dimmest hope for my Barcelona. I hope they don’t blow it on Wednesday.

Alexa,
It is good to see that you
are still active on
our blog. Rune, maxilopez the Corsican friend , Albo etc along with others
were among the first
to passionately comment about the WC 2006. We are now
in April 2008 and it is really good
to see some of us still commenting.
With regards to your favourite team Barca,
they have not been doing great lately specially in la ligua.
Messi’s absence is very notable. I think that the team
is no longer what they used to be two years. But that
won’t stop them from winning CL.This is another beauty
of football. It is so unpredictable as anything can happen.
Cheers,
KEN

ALEXA & KEN,
The Barca problems are in the locker room. It must not be easy to manage people who are not motivated (Ronaldinho), who create conflicts (Etoo, Deco) and new stars who try to be efficient in this difficult atmosphere (Henry, Thuram). Add pressure from the medias which has the consequences to make Ridjkaard play his best players each 3 days and injure them (Messi, Ronaldinho, Etoo, everybody), brings you a team that suprisingly doesn’t work. The players that need to be respected are Iniesta & Xavi. They are excellent.

Pekerman excluded Veron, Zanetti and maybe Placente to avoid all this. I’m not saying he was right. I just say he wanted to avoid problems that Barca are facing nowadays. I don’t think Pekerman’s choice had an impact on our WC result by the way. He must have had his reasons that we don’t know. Same goes for Pellegrini concerning Riquelme (even if it seemed also difficult to understand).

ALFIO,
Almost nobody here can realize the kind of “work” you need to achieve. But we wish you good luck and the best for a very near future. This future is yours. And don’t worry for futbol, since WC 2006, nothing happened.