dot   Home     World     South America     Argentina  
Flag Argentina

Argentina

Argentina Squad Announced

   

View detailed player info here.

Goal Keepers: Oscar Ustari (Getafe, Spain), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar, Holland).

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol), Ezequiel Garay (Racing de Santander), Federico Fazio (Sevilla, Spain), Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kasan).

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Ever Banega (Valencia), José Sosa (Bayern Munich), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Damián Escudero (Vélez Sársfield), Juan Román Riquelme (Boca Juniors)

Forwards:
Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid), Sergio Agüero (Atlético de Madrid), Angel Di María (Benfica), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Nápoli,), Marco Ruben (River Plate).


Subscribe

 

rss icon Argentina World Cup Team Blog RSS Feed

Print

Share

  • Golazo

    —————ustari—————
    Zabaleta—-Fazio—Demichlis—Garay
    ————–mascherano————
    Lavezzi——-riquelme———-di maria
    ——-Higuian———-Aguero——-

    With garay and Zabaleta attacking threw the wings and also have Di maria and Lavezii play as wingers.

    Remember, this is a real fifa friendly our ranking is at stake here.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    Can’t wait. The only thing I can’t understand is why they’re taking Marco Ruben. Talented player, but he’s shown nothing at River.

  • toddutah

    Does this mean no Messi? I will be there !!

  • messay

    YEah, where is MESSI??????

  • Golazo

    nope no messi at least for this friendly remember he just came back from injury.

  • ajNYHC

    Wow finally a sensible line-up. I would like to see Sosa pull the strings instead of Riquelme. I’m glad Messi was left out as well. Good game to try these new players out.

  • mfgt2

    I know it’s early, but anyone have any idea what channel this game might be on? Sadly I live in a dorm at UT in Austin and we don’t get goltv so I might have to go somewhere to watch this.

    I like the line-up and am particularly psyched about the Aguero/Higuain forwards setup. No room for Gago in the starting 11?

  • Golazo

    Mfgt2

    Download Sopcast and you can watch the game for free online.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    Telemundo or Telefutura would normally show it, but it falls on the same day as the USA v Mexico game, and you KNOW they’re going give that priority.

  • -a

    Can’t wait to see Zabaleta in action. Same goes for Ansaldi, but mostly because I’ve never seen him play.

    Di María won me over during the U-20’s in Canada, so look forward to seeing how far he has come as a player.

    Hopefully everyone will be given some time.

  • Albo

    Golazo, I like your lineup but I doubt that Checho is going to have only one defensive midfielder.
    (Mascherano).

  • messay

    mannnnnn, i am going to this game, and i was really hoping Messi was gonna be there. I am gonna do all that i can to make sure i get a picture with these guys.

  • Rune

    Is this an official fifa friendly? I thought this was a training match with our olympic team (with Batista) ….Or is this an official match, but AFA decided to send Batista and his olympic team so they can build up to the olympics?…

  • day1star

    That’s 18 players, so we’re not taking a full squad. Am glad Messi is not going, we can’t have him getting a resurgence of the injury he’s just shaken off.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    Rube, this is an official FIFA date, but the AFA is using this match as a warmup for the Olympics.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    Marco Ruben, included in the swuad, has just been sold to Villarreal for 7 million.

  • J-Argie
  • J-Argie

    Spurs aim to trump Liverpool for £10M Garay
    tribalfootball.com – January 23, 2008

    Tottenham are making a £10 million play for Racing Santander defender Ezequiel Garay.
    The Sun says Kop boss Rafa Benitez has been tracking Garay for months but Ramos hopes to cash in on the turbulent times at Anfield and complete a dramatic swoop.

    Garay is a set-piece wizard and scored nine goals last season from deadball moves.

  • J-Argie
  • toddutah

    Just bought my ticket!! And of course I know it is smart to rest Messi but since I am going I would love to see him play. This is going to be great.

  • toddutah

    We are sending our Olympic team but Gautemala is sending its full team.

  • J-Argie

    Boca Juniors confirm Ledesma sale to Lazio
    tribalfooball.com – January 22, 2008

    Boca Juniors have announced midfielder Pablo Ledesma is moving to Lazio.
    Boca chief Pedro Pompilio said: “We have already reached a financial agreement with Lazio for Ledesma. Now it’s a very important period as the boy is waiting for a European passport. Should he receive it before the 31st, then he will move to Rome.”

    Pompilio also revealed the deal would include a collaboration agreement, which would see Lazio working with Boca’s youth teams.

  • J-Argie

    Roma push quick deal for Deportivo La Coruna’s Coloccini
    tribalfooball.com – January 22, 2008

    Roma are chasing Deportivo La Coruna defender Fabricio Coloccini.
    Roma chiefs are seeking a quickfire deal for the Argentina international, who would swap a relegation battle in Spain for a title tilt and Champions League football with the Giallorossi.

    Coloccini isn’t Cup-tied from Europe, which has convinced Roma to push through a January deal for the centre-half.

  • -a

    Garay-to-Spurs link makes sense since they have defence troubles.

    Can I just say that this is one of the better blogs hosted by theoffside. We might have our arguments from time to time, but overall, it’s always a place to find good info and whatnot. Cheers to all of you.

  • http://MSN Samuel

    YO Im sorry little argentinos but im a brazil fan and our squad is much more strong then your little one if you leave it like this you will get another 3-0 whooping like we have been giving you all year last year emirates friendly, copa america, we may just do it again BRAZIL HATERS DONT REPLY CAUSE YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY WE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • J-Argie

    Well….Samuel, the only ting i can say to u is: “L’avenir dira le reste”

  • Albo

    gente fina e outra coisa…

  • Golazo

    Tissone played great today stopping pirlo ronaldo and pato easily and he even scored the winning goal against AC milan.

    Tissone is suely being watching by baptistia for the olypmics.

    John where are you now???????

  • day1star

    My thoughts exactly Golazo, where is the crow now?

  • messay

    So, i just got my tickets, I am row #1 seat #1 lol. Mannn i wish Messi was there.

  • http://www.r-i-v-e-r.blogspot.com Gonzalo

    I bought 4 tickets yesterday, not long after they went on sale. I am in section GA1.

    Either way, in the Coliseum you can sit pretty much wherever you want, regardless of what your ticket says. If I had an option to take the best seats, or the “alright” ones with the Argentina fans, I’d go with the second one. Being with the main group of fans is half of the importance to the game, in my opinion.

    - Gonzalo

  • James

    Please play a 4-3-3 Batista, you have al the right players for it.

  • Rune

    A really good idea for Garay to move to Tottenham. I would love to see him in that team, I have always had a soft spot for Tottenham. Pablo Ledesma to Lazio…Isn’t there anothere argentine Ledesma in Lazio already? Coloccini will not make the team in Roma…he will be a sub. Who is this Tissone guy?

  • ajNYHC

    Rune thats Cristian Ledesma at Lazio. Tissone is a fairly unknown midfielder. He didnt really have a successful spell for Lanus – and was scouted by Udinese and then now at Atalanta.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    I also got my GA ticket, but haven’t heard anything about the so-called practice session the day before. If have anyone in the LA area can recommend some dirt cheap accommodations please let me know.

  • Rune

    Thanks for the info, ajNYHC!

  • Albo

    German Denis keeps scoring for Independiente.
    “El Tanque” is becoming a lethal # 9.

  • Albo

    Karl-Heinz Rummenigge announced that Bayern Munich are NOT going to let their players take part in the Olympic related matches, since they understand it’s not an official FIFA event.
    Martin Demichelis and Jose Sosa for Argentina, and Lucio and Breno for Brasil, are now a question mark for their respective coaches.
    Go figure…

  • aimar10

    i think this will be a huge blow for argentina not to have de’mechilis. he has been an outstandaing defender for argetina recently. when ayala retired i was worried who would be our next rock solid central defender but de’mechilis anwered that. now, what if other clubs follow bayern munich, i read liverpool were furious that macherano was given a call up.

  • J-Argie
  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    Are Inter short on forwards? I know they might lose Crespo…

  • Albo

    Aimar10, I agee with you.
    Looks to me like Checho Batista wanted to reinforce the cetral nerve of the team, the same way Pekerman did in WC06.
    Demichelis-Mascherano-Riquelme.
    Demichelis replacing Ayala.
    The experience, in the center of the field. Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it.

  • Albo

    Fernando Cavenaghi scored again. This time against Saint Ettiene.
    His 4th goal in 5 matches.
    Olé/Clarín featured an article on page one about Cavegol yesterday.
    Its title (translated) would be something like: “Check it out, Coco…”

    My good friend MaxiLopez must be smiling now.
    Basile will give him a chance, you’ll see…

  • messay

    albo, i pray that would be the case. I was never a river fan, but Aimar gave me a soft heart for it, and once he left i was back to just watching boca, then came cavigol. Aimar and cavenaghi were my favorite players in the world till messi came. I hope cavigol gets a chance. I was so frustrated by his dicission to go to russia. i just hope and hope he comes back to life and give us his potential. everytime i see him play, i think of Batistuta.

  • MaxiLopez

    Yes Albo, I’m smiling but also laughing.

    I watched the game yesterday. Cavenaghi scored the only gol of the game. 3 points for Bordeaux, ONLY thanks to him. How? Because of his PURE INSTINCT. This guy smells the ball like Trezeguet. He’s excellent. Forget about Tevez or Aguero for the #9 spot. They are not a fox like him. They don’t have the instinct. The man is Cavenaghi. He is starting to finally develop.

  • Ken

    TO ALEXA,
    if you are interested in attending any games
    in California let me know. The only conditions
    is that ALBO should not be part of your plan. Any boyfriend of yours is
    welcome as well.
    Ken
    San Diego, CA

  • ken

    TO GOnzalo,
    I see you are very active on our blog.
    Please, please make EDUCATION a priority
    before investing your energy
    in football or soccer interests.
    First become INDEPENDENT. the rest
    will follow. For being only 14 years
    old you are quite mature….

  • -a

    So good to read that Cavenaghi is finally re-finding his form. It sounds like this is the season he will get his career back on track.

  • Golazo

    I’m just a normal fan, I’m no different then any other 15 year old sports fan.

  • ken

    Sorry Golazo,

    Sorry, I thought you were above average,
    not normal!

  • James

    This is why I love watching Roman play so much: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uUR6t41f9A[/url]

  • J-Argie

    Mercado: El Benfica ofrece 10 millones de euros más un jugador por Denis El goleador del Torneo Apertura 2007 de Argentina podría emigrar sobre el cierre del mercado de fichajes. Hay interés desde Turquía y Portugal, donde los de Camacho proponen un trueque interesante para Independiente de Avellaneda.
    Mercado: El Benfica ofrece 10 millones de euros más un jugador por Denis
    zoom – galleria
    Siguen llegando a Avellaneda ofertas por Germán Denis, goleador del torneo Apertura 2007. Desde Turquía aparecen varios interesados (Galatasaray y Fenerbahçe) pero la propuesta más tentadora llegó desde Portugal.

    El Benfica estaría dispuesto a desembolsar 10 millones de dólares y además ofrecería el pase del delantero ex Racing, Gonzalo Bergessio, que es del agrado del técnico Pedro Troglio. De esta manera Independiente no tendría que salir al mercado a último momento para buscarle un sustituto a su número ‘9′.

    De todas formas, no hay que descartar una oferta de último momento de alguno de los clubes que en algún momento se interesaron en el artillero, como el Atlético de Madrid, la Lazio, el Rubin de Rusia, el Marsella y el Besiktas turco.

  • http://www.r-i-v-e-r.blogspot.com Gonzalo

    Ken: “TO GOnzalo,
    I see you are very active on our blog.
    Please, please make EDUCATION a priority
    before investing your energy
    in football or soccer interests.
    First become INDEPENDENT. the rest
    will follow. For being only 14 years
    old you are quite mature….”

    Was this message directed towards me? If so, where did you get the fact that I am supposedly 14 from?

    - Gonzalo

  • Golazo

    No he might me Golazo

  • Albo

    James, that’s the play I was talking about somewhere above.
    See the gestures Román makes with his hands after he gets fouled?
    He was teasing Ramón Diaz, former River coach with whom Riquelme has a nice and innocent personal duel.
    So he was like telling Díaz: “they can’t stop me, Pelado, only with a foul…”

  • Albo

    Here’s again in case someone missed it.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uUR6t41f9A

    Riquelme is from another world

  • MaxiLopez

    Albo,

    The video is incredible. The way Riquelme protects the ball is amazing. I love this.

    Watch this one now, you are gonna laugh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2m107IMUOk&NR=1

  • Golazo

    Aimar to Liverpool????

    This really looks like its going to happen in the next few days.

    If Aimar leaves Zaragoza it looks like Diego Milito will too.

    http://www.goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=561513

  • Golazo

    Machester City wants Diego Milito

    Diego Milito is really underated he is the joint top scorer in La Liga along side Fabiano.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhWQMh5qTd8

    Look at that video and say he isnt a world class number 9.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtmlview=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/sport/2008/01/24/ufncity124.xml

  • Albo

    MaxiLopez, I know… :-)
    It can happen to anyone, I guess.
    I watched that game on TV, it was a lot of fun.
    Placente also “ate a nutmeg” from Ledesma, a couple of minutes into the 1st half.

    Tonight at 7 pm ET Boca-River on Fox Sports.
    chau ché…

  • -a

    Benfica have offered 10 million for Denis. No word yet.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    There’s a proper clasico going on in Mar del Plata, with Boca leading River 1-0 at the half. Neither team is at full strength, but it’s a heated and fast-paced match with an electric atmosphere. Certainly better than anything we’ve seen so far in the Copa de Verano as of yet.

    Make sure to catch it on FSE if you can.

  • Albo

    Intense match, so far.

  • maradona

    Haha that was Placente giving Riquelme a taste of his own medicine.

    Anyway, here is one of the best Riquelme compilations:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSWxsRHHRgE&feature=related

  • maradona

    Godly kick by Riquelme.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    2-0 to Boca. A great game to watch, and as heated a “friendly” as you will see.

  • Albo

    Boca 2-0 River. The way I saw it.
    The second goal was an illegal grab of the cross-bar, it shouldn’t have counted.
    But River disappeared during the second half and Boca clearly deserved the win.
    For River, Ortega was great during the first half, Ponzio was awesome the whole 90 min.
    For Boca, Cáceres, Riquelme (in great form), Battaglia and Dátolo were excellent.

    This is just pre-season.
    Both teams will be very strong.
    River have Abréu who will score many for the gallinas, also the kid Alexis Sánchez is just coming back from a long injury.
    Boca is a very deep team.
    Paraguayan Julio César Cáceres (CD), Riquelme, Gracián and Castromán, are all first class additions to the Xeneixes.

  • maradona

    I would like Gracian and Riquelme to play together but I think Gracian will be played as a substitute.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    You can read my thoughts on River’s performance here:
    http://riverplate.theoffside.com/team-news/copa-de-verano-river-plate-0-2-boca-juniors.html

    As for the game as a whole, I thought Boca looked very impressive, and the addition of Cáceres should pay off very well. River meanwhile have some very good players, but they have yet to get in sync as a team.

    Should make for an interesting revancha.

  • -a

    Great, great game, that. Glad I caught it live.

  • Golazo

    looks like a done deal as aimiar is set to join liverpool.

  • J-Argie

    tevez scored against tottenham in the FA cup.

  • James

    Really? Aimar to liverpool? The physical requirements of the premier league will cripple him…

    Gago had a great game against Villarreal today, made an assist for Sneijder’s goal too.

  • john

    Hey Guy’s……..sorry I have been unable to post lately, I know most of you rely on my weekly Serie A reports.

    MILAN 2 Genoa 0 …..this game was all about PATO PATO PATO. 2 goals and now 3 goals in four games. hopefully most of you had a chance to watch.

    lowly inter 0 – Udinese 0 …..things are not looking good for Inter

    Roma 1 Palermo 0 …. big win for Roma now only five points shy of Inter.

    have to go……

    regards,

  • -a

    Agreed with James. I don’t think a move to Liverpool would be a good idea for Aimar.

  • http://argentina.worldcupblog.org Christian

    When I heard the Aimar move I thought it was a joke. I love Aimar, but Liverpool? Then again, Rafa Benitez does have what it takes to give his career a boost. Assuming he stays there much longer.

  • -a

    Yeah, that too. Liverpool’s past two seasons have been largely disappointing. I wouldn’t be surprised if Benitez was sacked at the end of this season. Maybe they’ll keep him if the team manage to win something (FA Cup, Champions)…I honestly don’t think that’ll happen though.

    Mascherano’s move hasn’t even been made permanent. At least not yet.

  • Albo

    In a poll conducted by FIFA, the argy League came out 3rd, after the Premiership and La Liga, and ahead of Calcio.
    Source: Ole/Clarin.

  • Ken

    Alexa,
    please say the truth. You are 32 years old
    and that Albo is on his 50 yrs…Ken loved you.
    Say the truth…..

  • Albo

    Hey Ken, what’s wrong with you?
    You know what happens when you get personal with me, so don’t push it buddy.
    This is a football blog.

  • toddutah

    Where is everyone? Wow what a dead specailist is Riquelme . That right there is why we need him on the NT. Nodody takes corners like Roman.

  • Albo

    Fernando Gago is settling down as Real Madrid’s starter #5.
    And he is starting to show some of his stylish game.
    Madrid’s “Marca” shows RM fans happy with Gago’s game these days.
    It’s a difficult club to be successful, but right now RM is probably the best team of all.

  • MaxiLopez

    This is what I am talking about: our boys are tired, even the pitbull. Grondona is gonna injure our boys
    http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/01/29/01595709.html

    Where are the people who were saying that football players were robots? Pfff.

    ———

    Gago is excellent.

  • Alexa

    Riquelme was great in the game. His dead ball accuracy was amazing, always a great subplot in any game.

    Good to see Gago play well for Real, although i HATE that team.

    Feel bad for Messi – Barcelona is such a mess, and Dinho and Deco need to grow up.

    maxi–i’m sending you a message when i get the chance at work….

  • J-Argie

    Maradona helps Di Santo celebrate Chelsea move
    tribalfooball.com – January 28, 2008

    There was a surprise visitor to Chelsea’s Cobham training complex on Monday, when Argentina legend Diego Maradona paid an unexpected visit.

    The 47-year-old – whose infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico – spent some time chatting to Blues manager Avram Grant as well as Michael Ballack, striker Andriy Shevchenko and Chelsea’s new Argentinian youngster Franco Di Santo.

    “In the world of football he is a hero for every player, he is an incredible player,” said Shevchenko, who has returned to training following a back problem.

    “He is a legend, a hero for everyone, and a fantastic player. He has had a difficult life, but he is doing well now. His look is good and it’s important for him.

    “He has lost a lot of weight, and feels much better.”

  • http://a#spf jhoo87

    wheres porta australia trying to poach him

blog comments powered by Disqus
 

MORE SOUTH AMERICA BLOGS

argentina
Argentina World Cup Team Blog
474 articles | 49,372 comments
 
brazil
Brazil World Cup Team Blog
778 articles | 10,942 comments
 
ecuador
Ecuador World Cup Team Blog
956 articles | 3,919 comments
 
paraguay
Paraguay World Cup Team Blog
165 articles | 306 comments
 
chile
Chile World Cup Team Blog
38 articles | 64 comments
 
uruguay
Uruguay World Cup Team Blog
162 articles | 620 comments
 
colombia
Colombia World Cup Team Blog
28 articles | 908 comments
 
bolivia
Bolivia World Cup Team Blog
20 articles | 14 comments
 
venezuela
Venezuela World Cup Team Blog
9 articles | 11 comments
 
peru
Peru World Cup Team Blog
5 articles | 126 comments
 

CATEGORIES & ARCHIVES

 

 
Closer

Argentina football jerseys
Argentina match tickets
Lionel Messi
Carlos Tevez
Tournaments
Euro 2012 Qualifying
Africa Cup of Nations 2012
UEFA Champions League
Europa League

Follow WorldCupBlog on Facebook   Follow WorldCupBlog on Twitter  
World Cup Resources
World Cup History
World Cup Legends
World Cup Memorable Moments
World Cup Photos
World Cup Videos