Time to move on…

I don’t know hot to begin, I’m still trying to find the light from yesterday’s darkness that has been cast down upon me.

It’s like I’ve been punched by Pacquiao, and can’t get up after yesterdays horrible news.

The nightmare will end soon gino compadre. When this idiot gets booted out by angry fans and Grondona gets dragged out of the AFA HQ by the same people.

He has undersold all Argentines and all Argentina fans everywhere.

The only exclusion I’m still sad about is Lucho.

Oh well, time to move on indeed and focus on the WC. Less than a month away!

I’ll keep saying this: ARGENTINA IS GOING TO WIN THE WC.

If they don’t, ill stop posting here for good.

Dear Argentines,

Reading the past blogs, i felt you guys r not happy with Diego’s selection. But pls give him some respect. He is your national hero. You dont know, how much we Bangladeshis love him though he is not from ou country and he has so many bad example in his entire life. Nevertheless, we love him.
Dont worry guys, Argentina the world champ 2010

i don’t think we can see good football..all the arg worldcup coaches have benn terrible in some ways..we are thinking about defensive football which might be our weakness..

my worry is about midfield ….

who is going to distribute the ball to messi and higuain..?

who is going to give the rhythm in the midfield…?

is mascharano is a captian material,considering his performance in liverpoil i dont think so….

any all the best

Here are the last words from Lucho. He really is a great professional: “I’m sad. I knew it was going to be difficult for me to be part of the squad because I had participated to only one WCQ game, I was hoping to be on the list. Diego came to see Gabi and myself, of course without telling us if he was counting on us. But I was believing I could make it. Diego did his choices. He has taken many local based players. It’s a fact and I don’t want to polemize. Even if I’m disappointed, I’m an argentino afterall and I hope Argentina will win the WC”.

Lucho has been elected April best player of the French league.

DEEPAK,
“who is going to distribute the ball to messi and higuain..?”. Veron, if he can.
“who is going to give the rhythm in the midfield…?”
Nobody.

Licha Lopez +1

Diego Milito is on the list….

I thought Diego Milito was on the list of 30.

Why do you say he isn’t?

hi Argentinian fans i think the legend
Maradona is going to change the style of Argentinian soccer coz he seems to adopt agressive approach but by letting zinnetti out he has weekened the defence and i think by sending Requelme out is a big drawback.when ur mid field and defence is week forwards are no more threatening for the opposition.i think Maradonna must motivate to fast and agressive play and attack more on the opposition.

Sorry GOLAZO & CHAYAN, it is the darkness of the nightmare GINO has been talking about. I don’t even see my keyboard.

I doubt Milito will be on the final list anyway. Like Maxi Rodriguez. At this point, anything can happen. Especially because Maradona likes to play with us with his little “surprises”.

One or two players do not make an excellent team. I hope that within the following 30 days – the NT find the chemistry and Messi & company connect with each other on the pitch. Veron has to play his best and he knows that a lot of haters will be watching his performance. Messi will draw several red hards from opposing frustrated defenders which in turn will give us a man up. I know that the Nigerian CBs will foul the shit out of Messi and draw plenty of yellows and a red or two – just watch. Having Messi on the attach will hopefully give Veron room to move with the ball and pass accordingly.

ARG still has a good team – Top 4 in my opinion and still everybody is upset. Sooooooo spoiled.

He can include a name on the final 23 man squad that wasn’t in the 30 man squad right? This is my last hope, lol.
My worst fear isn’t our plan A. Its plan B that scares me. We don’t have one. If veron mascherano samuel, demicelis messi are suspended/injured then we are screwed. If we concede first then we will hav serious difficulty.
There isn’t enough well rounded quality on our bench to change the fomula.
This is one of those high risk gambles. We will either b excellent or completely terrible

aguero +1 assist to forlan for the winner of the europa league

In reality, Maradona has called 14 players, not 30. 9 guys of our final group will be there to help the others and bring a good atmosphere. That’s what we need to understand. We have no bench, no plan B, that’s the problem.

MaxiLopez,

You were always been so negetive in Maradona’s selection that I used to think that you have some issues with your overwhelming emotions. I never thought that Maradona will act like such an ASS. He gave the indication by calling Samuel, Aimar, DeMaria, Higuain that he will eventually call Banega, Luco, Cambiasso, Zannetti….so on. But You, Maxilopez proved right at the end. Maradona is not at a level of human being. That guy completely lost everything from my heart.
Go on MaxiLopez….. missing comments of John and Albo..

If he cuts Maxi I dont think I will survive to watch the WC. maybe it is better that I wont. Four years ago when we got eliminated I couldnt wait till 2010 arrive…I had so much faith in our players that I was sure this cup is ours…But not it is here I wish it had never come…I can not express how much I hate Maradona…HATE is a strong feeling and that’s how strongly I hate him

BTW why aren’t people of Argentina protesting? after all this is THEIR National Team and not MARADONA’s…when are people going to recognize and protect their rightssssss…

I have booked my holiday in June so atleast i wont be watching these matches in pain! For the last 24 hours, it hurt alot reading the list and not finding the names that deserved to go then again we won the world cup in 78 and 86 with an average squad of players! Maybe this can be it again..remember in 2002 our team was full of superstars in every department and how badly it failed?
To me Bolatti will be the weakness in midfield unless Mascherano magically doesnt get a suspension after picking couple of yellow cards! Then again we can have demichelis there aswell?? so not that bad for a cover i guess? Pastore, Maxi and Milito have to go no matter what happens! All are key players in the team..Lisandro would have been good but somehow i knew he’d be overlooked over Lavezzi who’ll be the sub for Di Maria! both pacy wingers that we need and lisandro hasnt got that pace as we all know! Banega is what we needed too..I was optimistic before, that Maradona will change his mind but like we all know its difficult to understand him and his selection!!
We just need to hope that our front line fire as rest is just so flat and one dimensional!

“we won the world cup in 78 and 86 with an average squad of players! Maybe this can be it again..remember in 2002 our team was full of superstars in every department and how badly it failed?”

That’s a really good point.

What’s the reaction in Argentina? Anyone? Albo? Aurelius? I haven’t been able to read much about press/peoples’ reactions. This is absolutely terrible. Maradona also stated that he wants Messi in a free role and he wants every ball to pass through him. BAD IDEA.

maybe this is karma? Maradona was only a footballer, nothing more than that. but fans around the world began worshipping him. I’ve always found that sickening, especially amongst the stupid bangladeshi people (my people ), deeply stupid and profoundly shocking.

now Maradona is wrecking Argentina, making what could have been the most exciting football team ever, into a kick and rush, fractuous, static and amateurish ‘team’ not much better than a Championship team (say Newcastle?).

Messi, if he had a little more maturity and confidence, should do what Riquelme did and tell Maradona where to stick his insane ego (up the arses of stupid fawning fans)… sadly, he too probably worships Maradona.

to misappropriate a phrase from Nietzsche, Dios is dead let’s celebrate the small mercies. stupid fans might begin to feel ashamed for their contibution to the disaster that is Maradona. then again, people who call Diego god, know no shame nor appreciate anything of the true weight of their wreckless immaturity.

“we won the world cup in 78 and 86 with an average squad of players! Maybe this can be it again..remember in 2002 our team was full of superstars in every department and how badly it failed?”

“That’s a really good point”

well you are ignoring other factors

maradona called up 100+ players in qualifying
there is no plan or team chemistry

its not looking good..but i will still cheer for my team

Well, good luck to you, Argentine friends.
Our paths will cross again sooner than you think (one faithful June 12 I believe). B)

Props for your interesting threads, Maxi Lo.

++

At this point Maxi you are totally correct, the scariest part is that we really do not have a plan B whatsoever. Just hope we dont have major injuries like in 1990.

Yet there is not much we can do nor the people besides wait till June 11th and hope that the team gel’s and plays well. Not for Maradona’s sake but for the NT and Argentina as a whole…..they are there representing the country, the people. If we keep worrying we will just give ourselves a coronary. I am sad that Cuchu, El Pupi, Lucho wont be there, but we have to back the boys that will be going there as Lucho said. And I plan to do that regardless.

@ Seth you are right…in 78 and 86 we had some top players mixed with one’s not considered great. I mean Mennotti was called nuts for passin on Maradona in 78 and yet he took the NT to the final and won. And he did it with defense and great attacking. In 86 the same deal pretty much, counterattack style by Bilardo and the WC was won. I love posession futbol as Pekerman had up playing and even Bielsa….but we came back empty handed.

How can the most intelligent stupid sleeps with all the brains in his head, I wonder! Jonas (the headless chicken)–Veron–Masche—DeMaria and now replace them… with what the fucking banch you have. I just hope that bustard will not cut Maxi and Pastore

am like most of here disapointed with the squad. mainly the back and the midfield. first of all there is no right back in the squad none last world cup this was a major issue, now this again centre backs playing right back. now donna has called burdisso and colocinni i don’t like either of them, one wouldn’t be bad but both gezzz. in the midfield i will never see my fav player in a world cup again. over all to many great players ommitted and no names called. but some previous post i read from eric helped to calm me down a bit

It’s laughable to see a non-Argie speak as though he is an Argie for the sentiments of all people in Argentina.

Most Argentines are flabbergasted by Maradona’s selection. In fact, I work with several here who are football fanatics, and they all share the same sentiments. Most are resigned to fact that the team we are taking is not optimum, but hopeful that the talent on the team can pull it together and the exhaustion of other teams helps us.

In fact, Clarin’s poll shows most people lack confidence in Maradona’s selection. Many are upset about Riquelme not being on the list. Aside from him, most are upset about Cambiasso and Zanetti.

While many Argies still are in cult mode with Diego, most have become very jaded with his role and the team selection.

JOHN, I already posted this link, but in case you didn’t read.
Here is an example of what the general media and football analysts are saying about Diego’s selection.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2010/05/12/1921092/world-cup-comment-argentinas-diego-maradona-does-the

If what you say is true, that Argentines are very happy with this selection, surely you can site at least one media example of it.
I will be very glad if you can surprise me on this one.

May some of you so-called positives of Maradona, please explain to me how players like Bolatti, Blanco, Datolo, Otamendi, Pozo, and others from the local league, make this a better squad with the exclusion of Zanetti, Cambiasso, Banega, Aimar, and Lisandro? If you can educate me with your universal knowledge of futbol, then maybe I can see your point.

Get over it guys!

If you want the same old players like Zanetti, Cambiasso, Aimar – you guys probably want the same result as 2002 and 2006.

Have some faith on change. To be honest, the only player that I wished was in the team is Riquelme – just for his freekicks and corners.

I think this team will go further than the 1998, 2002 and 2006 team.

En principio, Diego explicó el por qué de las ausencias de los jugadores del Inter y del volante del Real Madrid: “Lo de Zanetti ya estaba decidido, lo de Cambiasso igual. Con Gago me costó más, pero jugó pocos partidos yo le dije que le tenia confianza, pero si jugaba. Y no tuvo muchas chances…”

final list of 23. 5.19.10

I am now worried to assume that El Diego will be treated as villain in Argentine football forever. This will be wrong wrong wrong. One must take this in consideration what he brought to Argentine football, world football. He is not as corrupted football administrator like many other football legend, he is open and never to shy to say his saying type personality. All these make him unique in the history of sports, not only in football.

I just wish, perhaps he did not pick the team logically, but picked the team with his heart. Who knows, may be all those selected ‘less impressive players’ might will fight with their last drop of blood in the pitch.

Perhaps, a very good selection of players are not enough to win WORLD CUP, perhaps you need to be a bit crazy and insane to do that. Argentina never won the cup again since 1986 eventhough selecting much logical team. Please get united behind your team. El Diego had something else in his plan, and lets see if his players are going to fight for the honor in the name of El Diego.

Please, I understand some of your’s sentiment, I am angry aswell because of his selection; but don’t dare to pass any insult to your great. Remember, we are lucky to see that he is in charge of football again…I was stranded few years ago to think that he never could be back from Coma. Only one team will win the cup…if Argentina will not win, it will not be because of El Diego alone.

PLEASE BE RATIONAL, AND DON’T DISRESPECT YOUR LEGEND.

Fans, plz lets just stop it !! As i said, diego wont even listen or see wats being told here… Lets unite 2gether… Argentine supporters from all over the world makes a huge community… If we unite 2gether, then its gonna b big…. Let me just say of dat community in my country(BANGLADESH)….. I doubt if many of u even know my country… But 60% of d football fans here are supporters of argentina… If dat makes up 50% of d total population(as almost everybody loves football) then do u know the number of arg fans here in BANGLADESH ?? 80million !! Yes u heard it ryt… Dats only in my country… Supporters are all over d world… So lets just unite 2gether nd hope dis team leads us 2 glory… GORJE UTHO argentina(roar argentina,roar) !!

higuain———–messi
———veron———
di maria——-gutierez
——-mascherano——-
heinze–samuel–demichelis–coloccini
———romero————

Apparently it is bit surprised not picking players like Zannetti, Cambi, Lucho, Banega, Aimer.

But one thing is pretty sure that in 2002 [in particular] we had full of stars and that produced nothing. the reason for this,

(1) may be those stars played for their club throughout the whole season and were too much tired to deliver when the word cup came into question.

(2) they were all pretty known to the world and other coaches made plans to stop them. Remember, in 2002 Aimer made some spectacular run from the mid-field and it was undoubtedly amazing to watch such a dribble. But what did that produce? At the end of the day what matters is how many times you have converted to a goal irrespective of if that came from your skill or else!! Right?

2006 is also nothing exception from this as well. We had Lucho, Cambi, Maxi, Roman etc. and we played a very nice possession football all round. But when it came into conversion to a goal, we struck. Think about the game against Netherlands!! we had messi, Tevez, Roman triangle supported by Cambi and others…..but could not even produce a single goal against that mare Netherlands defense. The Germany game was nothing an exception. Even though you had players like Crespo, Roman, Maxi, Saviola, Cambi etc. Ayala from defense had to come up front and scored!!! Please use your brain to think of this!!

Based on this past experiences, I believe that may be the local unknown guys can deliver better than those superstars. I dont think Maradona has lost his mind. He tried with more than 100 players and he realized the scenario and effectiveness in terms of converting to a goal along with a rock solid defense. In his formation as below

—Otamendi—-Demi—–Samuel—-Heinze–

—Jonas—–Masche—–Veron——-Dimaria

—————Messi———Higuin——–

Subs:
Pastore for Veron
Tevez for Higuin
Maxi for Jonas
Lavezzi for Dimaria

We have rock solid defense….compact midfield with two super fast winger and and ultra-attacking up front….

I have just one confusion regarding subs for Mascherano! May be Banega would have been a better choice than Bolatti or Datolo. But if Demi comes in the position for Masche and one central back is substituted I think this could be resolved.

So, keep faith and support for our team….Vamos Argentina..

I have to admit…I just bought FIFA 2010 for playstation 3, when my Albiceleste squad is ready for a game, I always substitute Gago for Cambiasso-even before i play. This is a fucking video game and Cambiassos’ character plays better than many others in this game! This is a paradox, the irony is so funny, but he is STILL NOT QUALIFIED to play in this REAL world cup.

Argentina is great team…. i love argentina..

gud luck in WC 2010…

If cambiasso and zanetti are also included then it will be a stronger team than this team.

But with this current team , Maradona has picked some players who can play as good substitutes for the first XI players.

Starting XI

———-Romero———-
Otmendi-Samuel-De-Mechiles-Heinze
————Macharano———–
Guitirez——-Veron——D’Maria
——–Messi——————–
—————Hiquain————

Burdiso for otmendi/Samuel
Clemente Rodriquez for Heinze
Bolatti for Macharano
Maxi for Guitirez
Pastore for Veron
Tevez/Auero for Messi ???
Blanco/Datalo for D Maria
Milito for Hiquain.

Maradona fucked Argentina royally

Every word from Maradona is a dag in my chest : « he wants Messi in a free role and he wants every ball to pass through him”. The idiot has excluded ALL the players who could have helped Messi in terms of movement. And he tells us this…

There is this argument from some time, saying that stars failed in 2002 and that average players can play with heart and do like Argentina players in 1986… Trying to repeat the past… in 2010! In my opinion, the better are your players on the field, the greater are you chances to win. Even a 4-year old child can understand this. All the rest is politics. Zanetti, Banega & Cambiasso are certainly not less hungry than local based players. This is ridiculous. Futbol is a game. It’s simple.

People are not blind, they perfectly know that the inclusion of local players in this list is only to promote them and make money in dark offices, like someone stated before.

MESSIFAN,
“If you want the same old players like Zanetti, Cambiasso, Aimar – you guys probably want the same result as 2002 and 2006 ». Cambiasso, Aimar, Lucho are 29. They are not old. How many WC did play Cafu? Why can’t players play 2 or 3 WCs?

We failed in 2002 and 2006. Why? Because of lack of luck. A little bit more luck and everything was different, and we would be showing the world how efficient the beautiful game can be (like Catalans). But only the result matters and here we are today, seeing our best players being excluded because they had “their chance” while local based players didn’t. The Ferrari didn’t win the race? Lets try with the Fiat.

DIXON,
If I am correct, and if I follow your logic, then what did Barca do this year? 1000 passes VS Inter for nothing? They should change their futbol because of the lack of luck VS Mourinho?

Heinze, about one of his best friends Lucho: “I’m very sad for Lucho, so I let you guess how sad he is”.

ok so maradona wants messi to be a free player, that’s good but not supplying the quality players to help him is just playing stupid!!!!!
as if maradona is planning on letting messi play on his own, so he can fail maybe?
i’m not a big messi fan, but him being the only threat to maradona’s throne on top of the world, i can really find it logical that maradona doesn’t want messi to shine :/
that’s just my reason :$

Well said Maxi.

It’s probably another of Diego’s pathetic misplaced attempts at patriotism by bowing down to a small minority of fans who see Argentine players going to Europe as selling out.

And even then take Boselli over Palermo, take Galeano over Otamendi please if you are determined to take some of the Estudiantes spine. Monzon over Clemente.

When injuries and suspensions bite as they will where is the quality and experience to bring in to midfield and defence ?

We are relying on 14-15 players.

————————Romero———————–
Otamendi—-Dimchelis———Samuel———Heinze–
—————-Mascherano—————————
–Gutierrez——————Veron——————-
—Messi————————————–di Maria
————————-Higuain———————

Decent enough subs upfront: Tevez(midfield) , Aguero and D.Milito (please) and Lavezzi (please).

Flank Maxi on either.

Midfield just Pastore.

Defence just Burdisso who has had a great season.

There had better be other tactical plans. All the other coaches know this set up and how to counteract it.

I can tell you the reaction in England is one of amazement at the selection’s made and the omissions of Zanetti and Cambiasso in particular.

Some people jokingly said Capello should put in a call to summon up both of these players.

A Belgian guy who follows Argentina put this team up under a decent coach to beat Maradona’s selection.

——————Carrizo——————–

Zanetti —— Garay — G. Milito – Ansaldi

————Cambiasso — Lucho Gonzalez—-

—-Aimar ——— Banega ———- Perotti

—————-Lisandro Lopez————–

Lucho how sad for such players to be treated like this.

As for 2002 in that game against Sweden Aimar set up several chances and we missed several goals whoch would have ensured qualification not to mention Owen dived against Pochettino for the penalty.

Some fan raction here:
http://www.redcafe.net/f60/maradona-announces-argentina-30-a-295896/

‘If I were Cambiasso, Zanetti and Banega, I’d take a shit on a picture of Maradona in front of a live press conference’

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=254419.0

Page 30 onwards:
http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=250028.1160

No one can believe his choices. And there are plenty of Argentina fans at both these clubs.

Maybe Diego can suffer a coronary in the interim and half the rubbish he has picked up suffer injuries forcing changes in the selection after an appeal to FIFA.

Yes Aurelius, I too would like to correct something I’ve read on a few websites here and there: that Nigeria coach Lagerback ‘knows how to beat Argentina’. He didn’t beat Argentina: Sweden drew 1-1 and Sorin and Piojo Lopez missed enough chances they’d normally have scored in that game. Worst game I’ve ever watched: just horrible. Of course, I want Argentina to win anyway but I want Argentina to beat Nigeria especially, not against any Nigerians, but because Lagerback does not deserve this reputation

On to the list of 30. I agree with the consensus here. But how much of it was really unexpected? We always knew Cambiasso and Zanetti wouldn’t make it, Lucho and Lisandro too and Banega was only ever called as a late replacement in a game against the Catalans. It still makes no sense but wasn’t surpirsing, unfortunately.
I don’t mind too much Burdisso and Clemente as they are adaptable squad players who can play in sveral postions. I don’t think Clemente has the quality of other players but… I’m embarrassed there are 2 second division players there. We all know Jonas was guaranteed anyway but Coloccini, as much as I’ve defended him in the past, shouldn’t go. I mean come on: this is Argentina, not Austria. Looking at the list, though,I expect him to go. He’s clearly looking for centre backs who can play in several positions and Colo has experience in that.
I echo everyone who says Maxi and Pastore MUST be on the final 23. Maxi because of his experience and quality and Pastore because he is the only one on the list who can offer something different. Seba Blanco is a very promising player who is different from the other midfielders too (has pace and dribbling ability) but completely lacks experience and is a real surprise…
The lack of full-backs as you’ve all been saying is of course truly astonishing. That’s ignoring a real ptential attacking threat.
…On to all the local league players. Yes Maxi, Aurelius, everyone you are right with the theory of this being about nationalism and the hope for future transfers to Europe where the bigwigs will make money. That’s true: also, don’t forget the mess in TV exposure the local league has had in Argentina the last few years and the massive loss of money incurred. In theory, if there are local league players at the World Cup, more people around the world will hear of them and want to track them down in their local league leading to international TV deals. There is HUGE money to be made in that; truly millions. But it is all theory and an unsuccessful Argentina national team will damage reputations more than build them

Maxi Lopez,

It’s at all not the luck for which Barca lost against Inter. It was a clear superior game plan of Morinho compared to the same of Pepe. Morinho read Barca’s game style quite nicely and that’s why he tactically allowed them to play 1000 of passed in the mid-field which at the end of the day produced nothing. When you have players like Messi, Xavi, henry, Alvez Zaltan and after 90 minutes of play if you can not score, you just can not blame your luck. It’s the fault of your game plan, your strategy and lack of tactics that should be rectified.

Remember, that doesnt mean to say Barca should change their style. Possession is required.But this is not the only thing for which Barca wins. Along with possession football, they use their speedy-winger Alvez and Henry very nicely. they continuously supply balls to Xavi and Messi. Morinho nicely stopped those flanks on that day and that’s the only reason for inter’s success. And so Barca looked like a bunch of guys playing 1000 passes in the mid-field.

Our biggest challenge is to qualify for the 8th of finals. The first round is our major objective. After that, anything can happen, we can qualify on penalty kicks at each game with our fighting spirit. We are like Italy (they have a tactician tough).

3 points will not be enough in the group stage. We must win one game and don’t lose the 2 others. The game against Corea will be crucial. That’s where Messi will need to do “the thing” in order to qualify us.

This WC appears to be strange and at a very low level. Many world class players are missing: Brazil, Italy, France, etc. We, Argentina, are bringing a C-team to WC. Blatter is so stupid that he doesn’t even see it. It could have been a great opportunity for us.

FELIPE,
Grondona has probably a role in the inclusion of so many local players in the list.
Regarding Coloccini, Maradona maybe expects him to sub Mascherano if needed? Or Veron? Who knows…

God, just how enjoyable it would have been to watch Zanetti, Aimar-Saviola-DiMaria play in a formation with Higuain, Mess and Banega. how much control, movement and potency there would be…

I can’t see anything other than Veron wasting EVERY ball he gets from his defenders/Mascherano, by punting it up field (trying to find Di Maria), having it intercepted by the opposing CDs (trying to find Higuain) or having the ball stolen off of his feet (when waiting for Messi to shake off the 3-4 players marking him)…

this is almost guaranteed, I feel, because Maradona hasn’t thought at all about how important space is in midfield. Argentina has the best midfielders of any nation going to the WC (including Spain), Argentina could easily create a team far superior to Barcelona.

4 at the back, with a pacy right-back and Zanetti playing left-back (as he did for Inter).

Mascherano or Cambiasso sitting in front, with Banega (or Gago) playing slightly forward of that and charged with distributing to Messi/Higuain and closing down the space between Aimar and Mascherano/Cambiasso (to prevent isolation on the ball, Pastore wouldn’t require it as much, since he seems stronger and a little faster than Aimar).

Aimar (or Pastore) collecting from Banega, Cambiasso/Mascherano, Zanetti, Milito etc, and threading diagonally (on the floor) and straight (when the space presents itself). Only occasionally lobbing a ball over the lines to on-running attackers (unlike Veron, who thinks that’s the only type of pass allowed in football).

Messi playing free, but starting on the right. he would pull-in and swap space with Aimar, then receive the ball, pass onto Banega who would move into the space vacated by the opposition, link to Di Maria or Aimar and drop back as Messi moves forward, behind the retreating opposition midfielders and out of sight of the defenders…

Di Maria drifting in and out from the left, wide forward position. linking with Zanetti, Banega, Aimar and Higuain.

Aguero could come on for Di Maria and Argentina could play a more powerful double-CF game (narrow and faster) when necessary.

up front would be the pacy, intelligent, dangerous and most of all mobile, Higuain…

sigh … I’ll get back to PES 2010.

he should have called Zanetti, Aimar, CAMBIASSO, BANEGA, Zabaleta, Gabi Milito, Gago, and GARAY instead of unknown useless players like insauralde, sosa, coloccini, m.rodgriquez, clemente, pozo and maybe palermo.

i have a feeling palermo could cost us a crucial match, i mean he missed 3 penalties in 1 match for argentina!!

procrastinator.. your comments left me even more depressed. you’re absolutely right on everything you said. that’s what makes it so much harder to swallow.. the WC was ours for the taking. I have maintained our 94 team was one of our best ever. Our 2002 team, while loaded with talent, was tactically inflexible and that was our downfall. In terms of pure, raw talent, we have never assembled a 30 man squad as we potentially could have if the fat man hadn’t so brutally messed it up.

I don’t know who said it (sometime during the Copa), but I remember a couple of posts that were on how hard it was going to be to cut the 30 list down to 23. Even with all the players we wanted, bringing that list down was going to be difficult for a lot of us to bear. But I never thought it would come to this. The team we left out is better than our present 23 save for Messi and Masche (and possibly Di Maria). unreal

This is why Maradona wants Veron the skillful master on the pitch for the first game:

http://www.easportsfootball.co.uk/media/play/video/19968855

Remember this, I stated it first: Veron will score Argentina’s 1st goal in the world cup. Gotta love it!!

Maxi Lopez , you made a mistake, Aimar is 31 years old not 29 hehehe
Anyway…i agree on the Zanetti and Cambiasso thing.It was crazy to exclude them.
Only Cambiasso can replace Mascherano succesfully,and whenever he playes he gives 100% of what he has and most important, he’s not afraid of any game.
Zannetti didn’t play in 2006,and who can blame him for the failure of 2002?I think that Maradona didn’t like zannetti’s performances during the qualification games, or he regards Burdisso for Zannetti’s place.
Gago on the other hand,is one more player that could replace Mascherano as subsitute.
Now..in the offense, since you have all these guys, messi,aguero,tevez,lavezzi,Higuain,millito,palermo,why do you guys also want Lisandro?To dust the bench?
In 2006 argentina failed because Pekerman sold the game to the germans, so that the germans would reach at the semi final inside their country.In that game, pekerman took riquelme out of the game in the second half,and didn’t bother to replace him with Aimar, he didn’t use Messi at all, he replaced Crespo with Cruz and he put Tevez as a left winger, so what do you expect?The jew helped his jewish friends from germany(Klinsman and Joakim Loev)

i am not fom argentina, so i dont see all this in a view of a patriot or nationalist for his country.
my relationship with argentina is simply i admire the way argentina plays football, i admire the players that argentina has especially the pekerboys, the way they play made me dream.
for me football was always just a game to have fun, it never did effect my personal life, it was just game for me, took it with a smile when my team lost.

every rule has an exception and at the world cup 2006 i fell in love with the our team they personalized everything i like about football, they had a team spirit, they had individual players, they had collective players they played like UNIT, tricks, goals, passing…i could go on and on.
sadly pekerman made some mistakes and we ended playing germany at the end with our best players on the bench,riquelme,messi,aimar,crespo,saviola.
and how we lost made me so sad i couldnt stop my tears.
the whole world admired the team.
they brought joy not only to us but to them too.

here i am where i wanted to be everybody has a personal life some have a hard life and some not but what unites us is the a game called football, we all want to escape from our daily life for 90 minutes and enjoy us entertain us.
if i want to watch who runs the fastest or the most i watch athletic, if i want to watch fighters i watch boxing, if i want to watch body contact i watch rugby… i just want to watch fottballer that can play FOOTBALL.
what maradona plans is that we will defend defend defend and play lottery with luck and messis greatness.
and that doesnt entertain me, and i dont enjoy it, why bother caring.
i just hope for you the fans that argentina wins and that you are happy cause you deserve that.
but dont forget this is a game to enjoy and to be entertained and if we would have won the way like we played at the world cup 2006 i promise you it would be the ULTIMATE joy and we would brag about that all our lives.

I hope we get this ref for our games – He’s a huge fan of ARG!!!

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

I agree with most what you all have said. I’m a Kenyan and have supported ARG ever since I started watching football(1994 world cup). I have no doubt that Cambiasso and Zanetti should have been part of the last 23 men. Staring with Zanetti, he is the only player who can do different positions and thats a huge asset in a team. Cambiasso on the other hand ids the only player who can effectively replace Mascherano. In fact, with the way the defense is pretty weak, I would prefer both of them to be on the pitch at the same time. I don’t think Demichellis is a weak defender. I think you saw how United in the CL scored easy goals against Bayern and I think it was his fault.

why this friends are crying,all other teams are omitted the players who performed better for their club than other guys who were selected for wc.we dont want more individual players ,we want only a super Argentina team.Where was u who is want blood of Our Maradona & players.This crying is like English fan and not Argentinian fan.Please support coach & team.We only have 28 days to left.And pray for noone to get injured.So patient not to act as hooligan.Did U know our state which had suicided sons for Argentina’s worldcup loss in 2006,02,98.But still we are sure Maradona & co will win
So Argentinianfans,come together-for one thought-one mission-.so please stop blaming.

You obviously do not get it do you Sanaj ?

There is a reason we are complaining for the most part rather than relying on hope and blind faith on the church of Maradona.

Whilst other teams have omitted players they are hardly of the quality we have discarded in favour of mediocrities.

And we the fans are not the only ones who cannot believe this. It’s football fans in general across the world and former players and coaches who are scratching their heads over the omissions but who like us are unsurprised when we have a fool in charge.

It’s like being in a fool’s paradise.

I agree with whoever who said that Cambiasso has even been better than Masch this season. We argie fans always say that Masch is impossible to replace. He is not, in my opinion. He is actually a bit over rated, in my opinion. Cambiasso is better on the ball and more creative. Masch is only a destroyer, and a fighter. A fantastic fighter and warrior of course, but he is not impossible to replace. I have seen many Liverpool games this season and Masch has been pretty mediocre in most games.

The difference between the players Argentina have left out and the players Brazil, Italy, France have left out is massive.
Brazil left out Ronaldinho because he has been injury prone and out of form for 3 years now. Totti has previously retired from Italy twice. Benzema has not played much this season…
The players Argentina have left out: Lucho Gonzalez, who has been a success in his first year in France and won theleague there, Lisandro Lopez who was Player of the Season in France, Cambiasso and Zanetti2 stars for a team on course to win 3 trophies including the Champions League, Aimar and Saviola at the Portuguese champions, Ever Banega a youngster who has kicked butt this year. I can understand playerslike Gago and Milito missing out because they haven’t played much but the other players is odd.
I do not mind because Argentina have somany good players but they have been replaced by players like Ariel Garce (by far the most bizarre choice of Maradona’s) a player who is a decent player in the Argentine league but has NEVER been seen as a top, top player by anyone in Argentina or elsewhere.
I watched him play live back in his River days (when the team had D’alessandro, Lucho Gonzalez) and he was not a fan favourite then either. A very odd one: he’s 31 now as well. I expect he’ll be one of the 7 dropped but still…

i love diego maradona.
this selections is the best

Otamendi—-Demi—–Samuel—-Heinze–

—Jonas—–Masche—–Veron——-Dimaria

—————Messi———Higuin——–

We have all known that this would be the starting line up for the past 3 months.

Subs:
Pastore for Veron
Tevez for Higuin
Maxi for Jonas
Lavezzi for Dimaria
Milito could also come in for Veron and Messi could slide back. If we Mascherano cant play a game then you move Demechilis up and Heinze over to the center and put clemente or Burrdiso in.

I completely agree that Maradona made some huge mistakes but lets not get to caught up in who is on the list of 30. Whatreally matters is that Maradona does have a strategy now and he does have the players to make these strategy work. If he can take theat starting 11 and have them gel I think that we can win the World Cup. Of course I would love to have Cambiassso, Aimar, Garay, and Zanetti but lets not forget that we still will field what I beleive will be the strongest starting line up of any team with what I beleive is the greatest player of his generation. How can you not at least have hope that we can win? Also we still have some incredible subs that any country wouild love to have. Aguero, Tevez, Maxi, Pastore, Lavezzi, Milito who are all capable of chainging the game. My point is that we need to get over the 30 call up thing and realize that what does matter is the 17 or 18 that will play iin this tournament.

I personally believe that Maradona knows who his 23 guys are and just added the other seven to be contoversial and give some of the local guys their moment in the Sun. if you already know that Zanetti, Cambiasso, or Aimar are not going to make the final 23 than why waste time putting them in the final 30?

When everyone is ready lets start talking tactics and squad selection based on the 23 players that we think should be called up out of the 30.

Rune I have to disagree with you there. Mascherano had a poor start to the season but since then has been one of Liverpool’s best players and loved by the fans.

There is a myth he cannot create. Many a game he has passed intelligently forward and even decided to take on the shot from the box.

He has always had these qualities since his time at River Plate.

Guys just imagine the defenders of the other team looking at our squad after chasing Di maria and Higuian for 60 minutes and in comes Lavezzi, Milito, and Tevez with Veron subing out and Messi moving behind the two forwards and now you have to chase and contain four of the fastest most skillfull players in the world on tired legs. We have incredible talent like no other country with these guys we can do it!!!
Don’t lose hope.

still hurting to see so many argentina stars won’t be playing in the world cup. from what’s left this would be my starting line up

romero
colocini-demichilis-samuel-heinze
maxi-macherano-veron-dimaria
messi-higuain

its still a pretty good squad but my biggest concern is veron’s stamina and the right back position. i only have colocini there because i think he has the most experience at that position than the rest.

So great to read you guys, really. Thanks for being here. ALFIO, another post like this one and I cry like a baby. PROCRASTINATOR, your post makes me even more depressed, like FELIPE.

THKALAS,
Ah OK for Payasito. Well, you know what I mean…

The following lineup would have perfectly matched Maradona/Bilardo’s defensive tactics:

—————Romero————–
ZANETTI—Micho—-Samuel—-Heinze
MAXI–Mascherano-CAMBIASSO–DiMaria
———Messi——-Higuain——-

So close…

TODD,
Nice & realistic post.
“When everyone is ready lets start talking tactics and squad selection based on the 23 players that we think should be called up out of the 30″. I think it’s gonna take a bit of time, but I notice this.

Thanks TOBIAS.

From Goal.com -

Argentina coach Diego Maradona is not sorry for overlooking Inter duo Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti, and is furious with those who questioned his squad selection.

Fans were stunned to see both men left out of the Albiceleste’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad.

But Maradona is standing firm with his decision and has not apologised to those who were left disappointed.

“I am only sorry for Fernando Gago. He was one of my boys, but he played too little this year and that’s why I didn’t call him up,” he told Radio Del Plata.

“There is nothing strange and nothing to explain about Zanetti’s exclusion. It was already decided a long time ago. And as for Cambiasso, it’s the same story.”

Whether he fails or succeeds in delivering the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Maradona is confident of continuing his tenure at the helm.

“This is the idea, and since I took charge I started a plan not just thinking about the World Cup in South Africa, but also the Copa America,” he concluded.

AMIT,
Maradona is making fun of us. What a bastard. I don’t know what happened in the locker-room with Lisandro, Zanetti & co, but they really paid the price. Regarding, Cambiasso, it’s a mystery (not because of the hair tough).

7 players out of the 11 who started VS Bolivia are not in the 30-men list.
http://www.football-lineups.com/match/12984/
I’ve never seen a coach with such a short minded mentality.

This is just utter crap ! unbelievable !! As a player, Maradona I have all the respect for you. But all due respect, as a coach u just made the first mistake of dropping 2 of Argentina’s best players: Cambiasso and Zannetti .As a fan I think it was a pathetic decision . Hopefully,like ‘86 may God be with you this time !Why take old man Martin Palermo ? Is Veron Better defensive midfielder than Cambiasso ??? What about gago ? Saviola and Gabriel Millito and Lisandro who had a great season for Barcelona and Lyon!!!

Totally agree with you on Maradona’s short term memory & thats why he contradicts himself every month. That’s bcos he cannot remember what he was thinking last month.

Maradona has no regrets by not picking the inter duo.
see this
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/05/13/1922983/world-cup-2010-diego-maradona-has-no-regrets-over-snubbing

Maradona should go back to rehab !

This is the lineup that beat Germany in the last friendly,so Maradona thinks he can also win the world cup with this lineup,what u guys think about this lineup?

Argentina
Lineup [4-4-2]
22 S. Romero
15 N. Otamendi
2 M. Demichelis
13 W. Samuel
6 G. Heinze
17 M. J. Gutiérrez
14 J. Mascherano
8 J. Veron
7 D. F. A. Maria
10 L. Messi
9 G. Higuain
Substitutes
18 G. M. Andujar
4 N. Burdisso
3 C. Rodriguez
5 M. Bolatti
21 J. Dátolo
20 J. Pastore
16 S. Agüero
19 D. Milito
11 A. C.Tevez

I’m not too depressed Maxi: I’m a little unbalanced. I think the team can still be a success but am, like evryone a bit confused.
That is a great way of looking at things Toddutah and I like your ideas for the team but remember Maradona can only make 3 substitutions per game. I think Pastore can be a real sleeper though: the sort of player who will start the tornament on the bench but one who works their way in to a starting position, like Aimar in 2002 (though hopefully with the team going further).
Also, who do we think the 7 who are dropped will be? He has picked 7 forwards and you can make a case for all going or all being dropped (Messi aside). If we assume he’ll take 6 (1 too many in my opinion) and that Messi, Tevez, Aguero and Higuain are all guaranteed, that means 1 of Milito, Palermo or Lavezzi will be dropped. You’d assume he’ll take Palermo so that would leave out Lavezzi on current form. But why take Palermo and Milito? It will be interesting to see what happens here.

Maxi.. that lineup for Maradona’s tactics is excellent. That’s what stings so much about what he’s doing. He wants to play defensive football but doesn’t have the proper MF for that. He wants to play counter attacking football but doesn’t the wingers (Maxi is fine, but Jonas as the starting RW, yikes). Just madness

YOUR RIGHT MAXI…ITS TIME TO MOVE ON.
A BRIEF HISTORY…

We have always been the top team…France was so dazzled by our short pass, precision touch in the early days they modeled their team after OUR STYLE. Uruguay in the beginning and Argentina. Brazil? Brazil who?…they didnt even have a team-no one talked about Brazil back then in 1930’s. Italy? They won in 1934 because WE WERENT THERE…(IN ITALY). They continued to pursue our national players and off our stars went to Juventus and other Euro clubs. We disappeared for years. In the fifties we had our genius PERON who was too afraid to lose and the ramifications it would have for the country-he decided to pass on an international appearance and we were-FUCKED again. In 1958 we were finally in the SWeden games but disastrous performance due to one simple thing…defence. We lost miserably. We didnt have the EURO game down, one touch, clinical…like brain surgery… BORING, STUPID, BRUT GAME W/ VERY LARGE EUROPEAN PLAYERS who physically overpower their opponents and win by WEARING DOWN THEIR OPPONENTS. Our style of futbol is soo much better than Europe-yes we are the hijos of papa Britanica-but we didnt take after their game at ALL. Remember we have a long history of beautiful futbol-NO ONE BUT US can take this away. VAMOS CARAJO…

I agree with skywalker.If he wants counter attacking football, then why leave out Zanetti ? And if he wants a playmaker , i think Requilme is a one of the best !

dflores.. i’ll take your advice. it is time to move on. the heart and mind can only take so much.

one parting shot though.. if ANY other manager of Argentina had pulled a stunt like this, you know we’d have thrown him in the gutter by now.

You the saying, ‘be careful what you wish for’. as someone mentioned earlier, all of us screaming were for Basile’s head. In hindsight, we would have been better off with that tool instead. at least you know he’ll pick the best players.

I beleive that he thinks of Lavezzi as the sub for di maria so he will take him as a midfielder. Based on the team selection and the starting 11 from germany I think that most attacks are meant to come down the left side with Heinze supporting di maria and Messi moving over in front of veron. The right side of the team is mainly defensive with not much skill on attack.

Brasil Midfield and Forwards. I would take our group anyday over theirs. Agree?

Gilberto Silva
Panathinaikos (GRE)

Felipe Melo
Juventus (ITA)
Kaka Real Madrid (ESP)

Julio Baptista
Roma (ITA)
Josue Wolfsburg (GER)

Kleberson Flamengo
Elano Galatasaray (TUR)
Ramires Benfica (POR)

Forwards
Robinho Santos
Luis Fabiano
Sevilla (ESP)
Nilmar Villarreal (ESP)
Grafite Wolfsburg (GER)

Well, at least its not like in Brasil were Ronaldinho is left out

My dear arg fans, lets not get 2 much tensed nd lets not b 2 much predictive dat “oh d mid field is bad, who’ll giv it 2 MESSI ??” I believe dat as tym goes on, evrythng will b ok… Though we were close 2 missing d WC, but diego didnt let us down… Hope he’ll also not do dat in WC… If we had all those star players, we wud hav been @ d centre of media, nd dat wud hav bad… An average squad, fine… Hope maradona will b able 2 make dis squad turn in2 a unit… Nd plz dnt b sad when he’ll possibly leave out milito… Cuz dat wont b worse than that of zanetti nd cambi !! So plz keep hope… INSHALLAH, 1986 will come back again dis tym… Vamos Argentina

toddutah… the thing you forget Brazil circa 2010 is that they don’t need creative players to operate within Dunga’s system. Their GK and backline is the best in the business. Their 3 DMF are excellent at what Dunga wants them to do. Their plan is very simple: do not concede a goal and attack rapidly on the counter. In truth, what our game plan is. Except, they have the team and 3 years of preparation.

Kaka is the lynchpin through which outlets are provided to Robinho and Fabiano. That’s it. They don’t need forwards in that system and hence no Dinho, etc. Even Kaka can be replaced as they will burn up the flanks and counter at light speed. It’s a simple system really and they do it better than anyone else.

If I can clarify a few of my opinions:
The omissions of Zanetti and Cambiasso: while I would no doubt take them and respect their ability, I think it’s debatable as many all over the internet are saying that they should be starters in the 11. Zanetti as a right back has not been succesful the last few years; I think he is better as a left back or defensive midfielder these days, so would he start in the 11? Anyway, I hope Inter win the Champions League now to ease the pain for him.

The same for Cambiasso. A great player of poise and tehnique, strong tackler, but I don’t think he is as fast as Mascherano who can get around the whole pitch more. I have always said he is Mascherano’s sub (though I take Rune’s point about Cambiasso’ season) and he and Mache together is too flat and slow. You’d need a real shrewd coach to get the playing well together. Basile couldn’t do it and Pekerman himself switched him for the more fluid Lucho in 2006. He’s a great player but not one for the 11 in my opinion.
I’m more disappointed in players I think could be starters who won’t go: Lucho Gonzalez would/could work brilliantly alongside Mascherano, so could Banega. People are saying Argentina are lacking in central midfeild. This is bull: Argentina has the best selection of central midfielders.

Also, the lack of real fullbacks who play fullback for their club is bizarre. Players like Ansaldi, Angeleri, Papa…I think Papa could have played well if he’d had a more stable run and played alongside Demi and Samuel.
I’m sad for players I have supported for so long not going: Aimar, Saviola, D’alessandro, Lucho etc who are of an age where they not play in one again. But we must move on as you guys have said.

Oh, and on to Banega, though I think he is great and would have him in my 23, deep down I think this is for the best. He has had problems with his ego and mental state in the past. Coming off a great season and then going to the World Cup and having a good tournament could have sent him a little crazy. On the bright side, this should keep his concentration up, keep him humble and working hard for 2014: his prime.
They’re just my opinions, controversial as some of them may be.

No problem guys. I am a very very enthusiastic argentina supporter. I stopped watching wc at the moment argentina went out. I think it will not happen this time. Maradona with his God can make it. Bring back the wc to Argentine supporters. Good luck this time. 2010 will be ours.

If there was any other coach trying to bring to Argentine’s form I would buy it…But Maradona, PLEASE that arrogant bastardo is too self centered and biased to care about whether we do well on the WC or not…the players who have not been selected are more likely the ones that have refused to kiss his dirty a.. Or else how can you cut Zanetti and Cambiasso and not bother to give an explanation…this is what happens when us fans made a fool out of him and ourselves by calling him GOD

Otamendi—-Demi—–Samuel—-Heinze–

—Jonas—–Masche—–Veron——-Dimaria

—————Messi———Higuain——–

This is the starting line up of Maradona. The following, i think would be the back ups. Your guess is as good as mine but let me take a shot at this.

SUBS-
Def – BURDISSO,CLEMENTE RODRIGUEZ,ARIEL GARCE/COLOCINI

Mid – MAXI(for Jonas),BOLATTI(for Masche),DATOLO/BLANCO(Di Maria), PASTORE/SOSA(Veron)

FWD – TEVEZ, MILITO, AGUERO, LAVEZZI/PALERMO

I think Datalo took DiMaria’s place in qualifiers when DiMaria was suspended, so its a choice between Datolo and Blanco(another left side fast player). I think he will go with Datolo.

Bolatti was always Masche back up right from day 1

Between Pastore and Sosa, both eyeing for Veron’s place, i think he will go with Pastore as i dont recall Sosa got any playing time under Maradona (did he?)

Between Lavezzi & Palermo, i think he will go with Palermo

My one fear (after the list of 30) at this point is he will substitute Tevez for Higuain, which i think would be really bad. My order to sub Higuain would be :
1.Milito
2.Aguero
3.Tevez

im furious at maradona

he will lose badly then blame everything else

the only thing that will result from all of this is that people will no longer idolize him and hate him..he will lose evething

good news…palermo might not be able to leave argentina due to legal reasons hahahhaha

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/futbol/copa-mundial/nota?id=1019416

and amit i think tevez is an ideal substitute

he is notorious for assisting messi and if he has energy while other players do not he is a danger

So… Brazil has the best back line, Spain has the best mid field, and Argentina has the best forwards. Therefore, Brazil will be playing defensive football, Spain possession football, and Argentina… defensive football???

Quote:
————Romero————-
Otamendi—-Demi—–Samuel—-Heinze–

—Jonas—–Masche—–Veron——-Dimaria

—–Messi———Higuain——

Amit – You know what i think that is the starting 11
too and it would be in our best interest to
start off with these 11.

I could talk all day about why Maradona did this why Maradona did that but its too late he is a selfish and arrogant man but it is what it is and we can’t change any of it! Yes i will miss Zanetti,Cambiasso,Aimar,Riquelme,G.Milito,Saviola even Crespo but now as Maxi says LETS MOVE ON! Lets support our Argentina and pray that God helps us against all odds! VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

I don’t know why a lot of people is commenting about Palermo: he is the SIXTH forward. The only case in which it is likely that we’ll see him on the pitch is if we are loosing, it is minute 85, and we cannot generate any play other than a cross and pray for a header to go in. So I guess I hope we won’t see him play.

AFA contracted maradona

on that contract it is not written

you diego maradona are employed to flatter the opinions of those in forums and blogs

now get a grip of yourself s

clem–demi–sam–henze-
———mas———
messi–past–veron-dimaria
——–palermo———-

hell even 4-1-4-1 im sorry that 4 with mascharano behind kills spains midfield

I am sorry dflores to disappoint you, you will need to stand me for another month or two…I cannot possibly leave Diego alone becasue he has and will ruin our team…for someone who didnt give a damn about himself, his family, his career, his kids, Do you guys think he really gives a damn about Messi, Masche, and all the other players…every word coming out of his mouth is a proof of his selfish and arrogant existence…But we should be more mad about the person who appointed him as our NT coach knowing who and how he is…AFA is the reason why we are in the place…I am so mad and cannot move on…It is going to take me a long time…EVEN and IF we win the WORLD CUP I will never ever change my mind about MARADONA and will always hate him for who he is…AS a players he was one of the best maybe the best… BUT as a coach and human he is def NOT

hey jayzooz

you seem to talk about facts but never give any…only your silly opinions in bad spelling….how can you fail at spelling when this blog has spell check?

hahahahhahaha

but don’t worry im sure your the smartest dumb kid in your “special” class

still waiting for “facts”

that’s a good point…pele even said it although it pains me to say it he was right

we should blame AFA

someone told me they think it might be Fifa trying to get an African nation to win the cup

by making a lot of the best teams not as good as they could be

what do you guys think of this theory?

That just sounds ridiculous Fab, I can gaurantee that isn’t true

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2868/profile/2010/05/13/1922204/introducing-ever-banega-the-new-xabi-alonso-with-a-mix-of-javier-

Yah whoever thinks this will be 1986.. better start praying.. cuz like 86 u will need God in our side if u wanna c Argentina win with Maradona the coach !!

fab,palermo will b there no matter what,
I just pray that milito will also. leaving him out will be the biggest mistake. a mistake that has been overlooked because of the sure exclusion of cambiasso and zannetti. milito is at the end of the list of forwards and will be the crime of the cup if he is left out, especially after a season with inter that should not even be overlooked by the blind. Palermo will be there no matter what.
I think we have a strong squad going to the cup, but I would feel more comfortable if cambiassso, zannetti, Lucho G were on the bench for the purpose of experience, encouragement, and a back up plan.
this is it brethren, reality has soaked in. I will be supporting the entire squad and hoping that they can find it in their hearts to play their best. this is our team.

Romero- fine with me. hes tall, adventurous. this is typically our worst position so good luck romero!

Otamendi- Fine, hes young exciting, been tested in only a # of qualifiers. I hope hes ready and not too tired from league play

Demichellis- great defender…. on most days. experienced and fit. right choice

samuel- THE WALL. Simply the best option we have for this position. Great Job Diego! Thumbs up.

Heinze- I have been a fan of Heinze for some time, I like this decision because he isnt a traditional CB, can adjust positions, well experienced player, but he is also getting to the age and can make mistakes.

Jonas G- we have been crying about the inclusion of this name on this blog for a year now. He has played well for a handful of games for the NT. But I cant overlook the fact that he is playing for newcastle in a second division. Maradona picked him for his speed, agility, defense, and overall hunger.

Veron- The best passer in South America?… maybe, that might actually go to riquelme. But I will give it to veron- the best passer in SOUTH AMERICA. not series A, not Bundesliga, not Barclays Primo. He has a temper and composure problems. He will be the key. Please stay focused Juan!

Mascherano- Our best player in this position. Another thumbs up for this tactical move Diego. Simply the top 3 defensive midfielders in the world of futbol.

Di Maria- great speed, has proven himself this year for club and has done well in a couple NT matches. Some think he is selfih with the ball, but I disagree. sometimes u have to penetrate and that is why he is here. Good choice.

Higuain- Great choice. Played well this year and was one of the reasons that expensive karim benzema rarely played this season, and is now sadly going to miss the flight to south africa. He has scored 2 or 3 in only a handful of caps.

Messi- enough said

http://www.goal.com/en/news/3069/goalcom-club-player-of-the-season/2010/05/12/1920554/goalcom-special-who-is-inters-player-of-the-season

Milito and Zanetti in the list..speaks for itself

Just listen 2 wat i saw in my dream 2day… Argentina playing vs germany… So most probably its the QF… Same line up as of d game wid nigeria… In the second half, milito came in 4 higuain nd scored d only goal…..
Positives : we not only reached d semis, but also dominated d Germans… Plus dat meant milito is also goin wit us
Negative : Messi missed a lot of chances, 1 even wit a free post
newayz, i hope my dream comes true except for messi’s form in d match :p

Even with the 30-men list, the potential starting 11 can be world class. Maxi for example can be terrific in the center of a 4-3-3.

As I see it, Veron’s sub won’t be Pastore. Veron won’t be replaced anyway, he’s Diego’s lover. I think Bolatti will play a lot this WC (and we all know he doesn’t have the level).

Pastore/Sosa/Maxi must be competing for the Gutierrez sub spot. Ridiculous. I bet you guys that Maxi will be last Pekerboy being excluded.

SUPER MILITO,
Even if Milito goes to WC, he won’t even play.

CARRIE,
Please keep posting, your opinion is important for all of us.

Massimo Moratti, quién aseguró que le “cayó mal” la decisión del DT de la selección de excluir del plantel mundialista al Pupi Zanetti y al Cuchu Cambiasso. “Me cayó tan mal como a ellos, porque Maradona sabía perfectamente cómo ellos (Zanetti y Cambiasso) deseaban ir a Sudáfrica”. Además, el presidente del club de Milán aseguró que “la decisión es más extraña todavía” tras la “temporada realmente monstruosa” de ambos jugadores en el Inter

staring xi
………romero…………
ottamendi-demi-samuel-heinze
………mach…………..
gutires-veron-dimaria
……..messi………
……..hig……
second half
when arg leading
…….rom……..
ottamendi-sam-heinze-burdiso
…….demi-mach………..
gutires-pastore-demaria….
……..messi………
when argentina trailing
………rom………….
ottamendi-demi-samuel-heinze
………mach………..
pastore-…………dimaria
……..messi….
….milito….teves

I will of course be 100% behind all the players and our coach come june, no matter who plays. Argentina is Argentina and I will support Argentina until the day I die. BUT right now I am still to pissed off to talk about anything else than the players selected and the players not selected. Next wednesday, may 19, Diego will release the list of 23. Give me another week and I will start to focuse on the world cup itself.

I would drop:
Garce
Insaurralde
Mercier
Blanco
Sosa
Datolo
Palermo

Diego will drop:
Garce
Insaurralde
Mercier
Blanco
Maxi
Pastore
Milito

I guess its the same thing everywhere.As Nigerians are condemning their team likewise u Argentines are criticizing ur national team.

Well, after trying more than 100 players for the qualifiers, this is the best Maradona could think of? However, the decision that I hated the most from Diego was his choice of captainship in Mascherano. I can never imagine Masch leading a team; he never had a captain experience at the club level, and his temper and attitudes have always been far from being impressive.

FAB QUOTE – “someone told me they think it might be Fifa trying to get an African nation to win the cup

by making a lot of the best teams not as good as they could be

what do you guys think of this theory?”

Fab – I think this theory is possible as always with MAFIA oops sorry i meant FIFA because you know for a fact they always have their hand involved in certain games whether it be with the officiating or even some teams coaches even players in rare cases.

This is why more than ever the players we take to South Africa must play for Argentina with their heart & soul and remember that the shirt they wear is very special and that they must win this cup for Argentina and its people! WE NEED IT! VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

how about 4-2-1-3 .. Good use of wings with Higuain as centre forward, Veron dictating play and Mascherano doing the dirty work. I would have loved to see Cambiasso with Mascherano though..

–Otamendi—-Demi—–Samuel—-Heinze–-

-—Jonas—–Masche—–

–Veron–

——Messi———Higuain——–Dimaria–

am kingsley 4rm nigeria
pls,argentines allow maradona to his best.am not happy
that big names wil be missing 4rm dat great squard.but remember dat argentina came 2 the worldcup in 2002 with the best squard and went out firstround and could only win nigeria with a depleted team one-zero.pls allow dis man 2 do his best wit those gays beat germany,russia,and france.or do u want to exchange this players ours nigeria.googluck maradona.
see u aganst nigeria onthe 12TH of june

the only way i see the world cup going ok for us…is if messi is used in midfield

THLALAS and MAXI LOPEZ : Aimar is neither 29 or 31 but 30 !
Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS MAXILOPEZ, the blog is much better since you are a moderator, you post topics more often and filter the trolls better. Psartec !
VAMOS ARGENTINA !

Maxi,
But u must agree tha milito would probably start for almost any otger nation in the tournament. He must be utilized by us in the second half at least. But u r right, Palermo will get the nod first.
On another note. .. I prefer our 2006 Jersey over our new ones. We need black adidas stripes on our shoulders

Amigos, to tell you the truth, I haven’t realized yet what is currently happening. Like if Diego had knocked my head with a hammer.

RUNE, I totally agree with your post and the players that should be dropped.

Please Diego, keep Maxi Rodriguez, he’s essential for Messi. He moves better than anyone else in this team. Remember the gol we scored against Scotland.

SUPER MILITO,
Milito is the #9 of the year, it’s obvious. People around me are all saying the same thing: “he’s crazy (Maradona)”. He really is. Regarding our jersey, I’m still living in 2006, not in 1986 (=2010). I will buy some Roberto Ayala & Roman Riquelme 2006 shorts for the beach, soon.

FAB, to answer yur question about FIFA, I think like RIVERPLATEELMASGRANDE.

By the way RPEMG, what do you think about so little players from River in our team? Lucho, Aimar, Saviola, Cambiasso, Crespo, D’Alessandro, …, Maxi Lopez out. Only Jefecito & Micho left… How did you feel when Maradona was happy to see Boca win in the last classico at la Bombonera?

SRIKANTH,
Sorry to say this but it’s been 4 years that we all post 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 lineups. In Africa, Maradona will play 4-4-2 formations until we die.

Hey Guys any information about the last friendly match against Canada on 24th may before world cup? I think Argentina gonna win with 3-0 or 4-0 with Maradona’s lineup so any drawbacks not gonna recognize before world cup.

——————Romero——————-
Otamendi—-Demichelis–Samuel—–Heinze
———Bolatti—-Mascherano————
—————-Veron———————
Messi———-Higuain————Aguero

My starting lineup with maradona’s lineup…

I’m new to this blog but thank God there’s a good moderator! Dale duro Maxi keep it up, ur topics are great!

MAXI – Also i wanted to say ur right that Maradona will never change that 4-4-2 formation he is stubborn and won’t listen to anyone but himself!

Maradona es un bostero y eso es algo que nunca se puede curar! This is another reason why i think he doesn’t like players that started out in River like you said of Lucho, Aimar, Saviola, Cambiasso, Crespo, D’Alessandro… we could go on and on! Honestly i know i have to move on and support him and the players we take to South Africa but after this is all over i hope el bostero is relieved of his duties!!! Now about the last classico it is what it is, but at least we got the win before that one, 3-1! LOL River is undergoing a renewing process under Passarella y Angel Cappa our new DT – THANK GOD! We’re definitely on our way back to the Top slowly but surely!

What are your thoughts on that question you asked me?

RIVER PLATE EL MAS GRANDE,
Thank you. My answer about my 2 questions? I want to eat my keyboard and its keys one by one. I don’t know any NT coach who is biased like Diego (Boca, Estudiantes, family, guys who su#k and keep him secured). Oh yes, there is maybe one: Marcello Lippi (Juve biased) and he got destroyed by Mourinho. Maradona is an insult to all Argentina people, like our friend AURELIUS said before. On the contrary, Pekerman was totally neutral and wanted everyone of his team to play (Palacio, Scaloni, Coloccini, Cruz, etc). Maradona is a bastard (”I’m only sad for Gago, he is one of my boys”) and he didn’t deserve all the people sadness, including ours, when he was close to death years ago. Regarding River, its my club. Now that its cancer is cured (Aguilar), I hope that River will see the light soon. Slowly, but surely, like you say. Vamovamovamovamovamovamo Millonarios…

I too agree with Rune’s post on who will be dropped. I will say though that Maradona’s comments about preparing for next year’s Copa America as well (?) suggests it is the younger players who will be dropped.
If he drops Pastore he is crazy. This is nothing to do with a ‘he plays in Europe Sosa doesn’t’ thing either: in Argentina, Europe, Peru, Africa, Japan anywhere, Pastore has more talent than Sosa. That is not anti-Sosa though: I just really admire Pasore. I would have no problems with both Sosa and Pastore going as both have energy and skills that the rest of the squad is lacking.
Personally, I would accept Datolo over Jonas as well but accept this won’t happen. Jonas is a good runner and tackler but Datolo plays off other players better i.e. passes and moves. Jonas tends to dribble and give the ball away or try triangles and fail. I’ll still support him though.
As for the River thing: it is odd. Sure River have been bad the last couple of years but the generation of River players you two mention are fantastic and personal favourites of mine. That said, Maradona has also ditched Boca players who could have had an impact like Riquelme, Gaitan and Battaglia. Even Samuel was out until recently. That said, there is little doubt Palermo is in to keep favour with the Boca fans of which he is such (I have no allegiance either way on that and no problem with fans of either, though my grandmother for what it’s worth is a River fan but I won’t bore you with that…)
I just think Maradona has taken a very short term view and gone for players in the local league that are hot right now rather than sticking with players who are more established and who are going through a bad run. Would they deserve the benefit of the doubt? Is short term better than long term? Let’s hope Diego is proved right anyway. I’ll be the most delighted proved wrong person in the World

What would the World Cup be without debates over player selection?

Although it might be a bit extreme to say that Maradona doesn’t care about winning the cup simply because he excluded some players you like. I think his joyous belly dive with that Palermo goal back in October is all the proof necessary to counter that argument.

Maxi,

Well said man, you’re absolutly right when u say Maradona is a bastard I love him as a player and thank him for all he did on the field but nothing more! Es un bostero desgraciado del barrio que no tiene educacion! He makes us Argentinos look bad and through his selfish ways has put us through so much stress and madness this past year & a half! Ur also right CARP got rid of that cancer (Aguilar) finally and we finally have someone like (Passarella) that has love for River!

Good to see ur a supporter of Los Millionarios! VAMOS
ARGENTINA y DALE RIVER!!!!

Greetings all… long time…

Just like all of you, i am baffled by some of maradon’s selections. The exclusion of Zanetti & Cambiasso arent shocking to me. I am however shocked he did not call up either Aimar, banega or gago. I thought he would at least fancy the idea of playing both aimar and veron at the same tame, if a situation comes where we are down and we need some movement. Veron and Aimar together could be special.

As bad as everything is, i still have high hope for this team. I think what will work best for this team, is the fact that we will have about 20 + days for the team to just work together. Of course a lot is expected from veron, I just hope to God he is mobile and always looking not just to pass the ball to messi but also to receive it from him just like xavi does with barca. I think our back four is going to be strong, with masch having to only do tracking and distributing the ball out to veron. Gutti and Di Maria will work extremely hard as always in guti’s case.

As dark as it is, i still see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Did you guys hear what maradona said??? He said “my team will not play like murinho’s inter milan team” He has also been in barcelona meeting with messi and messi’s father, he also spent days meeting with Pep… I can not stand maradona as anything other a player, but i am just hoping the players will stick together and pull this thing off. The players deserve it and most of all we the fans deserve it. I dont think any other nation knows pain as much as argentina fans do, well maybe the dutch fans…

Going into WC’06 our team was actually terrible. We lost to england, we lost to croatia… but we got it together once the tournament started. I hope to God we do the same this time around.

I cant wait for everything to start.

one thing i forgot to add… one thing that has surprised me about maradona is how his recent strategies (example being against uruguay and germany) being almost military like strategies. He was a flair player and played with his gut and never had to study the nuances. Now, he is trying to be a strategist and stifle the team in such a strategy… and i dont know if he really has it in him to understand teams and prepare for teams with in few days… because that strategy might work for certain teams, but for certain teams it might not.

And the biggest fear i have is, this strategy though it has worked against uruguay (that win was huge huge huge huge huge) & Germany, i fear that it will ultimately cripple messi. If we have any shot at the title then messi has to be messi. I just fear that this strategy cripples our greatest weapon which is messi. both Messi & Higuain are flare players who work best with movements off the ball and with it.

I would love to see maxi instead of guti but i highly doubt that will happen.

But i still have high hopes for our team.

i don’t doubt we can do well with our starting 11

what i doubt is if we do reach the later stages…we have no depth now on the bench

Juan. Please get a life. Gracias.

diego milito is better than palermo & aguero

FROM TIM VICKERY’S BLOG :

Under Maradona, Argentina have toured the country playing a number of matches with only home-based players. This has the advantage of taking the team to the provinces and of giving Maradona more experience on the touchline but it also might have cluttered his head with excess information. He has been looking at more players when he might well have benefited from narrowing down.

Ten of his 30 are based in Argentina. Boca’s lumbering centre forward Martin Palermo looks set to stay in the 23. But can he really make an impact at the World Cup?
And is he needed as well as Higuain and Milito? It means someone has to miss out – probably Lavezzi of Napoli, such a slippery player on the counter-attack.

At the other end of the field, Garce of Colon is in while Zanetti of Inter Milan is out – a baffling defiance of common sense. There are lots of wide midfielders but the area that looks especially deficient is central midfield.
Fernando Gago’s lack of playing time with Real Madrid has cost him a place while Maradona is not a fan of Esteban Cambiasso, who, in fairness, was one of the least effective members in the side before he took over.

To my mind, the strangest omission is that of Ever Banega, a midfielder of superb passing range who can drop back and mark. He would be an ideal deputy for Juan Sebastian Veron, who at 35 might struggle for gas.

Brazil’s choices, then, are methodical, well thought out, coherent. Some of Argentina’s look scattergun, products of whims of inspiration. And the wonderful thing is that neither guarantee results – football has never been an exact science.

Welcome back Messay.

Just to say Argentina needs a strong Boca and River , a strong Independiente and Racing.

River is one of the world’s great clubs and it has been so shocking to see a great club run down over the last few years. Cappa must be allowed time to work his magic and reform the youth divisions.

But it’s also great to see all these other clubs with great history themselves such as Talleres , Rosario Central ,Lanus and Velez producing so many gifted young players.

Those friendlies we lost. Remember who was removed ? Riquelme. Sadly Pekerman did not learn the lesson.

As for the strategy I am sure it is Bilardo who is the power behind the throne.

Saludos hermanos. Vamos Argentina.

even support our team many players that deserved to be in were left out and players who are do not make it in their clubs were included….veron is bad choice he is too old and just runs around on the field without mush clue about the game..same goes for heinze..aimar should have been there in absence of riquelme. the team lacks a passing maestro in the midfield

Zanetti, Cambiasso, Lucho, Aimar, Licha, Maxi, etc, all these international, world class players, great leaders in there clubs, must have been in the NT locker-room one day, looking at eachother and saying about Maradona: “is this our coach?”. They wanted the best for Argentina and criticized Maradona. That’s why Veron said to the press before the game VS Uruguay that everyone should have an internal talk in the group. People have talked. And the ones who opened their mouth are out. That’s why Maradona hates Cambiasso, Licha & Zanetti, for example. For sure, Maradona admires Veron who is the only one who can openly criticize Maradona. Veron is the leader of our team.

We must face the truth and stop lying to ourselves. Maradona knows nothing about tactics and will keep ignoring Bilardo. Players have their heart and nothing else. The only tacticians we have are Samuel, De Michelis & Heinze. Our WC hopes would have increased a lot if Cambiasso was there, a coach on the field

AURELIUS,
“Those friendlies we lost. Remember who was removed? Riquelme. Sadly Pekerman did not learn the lesson”. I think it’s the players who didn’t learn the lesson. José should have been more confidend regarding the 4-1-4-1 defending system which had perfectly worked against Ivory Coast. I think the players lost it anyway, they had fallen asleep (something that Mourinho doesn’t allow, ex: Inter).

Maxi Lopez,

Good point and it makes lot of sense. I for one was gasping to figure out why on earth Mascherano was made captain. I thin here is the problem, before it was Peckerman who asked Sorin to lead. And you know what, Zanetti is the only natural captain possibly since Ayala. And its impossible to netralize Zanetti’s influential personality on and off the field… So Peckerman had to remove him from the team. Probably same thing is happening to Maradona, Mascherano does not have personality captaining specially Zanetti, and possibly Cambiasso aswell. Now in this theory we can get some conclusion, as Banega is another irresistable player whom cant be captained by less impressive Mascherano. Mascherano is a great player in his position, but I never thought himself as captain material. Some of his onfield behaviour is plain stupid, and refrees were somehow resisting themselves to slap him. If you try to look at root of this problem, it was because of Maradona’s decision of making Mascherano as captain. Maradona has picked squad mostly are either young or without top three leagues (La liga, EPL, Serie A). They will be happy playing worldcup for Argentina, they dont have bigger ego like those left out players.

I am not from Argentina, can someone tell me why Peckerman picked Sorin as captain whereas he neither was the best in his position that time, nor was a natural captain. Is it because of relative connection? family friend? sponsorship deal? can someone enlighten us?

Same to Maradona, for some unidentified reason, Mascherano was picked as captain. Why your football board never protested that? Why you dont know who should be your captain, who is stand by!

I hope you argentine, football journalists will focus on this matter next time.

I want Argentina to win. sadly, I will have to rely more on luck, rather than clear cut favourite status [they could have been clear cut favourite give their best players a shot]

The captain in football at this level is nothing to worry about.

Each player should be his own captain and aware of his responsibilities and duties.

If they are not then they should not be playing at this level.

As for Sorin he was a great club man and team player and this is also why he is so popular at all the clubs he has played for.

I think Argentina is the nation which is exporting football skills with unknown players to Europe,and earns foreign money.It will helps the guys who are playing for the Arg clubs.I Only know two of them ,Palermo and veron who have no need Euro clubs.But they have skils and experience to make the worldcup their own.Dont forget one of them Bocca’all time scorer and still have goal scoring ability(I Know he miss 3 penalties in one game & out of national team a long time),and about Veron I saw the Germany friendly and club worldcup he was very good.Some people are blaming him he can only play 35 mnts of football.So I have one question to u when he became south american footballer recent time? the award given association is so blind to give this award for a man only capable for 35 mnts of play.Veron is captian of Estudiants and team was copa libertadoress champion which club was only failed front of world by another argentinian maestro LION MESSI.
My next question is to whom is angry for taking local players,
Is Argentinian football league is not better than other leagues…?

I am only sad to see the recent team without Zanetti & Cambiasso.But I will not call Maradona bastard because he can gave the wins for us.Because of him we the people in INDIA love football as well as Argentina.

I dont know the local players but I know,
Messi with 45 goals,higuain,teves, ,milito more than 25,Aguiro more than 20 goals
DiMaria wonderfull and energetic performer
Macherano there is no substitute for him
Pastore-Equal or more than Kaka
Gutires-Hard working
Demichells-Samuel-Heinze who can pass the chinese wall which will made by these players

I agree Omitted guys are very talented &they should be in our team. But who says the current players are not good,it shame & they wre living in other planet
We are with our beloved ‘Maradona and Argentina

Sohrab,
Dont forget hostory,there is no captians material.
Do you heard about Macherano from liverpool team mates.He is more influential player than Gerard for this season despite of his foolish behaviour on the field
U know ,Zidane lost his control was foolish
All other guys are done idiot things on the field.But some times this foolishness was because of hardworking.
And the team needs leading with example,Macherano can

we have Zanetti & Ayala as good captian,but we didnot get any cup ,copa or worldcup.So captian is not matter

sana

you bring up a good point on another theory

perhaps grondona pressured maradona to include many local players in order to get more argies shipped out and more money to the argy clubs (who are struggling money wise)

as for veron…he has his glimpses of skill…but he also has a lot of glimpses of failure its 50 50 with him

and sure he did good….in the argy league, not the same as the leagues in Europe where you have to go against the gerrards and the kaka’s….understand?

he is too old to be expected as one of the only central mids on the team

the exclusion of cambiasso, benega and zenetti were a big mistake because they would have been ideal subs (even starters)

say if masche gets red carded and then veron gets injured on game two

you will have to rely on pastore….and brana

as oppposed to cambiasso and benega..who i think would have been a way better option

ok guys i was thinking

we can sit here and repeat the same things all day and night…it wont change the facts

maradona did not call the best argentina squad possible

sure our bench is kind of lacking…but lets not forget we have certain players that can change a game for us

messi is at his very best..and the last time he played for us he was not even at as high a level as he is now

higuein is a goal poaching machine

di maria is very tricky as well

we have some top notch players still
and i will still cheer for my team

For God’s sake: Sorin was Pekerman’s captain even in one of his Argentina NT youth teams. Sorin was a great player, and a great leader.

fab,
If veron injured & mascherano red carded

otta-samuel-heinze-burdisso
……..demichelles……..
…..maxi-pastore-dimaria…
……messi……higuain…..
you know demi can play defensive midfielder and pastore can pass to messi & heguain
otherwise messi can paly as attacking midfielder
insteead of pastore
then forward line become
higuain….teves/milito
OR
teves canplay as attacking midfielder several time he play potentially and well with play making
then it should be
……demi…….
maxi…teves….dimaria
messi…….higuain/milito
so that is the one reason for cambiasso droped

that is not a viable reason for dropping cambiasso

he is one of the best players in his position on earth
and would have been an ideal sub for mascherano

i beleive he was dropped for veron and internal issues the team must have had

i quite dont agree with some of you guys if you keep saying captain is not so important in football. What I have been seeing over the years in club football is, selecting captain for a team is a somewhat big decision for a coach, so there must be some reason.

About Sorin, I can recall some of earlier analysis which was saying that Zanetti had some issues with Sorin, and it was difficult accomodating him under Sorin’s captaincy.

I understand and agree 100% what Mascherano has brought for Liverpool, I think he has been much more influential than english media has recognised. But I am asking is he a better captain than Zanetti?

Well, I am still in that theory, an influential captain, leader can be crucial both on and off the pitch.

Coincidently, Argentina isnt playing as superpower in football since he is captain. enough said.

here is my top 23

keepers

romero
?
?

defence

demi
samuel
garay
zenetti
heinze
burdisso
insua

midfield

aimar
lucho
benega
mascherano
cambiasso
pastore
maxi rodriquez
di maria

attack

messi
higuein
d milito
tevez
lisandro lopez

——-romero————

—zenneti—samuel—demi—-heinze

————–mascherano————

—-messi—–aimar—-lucho——di maria

——————–higuein—————-

if only

Regarding Sorin: he was actually the first Pekerboy captain back in 1995. And it’s also a little harsh to say he wasn’t the best in his position. Argentina had Placente as well at the time (who I know MaxiLopez here liked) and he was a great player as well although he was playing for a lesser team at the time and was then injured for the tournament anyway. Cufre was his replacement.
Sorin was a fantastic player who had experience playing for big clubs in Argentina, Brazil, Italy, France and Spain, was 30 years old (his prime) and you could see his pride in playing for the national team during the anthems. Also, his attacking ability was a key part in Pekerman’s (and Bielsa’s before him) tactics.
As for Mascherano, some of you keep saying his ‘bad behaviour on the pitch’: not to be rude, but can you tell me what behaviour this is or how it is so different from many other players? His job is to break up play and tackle: fouls are an inevitable part of that. Also, like Sorin, he is one of the only players guaranteed to start every game. I agree, Veron, Demichelis, Samuel or Heinze are more vocal and would probably make better leaders of men but we know Veron (who Sanajkumar makes good points about his form) has had injuries and may have to miss a game or two in such an intense short period, Samuel has only just returned to the team and Demichelis has less experience at international level.
And ’some common sense….’: everyone on here wants Argentina to succeed, if they come here and care enough to opine that proves that. You have to examine weakness’ before you can go forward.
And I agree: I’ve said it on here before, the results against non-South American opposition have been excellent. I do not believe teams in Africa, Europe or Asia have anywhere near as much a difficult group in qualifying and all the SA teams have played Argentina so much and Argentina were as guilty of laziness (in coaching) and complacency as much as anything else. We all know the main players are special enough that should they gel Argentina can do very well, but at the same time, such glaring squad omissions can be seen as either very bold or very stupid. No one here wants Argentina to fail; that’s why they are so passionate when they ask their questions

SANAJKUMAR,
If Veron & Mascherano are injured/suspended, i’m afraid Maradona would do this, and starting Bolatti for sure:

—————Romero————–
Otamendi—Micho—-Samuel–Heinze-
Jonas—Bolatti–Coloccini–DiMaria
———-Messi—–Higuain——–

The defence is the priority for him. If I’m wrong, then switch Micho and Coloccini positions. There is really no solutions left (and Colo is still out of position). Unless Maradona brings Maxi Rodriguez with him. I believe Pastore will never play in the WC, even if he’s selected. And if he does, he’ll be out of position (right winger), like Jonas Gutierrez by the way.

Guys, Heinze has just hit the bar on a magnificent FK! Like in his old days at Paris & Manchester.

In my opinion, Juampi Sorin was the best left back our NT has ever known. Juampi is my hero and i will never forget his face before the game VS Ivory Coast. A tremendous captain, leader. He was also the beautiful game.

Regarding Mascherano, if he’s used properly in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-1-2 defending systems, then he’s the best at his position. When Jefecito is booked, then there is a problem with the tactics.

I agree with everything you said FELIPE.

Hi, the only salvation of Argentina is if Messi plays as attacking middfielder ( since there is no aimar,riquelme,Banega in the team) and Higuain and Tevez or Aguero will be the attacking duo.I believe there are more possibilites for the team to make progress if Messi-Tevez(Aguero) and Higuain can be used at the same time inside the pitch.So…we have Burdisso-Demichellis-Samuel-Heinze
Mascherano – Veron
Gutierez-Messi-Di Maria
Tevez(Aguero)-Higuain
So..what do you think ?

@sanaj : i really got hope reading ur solution when masch nd veron r not playing …..
But aftr reading Maxi’s post abt maradona’s mentality(most possible) , um again tensed newayz, hoping 4 d best….
2morrow’s my exam… If it goes bad, then only Maradona will b responsible 4 dat… Cuz aftr seeing his selections, i was so much depressed nd cudnt study a word for 2 days
vamos argentina !!

Well said Felipe.

Mascherano is the natural leader on the pitch. His own drive and tirelessness spark the others. In the ECL final he was voted Liverpool’s best player.

He is loved by the fans there for a reason ,his selflessness and ferocity but also the subtle side of his game .

You don’t come out of River and not know how to play tactically with awareness and how to pass if you amke it at such a young age in their first XI. Same at Boca.

Anyway each man needs to be his own captain as I’ve said. The effort to suceed and rectify mistakes and carry on to the last comes only from within.

As if wearing the azul y blanca camiseta is not enough.

As for Sorin he is one of my favourite players. I really hope he moves into coaching or into football administration. More characters like him ,Redondo etc would be great for Argentine football.

The problem is this team is not set up for Leo. I can see him dropping deep to pick the ball up because Veron simply cannot commit by going past the opposition DMs who can sit on Leo and of course no width coming from Otamendi .

A lot depends on Jonas covering a lot of ground or better still Maxi who can provide defensive coverage though with less pace but better intuitive understanding with Messi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxnGVP7FFe0

A noble human and great warrior on the pitch for all his teams like Cruzeiro.

I am pretty certain Pastore will take it over Sosa. Or perhaps I am a bit too hopeful. Pastore can offer so much and can split the toughest of defences. If he stays injury free he as the potential to become a great player.

Maxi is a must as is Lavezzi who can play down the right flank to add some depth to that position.

Palermo no go. I’d even take Mercier over Bolatti.

Maradona coach?? biggest mistake in argentina’s football team history

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUI3oO6qukk

amassing performance from are rightly so first choice winger

hmmm

seems like jonas falls a lot…maybe he should work on his balance

besides that his tireless running is good

you can tell tho in that clip that he is very slow at passing…he takes too much time and you can tell it frustrates some of our more experienced players

oliver!! another Lebanese on the blog! welcome brother!

thkalas… i really like that lineup.. i agree that messi should be used as a center attacking midfielder… he will make our team MUCH better.

I feel like the position he’s playing in right now will leave him isolated. i don’t think jonas or veron will do a good job of feeding him the ball. if messi plays in the middle he will be the center of the attack, and that is exactly what should happen. He won’t play in his usual right wing position, but he’s succeeded with barca when playing in the CAM spot. remember what he did against zaragoza with no iniesta or xavi in the playmaker position?

as for jonas… he is going to be a liability.

in the video, as fab said, you can tell he’s a really slow passer. many times he just passes back because he doesn’t know what to do.

the only positive thing about him is his physical presence and constant effort. He does a pretty good job defending and that’s why i think he’d be a good right back. *sigh* If maradona only had a little bit of brain….

anyways, I think before the world cup, messi and higuain will make a deadly partnership upfield. I hope that messi falls into the playmaker spot while higuain and tevez/messi/milito are in front of him. it’ll be a deadly triangle with di maria on the left feeding the trio.

the biggest dissapointment is no replacement to mascherano. bolatti is horrible and mercier most likely wont go to south africa. its completely stupid to not take cambiasso or banega. i dont care what you cuchu haters say.. these 2 will make the team BETTER.

argentinefan… lebanese? im argentine born, originally from Libya!

no way super milito! that’s pretty awesome.. i’ve never been there but i hear Libya’s a beautiful country.

I feel sorry for Aimar.. he is one very talented playmaker who has always been second choice for our NT in WC’s.
In 2002 he was 2nd choice till Veron flopped, in 2006 he was behind Riquelme and now he won’t even get a chance
In my book he has ALWAYS been better than Veron, maybe second only to Riquelme when he was at his prime.
What a waste of talent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA1P_YiI5Zk&feature=related

What could have been :
We have all watched this game but I just watched it again and can’t get
over a few things :
The first goal.. pure Aimar brilliance, Messi to Aimar, Aimar pushes forward..Messi and Higuain simultaneously making runs, and Aimar puts a brilliant through ball.
When was the last time you saw Veron do that for the NT ?

But overall , from that time the team is definitely in better shape now. I mean look at the defence. It was shit ! That again was because Diego was taking players like Schiavi.
Now that the defence is sorted, I desperately wish for some creativity and mobility in the attack..

Yes, at least Dominguez and Schiavi are not on the squad list.

Every team need a set piece specialist , more so in a world cup , when games are very even . Who is going to be Argentina’s set piece , free kick , dead ball specialist ?

my vote would go for tevez

but messi, heinze and yes even veron would be our freekick guys

i think tevez and his freekick abilities have been dangerously under used

fab,
I think u are watching all argentinian players
messi could not more chance to take freekicks because there is Xavi,Ibra and Alves.when messi got he scored.Then Teves is very special in dead ball situation
Dont write off Veron and Heinze
Then why some people questioning playmaking abilities.
Messi is goal scoring machine but he is not a common striker.Sometimes for barcelona ,he take ball from defenders and give throughpasss to Pedro and others
Another way Teves can play as plamaker and Pastore
In Benfica Dmaria is always a leftwing player,but he sevral imes switch over to left or central
Past times we have natural forwards only wandering in the penalty box.But now this team have forwards can a score goals notonly from inside but also from outside of box and very well playmakers.
Remember we failed to England in 2002 only because of
without sharp shooting from outside of the box
That is the reason I am still confident that any case,
We will climb cover the world with world cup

It’s a shame Lucho isn’t in the squad. I was watching the award ceremony for Marseille when they won the league. Lucho seems to be a fan favorite and he got a trophy for the most assists. He woulda been an ideal central midfielder for our team and he could have replaced veron at the half.

Yes i think v all should agree that Juan Pablo Sorin should be a lot credited for that wonderful tenure wit the national team and even Roberto Ayala . . . God Bless them even in their retirement life. but who is our future captain? . . . i don see messi at all in that role.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/05/16/1927081/international-friendly-result-south-korea-2-0-ecuador-lee

Korea warming up in fine fashion.

one who said mradona is biased
remember he said about Gago”he is his player”
If he biased he will take Gago,but he dropped
Maradona Please listen
Cavani scored goal with assist of PASTORE
DIEGO MILITTO scored and won Italian league
He scored when Inter won Italian Cup
He will score Champions league !

If you want to win the WC Militto should be in ur team who can score preassure situations

Congrats to Inter who win the Scudetto with a 1-0 win over Siena! Goal from Milito assisted by El Capitano. Our Argies all had excellent games..

BTW…
Milito +1
Maxi Lopez +1
Crespo +1

Crespo is way better than Palermo imo!

I cried today. Tears were running down my cheek…..when JAVIER ZANETTI

assisted Diego Milito and when he lifted the scudetto.
I will NEVER forgive Diego Maradona.
Zanetti forever!!!!!!

Wonderful scenes indeed.

I couldn’t agree more Rune. It’s a crime against football.

First there was Il Magno Fachetti now there is Il Capitano Zanetti.

Pastore has to be a must. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that none of our players are injured Messi especially.

If Zanetti can be persauded away from the Inter organization he would be a great figure for the AFA to be run by and turn it into a proper professional organization.

Unlikely to happen though. Dead men like to cling onto the tiller.

hey guys. im from maldives. i follow every single argentine players on a daily basis.i occasionally post here. here we have lots of Argentinian fan in Maldives. Around 75 % football lovers. U know y? Coz of Maradona. We will be watching WC on the white sandy beaches.Vamos Argentina!!

Zanetti and Cambiasso were superb today. Congrats to Inter on surpassing Milan.

Nice to know centi.

Serie A top 23 players:
___________Julio Sergio__________
_______Samuel_______Lucio________
__Maicon_________________Zanetti_
_____________Pizarro_____________
_____De Rossi_______Cambiasso____
____________Sneijder_____________
___________________Di Natale_____
________Milito___________________

Bench: Sirigu, Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, Cassani, Riise, Palombo, Marchisio, Pastore, Miccoli, Cassano, Borriello.

As we near the games the days seem to take twice as long to count down. We are anticipating a good result w/ Nigeria,but wish the times were little bit later. In Korea 2002,my neighbors called the police thinking someone was being attacked as we screamed at the top our lungs in the middle of the night watchng games at 3am.HA, they dont know the level of passion and commitment to our team we have. We are the craziest fans in the world, I only my sueno will last through the month to July for the final. God be with us this june 11. VAMOS ARGENTINA…esta noche tenemos que ganar.

pongan huevos, huevos los azules
pongan huevo, huevos sin parar
que esta noche cueste lo que cueste,
esta noche tenemos que ganar…

ponga la camiseta
como yo solo el cabron
juega con toda el alma
que quiero ver salir campeon

VAMOS CARAJOOOOO…VAMOS MI ARGENTINA

Goal Highlights Barcelona vs Valladolid HT [2-0] http://bit.ly/9LFlxw

barca3-0
Messi…….33
And one asist
and game stll 28 mts left
Pray for Messi not to be injured

barca4-0
Messi again………34
Rmember thre is no Xavi Or Iniesta

messi finished top scorer and scored a brace in the last game

totally uninjured…. thank god

Maradona: Riquelme Refusal Changed My Plans

http://sports.peacefmonline.com/soccer/201005/43389.php

Congrats to Messi and G Milito!
This season has been incredible. 47 goals and 12 assists in 53 games for Leo. Impossible to do better.
If he only had scored one more goal today he would have broken all the records. Now he is still kinda behind Ronaldo. Ronaldo scored 47 goals in 49(!!!)games. Messi needed 53 games. But what a season!

Diego has never called up Riquelme, I don’t know where this myth comes from.

he talked to roman about how he wanted him to play..to the media

everything maradona says has to be on the media

if he likes cornflakes…he calls a press conference

and johnny boy…as argies we respect maradona as a player…he was the best

but as a coach he is yet to prove himself…no one is bitching…this is a message board, we are meant to relay our opinions

that retard who comes here and talks a lot of nonsense …no one is kicking him out..he has the freedom to talk about Nintendo and all that other useless shit

so we have the freedom to lament over maradona’s impotence and arrogance as a coach

Argentina was on the footballing map long before 1978 johnny.

Maxi get rid of these inane comments from ill informed idiots.

Diego was the greatest player to ever set foot on the pitch but he is one of the worst ever football coaches.

And it’s not just the vast majority of fans who can see this but footballing coaches and former players.

I know mental health care in Britain is not entirely up to scratch. Somehow this person manages to get online.

i thought messi was already on 47 goals before the start of this game,that’s what espn had down on his stats

Completely agree on Veron THKALAS, I have been saying the same thing for a long time now.. in my earlier posts.
That is why I am putting my hopes on this Pastore kid..he may be “Green” but hopefully he will lead us to Greener pastures.
The list has been announced already, there is a 0.01% chance that Aimar will be called up now.

Veron will score the 1st goal for ARG on a free kick in the game against Nigeria. Veron will feed Messi with perfect passes – just watch and see.

The issue isn’t Veron’s passing…his long passing especially is superb. It’s his fitness (mental and physical) and temperament.

He gassed in 2002, though maybe he wants to shed those demons badly and that will motivate him. I hope that is the case.

But his temperament has proven especially costly. His red card against Paraguay cost us any chance of points if you recall. And his red card last weekend cost Estudiantes the league title. It’s a nasty pattern that I don’t expect will go away….

Even France has learned their lesson. They fired Domenech and replaced him with Blanc! Les Bleus will improve dramatically now.

Correction: Blanc will replace Domenech after the Cup. Too little too late. At least they realize Domenech is crap.

dont count a person with red card,why are u behind veron
Even dMAria also redcarded in this season
Veron was played for NT better than others who was playing for club bettter than NT.

Dear fans, please enlighten me. What cud be Maradonna’s final 23? Who is there if Veron fails, apparently there is a great chance that it would happen? What are D. Milito’s chance in final 23? Now that Aimar is out, what are the creative options in the midfield?

I agree with all of you, Maradonna is a below average coach. Having said that, with Requelme gone (because of him), he had to take Veron. I know he is slow, and old and temperamental, but he is a veteran with skills in passing. Argentina cud use his experience and skills even if it is for 45 mins. Messi needs lots of passes. I don’t cry for Zanneti and Cambiasso. Yes, they are veteran, but they are defensive players and you all would agree Argentinian defense looks great now with Samuel in. I am just too worried about the creative midfield position. Any reassurance?

ROBIN :
Messi needs mobility..someone who can keep up with him, and make runs with him.
A stationary and immobile Veron who puts a through ball to Messi will not achieve too much as Messi will undoubtedly be surrounded by 2 defenders.
He needs someone who can run with him, stay 10 -12 metres away from him..essentially someone with pace, with whom he can play quick 1-2’s.

Aimar was ideal for this job. See my posts earlier..

That is why Messi even went public with the fact that he likes how Aimar plays.

Now in his absence, I think the only player who can replicate this is Pastore.. he is very quick, an excellent dribbler, and has a good passing range, that is why I am putting my hopes on him.

Further to my post above, to see what I am talking about, just watch the Germany game and you will understand.
Just see on YouTube.. the whole match is uploaded.

Yes Veron was there around Messi, but anyone could see that he was just too slow for Messi’s quick thinking and movements.

Let alone run with him, when Messi was surrounded with defenders, a number of times he tried to release the pressure by a quick pass to Veron.
Most of the times Veron couldnt even anticipate the pass coming and as a result botched up up the move, or worse gave up possession.
A more capable player would have utilised the extra space available and run or controlled the ball better and made better passes. (there is always extra space when Messi is playing as an extra man is allocated to him). Think Barca..

The simple fact is that Veron is just too slow I am even talking reactionary time here- to keep up with our other players.
Yes, he has one of the best passing ranges..but he needs too much time to control the ball, then look for players, and then pass. this may work in Estudiantes but not in Europe.
Essentially he needs both time and space to execute his game.. both of which is not given to him at the highest level..this is the reason he flopped in the EPL,where he was constantly harassed in the midfield.

Hopefully now you understand my objections to him being the playmaker

But trust me, I am not “after him”.. I am merely talking from a footballing point of view and no one would be more happier if he were to prove me wrong at the WC.. would gladly eat the humble pie then..trust me bro.

Huge performance from Inter.
Viva Zanetti y Cambiasso! Forza Inter!
Milito has evolved amazingly this year.
Samuel has become a rock.
Pupi & Chuchu have been tactical genius.

Argentinos Juniors champions in Argentina! What an event!

8 different champions the past 8 years. This shows that there is a problem in the Argentinean League. Only short term building possibilities. I hope the future AFA will manage to keep more the young talents.

Messi… 47 gols in one single season. Has Maradona ever done the same in his career?

I hope Leo rests and prepares WC well because it’s going to be a nightmare for him, whatever our results are.

AURELIUS,
There is a system called DISQUS that will be set up pretty soon on our blog. It should eradicate all trolling for good. The little tecnhics the troll is using won’t work anymore.

Michael Ballack will miss the World Cup for Germany.

AAAAAWWWW!!!!!!! KARMA IS A BITCH, YOU FILTHY GERMAN THUG!!!!!

Great news. I don’t think Germany has a chance without him. VAMOS ARGENTINAAAA!!

Thanks Krish! Great inside. Please, inform me about our 23, will you? I donno, I am sad that Ballack is out. Dont you think this takes a bit of attraction out of the WC, losing great players due to injury? I was kinda certain that Messi will be injured and miss the WC. Thank god, that didnt happen. I am now praying so that he is unscathed in practice/ training.

Domenech also believes in astrology…..

Agree with Krish.

Opposition will just sit on him knowing we don’t have the fullbacks to widen the field of play and they will play long.

Veron was poor against Brazil and Germany just 2/17 completed passes , the rest astray or cut out.

Aimar better intuitive linkup with Messi , Banega one of the best passers in La Liga this season and can link box to box.

Zanetti is one of the great full backs of recent years.

I hope some of the transfer talk regarding players can be sorted out soon as it may distract certain players ie di Maria.

Mascherano appears to be unsettled at Liverpool as well and looking at a move to Barca again with Banega being eyed up as a replacement at Anfield.

after all this conversation about the Veron issue , we have come to the conclusion that this player can’t be the central middfielder that the team needs.However since he is selected and things won’t change, we must at least try to see in what way Veron could be somehow useful for the team.How about this formation?
Romero
Burdisso-De Michellis-Samuel-Rodriguez
Mascherano-Veron
Messi – Pastore – Di Maria
Higuain
I think that Veron would be more suitable in a formation like that , coz he just has to stay at the centre and pass the ball with his short and long passes to the people in front without having to run a lot.

Thaklas, I was under the impression that no matter what Diego sticks to 4-4-2! Your formation is very thoughtful and creative and I second to it. However, only Diego knows things (or does he?). Guys, I really think we cud use Veron’s experience even if he is not in the starting line up or plays for a half only. What do you think Pastore’s chance of getting in to top 23? Maxi Lopez, can you please give me an idea of the final 23? I badly want to know the 23 men. Who do you think are going to be dropped?

In that case thkalas it’s a waste of a player just to play short passes.

Mascherano can do that. I’d get Pastore in from the off and play Bolatti alongside Masche and/or Gutierrez down the right in a free role.

Just highlights the pointlessness of the Veron selection.

His discipline needs to be looked at too. Sending off for Estudiantes last week did not help them.

Clemente could provide a decent attacking outlet on both flanks in your selection but it would mean six set on defence four attackers who together can create magic.

We did see it when for instance Higuain and Messi set up di Maria in the first half against Germany.

Cheers Maxi. Hopefully Debashish and Albo will be back soon too.

hey. who said maldivies climate sux.to b honest maldives has the best climate in the world.just few showers in july. apart from that we have sunny days throuhg out the year. we are going to enjoy this world cup very much. We are always with our beloved argentine team,our prayers are always with them. we have full faith in Diego.we love arg team from the bottom of our hearts.May Allah help them to get this WC. Vamos Argentina!

Here is a thing, based on the announced players list, can sumone tell me the way to win the WC? Meaning with whatever we got, how to win the cup? Which formation? which player to take in which position? We should stop crying for those not included and stop f***ng Diego/Roman/or whoever.

Robin I have already done this :

Otamendi—-Demi—–Samuel—-Heinze–

—Jonas—–Masche—–Veron——-Dimaria

—————Messi———Higuain——–

We have all known that this would be the starting line up for the past 3 months.

Subs:
Tevez for Veron
Milito for Higuain
Maxi for Jonas

Second half team:

Otamendi—-Demi—–Samuel—-Heinze–

—Maxi—–Masche—–Messi——-Dimaria

—————Tevez———Milito——–

Has anyone notice where Messi has played the past two months for Barcelona? He is in the middle of the field so teams can not mark him out of the game. He goes where ever he wants. I beleive that his team and formation can win the world cup and even though I beleive this is the best 14 players based on who we have called up I can see pastore making an impact as well as a sub for Veron.

centi, it’s me the one who said that the climate in maldives sucks. Same day and night duration through out the whole year,and the same temperature all year long.This is boring.Very hot and humid all year long, it just makes your body rot and rust away.And you have to use the A/C all year long to cooling and dehumidification The best climate is the one you don’t have to pay neither for cooling nor for heating hahahaha:p

a stubborn coach usually pays for it

Maxi,
U can blame or compare Maradona wirh others as coach
Or on his personel problems
On ur question there is something hide
“Has maradona ever done the same in his carrear?”
Does it means positive to Messi or negative to Maradona
Positive to Messi is Ok Now he is only Player heaven
Negative to Maradona,
Is goal scoring is the measurement of this comparison?
Then please tell me “Maradona OR Pele” is best
Recent time Messi is our Maradona, Not Pele(who is counting his goals in shool days and says u should score 1000goals to become bestfootballer)
SO In Argentinian football first come one & only Maradona.After 2 Months Messi wiil equal with Maradona
At the 30Yrs of age only Messi…Messiaha;;;;;;
then one point after club world cup people in Argentina shouting Messi only a barcelona player..?
Is it true?
But we in India,love Messi 50% as best player,50% an Argentinian player

failures???

dude they are playing the best football of there lives

did you forget to take your meds?

bardisso-demi-sam-clementie
maxi–bolatti–pastore–datolo
————aguero————-
—————-milito————-

a reserve of are starting line up give or take wonder if maxi will slip in as sub winger/midfielder he can also play in the middle

he might make it maxi fans or sosa

All,
Stop typing in these 360 degree second half tactical changes. U r only building up hope that veron will b subbed
Mark my words, the only way veron will walk off the field before 90minutes have commenced are:

1. Injury (God forbid)
2. Red card.
3. He himself asks maradona to sub him out

Diego will not sub veron out with his strategy and selection in mind. And they love each other probably party buddies or some shit. …the same way he won’t sub mascherano ans messi out, because they have no replacements

Maradonas philosophy is this:
Best capitalizing player in the world up front with a striker in front of him
Experience(veron), strength and youthful speed (di maria/jonas g in the middle and a rock solid defense.

Thismay work, but I still have to stick to my own experience and say the veron should not be included. If cambiasso and zannetti were left out because of failing in the past then why are veron and palermo included. They have both individually failed on extreme levels for our national shirt

I hope veron proves me wrong and pray that he calms his nerves and leads us alongside mascherano

Argentuban Quote:

“Michael Ballack will miss the World Cup for Germany.
AAAAAWWWW!!!!!!! KARMA IS A BITCH, YOU FILTHY GERMAN THUG!!!!!”

I am so happy about this idiot missing the world cup for sure you have to believe that saying now “What goes around, Comes around” because we didn’t forget what that piece of shit Ballack did to our Demichellis in that last match!!! Thank God who took care of Demi tho and that he is still going strong and ready to help us win the WC! I HATE U BALLACK!!!

With what is left for a 4-4-2, I would have been curious to watch this:

—————-Andujar—————
Burdisso—DeMichelis–Samuel—Heinze
Messi—-Mascherano—-Maxi—-DiMaria
————Milito—-Higuain———

Bring more mobility:
Jonas -> Burdisso
Tevez/Aguero -> Higuain
Clemente -> Heinze
Bring rested Veron or Pastore at the end if needed (keep the ball).
Maxi is tremendous as the #8.

If the key players (5) aren’t suspended/injured and if Messi & Di Maria defend well without the ball (8), then this formation can win the WC.

But I suppose Coked Maradona will bring us Bolatti & co.

SUPER MILITO,
Nice to read you. Maradonas philosophy: Messi must not shine.

I feel like ARGENTUBAN: Veron is nice to watch, moves will without the ball…but it can only last 15 minutes, not more. Ex: game VS Brazil. Veron doesn’t have the level anymore. I too hope he’ll prove me wrong. Lets hope…

Hello all,
I dont have words to say on this selection.
Only option left for me is to wait and watch the games as they unfold.
I am suspecting a 2nd position in the group and then we see what tactical acumen our coach has to adjust to much stronger teams and the knockout round(s).

My hopes are only now on Tevez , since he can be moved to position of Veron and let the game flow . Messi will be crowded and that will leave tevez to exploit spaces along with Higuain.
Di Maria is good , but I am always afraid of him keeping the ball too long , some will argue but that is a fact he needs a leader on the field else he will drift out in a corner or some wasted long shoots to goal. I hope Tevez will be that one who can save us.

——————–Romero———————

Clemente——De Michellis—-Samuel—–Heinze

————Mascherano——-Veron————-

Messi————-Pastore————- Di Maria

——————Higuain/Milito—————–

This is the best formation that can be employed by with in the selected squad. Thogh I would still love zanetti to be the right back. That will make this team perfect.

Banega voted by goal.com in the best 11 of the spanish league. He has to be the revelation of the year and for sure the most improved. Congrats Ever !!!! He is a great example of turing youir life around.

I believe that if we all send an email each one of us to Estudiantes and ask from Veron to quit from the argentina national team and explain to him why he can’t offer to the team even if he wants to, maybe he will at least be dissapointed and quit or he will take it personally and put more effort to his play to prove us wrong.We can’t just let Veron go to the world cup without knowing the fans’s opinion from all around the world.Or at least mail to AFA.

Maxi,

Speaking of Coked Maradona i feel like Maradona has driven a lot of us or will drive a lot of us to using drugs real soon if not before the WC then after the WC! haha

River plate El mas grande,

Too late… most of us here go missing on drug abuse binges after most of our qualifiers
And u must have not noticed our resident crackhead, have u? He’s the one that always mentions his investments in nintendo and sony in his incomprehendible, illegible comments on our soccer blog.

Maxi, thank u. When do we start training camp?

Hi guys,

I’m a big fan and a silent reader of this Blog ,, guess no more ,,at least for the silence part

Lots of debates goes here and usually I find it very educational in knowing what other Argie fans.. but as many of you I feel sad and worries not only whether we will win the WC or not , I wanna win with style or lose with style …. I can’t ever forget Maradona 86 or Napoli days or even the Youth worldcup ,no one ever going to be like that player ,, a player with the weight of 11 players,,, a true leader on the pitch … Messi is great he can never be Maradona …. but I’m not writing about Mess Vs Maradona,

So I would wanna share with you why I’m feeling a bit sad
1. I love Maradona but with his selection if for god forbid Argentina loses humility whatever legacy he have would vanish
2. 2006 & now 2010 unfair to Zanetti,, NT is no one private company , if you earn it you deserve it and he truly earned it and was taken away from him with no explanation  A true hero and loyal player that gives his best with unique set of skills,, one of the best ,,not bitching about it ,,its just not fair to see him out.. i wont mention Aimar but Zanetti should have made the list easily
3. picking up more than 5 forwards !! we shouldn’t pick more than five and by the way Maradona plays he will never put more than 2 or even user a total of 4 during the games
4. Our Midfield is so defensive minded even with the selection of Maxi whom I like but other than Di Maria and Pastore i don’t see any help for our strikers !!

I’m happy to see Maxi among the 30 , hoping to see him among the 23, Jonas guys I know some of you here see he’s not worthly ,,but if you really monitor his performance with NT you would see you are wrong , he deserve to be in the 23 finals

It’s not yet over ,, until the final list is coming out I believe we all need to keep some sort of hope

does anyone knows when the boys are getting together ? it would be nice to see or read news about the training camp

cheers

By john | May 17th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Top

I’m both sickened and disgusted at the comments being made about Balack by the usual fools who post on this blog.

This lack of class is what has characterized Argy supporters for years! Unfortunately the few idiots continue to tarnish the many.

This is the kinda crap the moderator should be cleaning up….get it together maxi et al.

Regards……….

ps ….inters shit…. Though I like cambiasso and zanetti

——-

nobody cares about ur stupid worthless opinion you stuck up twat.

ballack is known for his dirty play and cynical behaviour.

Hey JOHN,

Inter 6, Milan 0. Must be feeling pretty bad if shit team wallops your beloved squad. If Inter is shit and annihilated Milan, what is Milan? Something much worse than shit….? Such idiotic statements and whining by you and your multiple personalities on this blog only prove what a moron you are.

STFU about anything Argie, you total poseur.

Michael Ballack is the dirtiest player I have seen in the past decade, and got his what for. Deal with it. What’s laughable is hearing him chastise the referee for not issuing cards…lol. If referees issued cards like they were supposed to when he plays, he’d have been ejected in 2006 against Argentina, nevermind set a record for expulsions in a season. Lest we forget what he did to De (and no, it was not accidental; nothing with Ballack ever is).

We have to reconcile to the fact that the team has been decided. We should focus on the 11 that played against Germany (and some other obvious substitutions) and discuss the future.

I was looking at some of the earlier games and saw the following:

- Messi’s role is that of an advanced playmaker.

- Messi is mostly playing in the center and sometimes in the right. Almost never in the left. It is not the same role as in Barca where he plays a free striker role.

- His chemistry with Veron and Mascherano seems to be quite good.

- Chemistry with Jonas is non-existent. This is concerning because Dani Alves makes Messi look very effective in Barca.

- Chemistry with Di Maria needs to improve.

- Chemistry with Higuain needs to improve a lot. This is very important. His chemistry with Tevez was always very good.

- Jonas’ runs on the ball are not bad. His off the ball runs are terrible otoh. He is an utter waste of the right flank attack. Defensive presence is not bad though. Needs to be faster switching to attack.

- Samuel needs to distribute better. His defense seems to be impeccable though. Demichellis is better at distributing.

- Key to ensuring an effective supply line from defensive midfield to Higuain, is for Messi to play an unconventional advanced playmaker role. Compare this role to – Defensive playmakers: Pirlo, Banega; Central playmakers: Riquelme, Xavi.

I expect Lagerback’s game plan with Nigeria will involve attacking hard at the pseudo laterales.

We will see. He is a very good coach, though he has a inferior squad on paper.

Given all the talent argentina has, I believe I wud have played this starting XI

Romero

Zanetti/Angeleri —- Milito —– Samuel —- Ansaldi

Mascherano/Cambiasso——– Banega

Messi ——- Pastore ——— Dimaria

Higuain/Milito

However what’s done is done and I wud like to see the following XI now

Romero

Clemente —- Demichilis —– Samuel —- Heinze

Mascherano —— Bolatti

Messi ——- Pastore ——— Dimaria

Higuain/Milito

What do you think of this formation. If i look at maradona’s selection, one thing is clear he has rewarded the players who has performed under him irrespective of the players level. This means he has probably figured his limitation as a coach and clearly taking players who can perform without a coach. Probably the others who has been left out need an actual coach to perform. Sarcasm aside, irrespective of some very deserving players who has been left out, argentina still is a very good team with following tactical weaknesses

1. Lack of fullbacks: Maradona probably do not have confidence on zanetti, as he said he wud have alves in his team if he could. Anyway argentina is not very good in this department. This hurts the attacking game if you’re behind

2. No subs for Masch : this could hurt

3. Lack of speed/movement in midfield espicially if veron plays

So argentina’s chance in the tournament while bright are nonetheless dependent on the draw & opponent. If some body can exploit these weaknesses you’ll be in trouble. But one thing is I have to say, this team will not probably lose to brazil 3-0 like in copa

I am a die hard Argentina fan… blv it will be all maradona and argentina again on the biggest occation.

We have more than 20 crore argentina supporters here.

we will scream for you ” The Prince of Football”….

There is too much risk in the team selection..not that it is bad selection..if one of the back four gets a red card or on the border line with yellow..do we have a back up???

Enough debating… now this is the time we need to back our team unconditionally. Regardless whether we have question in selection or not.

We need to believe. Trust me, you won’t regret believing in Maradona. He did things no one could imagine of doing, and he is here again with the same spirit.

WE BELIEVE IN MARADONA.

AND PIGS FLY , “we” is the vast majority of fans on this blog , if you’re in love with Veron , this is not our problem , but only yours hehehhehehe

Anybody have any idea, where our team is now. Have they all grouped together (except for Samuel and Demichelles) and training together. If not, from when do they start that. How many days of traning will they have before the Nigeria match. I simply hope they gell as a team before that match.

Most of the players are back home – except for the ones with matches still left to play – Aguero, D. Milito, Samuel and Demichelis.

Messi is already in Argentina and he said he wants to do his talking on the pitch and that he’s motivated to show his Barcelona form for Argentina. Easier said than done, but Vamos Argentina! 24 days!

When Maradona will publish his 23 man final squad? Anyone plz answer.

Arif, the final list deadline is june 2nd I believe. Most countries have begun training camp.

MICHAEL BALLACK IS OUT!!! Ha hahaha…ever since he injured demi, he has been on my hit list. Im glad Boateng (kevin) took him out, his brother Gerome is playing for the national team-TRAITOR. Lowe says they will move forward, but w/out Ballack Germany has lost a central part of their core team. Ballack has always had a bad reputation, he is arrogant, selfish, dirty player who deserved exactly what he got. Now sources are saying his agent may be seeking legal cause for this “premeditated injury” Yes, Boateng injured him to get Germany out of contention for the WC” give me a fucking break loser. I remember in 2006 when Schweinsteiger started a fight after our loss in PK’s in the quarter finals w/ Heize and few others. This fucking German team is done…and we will stick it to them if given a chance for redemption. Good luck Germany, your team looks like it will struggle to get out of the first round now, our only worries are for our little Napolean, at least our top players are fit for action…so bring it Alemanos-we fear NO ONE. VAMOS CARAJOOOOOOOO

one of my biggest concern with this squad is the right back position. it seems most of us had forgot how we struggled in 2006 at that position and we probably will struggle again. lets face otamendi does not have the pace if we go up angainst a pacy left winger who loves to attack. its nothing against him its not his fault he is out of position. plus i see some of think that clemente should start there. i am confused i thought he was a left back. is he left footed or right. one thing i do know he has pace. could be a great asset to the squad

Guys I am ready to move on and discuss the World Cup based on the players that we will have. I think we can win this thing but we will need to have no injuries or few cards with our back line. I also am becoming to beleive that South Korea is our biggest threat in the group with two very impressive wins over Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Let me get this out of the way and then I will move on.

Is there something that the rest of us do not see about Zanetti that both Pekerman and maradona do see? Is it possible that he is to strong of a personality in the lockerroom? That is the only possibility that I can see. I mean in 2006 there was no excuse for him not being called other than the coach thought he would be a distraction to the team. Maybe just maybe but no fault of his own he is too strong of a leader. That is my only guess as to why in two world cups iin a row he is not called up and yet will go down as one of Argentinas greatest club players of all time at right defender.

Todd Eurpoean Club Season Awards

Best Player: Lionel Messi He has now gone from best player of his time to one of the greatest of all time based on the past season alone.

Best defender: Samuel. The wall is once again a wall and also scored some important goals. Our defensive worries of replacing Ayala have been eased by the season of Samuel.

Best Midfielder: Ever Banega has emerged with the best season of any argy midfielder.

Biggest transfer Impact: Diego Milito has captured the hearts of all Inter and Argy fans with some incredible and important goals. He seems ready to have an impact at the WC. Close second tevez at Man City and Lucho of Lyon.

Most Improved: Ever Banega. He changed his life and it showed on the field. Insua also made some strides.

Best Goalie: ?

Greatest Performance: I think Messi had the top five but the best was quarterfinal 4 goals versus Stuttgard.

Worst Season: Gago dropped of the face of the earth. A year ago we drooled over the double five that he and Mascherano would form for years to come.

Best Leader: This has to go to Javier Zanetti who has willed his team to greatness. Second to Messi whose presence on the field makes barcelona a different team. Everyone has to play better when he is there.

Ok there are my thoughts and now I will move on to the World Cup. Vamos Argentina!!

so what happens with copa south american champ league

does that go on hold does it get played im confused here because veron is argentina required but the copa is only at Q-final stage does the competition just carry on whilst the world cups on surly veron will take no further part wen is the final of that thing

richard of OZ , the quarter finals of copa libertadores will finish on the 20th of May, when estudiantes de la plata faces Internacional de Porto Alegre . The semi finals will be on the 27th of July, which is 16 days after the world cup final.

Aaron Quote

“ps ….inters shit…. Though I like cambiasso and zanetti

nobody cares about ur stupid worthless opinion you stuck up twat.

ballack is known for his dirty play and cynical behaviour.”

AARON – Inter is not shit look at the stats if you wanna see that they really do belong in the Champions League Final but it doesn’t matter ur probably a Bayern Munich fan anyways so i can’t wait to see u cry on May 22! haha

Also our statements about ballack aren’t opinions they’re FACTS idiot so open up ur eyes and see that this dumb ass deserved what he got and we’re all happy that this German punk will be missing the WC! All i have to do is remember that knee to Demi’s jaw/head and that makes me thank God Ballack is out of the WC!

So say what u want because ur obviously some ignorant hater! Y si sos Argentino que Dios te perdone por todas las pavadas que hablas!!! lol

When Eto’o arrived at Inter, Mourinho told him he wanted to play nice futbol and build a system around him and Sneijder. Inter succeeded. They may not play creative futbol like Barca, but they have won games very nicely and with cleverness (possession, defence). I really wish they win against Bayern, a team who didn’t even deserve to qualify against la Fiorentina.

Maxi,

Yes your absolutely right about that comment Inter plays a more possession and defensive type futbol and it still looks beautiful especially when i see the midfield and defenders extenguish any counter attacks with such confidence and class! Again i feel for Zanetti I NEED TO MOVE ON DAMMIT!!! lol but yeah it should be a good game and i would love if Inter wins at least it will give our boys that are missing the WC that Championship.

River Plate El Mas Grande Aaron did not sya Inter is rubbish.

He in turn was quoting that numpty John and referring to him as such who pretends to be a supporter of Argentina but seems to be more interested in AC Milan.

You’ve got the wrong handle on that one.

New rule for this WC as expected regarding penalty kicks and feints:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/05/18/penalty.feint.banned/index.html

That’s why we must never mention the trolls guys. Please ignore them.

Aurelius and Maxi,

Thanks for the tip i must have missed that comment by this “JOHN” that nobody seems to like i just let my emotions get the best of me on that one and i got tunnel vision! lol

When u say trolls is that guys that are against our country and come on here and talk smack?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100518/sp_nm/us_soccer_world_argentina_messi_1

I think it is tomorrow, may 19th, that Diego will give the list of 23. I am not sure, but I think it is, I read it on the AFA page some days ago:

“. El día 19 del corriente mes se dará a conocer la lista oficial de 23 jugadores que iniciarán el período de preparación en el Complejo “

messigol,

Gracias loco por las noticias! I love to see Messi put all the haters in their place and tell them that his love & passion for Argentina is stronger than anything and his goal is to help us win the 2010 WC!

VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

argentina world cup 2014 in Brazil

Romero(Orion)
Guttierez Otamendi Garray Insua

Mascherano(Banega)- Gago

Pastore(Lavezzi)(Zarate)

Messi(Tevez)Higuain(Lopez)(Boselli)Aguero(Di Maria)

ok guys there is nothing more we can do but wait it out and hope for the best

List of 23 is out tommorow

http://www.afa.org.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11745:lista-preliminar-de-30-jugadores-convocados-para-la-seleccion-nacional&catid=164:seleccion-mayor&Itemid=66

the players on his list of 30 play for these leagues

argentina – 10

italy – 8

england – 5

spain – 3

germany – 1

portugal – 1

france – 1

holland – 1

Hi my fellow bloggers.. any rumours on the possible 23 emanating from Buenos Aires?

Sitting here in Oz, I get no news that gets leaked in the Argentine media. Especially the ones in Spanish.

I am desperately hoping that Milito, Maxi Rodriguez and Pastore make the squad.
These guys will be crucial support acts if we are to succeed in the WC.

But goal.com has reported that Milito and Pastore aren’t making the cut.
But I don’t always trust goal.com though..

So friends, any news?

i m really happy to see that some of the guys are saying that no matter what we should support ARGENTINA!!! and i m saying the same….. no matter what selection we just need to support ARGENTINA AND MARADONA!!!!

River Plate Mas El Grande there are certain individuals like John who deep down dislike Argentina.

And there is one who sometimes makes valid points then screws it up by posting a lot of childish nonsense.

Maxi’s new system should keep the anti Argentines away like that chap from Croatia we had at the last WC.

As for this 23 it would be madness to drop D.Milito behind Palermo. D.Milito for all his faults works tirelessly from the front and with Tevez say in the last half hour of a game can cause the opposition defence real problems.

Pastore has to be in. Who else replaces Veron ? I doubt Tevez would drop that deep to act as playmaker though he can be fielded as an AM in the final third.

Goal.com are just speculating. They have no firm evidence just basing it on rumour.

viva banega ilove banega

ARIEL GARCE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN THE LIST OF 23!
WHAT DA FUCK??

Vamos Argentina!! Enough said guys, let’s just wait and kick everybody’s ass!! Love from Lebanon!

Yes Jad with one leg only. The other was amputated by Diego’s idiotic choices.

Much better to kick with two legs than one.

Tim what’s the list. Garce ???? Tis a joke on the basis of a game against that footballing superpower Haiti…..

These are the ones who were axed, To be confirmed 1500 GMT I think:
Insaurralde. Coloccini. Mercier, Sosa,Blanco,Datolo and
Lavezzi

Lavezzi should have been chosen instead of Palermo. Offers two positions and more overall than the tree.

So:
Arqueros: Romero, Andjuar, Pozo

Defensores: Burdisso,Dimichelis,Samuel,Heinze, Otamendi,Clemente, Garce

Mediocampistas: Mascherano, Veron, Maxi, di Maria, Gutierrez,Pastore, Bolatti, Messi

Delantores: Higuain, D.Milito, Aguero, Tevez, Palermo

Garce, Bolatti and Palermo are a waste of space.

Could have been Zanetti, Banega and an extra defender midfielder. The strikers we have are more than enough if you play Messi as a shadow striker.

only messi cannot do it for argentina. some senior players are also required in the team.After a tough qualifying campaign diego should take some of the experienced players in the team.Diego should not forget 6-1 deficit in the hands of bolivia.it really seems to be tough for argentina to get into the quarters.If you don’t take players like javier zanetti,pablo aimar,javier saviola…… then you are doing a big mistake.If i would have been the coach i would have taken these players for sure. I want to wish diego “all the best”.

Come on guys , the final 23 that Diego chose are fine.It’s better he cut off Lavezzi instead of Palermo.The team has already a lot of fast,young with good dribbling players.Palermo is the only tall,heavy and strong attacker the team has(and every team in the world cup needs someone like that) with the best ability in headshots.If Messi plays at the same position as Aimar and Riquelme do , then the problem of the attacking middfielder is solved,together with Pastore.The only problem is the defensive middfield coz the team has only Mascherano,however Demichellis could play at this position if Mascherano is absent due to suspension coz of yellow cards.Maxi is experienced and not tired this season,so he has a lot of energy, he can help everywhere is needed, in a defensive or attacking role. Veron also must be used smartly.If he playes for 45 minutes in the first half, or if he comes in as a substitute at the 60th minute when the difficult games come, he could make an impact.And don’t forget that Gutierez can run up and down for 90 minutes.So..it all depends on the tactics on Maradona, how smart he can set the team.

How good is blanco? not heard much about him…

why should u want the same team as WC in 2006
A NT want team players, not individuals
why Agentina won WC’s more in junior levels because they are not stars only the players.
we failed to Bolivia 6-1,Brazil,Spain
But not forget we won against France And Germany
Germans could not create any chance in 80mts, BALLACK is also there in that German team
It is also under the same coach Maradona
I am pointing another,
AFA & FIFA also want maradona as coach in South Africa
He is still a superstar in the football.In India today’s Newspaper says Maradona is confusion about talenting forwards and England & Germany envious about that…………………….

Veron must play 60-70 minutes against Nigeria and get one yellow card. Then he must against Korea in the second half for 20 minutes and get another yellow card,so he won’t play against Greece. Then he will play for 70 minutes again in the round of 16 against Uruguay (or France or Mexico or South Africa) for 60 minutes and he won’t get a yellow card and then he will not play at all against Germany coz without ballack it will be an easy victory.Then , he will play in the semi final for 75 minutes and get one yellow card, and then he will play at the final in the second half and get one more yellow card

Who said anything about wanting the same team as in 2006 ?

However experienced sides do better at WC’s and has been shown consistently in all World Cups.

We lost to those sides because of poor preperation, tactics and choosing the wrong players. Remember Sebadom ?

They were competitive games as well not friendlies. Germany are in a Loew pardon the pun and Domenech is nearly as bad a coach as Diego.

Though they did reach the final in 2006 which should give us hope and we have far better stars who can turn a game inc. Messi, Aguero , di Maria and Higuain .

A coach should not be selected on the basis of their media pulling power either. That is ridiculous but Diego had been angling for the job and undermined Basile.

And the power behind the throne has to be Bilardo. His tactical nowse is behind the sucesses against Uruguay and Germany.

Diego could not even coach the likes of Mandiyu or Racing de Avelleneda.

I still have optimism because of who we can field upfront and if Pastore can come in and the defence is relatively solid (aside from the fullback slots) with a great keeper for once.

MARADONA IS F.CKING CRAZY , HE TOOK RETIRED PLAYERS , WILL SEE HOW FAR HE WILL GO :S

Praying for the best out of the selected 30 . . . for the final 23 . . . and pls confirm us when the final list is goin to be published? . . . still hoping that there are places for cambiasso and zannetti and banega inot the team (i think they can replace players out of the selcted 30?) . . . jus praying daily that Argentina win the world cup 2010 in grandeous and wonderful style . . . Lord Jesus Christ kindly save us and help us to lift the world cup 2010 and the following world cups . . .

All i have to say is i’m waiting for this list of 23 Maradona is preparing. I hope he stops thinking about himself so much and starts thinking about the only prize he should have his eyes set on and that’s the 2010 WC! Vamos Argentina porque si se puede!!!

There is no way he will cut milito.

IGOR,
who is in this squad retired players,U can blame only in the case of Veron & Palermo,I think compared to another WCs this team will include younger players and there majority of first eleven willbe below 27 yrs.I think dont know the age of players or other AntiMaradona Or AntiArgentina fans are misleading you
Pekerman was very good coach -Copa America failed in final,Confederationcup final failed cheapely,WC 2006 falied in quarter final only his substitution mistake

After 1990 who the best coaches in NT cannot enter any semifinal of WC
Those who guys are still shouting for Maradona’s blood
dont remember those past Argentinian coaches hadnot over 50 very talented players with tremendous form
So he will be sometime confused about selection.
And no other countries will have face this problem
that Argentina facing
If you are crying for only Argentina’s win, Please we
have one of the best team

Diego Maradona (2009-?)
19 Nov 08 (A) Scotland 1-0 – friendly
11 Feb 09 (A) France 2-0 – friendly
28 Mar 09 (H) Venezuela 4-0 – WC 2010 Qualifications
31 Mar 09 (A) Bolivia 1-6 – WC 2010 Qualifications
06 Jun 09 (H) Colombia 1-0 – WC 2010 Qualifications
09 Jun 09 (A) Ecuador 0-2 – WC 2010 Qualifications
12 Aug 09 (A) Russia 3-2 – friendly
05 Sep 09 (H) Brazil 1-3 – WC 2010 Qualifications
08 Sep 09 (A) Paraguay 0-1 – WC 2010 Qualifications
30 Sep 09 (H) Ghana 2-0 – friendly
10 Oct 09 (H) Peru 2-1 – WC 2010 Qualifications
13 Oct 09 (A) Uruguay 1-0 – WC 2010 Qualifications
14 Nov 09 (A) Spain 1-2 – friendly
?? Dec 09 (A) Catalunya 2-4 – friendly (unofficial)
26 Jan 09 (H) Costa Rica 3-2 – friendly (unofficial)
03 Mar 09 (A) Germany 1-0 – friendly

Alfio Basile (2006-2008)

03 Sep 06 (N) Brazil 0-3 – friendly
11 Oct 06 (A) Spain 1-2 – friendly
07 Feb 07 (A) France 1-0 – friendly
18 Apr 07 (H) Chile 0-0 – friendly
02 Jun 07 (A) Switzerland 1-1 – friendly
06 Jun 07 (N) Algeria 4-3 – friendly
28 Jun 07 (N) USA 4-1 – Copa America 2007
02 Jul 07 (N) Colombia 4-2 – Copa America 2007
05 Jul 07 (N) Paraguay 1-0 – Copa America 2007
08 Jul 07 (N) Peru 4-0 – Copa America 2007
11 Jul 07 (N) Mexico 3-0 – Copa America 2007
15 Jul 07 (N) Brazil 0-3 – Copa America 2007
22 Aug 07 (A) Norway 1-2 – friendly
11 Sep 07 (A) Australia 1-0 – friendly
13 Oct 07 (H) Chile 2-0 – WC 2010 Qualifications
16 Oct 07 (A) Venezuela 2-0 – WC 2010 Qualifications
17 Nov 07 (H) Bolivia 3-0 – WC 2010 Qualifications
20 Nov 07 (A) Colombia 1-2 – WC 2010 Qualifications
26 Mar 08 (A) Egypt 2-0 – friendly
04 Jun 08 (N) Mexico 4-1 – friendly
08 Jun 08 (A) USA 0-0 – friendly
14 Jun 08 (H) Ecaudor 1-1 – WC 2010 Qualifications
18 Jun 08 (A) Brazil 0-0 – WC 2010 Qualifications
20 Aug 08 (A) Belarus 0-0 – friendly
06 Sep 08 (H) Paraguay 1-1 – WC 2010 Qualifications
10 Sep 08 (A) Peru 1-1 – WC 2010 Qualifications
11 Oct 08 (H) Uruguay 2-1 – WC 2010 Qualifications
14 Oct 08 (A) Chile 0-1 – WC 2010 Qualifications

Jose Pekerman (2004-2006)

09 Oct 04 (H) Uruguay 4:2 – WC 2006 Qualifications
13 Oct 04 (A) Chile 0:0 – WC 2006 Qualifications
17 Nov 04 (H) Venezuela 3:2 – WC 2006 Qualifications
29 Dec 04 (A) Catalunya 3:0 – friendly
09 Feb 05 (A) Germany 2:2 – friendly
10 Mar 05 (N) Mexico 1:1 – friendly
26 Mar 05 (A) Bolivia 2:1 – WC 2006 Qualifications
30 Mar 05 (H) Columbia 1:0 – WC 2006 Qualifications
04 Jun 05 (A) Ecuador 0:2 – WC 2006 Qualifications
08 Jun 05 (H) Brazil 3:1 – WC 2006 Qualifications
15 Jun 05 (N) Tunisia 2:1 – Confederations Cup
18 Jun 05 (N) Australia 4:2 – Confederations Cup
21 Jun 05 (A) Germany 2:2 – Confederations Cup
26 Jun 05 (N) Mexico 1:1 – Confederations Cup [34]
29 Jun 05 (N) Brazil 1:4 – Confederations Cup
17 Aug 05 (A) Hungary 2:1 – friendly
03 Sep 05 (A) Paraguay 0:1 – WC 2006 Qualifications
09 Oct 05 (H) Peru 2:0 – WC 2006 Qualifications
12 Oct 05 (A) Uruguay 0:1 – WC 2006 Qualifications
12 Nov 05 (N) England 2:3 – friendly
16 Nov 05 (A) Qatar 3:0 – friendly
01 Mar 06 (N) Croatia 2:3 – friendly
30 May 06 (N) Angola 2:0 – friendly
10 Jun 06 (N) Ivory Coast 2:1 – World Cup 2006
16 Jun 06 (N) Serbia and Montenegro 6:0 – World Cup 2006
21 Jun 06 (N) Netherlands 0:0 – Wolrd Cup 2006
24 Jun 06 (N) Mexico 2-1 aet – World Cup 2006
30 Jun 06 (A) Germany 1-1 p.2-4 – World Cup 2006

im glad if those are the players he is getting rid of

cmon fellas

we have lionel messi…lets not forget, and he has improved in the last little while

we can do some serious damage

Javier Zanetti has spoken with trademark humility after being ignored by his country for the second World Cup in succession.

After being overlooked by José Pekerman in 2006 and now again by Diego Maradona for Argentina’s trip to South Africa the right-back has spoken with grace about missing out.

“The truth is that I knew after missing out on the squads to face Peru and Uruguay that I would probably not be going to the World Cup.”

Maradona decision not to include Zanetti has baffled many outside Argentina but the player with 136 international caps to his name has been in the game long enough not to be surprised by anything.

“It makes no sense to keep talking about if I should be there or not. I am no longer a topic for conversation, the important thing is the 23 players who will go. I hope Argentina win the World Cup and if they do you can be sure nobody will be talking about me.”
…..HEY GUIYS THIS IS REAL AND NO.1 ARGENTINIAN FAN….ZANETTI U ARE GREAT

I agree AURELIUS.

SANAJKUMAR,
“why should u want the same team as WC in 2006?”
1) Because it made people dream with OUR beautiful game, with tactical brilliance and efficiency
2) Because people wanted continuity to Pekerman’s work. The fans want a direction, a plan, logic selection choices, etc.

“A NT want team players, not individuals”. Sorry but, unlike in 2006, that is the only thing we have right now. Sadly, only our great forwards can create chances with their dribbling skills. I think the last time we really built a gol was against Scotland, 11/19/2008.

“Germans could not create any chance in 80mts”. They never do.

people that are not from Argentina till this day tell me Argentina was the best team in 2006

i love Argentina

It’s funny how people tend to critcize the players who have already played a WC with Argentina. Maxi, Aimar, Lucho and Cambiasso are considered as too old, at 29. What about Garce? Veron? Palermo? Well, nevermind…

Chalz , aren’t you ashamed of yourself to ask from Christ such things?Is this why you want Him for?To win the world cup?Show some respect to God here.

The following is the confirmed list of 23 players picked by Diego MARADONA.

Goalkeepers:
Sergio ROMERO
Mariano ANDUJAR
Diego POZO

Defenders:
Nicolas BURDISSO
Clemente RODRIGUEZ
Martin DEMICHELIS
Ariel GARCE
Gabriel HEINZE
Nicolas OTAMENDI
Walter SAMUEL
Jonas GUTIERREZ
Javier MASCHERANO
Juan Sebastian VERON
Angel DI MARIA
Mario BOLATTI
Maxi RODRIGUEZ
Javier PASTORE

Strikers:
Lionel MESSI
Gonzalo HIGUAIN
Carlos TEVEZ
Diego MILITO
Sergio AGUERO
Martin PALERMO

lot of defenders there so weres the midfield lol

I’m breathing. I was so afraid to see Milito, Maxi & even Pastore being excluded!

Maradona didn’t really have the choice towards Diego Milito. Diego had already lost plenty of credibility by excluding Zanetti & Cambiasso. Milito is there because he has never criticized the NT coach. Zanetti & Cambiasso have their honor safe tough.

My biggest problem with this list is Bolatti’s presence. Veron & Mascherano don’t have real subs. Bolatti is not good enough. Pastore will not be Maradona’s favorite sub for Veron (too offensive). There is Maxi, he’s a the best midfield choice left. It would have been a relief to have Gago/Banega/Lucho/Cambiasso there

The only change I would have made is picking Lucho and Banega instead of Veron and Bolatti. But other than that – this is it!

Here’s the source of the list: http://www.ole.com.ar/mundial/argentina/Maradona_0_264573643.html

Vamos Argentina!

Yup – here is the list of 23 confirmed.

Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), 23 años, 5 partidos, primer Mundial

Nicolás Otamendi (Vélez), 22 años, 6 partidos, primer Mundial

Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich), 29 años, 25 partidos, primer Mundial.

Walter Samuel (Inter), 32 años, 54 partidos, segundo Mundial

Gabriel Heinze (Olympique), 29 años, 65 partidos, segundo Mundial

Jonás Gutiérrez (Newcastle), 27 años, 15 partidos, primer Mundial

Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), 25 años, 56 partidos, segundo Mundial

Juan Sebastián Verón (Estudiantes), 35 años, 69 partidos, tercer Mundial

Angel Di María (Benfica), 22 años, 7 partidos, primer Mundial

Lionel Messi (Barcelona), 22 años, 45 partidos, segundo Mundial

Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid), 22 años, 4 partidos, primer Mundial

Mariano Andújar (Catania), 26 años, 4 partidos, primer Mundial

Diego Pozo (Colón), 32 años, 3 partidos, primer Mundial

Nicolás Burdisso (Inter), 29 años, 28 partidos, segundo Mundial

Clemente Rodríguez (Estudiantes), 28 años, 11 partidos, primer Mundial

Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), 25 años, 4 partidos, primer Mundial

Javier Pastore (Palermo), 20 años, ningún partido, primer Mundial

Maxi Rodríguez (Liverpool), 29 años, 35 partidos, segundo Mundial

Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid), 21 años, 21 partidos, primer Mundial

Diego Milito (Inter), 30 años, 21 partidos, primer Mundial

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), 26 años, 53 partidos, segundo Mundial

Martín Palermo (Boca), 36 años, 13 partidos, primer Mundial

Ariel Garcé (Colón), 30 años, 3 partidos, primer Mundial

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/05/19/1932631/world-cup-2010-diego-maradona-confirms-23-man-argentina

Sergio ROMERO
Mariano ANDUJAR
Diego POZO

Defenders:
Nicolas BURDISSO
Clemente RODRIGUEZ
Martin DEMICHELIS
Ariel GARCE
Gabriel HEINZE
Nicolas OTAMENDI
Walter SAMUEL

Midfielders:
Jonas GUTIERREZ
Javier MASCHERANO
Juan Sebastian VERON
Angel DI MARIA
Mario BOLATTI
Maxi RODRIGUEZ
Javier PASTORE

Strikers:
Lionel MESSI
Gonzalo HIGUAIN
Carlos TEVEZ
Diego MILITO
Sergio AGUERO
Martin PALERMO

WE CAN DO IT

YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! F*CK YEAH! i’m glad the drama is over Milito made the list i’m happy with this list because IT IS WHAT IT IS, now we must move forward and support Maradona and our final 23! VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!! DALE CAMPEON!!!

I can finally throw out my bolsita de coca and go to sleep in peace tonight!!! jajaja

the only name on the list i never seen play is grace. can some one fill me in on this guy. did he even play in any of the qualifiers. its sad to see such class defenders such as g rodriguez, garay, g milito, zannetti, zabaleta, insua, anasldi, monzon not make it and this guy does

Garce over Zanetti ?? Bolatti over Cambiasso ??

These are the two choices that everybody is talking about.
Anyway all the best for our team. Lets Pray Messi can do what he has done for Barca..

nice team selecton…do or die…

Here in India, people have so much support for Argentine national team. Football fans are anxiously waiting for WC to begin, and this time too they want Argentina to win. We share the common surprise with the final selection: Zenetti and Cambiasso not in the team, but Veron and Mario Bolatti are. Anyway, it cannot be so much better than this…Messi, Tevez, Milito, Maxi Rodriguez wow!!! Messi has a great opportunity to excel his game when playing for national team…we have lots of hope that he will make his name even greater for his country this time. We hope, Maradona keeps his cool, and do nothing wrong.

hi all,
just want to wish Argentina all the best in the wc finals from Ireland.Growing up in Cork city, my own country didn’t qualify for the world cup alot , and me and my brothers have always supported south american football, the only teams to play the same on the field as in the streets, I really am pleased to see Veron given a second chance, dissappointed Riquelme is absent, his substitution in 2006 WC I think, was one of the reasons the best team did not get to lift the trophy. but on the whole it would appear argentina are to be the best balanced team in this W.C.

hola my argentinian friends…My name is Alexandros(in spanish Alejandro),and i am from Greece…In moundial i will support Argentina.Not Greece!!!!!!!….. I am not Argentinian fun simply… El amor por argentina es mi eterno conpromisso!!!! Vamos Argentina!!!

hy,
I can’t believe that Lisandro Lopez isn’t selected.
I’m from Lyon, Lisandro is the best player of the french league! Just incredible!
In any case I’ll follow argentina here:
http://www.mixin.com/users/worldcup_argentina
I’ve post some video in comment… don’t hesitate to comment and post others
have a nice day.

Well, its unbelievable but I think, still we can win it. But I guess Maradona had to include a little more well experienced player. He could have included Zanetti, Cambiasso and Riquelme. They have a great worldcup experience. I don’t know why he didn’t include Gago and Aimar. I think Aimar is in great form. He is Scoring and playing a wonderful game at Benifica. But if Argentina fails to impress the fans then I think Maradona will be criticised very badly. So thats it.
I love ARGENTINA…

i love argentina and maradona for i have confidence in him that he will win the world cup again for us as our leader.i will say footbal is not the great players but team. and devotion the players have for their country,for this is another 1978 for me and we will make it with messi,higuian,dimaria as i see them as my maradona and kempes

Hii all..I am Diptanu from India..I am supporting all the way Argentina in this WC..My most fav players from argentina are going to rock the world’s biggest stage of football without any doubt..There is no stopping this year..My fav player in last year’s WC was Riquelme..Surely going to miss him a lot..But All currents players have the ability to do this time for Argentina surely

THERE IS NO DOUBT WE WILL WIN WE ARE THE STRONGEST ONE AS A TEAM.
GO MARADONA AND YOUR BALLET!!!!GO FOR THE CUP AND BRING IT HOME!!!!