Now that we know who is in our group and the fact that we have played against them in previous World Cups. So lets go down in memory lane to watch highlights on those matches.
Argentina vs. Nigeria (2-1)
Samson SIASIA (8), Claudio CANIGGIA (21, 28)
25th June 1994
Foxboro Stadium, Foxborough
Argentina vs. Nigeria (1-0)
Gabriel BATISTUTA (63)
2nd June 2002
Kashima Stadium, Ibaraki
Argentina vs. South Korea (3-1)
Jorge VOLDANO (6, 46), Oscar RUGGERI (18), PARK Chang-Seon (73)
2nd June 1986
Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Mexico City
Argentina vs. Greece (4-0)
Gabriel BATISTUTA (2, 45, 89(p)), Diego MARADONA (60)
21st June 1994
Foxboro Stadium, Foxborough
Friday, December 04, 2009
Argentina to face S. Korea, Nigeria and Greece
The real World Cup draw is over now. Just like in our mock draw, we go to Group B, but that's as far as the coincidences go when it comes to Argentina.
Argentina will play against familiar faces in a group that's certainly not amongst the toughest for next year's World Cup.
Our debut will come 12 June against Nigeria at the historical Ellis Park of Johannesbourg.
Four days later, 17 June, we will face South Korea also in Johannesbourg, but this time in the Soccer City stadium.
And we will play our last group game on 22 June against Greece at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Just like in 1986, Argentina will face South Korea, a team we defeated 3-1 in our debut at that tournament in our way to our last World Cup victory.
Nigeria is another team we have a World Cup history with. We faced them in 1994 (2-1 win with CANIGGIA scoring both goals -it was the infamous game in which MARADONA tested positive of ephedrine-) and we also played against them in our debut match in 2002 (and the only one we won -1-0- with BATISTUTA scoring the only goal).
Finally, Greece, which was another of our rivals in 1994. We beat them 4-0 with a hat-trick from BATISTUTA and a great strike by MARADONA himself.
The eight groups for the World Cup look like this:
GROUP A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
GROUP B
ARGENTINA
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
GROUP C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
GROUP D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
GROUP E
Holland
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
GROUP F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
GROUP G
Brazil
DPR Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal
GROUP H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Argentina will play against familiar faces in a group that's certainly not amongst the toughest for next year's World Cup.
Our debut will come 12 June against Nigeria at the historical Ellis Park of Johannesbourg.
Four days later, 17 June, we will face South Korea also in Johannesbourg, but this time in the Soccer City stadium.
And we will play our last group game on 22 June against Greece at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Just like in 1986, Argentina will face South Korea, a team we defeated 3-1 in our debut at that tournament in our way to our last World Cup victory.
Nigeria is another team we have a World Cup history with. We faced them in 1994 (2-1 win with CANIGGIA scoring both goals -it was the infamous game in which MARADONA tested positive of ephedrine-) and we also played against them in our debut match in 2002 (and the only one we won -1-0- with BATISTUTA scoring the only goal).
Finally, Greece, which was another of our rivals in 1994. We beat them 4-0 with a hat-trick from BATISTUTA and a great strike by MARADONA himself.
The eight groups for the World Cup look like this:
GROUP A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
GROUP B
ARGENTINA
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
GROUP C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
GROUP D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
GROUP E
Holland
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
GROUP F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
GROUP G
Brazil
DPR Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal
GROUP H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Thursday, December 03, 2009
BANEGA called, Liverpool denies MASCHERANO
And we have our first case of a club not releasing one of their players. Here's the problem with these un-official FIFA dates. Clubs have the right to deny their players the chance to play with their National Teams. And since the match against Catalunya is an un-official FIFA date, Liverpool have done just that to MASCHERANO.
Like the old saying, one man's fortune is another man's mis-fortune. With MASCHERANO unable to make the team, MARADONA has given the chance to a new face to join the National Team. In the past, it was ANGELERI, DATOLO, BOLATTI, ANSALDI, PEROTTI and I'm sure I'm missing a few others. In this case, along with Cristian ALVAREZ, it's Ever BANEGA. Many readers here on Mundo will be glad to hear it since many of them have wanted him on the team for a while now. BANEGA has been having a great season with Valencia so far and is a regular starter on the team.
However, BANEGA's call-up is contingent on Valencia releasing him for the friendly.
Like the old saying, one man's fortune is another man's mis-fortune. With MASCHERANO unable to make the team, MARADONA has given the chance to a new face to join the National Team. In the past, it was ANGELERI, DATOLO, BOLATTI, ANSALDI, PEROTTI and I'm sure I'm missing a few others. In this case, along with Cristian ALVAREZ, it's Ever BANEGA. Many readers here on Mundo will be glad to hear it since many of them have wanted him on the team for a while now. BANEGA has been having a great season with Valencia so far and is a regular starter on the team.
However, BANEGA's call-up is contingent on Valencia releasing him for the friendly.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Mundo Albiceleste Pod - World Cup Mock Draw!
Right, we took a long time in between podcast shows, but we couldn't afford to waste more time as the World Cup Draw is fast approaching and we wanted to play a little game and have our very own Mundo Albiceleste World Cup Draw!
John in Malaysia picks up the names of the teams. Roy in Canada allocates them into their respective groups and Seba in Argentina does noth...sorry...gives you the information as the groups take their shape and teams know their destiny.
Of course, come Friday, none of the groups we drawn in our very own World Cup mock draw may look the same, but according to our little game, Argentina drew a very interesting group.
Do you think I will reveal it here without forcing you into listening to our podcast? Think again!
Simply click the audio player above or right-click on the following link and save it as an MP3 file or listen to it in your computer: download.
Enjoy! And don't forget to send us your views to argentina.correspondent@gmail.com or right here in the comments' box. If you want to participate in a future edition of our podcast, make sure to drop us an e-mail too.
Argentina World Cup Away Shirt
We've already seen the home jersey for the World Cup and we've even seen the players play in them. But now it's time to reveal the Argentina away jersey for the World Cup. If you guys thought the home jersey had a 1986 look, well, let's just say that this one is pretty much the same thing.
Pretty much the same color, plain, the AFA crest with the thick border around it. Since we're on the subject of 2010, I didn't want to post this in another topic by itself, so I thought I'd throw it in. Here's the Official Match Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Pretty much the same color, plain, the AFA crest with the thick border around it. Since we're on the subject of 2010, I didn't want to post this in another topic by itself, so I thought I'd throw it in. Here's the Official Match Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina will be seeded for Friday's draw
FIFA has announced the eight seeded teams for the upcoming World Cup draw that will be held in Cape Town on Friday.
France, on the other 'HAND', are not. Which proves that all the reports you saw in the media were nothing but speculation and were not accurate.
All I read the last few weeks was that Les Bleus were going to be seeded and Holland were not.
The eight seeded teams will be South Africa (as hosts) and Brazil, Spain, Italy, England, Argentina, Holland and Germany.
FIFA took the October 2009 placing in their ranking to determine the seeded teams.
We're getting there. Only a couple of days to know our fate.
In the meantime, have a look at the four pots:
France, on the other 'HAND', are not. Which proves that all the reports you saw in the media were nothing but speculation and were not accurate.
All I read the last few weeks was that Les Bleus were going to be seeded and Holland were not.
The eight seeded teams will be South Africa (as hosts) and Brazil, Spain, Italy, England, Argentina, Holland and Germany.
FIFA took the October 2009 placing in their ranking to determine the seeded teams.
We're getting there. Only a couple of days to know our fate.
In the meantime, have a look at the four pots:
Monday, November 30, 2009
MESSI claims the Ballon D'Or France Football
We've been hearing it for ages. Everywhere you heard people saying: 'There's no way MESSI will not win the Ballon D'Or'. Well...all those people were right, as Lionel MESSI becomes today the first Argentine player to ever win this prestigious accolade awarded by French magazine France Football.
Not only that, by winning the election, MESSI got 473 out of a possible 480 points, which represents a record in itself.
No other player in the past collected as many votes.
It's worth mentioning that non-European players became eligible to win this award only in 1995.
Prior to this stage, 30 finalist were announced and the following is the complete result of the voting.
Not only that, by winning the election, MESSI got 473 out of a possible 480 points, which represents a record in itself.
No other player in the past collected as many votes.
It's worth mentioning that non-European players became eligible to win this award only in 1995.
Prior to this stage, 30 finalist were announced and the following is the complete result of the voting.
1. Lionel Andrès MESSI (Argentina, FC Barcelona) : 473 points
2. Cristiano RONALDO (Portugal, Manchester United/Real Madrid) : 233 pts
3. Xavi HERNANDEZ (Spain, FC Barcelona) : 170 pts
4. Andrés INIESTA (Spain, FC Barcelona) : 149 pts
5. Samuel ETO'O (Cameroon, FC Barcelona/Inter Milan) : 75 pts
6. Kaka (Brazil, AC Milan/Real Madrid) : 58 pts
7. Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC (Sweden, Inter Milan/FC Barcelona) : 50 pts
8. Wayne ROONEY (England, Manchester United): 35 pts
9. Didier DROGBA (Ivory Coast, Chelsea): 33 pts
10. Steven GERRARD (England, Liverpool) : 32 pts
11. Fernando TORRES (Spain, Liverpool): 22 pts
12. Cesc FABREGAS (Spain, Arsenal) : 13 pts
13. Edin DZEKO (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wolfsburg) : 12 pts
14. Ryan GIGGS (Wales, Manchester United) : 11 pts
15. Thierry HENRY (France, FC Barcelona) : 9 pts
16. Luis FABIANO (Brazil, FC Sevilla), Nemanja VIDIC (Serbia, Manchester United), Iker CASILLAS (Spain, Real Madrid): 8 pts
19. Diego FORLAN (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid) : 7 pts
20. Yoann GOURCUFF (France, Bordeaux) : 6 pts
21. Andreï ARSHAVIN (Russia, Arsenal), Julio CESAR (Brazil, Inter Milan), Frank LAMPARD (England, Chelsea) : 5 pts
24. MAICON (Brazil, Inter Milan) : 4 pts
25. Diego (Brazil, Werder Bremen/Juventus) : 3 pts
26. David VILLA (Spain, Valencia), John TERRY (England, Chelsea) : 2 pts
28. Franck RIBERY (France, Bayern Munich), Yaya TOURE (Ivory Coast, FC Barcelone) : 1 pt
30. Karim BENZEMA (France, Lyon/Real Madrid): 0 pt
Kun & Maxi Steers Atlético Out Of Relegation Zone
The whole world had it’s eye on El Clasico Spain and it was a happy return for Lionel MESSI who played a pivotal role to help Barcelona beat Real Madrid 1-0.
However the star among the Albiceleste in Europe was Kun AGUERO after helping Atlético Madrid to a 4-0 win over the other side from Catalan, Espanyol. The results ensure that Atlético moves out of the relegation zone in the La Liga standings.
Kun, whom in recent weeks has been much in the spotlight with a speculated move in the January transfer, scored twice; one of which is from a curling free kick. Also on the score sheet is Maxi RODRIGUEZ, tapping in the far post courtesy of a cross from Kun himself.
In Italy, Diego MILITO scored from the spot with 5 minutes left as Inter Milan won 1-0 against Fiorentina, a result which takes them eight points clear at the top. German DENIS was on target for Napoli in their 1-1 draw with Parma.
In the French Ligue 1, Lyon could only salvage a 1-1 draw at home against Rennes with Lisandro LOPEZ scoring their equalizer.
NBA News - Manu Returns But Scola’s Hurt
It was all good news for the San Antonio Spurs as Manu GINOBILI return to action against the Philadelphia 76ers, after missing the last six games, and posted 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block shot. Spurs won the game 97-89.
However as one player makes his return another could be out as the bad news came in the Houston Rockets 100-91 win over the Oklohama City Thunders. Luis SCOLA was hurt on a freak play as the Thunder’s Etan THOMAS dunked with his right hand, simultaneously smacking SCOLA in the face with his left.
A trainer came onto the court to help him, and he held a towel up to his face as he walked to the locker room. He would end up getting seven stitches on his right eyelid. We certainly this is not something serious and that he will be back in action soon.
The worst team last season are currently the surprise package as the Sacramento Kings overcame the New Orleans Hornets 112-86, with Andres NOCIONI posting 13 points, 2 rebounds and an assist.
ATP World Tour Finals - No Good Ending For Delpo
Juan Martin DEL POTRO could not finish his remarkable year with another title after losing to Russian Nikolay DAVYDENKO in straight sets 3-6 & 4-6 at the London O2 Arena. Nevertheless keep an eye on him during the 2010 seasons.
However the star among the Albiceleste in Europe was Kun AGUERO after helping Atlético Madrid to a 4-0 win over the other side from Catalan, Espanyol. The results ensure that Atlético moves out of the relegation zone in the La Liga standings.
Kun, whom in recent weeks has been much in the spotlight with a speculated move in the January transfer, scored twice; one of which is from a curling free kick. Also on the score sheet is Maxi RODRIGUEZ, tapping in the far post courtesy of a cross from Kun himself.
In Italy, Diego MILITO scored from the spot with 5 minutes left as Inter Milan won 1-0 against Fiorentina, a result which takes them eight points clear at the top. German DENIS was on target for Napoli in their 1-1 draw with Parma.
In the French Ligue 1, Lyon could only salvage a 1-1 draw at home against Rennes with Lisandro LOPEZ scoring their equalizer.
NBA News - Manu Returns But Scola’s Hurt
It was all good news for the San Antonio Spurs as Manu GINOBILI return to action against the Philadelphia 76ers, after missing the last six games, and posted 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block shot. Spurs won the game 97-89.
However as one player makes his return another could be out as the bad news came in the Houston Rockets 100-91 win over the Oklohama City Thunders. Luis SCOLA was hurt on a freak play as the Thunder’s Etan THOMAS dunked with his right hand, simultaneously smacking SCOLA in the face with his left.
A trainer came onto the court to help him, and he held a towel up to his face as he walked to the locker room. He would end up getting seven stitches on his right eyelid. We certainly this is not something serious and that he will be back in action soon.
The worst team last season are currently the surprise package as the Sacramento Kings overcame the New Orleans Hornets 112-86, with Andres NOCIONI posting 13 points, 2 rebounds and an assist.
ATP World Tour Finals - No Good Ending For Delpo
Juan Martin DEL POTRO could not finish his remarkable year with another title after losing to Russian Nikolay DAVYDENKO in straight sets 3-6 & 4-6 at the London O2 Arena. Nevertheless keep an eye on him during the 2010 seasons.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
DEL POTRO Wins Epic Semis To Play In ATP Finals
US Open champion Juan Martin DEL POTRO beat Robin SODERLING in a heavyweight encounter to reach the final of the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals for the first time.
The 5th seeded won 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-3) to set up a decider against Russian 6th seed Nikolay DAVYDENKO, a surprise 6-2 4-6 7-5 winner against top seed Roger FEDERER. DEL POTRO is now one victory from landing the biggest title outside the four Grand Slams.
For a while, he looked to be in trouble when SODERLING converted his first break point of the night to lead the third set 4-2. However DEL POTRO immediately responded back with a break serve thus forcing the final set to a tie breaker.
DEL POTRO dominated the shoot-out after opening with a raking backhand winner and an ace.
After two hours and 10 minutes the man from Tandil found himself with four match points and he converted the second with an ace before raising his arms in triumph.
"I'm very happy to make my first final, one more match before my holiday," an exhausted DEL POTRO told the crowd.
The 5th seeded won 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-3) to set up a decider against Russian 6th seed Nikolay DAVYDENKO, a surprise 6-2 4-6 7-5 winner against top seed Roger FEDERER. DEL POTRO is now one victory from landing the biggest title outside the four Grand Slams.
For a while, he looked to be in trouble when SODERLING converted his first break point of the night to lead the third set 4-2. However DEL POTRO immediately responded back with a break serve thus forcing the final set to a tie breaker.
DEL POTRO dominated the shoot-out after opening with a raking backhand winner and an ace.
After two hours and 10 minutes the man from Tandil found himself with four match points and he converted the second with an ace before raising his arms in triumph.
"I'm very happy to make my first final, one more match before my holiday," an exhausted DEL POTRO told the crowd.
Pumas Ends Euro-Tour With A Win Over Scotland
Los Pumas rugby team has finally achieved a win in their November Autumn tour in Europe after suffering defeats against England (15-37 & 9-16) and Wales (16-33) with a win over Scotland at Murrayfield.
Santiago PHELAN, already having team selection problem following the injuries to several big names, made six changes for this final test of the year. The Scots dominated possession in an almost one sided affair and were 6-0 up at half time, courtesy of two penalties from Phil GODMAN. But the Pumas responded with attacking minded approach in the second half.
They were rewarded with two penalties, both which were converted by Martin RODRIGUEZ, to tie the score line 6-6. Then with the clock showing just two minutes left, RODRIGUEZ accepted a pass from a ruck 30 meters out from the Scottish posts, steadied himself briefly, then sent a towering dropped goal over the bar.
The Scots did tried to fight themselves back for a win but were unable to find their way as Los Pumas showed plenty of character to maintain their lead and win the game 9-6.
Santiago PHELAN, already having team selection problem following the injuries to several big names, made six changes for this final test of the year. The Scots dominated possession in an almost one sided affair and were 6-0 up at half time, courtesy of two penalties from Phil GODMAN. But the Pumas responded with attacking minded approach in the second half.
They were rewarded with two penalties, both which were converted by Martin RODRIGUEZ, to tie the score line 6-6. Then with the clock showing just two minutes left, RODRIGUEZ accepted a pass from a ruck 30 meters out from the Scottish posts, steadied himself briefly, then sent a towering dropped goal over the bar.
The Scots did tried to fight themselves back for a win but were unable to find their way as Los Pumas showed plenty of character to maintain their lead and win the game 9-6.
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