What the big men had on Thursday, the young boys lacked Today. And viceversa.
The U20 Czech Republic side was almost the same as the USA team that is playing in the Copa America: all about defense and counter-attack!
But what MESSI, CRESPO, RIQUELME, AIMAR, TEVEZ and company managed to do almost to perfecting during the second half against the Americans, AGÜERO, ZARATE, MORALEZ and their team-mates, couldn't mimic. So the result was a hard-fought 0-0 with only one team really trying.
Without being put under pressure, the Argentine defense was really solid and the team never looked like conceeding a goal. Something that can't be said of Coco BASILE's back line!
The problem was clearly up front. A sub-standard performance by both, Sergio AGÜERO and Mauro ZARATE, overshadowed a great job by Eber BANEGA, who pulled the strings from midfield and controlled the game at will.
Argentina had the ball most of the time, but couldn't really do anything with it and suffered from a tendency of trying to do to much that their attacking men showed most of the time, especially the mentioned Kun and Mauro who failed to see a better-placed team-mate more than once.
A result that it's not a cause for concern, but I'm sure TOCALLI will want his boys to do some shooting practice and be ready to face Panama on Tuesday and then play against DPR Korea, two teams that also played for a goal-less draw in Canada 2007 opening day.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
FIBA Americas: PEPE won't play for Argentina
The nightmare for Sergio HERNANDEZ goes on and on and on. Argentina's basketball team manager knew he won't have Emanuel GINOBILI, Andrés NOCIONI, Fabricio OBERTO, Walter HERRMANN, but now Juan Ignacio Pepe SANCHEZ becomes the latest absentee for the FIBA Americas tournament that will be played in Las Vegas from August 22 until September 2, 2007, which will hurt Argentina's chances, risking the defending-champions participation in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
This decision by Pepe, leaves Luis SCOLA as the only starter from the last World Championship that will play in this crucial Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
"If I rest now, then it is possible that I'll be able to play some more in the future" said the 30-year old point guard that was the best Argentine player in the last World Championship.
Pablo PRIGIONI will now take on the starting role as Argentina will try and make up for the very important absences that will suffer.
This decision by Pepe, leaves Luis SCOLA as the only starter from the last World Championship that will play in this crucial Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
"If I rest now, then it is possible that I'll be able to play some more in the future" said the 30-year old point guard that was the best Argentine player in the last World Championship.
Pablo PRIGIONI will now take on the starting role as Argentina will try and make up for the very important absences that will suffer.
Samba Boys chrash in Youth World Cup debut
Just like the grown up did when they faced Mexico in the start of the Copa America, the U20 Brazilian national team have lost their debut match, 1-0 against Poland, in the Youth World Cup opening game.
Poland went ahead in 23 minutes thanks to a KRYCHOWIAK's free-kick, but soon after that was reduced to 10 men as KROL saw an early red card.
Nevertheless, Brazil never found an opening in the Polish defense and they will have to improve dramatically if they want to fight for the title.
Argentina will make their debut, against the Czech Republic, in a couple of hours.
Poland went ahead in 23 minutes thanks to a KRYCHOWIAK's free-kick, but soon after that was reduced to 10 men as KROL saw an early red card.
Nevertheless, Brazil never found an opening in the Polish defense and they will have to improve dramatically if they want to fight for the title.
Argentina will make their debut, against the Czech Republic, in a couple of hours.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Youth WC: Time to watch the boys in action!
In a really busy period, the Copa America is catching every eye, but the Youth World Cup will get underway tomorrow (Saturday, June 30th) and Argentina will be one of the teams in action as they start their title defense with a game against the Czech Republic.
Led by Atletico de Madrid tricky forward, Sergio Kun AGÜERO, Argentina will aim for their sixth Youth World Cup title and repeat what Lionel MESSI (with AGÜERO as a back-up) did two years ago in The Netherlands.
Argentina and the Czechs have never faced each other before in the finals, although the South Americans did beat the former Czechoslovakia at Mexico 1983 with a side that had defender Jorge THEILER as one of the main figures. Now he is one of TOCALLI's assistant coaches.
In the build-up for the game, Racing Club keeper (recently bought by Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar), Sergio ROMERO said: "We've got a number of objectives for this tournament, but the main one is to play seven games. That's what we're here for and we're hopeful of achieving just that."
The game will be played at Frank Clair Stadium in Ottawa and will be one of Group E opening matches. Panama and Korea DPR will jump to the field earlier tomorrow in the same stadium.
Another big favourites, Brazil, will also have their debut tomorrow as they take on Poland to open Group D. Their match will be followed by USA v Republic of Korea.
Midfielder Renato AUGUSTO from Flamengo and forward Alexandre PATO from Internacional de Porto Alegre will be the key players for Brazil as they will try and cover the absence of LUCAS, recently bought by Liverpool, who will be out with a knock.
VAMOS ARGENTINA!
(Play-by-play won't be available at Mundo Albiceleste as I think I'll have to run to a local pub and ask them to let me watch the game! I won't have it with my regular cable-TV provider. So hopefully, I'll be able to watch it and then write a match report here).
Led by Atletico de Madrid tricky forward, Sergio Kun AGÜERO, Argentina will aim for their sixth Youth World Cup title and repeat what Lionel MESSI (with AGÜERO as a back-up) did two years ago in The Netherlands.
Argentina and the Czechs have never faced each other before in the finals, although the South Americans did beat the former Czechoslovakia at Mexico 1983 with a side that had defender Jorge THEILER as one of the main figures. Now he is one of TOCALLI's assistant coaches.
In the build-up for the game, Racing Club keeper (recently bought by Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar), Sergio ROMERO said: "We've got a number of objectives for this tournament, but the main one is to play seven games. That's what we're here for and we're hopeful of achieving just that."
The game will be played at Frank Clair Stadium in Ottawa and will be one of Group E opening matches. Panama and Korea DPR will jump to the field earlier tomorrow in the same stadium.
Another big favourites, Brazil, will also have their debut tomorrow as they take on Poland to open Group D. Their match will be followed by USA v Republic of Korea.
Midfielder Renato AUGUSTO from Flamengo and forward Alexandre PATO from Internacional de Porto Alegre will be the key players for Brazil as they will try and cover the absence of LUCAS, recently bought by Liverpool, who will be out with a knock.
VAMOS ARGENTINA!
(Play-by-play won't be available at Mundo Albiceleste as I think I'll have to run to a local pub and ask them to let me watch the game! I won't have it with my regular cable-TV provider. So hopefully, I'll be able to watch it and then write a match report here).
CRESPO with a very important milestone
I can’t say this enough times: Hernán CRESPO is probably the most under-rated player in the history of our national team.
Relegated to the bench by the excellent Gabriel BATISTUTA (top goal-scorer in the history of our national team with 56 goals in 78 games) during a decade, Hernán still managed to make history.
First choice as striker for Argentina (since BATISTUTA’s retirement after the 2002 World Cup), CRESPO scored twice last night and he reached a milestone that I’m sure he and all his fans and admirers will be proud of.
With last night's brace against USA, Hernán CRESPO have scored 34 goals for Argentina and now seats second in the all-time table alongside a certain little guy from Villa Fiorito named Diego Armando MARADONA!
CRESPO scored his 34 goals in 63 games, while MARADONA needed 91 matches to get to that number. Of course, this is not to compare both players as it will have no sense to do such a thing. They don’t even play in the same position!
Nevertheless, I think this comes to show just how under-rated Hernan is and how unfair I think the whole situation is.
He is Argentina's top-scorer in World Cup Qualifiers, he scored more than 200 goals in European leagues, he is the only Argentine to score two goals in a Champions League final (in modern times) and still, he can't seem to get all the appreciation that he deserves.
Mundo Albiceleste would like to recognize all his hard-work and his committment to the Albiceleste. His 34 goals were nothing else than the result of that!
Congratulations Hernán Jorge CRESPO.
Here’s hoping he can finally lift a trophy with Argentina!
Relegated to the bench by the excellent Gabriel BATISTUTA (top goal-scorer in the history of our national team with 56 goals in 78 games) during a decade, Hernán still managed to make history.
First choice as striker for Argentina (since BATISTUTA’s retirement after the 2002 World Cup), CRESPO scored twice last night and he reached a milestone that I’m sure he and all his fans and admirers will be proud of.
With last night's brace against USA, Hernán CRESPO have scored 34 goals for Argentina and now seats second in the all-time table alongside a certain little guy from Villa Fiorito named Diego Armando MARADONA!
CRESPO scored his 34 goals in 63 games, while MARADONA needed 91 matches to get to that number. Of course, this is not to compare both players as it will have no sense to do such a thing. They don’t even play in the same position!
Nevertheless, I think this comes to show just how under-rated Hernan is and how unfair I think the whole situation is.
He is Argentina's top-scorer in World Cup Qualifiers, he scored more than 200 goals in European leagues, he is the only Argentine to score two goals in a Champions League final (in modern times) and still, he can't seem to get all the appreciation that he deserves.
Mundo Albiceleste would like to recognize all his hard-work and his committment to the Albiceleste. His 34 goals were nothing else than the result of that!
Congratulations Hernán Jorge CRESPO.
Here’s hoping he can finally lift a trophy with Argentina!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Comfortable win for Argentina after nervy start
Yes. It was tough in the first half.
Yes. We were surprised by an early American goal.
But, YES! We never lost our cool and we were able to score 3 goals in the second half to secure three points and start with a great result and a good performance.
There are no easy games these days in football and a group of unknown, untested players, can really complicate your life if they are disciplined and they block every one of the roads you try to create to get to scoring positions.
Eventually, the best team prevailed and took home the three points. No surprises there.
Colombia is next. They will have to really step up their game and go for the win, after being thrashed 5-0 by Paraguay. They might even open up some glorious spaces for us to benefit from.
But before we move on, let me offer you a quick one-by-one players ratings:
ABBONDANZIERI: Wasn't really tested. No responsibility in the USA goal. 6/10
ZANETTI: Always offered an option on the right. Was OK marking but wasn't really threatened. 6/10
AYALA: A quiet game. It was worrying to see some lack of communication with MILITO. 5/10
MILITO: In my opinion, the weakest player for us Today. Lost Eddie JOHNSON and then fouled him for a penalty kick. Saw yellow because he arrived late in coverage. 3/10
HEINZE: JOHNSON won his back in the play that ended with MILITO fouling the American. Played badly with the ball in his feet. But sent a great cross for AIMAR to score our third goal. 5/10
MASCHERANO: Quiet, but efficient. I can't remember how many balls he won back without committing many fouls. Supported the back four and most importanly, the offensive midfielders in front of him. 7/10
VERON: Covered a lot of ground. Tried a couple of times from outside the box and helped both creating and marking. Showed great communication with RIQUELME and MESSI at times. 6/10
CAMBIASSO: Didn't have much influence down the left. I would think the USA didn't play a game that is suitable for him. Was replaced by AIMAR and the team improved dramatically. 4/10
RIQUELME: Not his Boca version. Not a bad game either. Great ball into the box for our first goal. Showed flashes of great connections with MESSI. 6/10
MESSI: Did not gravitate a lot on the right. But changed the game when he moved to the left. Lovely assist for CRESPO in our second goal and looked very dangerous every time he was on the ball. 7/10
CRESPO: Best of the gang. Two goals and a lot of movement. A striker should be judged by how many and how crucial are his goals and he scored our first two in the tournament. 8/10
AIMAR: He was a key to our comeback. He clearly is in a great shape at the moment and he topped the evening with a perfect header to score the third one for Argentina. 8/10
TEVEZ: Played a few minutes but it was enough to write his name in the scoresheet. Nice finish to score the fourth and put some more pressure on BASILE. (I won't grade him as he didn't play enough minutes).
GAGO: Same as with TEVEZ. Didn't play enough to judge him.
Yes. We were surprised by an early American goal.
But, YES! We never lost our cool and we were able to score 3 goals in the second half to secure three points and start with a great result and a good performance.
There are no easy games these days in football and a group of unknown, untested players, can really complicate your life if they are disciplined and they block every one of the roads you try to create to get to scoring positions.
Eventually, the best team prevailed and took home the three points. No surprises there.
Colombia is next. They will have to really step up their game and go for the win, after being thrashed 5-0 by Paraguay. They might even open up some glorious spaces for us to benefit from.
But before we move on, let me offer you a quick one-by-one players ratings:
ABBONDANZIERI: Wasn't really tested. No responsibility in the USA goal. 6/10
ZANETTI: Always offered an option on the right. Was OK marking but wasn't really threatened. 6/10
AYALA: A quiet game. It was worrying to see some lack of communication with MILITO. 5/10
MILITO: In my opinion, the weakest player for us Today. Lost Eddie JOHNSON and then fouled him for a penalty kick. Saw yellow because he arrived late in coverage. 3/10
HEINZE: JOHNSON won his back in the play that ended with MILITO fouling the American. Played badly with the ball in his feet. But sent a great cross for AIMAR to score our third goal. 5/10
MASCHERANO: Quiet, but efficient. I can't remember how many balls he won back without committing many fouls. Supported the back four and most importanly, the offensive midfielders in front of him. 7/10
VERON: Covered a lot of ground. Tried a couple of times from outside the box and helped both creating and marking. Showed great communication with RIQUELME and MESSI at times. 6/10
CAMBIASSO: Didn't have much influence down the left. I would think the USA didn't play a game that is suitable for him. Was replaced by AIMAR and the team improved dramatically. 4/10
RIQUELME: Not his Boca version. Not a bad game either. Great ball into the box for our first goal. Showed flashes of great connections with MESSI. 6/10
MESSI: Did not gravitate a lot on the right. But changed the game when he moved to the left. Lovely assist for CRESPO in our second goal and looked very dangerous every time he was on the ball. 7/10
CRESPO: Best of the gang. Two goals and a lot of movement. A striker should be judged by how many and how crucial are his goals and he scored our first two in the tournament. 8/10
AIMAR: He was a key to our comeback. He clearly is in a great shape at the moment and he topped the evening with a perfect header to score the third one for Argentina. 8/10
TEVEZ: Played a few minutes but it was enough to write his name in the scoresheet. Nice finish to score the fourth and put some more pressure on BASILE. (I won't grade him as he didn't play enough minutes).
GAGO: Same as with TEVEZ. Didn't play enough to judge him.
Argentina v USA: Match coverage
The moment we've been all waiting for. The Albicelestes take on United States of America in their first game.
We'll be doing a play-by-play commentary and, of course, you'll be very welcome to post your opinions on the comments' section.
For those of you without broadcast of the game, check this link to watch videos of the goals and/or the most important plays (with a little delay):
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Futebol/TempoReal/0,,TEP17197-8646,00.html
Teams are taking the field right now!
VAMOS ARGENTINA!
With Diego MARADONA dressed in white and blue in the stands, the match is underway.
3rd minute - MESSI touches the ball for the first time and combined well with RIQUELME and then with VERON before he is dispossessed.
5th minute - MESSI burst inside the American defense and crossed for CRESPO, but the defense was quick to react and sent the ball out for a corner kick.
7th minute - Eddie JOHNSON beats Gabriel MILITO and the Zaragoza defender fouls him inside the box. Penalty kick for USA.
8th minute - Eddie JOHNSON scores. USA 1 - Argentina 0.
11th minute - RIQUELME sends a ball into the area, HEINZE challenges KELLER and the ball goes to CRESPO who cooly finishes to level the score. Argentina 1-1 USA.
31st minute - Dangerous free-kick for the USA. Wasted chance by Brazilian-born FEILHABER. Argentina in control of the ball but not creating scoring chances.
39th minute - RIQUELME sees CRESPO inside the box, but HERNAN's volley goes wide.
42nd minute - Powerful shot by VERON, slightly deflected by KELLER before the ball hit the bar and went out for a corner kick.
43rd minute - In the resulting corner kick, CRESPO heads the ball towards goal but KELLER is alert to save it.
After an easy save by ABBONDANZIERI, the referee signals the end of the first half.
Argentina 1 - 1 USA
Second half underway. No substitutions in Argentina.
52nd minute - ZANETTI is careless in possession and then fouls JOHNSON near our box. Dangerous free-kick for USA. MAPP sends it over the bar.
55th minute - Nice cross by RIQUELME, CRESPO does all he can to reach the ball but eventually he is unable to get a shot.
57th minute - Pablo AIMAR replaces CAMBIASSO and Gabriel MILITO sees the yellow card after fouling MAPP down the right.
60th minute - MESSI, now on the left, sees an opening and shots, but hits the outside of the net.
63rd minute - MESSI turns on the style. One two with RIQUELME and then a great assist for CRESPO who doubles his personal account. Argentina 2 - 1 USA.
70th minute - VERON tries again, but it goes wide. Argentina finding more spaces now.
78th minute - AIMAR surprises everyone with a tremendous header and makes it 3-1. Soon after that, TEVEZ comes in to replace Lionel MESSI.
85th minute - CARLITOS is through and has no problems to finish with a nice touch. Argentina 4-1 USA. GAGO replaces VERON.
FULL TIME - Argentina 4-1 USA.
We'll be doing a play-by-play commentary and, of course, you'll be very welcome to post your opinions on the comments' section.
For those of you without broadcast of the game, check this link to watch videos of the goals and/or the most important plays (with a little delay):
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Futebol/TempoReal/0,,TEP17197-8646,00.html
Teams are taking the field right now!
VAMOS ARGENTINA!
With Diego MARADONA dressed in white and blue in the stands, the match is underway.
3rd minute - MESSI touches the ball for the first time and combined well with RIQUELME and then with VERON before he is dispossessed.
5th minute - MESSI burst inside the American defense and crossed for CRESPO, but the defense was quick to react and sent the ball out for a corner kick.
7th minute - Eddie JOHNSON beats Gabriel MILITO and the Zaragoza defender fouls him inside the box. Penalty kick for USA.
8th minute - Eddie JOHNSON scores. USA 1 - Argentina 0.
11th minute - RIQUELME sends a ball into the area, HEINZE challenges KELLER and the ball goes to CRESPO who cooly finishes to level the score. Argentina 1-1 USA.
31st minute - Dangerous free-kick for the USA. Wasted chance by Brazilian-born FEILHABER. Argentina in control of the ball but not creating scoring chances.
39th minute - RIQUELME sees CRESPO inside the box, but HERNAN's volley goes wide.
42nd minute - Powerful shot by VERON, slightly deflected by KELLER before the ball hit the bar and went out for a corner kick.
43rd minute - In the resulting corner kick, CRESPO heads the ball towards goal but KELLER is alert to save it.
After an easy save by ABBONDANZIERI, the referee signals the end of the first half.
Argentina 1 - 1 USA
Second half underway. No substitutions in Argentina.
52nd minute - ZANETTI is careless in possession and then fouls JOHNSON near our box. Dangerous free-kick for USA. MAPP sends it over the bar.
55th minute - Nice cross by RIQUELME, CRESPO does all he can to reach the ball but eventually he is unable to get a shot.
57th minute - Pablo AIMAR replaces CAMBIASSO and Gabriel MILITO sees the yellow card after fouling MAPP down the right.
60th minute - MESSI, now on the left, sees an opening and shots, but hits the outside of the net.
63rd minute - MESSI turns on the style. One two with RIQUELME and then a great assist for CRESPO who doubles his personal account. Argentina 2 - 1 USA.
70th minute - VERON tries again, but it goes wide. Argentina finding more spaces now.
78th minute - AIMAR surprises everyone with a tremendous header and makes it 3-1. Soon after that, TEVEZ comes in to replace Lionel MESSI.
85th minute - CARLITOS is through and has no problems to finish with a nice touch. Argentina 4-1 USA. GAGO replaces VERON.
FULL TIME - Argentina 4-1 USA.
News Update - From Brussels To London With Love
Just before we kick-off against the United States, here are the news round up on Albicelestes involved other sports.
BDO Men's 2007 Champions Challenge
Argentina looks like in a much better position to book a place in the Final play-off after defeating India 2-1. In a scrappy match with few memorable scenes, Argentina were the lucky party at the end, Jorge LOMBI made good use of his third attempt at a penalty corner, flicking the ball hard past Adrian D'SOUZA to give Argentina the lead.
In the 60th minute, it was Mario ALMADA, the flamboyant Argentine captain, who delivered the undisputed highlight of the match, scoring the second goal for Argentina with a reverse stick hit after a spectacular solo run and outplaying several opponents. In the following minutes, India had a string of penalty corners, which eventually gave them a penalty stroke when the ball hit postman Fernando ZYLBERBERG's foot.
Sandeep SINGH seized the opportunity to reduced Argentina's lead to one goal, and India fired from all cylinders in the remaining six minutes to salvage a point from the encounter but to no avail. Argentina took the glory and are now in a slightly better position for the last round of pool matches that will decide which team joins New Zealand in the final.
2007 Wimbledon Championship
David NALBANDIAN and Guillermo Ignacio 'Willy' CANAS are the only survivors from five of our players whom were involved round two.
NALBANDIAN won his tie comfortably after defeating Canadian Frank DANCEVIC 6-2, 6-3, 5-7 & 6-3. On the hand CANAS rallied back after losing the first set to beat Max MIRNYI from Belarus, 6-7, 6-1, 7-6 & 7-6.
Playing against the World No.1 Roger FEDERER prove to be a mountain to climb for Boca Juniors hardcore supporter Juan Martin DEL POTRO as he was beaten in straight sets, 2-6, 5-7 & 1-6.
Juan Ignacio CHELA also suffered straight sets defeats, at the hand of Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-7, 4-6 & 5-7. While Racing supporter Agustin CALLERI couldn’t prevent LEE Hyung-Taik from creating back to back victory against our boys, as he lost in a tight match 6-7, 4-6, 7-6 & 3-6.
Awaiting our boys in the Third Round will be two highly competitive matches , with CANAS being the most toughest against non other than Lleyton HEWITT. Knowing the love-hate relationship between our boys and HEWITT, I would love to see nothing more than “Willy” sticking it up to HEWITT in this clash.
BDO Men's 2007 Champions Challenge
Argentina looks like in a much better position to book a place in the Final play-off after defeating India 2-1. In a scrappy match with few memorable scenes, Argentina were the lucky party at the end, Jorge LOMBI made good use of his third attempt at a penalty corner, flicking the ball hard past Adrian D'SOUZA to give Argentina the lead.
In the 60th minute, it was Mario ALMADA, the flamboyant Argentine captain, who delivered the undisputed highlight of the match, scoring the second goal for Argentina with a reverse stick hit after a spectacular solo run and outplaying several opponents. In the following minutes, India had a string of penalty corners, which eventually gave them a penalty stroke when the ball hit postman Fernando ZYLBERBERG's foot.
Sandeep SINGH seized the opportunity to reduced Argentina's lead to one goal, and India fired from all cylinders in the remaining six minutes to salvage a point from the encounter but to no avail. Argentina took the glory and are now in a slightly better position for the last round of pool matches that will decide which team joins New Zealand in the final.
2007 Wimbledon Championship
David NALBANDIAN and Guillermo Ignacio 'Willy' CANAS are the only survivors from five of our players whom were involved round two.
NALBANDIAN won his tie comfortably after defeating Canadian Frank DANCEVIC 6-2, 6-3, 5-7 & 6-3. On the hand CANAS rallied back after losing the first set to beat Max MIRNYI from Belarus, 6-7, 6-1, 7-6 & 7-6.
Playing against the World No.1 Roger FEDERER prove to be a mountain to climb for Boca Juniors hardcore supporter Juan Martin DEL POTRO as he was beaten in straight sets, 2-6, 5-7 & 1-6.
Juan Ignacio CHELA also suffered straight sets defeats, at the hand of Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-7, 4-6 & 5-7. While Racing supporter Agustin CALLERI couldn’t prevent LEE Hyung-Taik from creating back to back victory against our boys, as he lost in a tight match 6-7, 4-6, 7-6 & 3-6.
Awaiting our boys in the Third Round will be two highly competitive matches , with CANAS being the most toughest against non other than Lleyton HEWITT. Knowing the love-hate relationship between our boys and HEWITT, I would love to see nothing more than “Willy” sticking it up to HEWITT in this clash.
While David NALBANDIAN will face 2006 Australian Open runner-up Marcos BAGHDATIS from Cyprus, which I’m pretty confident that NALBANDIAN will prevail and progress to the next round.
More problems for DUNGA: FRED suffers fracture
Striker, FRED, has suffered a fractured toe and will be dismissed from the Brazilian squad that is playing in the Copa America.
The Olympique Lyon's player got injured during Today's training and DUNGA is unable to call another player to replace him because Brazil have already made their debut in the tournament (losing 2-0 against Mexico last night).
Talks about a curse have already started in Brazil. Well...whatever...
The Olympique Lyon's player got injured during Today's training and DUNGA is unable to call another player to replace him because Brazil have already made their debut in the tournament (losing 2-0 against Mexico last night).
Talks about a curse have already started in Brazil. Well...whatever...
Santa Paraguay too much for Colombia
It looked like Colombia could have taken the lead when referee Jorge LARRIONDA gave them a penalty kick before the first 30 minutes of the game against Paraguay.
But Alvaro DOMINGUEZ wasted a chance, keeper Justo VILLAR saved, and Colombia were punished.
Roque SANTA CRUZ was left with a lot of space in a counter-attack and easily scored when keeper Miguel CALERO was trying to close the striker's angle.
And with 19 seconds gone into the second half, SANTA CRUZ was on the run again. Inter defender, Iván CORDOBA couldn't keep up with Roque's pace and the Bayern Munich striker doubled the lead for Argentine Gerardo MARTINO's team.
But Alvaro DOMINGUEZ wasted a chance, keeper Justo VILLAR saved, and Colombia were punished.
Roque SANTA CRUZ was left with a lot of space in a counter-attack and easily scored when keeper Miguel CALERO was trying to close the striker's angle.
And with 19 seconds gone into the second half, SANTA CRUZ was on the run again. Inter defender, Iván CORDOBA couldn't keep up with Roque's pace and the Bayern Munich striker doubled the lead for Argentine Gerardo MARTINO's team.
With 35 minutes into the second half, SANTA CRUZ recorded the first hat-trick of the Copa so far and substitute Salvador CABAÑAS scored a brace to give Paraguay a sensational 5-0 win that leaves them in great shape to face the USA in their next game.
Paraguay and Colombia share Group C with Argentina.
Is Roman heading for Madrid?
In a European summer that started red-hot in terms of transfers, the latest news coming from Spanish newspaper AS, suggest that Juan Román RIQUELME is pretty close to become the newest Atletico de Madrid signing.
The red and white have reportedly agreed a deal with Villarreal to secure both Juan Román RIQUELME and Uruguayan striker Diego FORLAN for a fee of around 30 million euros.
No official announcement yet, but with Liverpool being determined to splash a lot of money to buy Fernando TORRES, Atletico could very well use FORLAN as a replacement for El Niño and get Roman on board to pull the strings and feed both FORLAN and our U20 star, Sergio Kun AGÜERO.
Personally, I think this could be a great move for Roman. He’ll finally have a chance to play in a big Spanish club again (after failing to succeed in Barcelona) and the hype and excitement that Atletico fans can give their team when they perform well, could just simply be sensational.
Here’s the link to the news from AS: http://www.as.com/articulo/futbol/Atletico/ata/Forlan/Riquelme/millones/dasftb/20070628dasdaiftb_30/Tes/
In the meantime, here are the latest rumours about Argentine players from BBC.co.uk football gossip:
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has pleaded with Argentine international team-mate Carlos Tevez to join him at Anfield. (Daily Star)
West Ham are willing to pay Carlos Tevez £115,000 a week to keep him at the club for another year. (Daily Mail)
The red and white have reportedly agreed a deal with Villarreal to secure both Juan Román RIQUELME and Uruguayan striker Diego FORLAN for a fee of around 30 million euros.
No official announcement yet, but with Liverpool being determined to splash a lot of money to buy Fernando TORRES, Atletico could very well use FORLAN as a replacement for El Niño and get Roman on board to pull the strings and feed both FORLAN and our U20 star, Sergio Kun AGÜERO.
Personally, I think this could be a great move for Roman. He’ll finally have a chance to play in a big Spanish club again (after failing to succeed in Barcelona) and the hype and excitement that Atletico fans can give their team when they perform well, could just simply be sensational.
Here’s the link to the news from AS: http://www.as.com/articulo/futbol/Atletico/ata/Forlan/Riquelme/millones/dasftb/20070628dasdaiftb_30/Tes/
In the meantime, here are the latest rumours about Argentine players from BBC.co.uk football gossip:
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has pleaded with Argentine international team-mate Carlos Tevez to join him at Anfield. (Daily Star)
West Ham are willing to pay Carlos Tevez £115,000 a week to keep him at the club for another year. (Daily Mail)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The pressure is on: Argentina debut against USA
There are very few people in the World that would bet againts Argentina as they open their Copa America campaign facing a depleted USA side in Maracaibo.
Here are some bits and pieces about Today's match:
Here are some bits and pieces about Today's match:
- Argentina and the USA have played 6 times in their history, with 4 wins for the Albiceleste and 2 for the Americans. The South American scored 14 goals and conceeded 5.
- The best result for the USA came the only time they both met at a Copa America (Uruguay 1995, First Round: USA 3-0 Argentina. Goals by KLOPAS, LALAS and WYNALDA). USA won Group C on goal-difference as they finished with 6 points tied with Argentina.
- Both teams met in the first World Cup (Uruguay 1930) and Argentina defeated the Americans 6-1 in what would be an unlikely semifinal match these days.
- Argentina will have 7 players in their squad (5 in the starting lineup) that played in the last Copa America (ABBONDANZIERI, HEINZE, AYALA, ZANETTI, MASCHERANO, Lucho GONZALEZ and TEVEZ).
- Argentina have won the Copa America 14 times (same as Uruguay). Here's the list of editions in which the trophy was won by the Albicelestes: 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993.
Breaking down the list: Forwards
Done! We've got a player profile for each and every one of the 22 Albicelestes that are starting the quest to win the Copa America on Thursday.
Name : Lionel Andrés MESSI
Club : FC Barcelona
Caps : 20 (7)
What else do we need to say about him? At the age of 19, the Atomic Flea has done more than most average kid of his age could only dreamed off. Touted as “His Successor” by a certain Diego MARADONA, MESSI is most likely to be COCO’s preferred choice for the playmaker role. The question still remains whether as he matured enough to bare this responsibility.
Name : Diego Alberto MILITO
Club : Real Zaragoza
Caps : 10 (5)
The MILITOS are a unique family indeed. One is a hard wall to crack; the other cracks the hardest wall. Possess power with a keen eye for goal and is regarded as one of the finest header of the game. His 20 plus goal in La Liga and the fact that he became a fan favourite in every team he played for (Racing Club, Genoa and Zaragoza) will be a testimony to that. However in Venezuela, he is most likely to used as a back up for CRESPO.
We hope you enjoyed this humble production by Mundo Albiceleste!
The following is one hell of an elite group of forwards that even have the luxury of leaving out a top player like Javier SAVIOLA.
There is speed, talent, bravery, power, desire, heart and a thousand other virtues in these fine five forwards that will provide the bulk of the goals in our Copa America campaign.
Let's see them in a little bit more detail:
Name : Carlos Alberto TEVEZ 
Club : West Ham United
Caps : 27 (6)
He is the People’s Player. Overcame EVERYTHING since he was born. A humble origin. A tough childhood. But he seems to handle the pressures that come with fame, success and fortune in a good way. Carlitos is clever. That’s one of the keys. Like MASCHERANO, he too had to endure troubled times in England but finished off the season in the classiest style ever. His goals (including the game-winning at Old Trafford in the last game of the season) were the inspiration the Hammers needed to avoid relegation and the fans have voted him as player of the season. With his deadly finishing and trickery in the penalty box, he is an indispensable quality in COCO’s team.
Club : West Ham United
Caps : 27 (6)
He is the People’s Player. Overcame EVERYTHING since he was born. A humble origin. A tough childhood. But he seems to handle the pressures that come with fame, success and fortune in a good way. Carlitos is clever. That’s one of the keys. Like MASCHERANO, he too had to endure troubled times in England but finished off the season in the classiest style ever. His goals (including the game-winning at Old Trafford in the last game of the season) were the inspiration the Hammers needed to avoid relegation and the fans have voted him as player of the season. With his deadly finishing and trickery in the penalty box, he is an indispensable quality in COCO’s team.
Name : Lionel Andrés MESSI
Club : FC Barcelona
Caps : 20 (7)
What else do we need to say about him? At the age of 19, the Atomic Flea has done more than most average kid of his age could only dreamed off. Touted as “His Successor” by a certain Diego MARADONA, MESSI is most likely to be COCO’s preferred choice for the playmaker role. The question still remains whether as he matured enough to bare this responsibility.
Name : Diego Alberto MILITO
Club : Real Zaragoza
Caps : 10 (5)
The MILITOS are a unique family indeed. One is a hard wall to crack; the other cracks the hardest wall. Possess power with a keen eye for goal and is regarded as one of the finest header of the game. His 20 plus goal in La Liga and the fact that he became a fan favourite in every team he played for (Racing Club, Genoa and Zaragoza) will be a testimony to that. However in Venezuela, he is most likely to used as a back up for CRESPO.
Name : Hernán Jorge CRESPO
Club : Internazionale
Caps : 60 (32)
CRESPO is one of the most effective poachers within the six-yard box. Was told by COCO to go for a holiday instead he made it clear he wants to go to Venezuela. He is Argentina’s top-scorer in World Cup Qualifying matches in history and he deserves to win a title with the Albiceleste.
Club : Internazionale
Caps : 60 (32)
CRESPO is one of the most effective poachers within the six-yard box. Was told by COCO to go for a holiday instead he made it clear he wants to go to Venezuela. He is Argentina’s top-scorer in World Cup Qualifying matches in history and he deserves to win a title with the Albiceleste.
Name : Rodrigo Sebastián PALACIO 
Club : Boca Juniors
Caps : 4 (0)
The Jewell is one of Boca Juniors’ hottest properties. Born in the land of COCO and Manu GINOBILI (Bahia Blanca), Rodrigo had a quiet season but his pace and ball control will make him a great addition to Argentina’s fire-power. An experience at a World Cup will surely help him when it comes to deal with the pressures of having to perform in limited time.
Club : Boca Juniors
Caps : 4 (0)
The Jewell is one of Boca Juniors’ hottest properties. Born in the land of COCO and Manu GINOBILI (Bahia Blanca), Rodrigo had a quiet season but his pace and ball control will make him a great addition to Argentina’s fire-power. An experience at a World Cup will surely help him when it comes to deal with the pressures of having to perform in limited time.
How many teams in the world have a similar fire power these days?
It looks like MESSI-CRESPO will be the starting line-up but who would you most like to see breaking into the team?
Who'll be Argentina's top goalscorer in Venezuela 2007?
Do you feel there is anybody that should be in the list and was ignored?
Big thumbs-up to John! It would have been impossible to have the profiles and the pics ready in time for the start of the Copa America!
We hope you enjoyed this humble production by Mundo Albiceleste!
Breaking down the list: Midfielders
Well, time played against Mundo Albiceleste again, as we were unable to publish the players' profiles that we prepared before the list was announced.
But it is not too late yet, here are the midfielders that will represent Argentina in Venezuela 2007.
Name : Fernando Rubén GAGO 
Club : Real Madrid
Caps : 2 (0)
Hail to the new REDONDO. Apart from sharing the first name, GAGO’s quality has often been compared to those of his predecessor. A very elegant player can cover the defensive aspects of a modern midfielder but his main strenght is his ball distribution. No wonder why Real paid so much for his services. Hasn’t really shine for the Albicelestes yet but Venezuela could just be the perfect platform for him to do so.
Club : Real Madrid
Caps : 2 (0)
Hail to the new REDONDO. Apart from sharing the first name, GAGO’s quality has often been compared to those of his predecessor. A very elegant player can cover the defensive aspects of a modern midfielder but his main strenght is his ball distribution. No wonder why Real paid so much for his services. Hasn’t really shine for the Albicelestes yet but Venezuela could just be the perfect platform for him to do so.
Name : Javier Alejandro MASCHERANO 
Club : Liverpool FC
Caps : 22 (0)
He arrived in England with full of promise and was going nowhere but ended up becoming Liverpool’s man of the match in the Champions League final, as voted by the club supporters in their official website. Well-known for his tough-tackling defense he is also equally effective on the ball.
Club : Liverpool FC
Caps : 22 (0)
He arrived in England with full of promise and was going nowhere but ended up becoming Liverpool’s man of the match in the Champions League final, as voted by the club supporters in their official website. Well-known for his tough-tackling defense he is also equally effective on the ball.
Name : Luis Oscar GONZALEZ 
Club : FC Porto
Caps : 31 (5)
Know as LUCHO. He was the inspiration for Porto in their Champions League campaign and even scored probably the goal of the season against Hamburg. While chances are he might be starting from the bench, his control, great technique and scoring ability could be crucial to COCO, when needed the most.
Club : FC Porto
Caps : 31 (5)
Know as LUCHO. He was the inspiration for Porto in their Champions League campaign and even scored probably the goal of the season against Hamburg. While chances are he might be starting from the bench, his control, great technique and scoring ability could be crucial to COCO, when needed the most.
Name : Juan Román RIQUELME 
Club : Boca Juniors (on loan from Villarreal)
Caps : 36 (8)
Passion is the word. There are people who love ROMAN with passion. They are people who use that passion to hate him. But being the most controversial player in our national team in the last couple of decades, he still manages to confuse the rest and keep them undecided! He owns an incredible touch and he can keep the ball away from defenders like very few players in the World can. After a great semester with Boca Juniors, he decided to return to international football and the Copa America is his chance to prove people he can be as effective with Argentina.
Club : Boca Juniors (on loan from Villarreal)
Caps : 36 (8)
Passion is the word. There are people who love ROMAN with passion. They are people who use that passion to hate him. But being the most controversial player in our national team in the last couple of decades, he still manages to confuse the rest and keep them undecided! He owns an incredible touch and he can keep the ball away from defenders like very few players in the World can. After a great semester with Boca Juniors, he decided to return to international football and the Copa America is his chance to prove people he can be as effective with Argentina.
Name : Esteban Matías CAMBIASSO 
Club : Internazionale
Caps : 27 (2)
El CUCHU will forever be remembered in Albicelestes folklore for finishing that masterpiece move against Serbia & Montenegro in the last World Cup. A tremendous ball winner could face stiff competition from MASCHERANO and GAGO for a place in central midfield. Also a key member of the Scudetto champions: Inter.
Club : Internazionale
Caps : 27 (2)
El CUCHU will forever be remembered in Albicelestes folklore for finishing that masterpiece move against Serbia & Montenegro in the last World Cup. A tremendous ball winner could face stiff competition from MASCHERANO and GAGO for a place in central midfield. Also a key member of the Scudetto champions: Inter.
Name : Pablo César AIMAR 
Club : Real Zaragoza
Caps : 44 (7)
For years he lived in the shadows of VERON and RIQUELME for that elusive playmaker role. A moved to ZARAGOZA from VALENCIA has helped him to rediscover some of his old magic and Venezuela could be his re-launching pad. Was once described by DIEGO as the “only player he will pay to watch” and Lionel MESSI have recently said: “The player with whom I feel more comfortable playing alongside is Pablo AIMAR”.
Club : Real Zaragoza
Caps : 44 (7)
For years he lived in the shadows of VERON and RIQUELME for that elusive playmaker role. A moved to ZARAGOZA from VALENCIA has helped him to rediscover some of his old magic and Venezuela could be his re-launching pad. Was once described by DIEGO as the “only player he will pay to watch” and Lionel MESSI have recently said: “The player with whom I feel more comfortable playing alongside is Pablo AIMAR”.
Name : Juan Sebastián VERON 
Club : Estudiantes de La Plata
Caps : 58 (9)
Mysterious is the word often associated with La Brujita. Ever since his returned to Argentina, VERON is making headlines for all the good reasons again, which leads up to his recall to play for the Albicelestes. Though criticised for being slow and cold, he compensates that with his considerable experience, field vision, long-distance shot and elegant passing.
Club : Estudiantes de La Plata
Caps : 58 (9)
Mysterious is the word often associated with La Brujita. Ever since his returned to Argentina, VERON is making headlines for all the good reasons again, which leads up to his recall to play for the Albicelestes. Though criticised for being slow and cold, he compensates that with his considerable experience, field vision, long-distance shot and elegant passing.
Who's your favourite from this group of midfielders?
Apart from Maxi RODRIGUEZ, who do you think is/are missing in this list?
Arriba Mexico! Brazil surprised in a 2-0 defeat
I was kind of neutral before this game, but the constant irritating comments by the Brazilian broadcasters, really made me support Mexico (I have to admit that I was inclined to do it anyway! haha!).
They were saying that the Mexicans were staging an act in which they were pretending they were going through a period of crisis. The Brazilian commentators (Bandeirantes channel) said that everything was a lie and that there is not such a thing as crisis in football. WHAT????? Yeah...that.
The other target of their verbal attacks was the Argentine referee, Sergio PEZZOTTA, who in my opinion had a correct game and was not at fault in any incident.
They didn't want to say what was obvious to my eyes: Brazil were outplayed, outclassed and outran. Mexico struck them early with a wonderful goal by Nery CASTILLO and gave them no chance to recover thanks to a perfect free-kick by Ramón MORALES.
Then simply controlled the game and decided to give Brazil the ball and wait for them and hit them in the counter-attack.
But the DUNGA Boys couldn't do nothing. They were frustrated by a resilient defensive midfielder (led by Gerardo TORRADO) and the commanding presence of Rafael MARQUEZ at the back.
Mexico was unlucky not to score a couple more goals, but CASTILLO was at fault two times. First when he failed to see an open team-mate as they both were on the run with only the keeper to beat. And then in the game's final play when he ran from behind the midfield line, skipped past the keeper and soundly failed in front of an empty net. A clamorous error that denied Mexico of a classic 3-0 victory.
A lot of work to do for DUNGA and some humble pie to eat for those Brazilian commentators, please!
I won't wear my sombrero tomorrow, but I predict a great day at the office, where I'll be the only one wearing a smile the size of my face!
They were saying that the Mexicans were staging an act in which they were pretending they were going through a period of crisis. The Brazilian commentators (Bandeirantes channel) said that everything was a lie and that there is not such a thing as crisis in football. WHAT????? Yeah...that.
The other target of their verbal attacks was the Argentine referee, Sergio PEZZOTTA, who in my opinion had a correct game and was not at fault in any incident.
They didn't want to say what was obvious to my eyes: Brazil were outplayed, outclassed and outran. Mexico struck them early with a wonderful goal by Nery CASTILLO and gave them no chance to recover thanks to a perfect free-kick by Ramón MORALES.
Then simply controlled the game and decided to give Brazil the ball and wait for them and hit them in the counter-attack.
But the DUNGA Boys couldn't do nothing. They were frustrated by a resilient defensive midfielder (led by Gerardo TORRADO) and the commanding presence of Rafael MARQUEZ at the back.
Mexico was unlucky not to score a couple more goals, but CASTILLO was at fault two times. First when he failed to see an open team-mate as they both were on the run with only the keeper to beat. And then in the game's final play when he ran from behind the midfield line, skipped past the keeper and soundly failed in front of an empty net. A clamorous error that denied Mexico of a classic 3-0 victory.
A lot of work to do for DUNGA and some humble pie to eat for those Brazilian commentators, please!
I won't wear my sombrero tomorrow, but I predict a great day at the office, where I'll be the only one wearing a smile the size of my face!
Mexico stunning Brazil in the first half
The Copa America defending champions, Brazil, are two goals behind in the score against Mexico after 30 minutes in the first half.
Impressive goals by Nery CASTILLO and Ramón MORALES are giving the Gold Cup runners-up some reasons to smile after they lost against the USA on Sunday.
The reason why I'm writing this mid-game is because I wanted to share with you the following link so you can follow the game and watch some videos that are uploaded just as they happen.
So, watch the goals and follow the action here: http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Futebol/TempoReal/0,,TEP17191-8646,00.html
And also, add this link to your favorites to follow the Copa America as they will also have (I believe) videos of the Argentina games: http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Home/0,,3556,00.html
Impressive goals by Nery CASTILLO and Ramón MORALES are giving the Gold Cup runners-up some reasons to smile after they lost against the USA on Sunday.
The reason why I'm writing this mid-game is because I wanted to share with you the following link so you can follow the game and watch some videos that are uploaded just as they happen.
So, watch the goals and follow the action here: http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Futebol/TempoReal/0,,TEP17191-8646,00.html
And also, add this link to your favorites to follow the Copa America as they will also have (I believe) videos of the Argentina games: http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Home/0,,3556,00.html
Argentina favourite to host Copa America 2011
Brazilian newspaper O Globo, through their website, are saying that sources inside the Conmebol (South American Football Confederation) stated that Argentina is the main favourite to host the next edition of Copa America in 2011.
They want to top continental competition to be played every four years, one year after the World Cup.
Chile is another country that could have chances to receive the oldest national team's international tournament.
The last time Argentina hosted the Copa America was back in 1987 (I was 10 and I remember!). The memories are not that great, though. Uruguay, receiving a bye in the first round, won that tournament that saw Brazil crashing out in the first round.
There were three groups of 3 teams each. Argentina won Group A (knocking out Peru and Ecuador) before losing to Uruguay in the semis (1-0, Antonio ALZAMENDI).
Uruguay then defeated Chile (1-0, Pablo BENGOECHEA) to take the trophy all the way accross the Rio de la Plata.
If the Copa America is to come back to Argentina, I cannot say anything else that this is great news!
They want to top continental competition to be played every four years, one year after the World Cup.
Chile is another country that could have chances to receive the oldest national team's international tournament.
The last time Argentina hosted the Copa America was back in 1987 (I was 10 and I remember!). The memories are not that great, though. Uruguay, receiving a bye in the first round, won that tournament that saw Brazil crashing out in the first round.
There were three groups of 3 teams each. Argentina won Group A (knocking out Peru and Ecuador) before losing to Uruguay in the semis (1-0, Antonio ALZAMENDI).
Uruguay then defeated Chile (1-0, Pablo BENGOECHEA) to take the trophy all the way accross the Rio de la Plata.
If the Copa America is to come back to Argentina, I cannot say anything else that this is great news!
Chile shocks Ecuador, come back to win 3-2
In Group B opening match, Chile came back twice from behind to earn a dramatic 3 points and start the Copa America with a smile.
Ecuador started off brightly and went ahead through a lovely goal by Luis Antonio VALENCIA (Wigan Athletic).
Humberto SUAZO levelled the score, just before Cristian BENITEZ restored the Ecuadorian lead. All of this inside 22 minutes in the first half.
Ecuador came out to play the second half without the right attitude. It looked like if they thought the game was pretty much in their pockets.
But Chile had other plans and with 11 minutes to go, Humberto SUAZO again, equalized with a ball that went in off the bar.
A point that was taylor made for Chile after a rough start. However, the prize was going to be bigger!
87 minutes and Carlos VILLANUEVA curled a perfect free-kick to give Chile the three points and to complicate Ecuador's chances with both teams having to face Brazil and Mexico in their next two matches.
Ecuador started off brightly and went ahead through a lovely goal by Luis Antonio VALENCIA (Wigan Athletic).
Humberto SUAZO levelled the score, just before Cristian BENITEZ restored the Ecuadorian lead. All of this inside 22 minutes in the first half.
Ecuador came out to play the second half without the right attitude. It looked like if they thought the game was pretty much in their pockets.
But Chile had other plans and with 11 minutes to go, Humberto SUAZO again, equalized with a ball that went in off the bar.
A point that was taylor made for Chile after a rough start. However, the prize was going to be bigger!
87 minutes and Carlos VILLANUEVA curled a perfect free-kick to give Chile the three points and to complicate Ecuador's chances with both teams having to face Brazil and Mexico in their next two matches.
Starting eleven confirmed
With a little more than a day to go before our Copa America debut against USA, Coco BASILE confirmed the starting lineup that will start the quest for the first major trophy that Argentina want to win after winning this same tournament back in 1993.
As revealed by the local press and announced also here in Mundo Albiceleste, these will be the eleven Albicelestes that will jump to the field tomorrow:
BASILE confirmed this information Today at a press conference in which he said: "Argentina have to win everything they play"
DIEGO kick-off a Copa that started with surprises
Sometimes it seems that the Copa America is Venezuela's president, Hugo CHAVEZ, very own birthday party.
I don't like when politicians take center stage in an event that should only be considered as a sporting festival and not being used by presidents, governors, etc, as a tool to get more votes or increase their popularity.
OK, let's concentrate on football and on the things that matter to us, Argentina supporters.
The opening day of Copa America was marked by a shocking result as Peru defeated Uruguay 3-0 with goals from Miguel VILLALTA, Paolo GUERRERO and Juan Carlos MARIÑO.
La Celeste share with Argentina the honour of being the two national team with more Copa America trophies in their cabinet, with 14 each. But they couldn't have had a worst debut.
The hosts Venezuela were unfortunate not to have been granted a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game when Jorge ROJAS was clearly fouled inside the box by Gualberto MOJICA but the incident was ignored by the referee.
Giancarlo MALDONADO and Ricardo PAEZ put Venezuela ahead twice, but Jaime MORENO and Juan Carlos ARCE gave an unexpected point to Bolivia.
Before the game, Hugo CHAVEZ and his counterpart from Bolivia, Evo MORALES, together with Diego MARADONA "officially" opened the Copa America, with Diego receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
Brazil will make their debut today against Mexico, a rival that has a history of complicating their lives in previous Copa America but now they arrived in Venezuela with a very low morale after losing the Gold Cup final on Sunday against USA.
Ecuador and Chile will play the other Group B match also Today.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Tennis - The Championship, Wimbledon 2007
The Wimbledon Championship has just begun and nine of our tennis of player were in action, with five of them progressing into next round. As expected, the usual suspect such as David NALBANDIAN and Guillermo CANAS progress without much trouble against their respective opponents. Here are the results involving all the Albicelestes in Round One.
David NALBANDIAN def. Mischa ZVEREV (GER) 6-3, 6-4 & 6-2
Mariano ZABALETA lost Nicolas DEVILDER (FRA) 7-6, 4-6, 5-7 & 4-6
Agustin CALLERI def Luis HORNA (PER) 6-2, 7-6 & 7-5
Guillermo CANAS def Ivan Navarro PASTOR (ESP) 7-6, 6-3 & 6-1
Juan MONACO lost Kristof VLIEGEN (BEL) 4-6, 3-6 & 6-7
Juan Martin DEL POTRO def Davide SANGUINETTI (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 & 6-4
Martin Vassallo ARQUELLO lost HYUNG-Taik Lee (KOR) 4-6, 2-6 & 3-6
Juan Ignacio CHELA def Benjamin BECKER (GER) 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 & 10-8
Juan-Pablo GUZMAN lost Andrei PAVEL (ROM) 4-6, 4-6 & 1-6
As for the second round, the most mouth-watering clash for anyone at Mundo Albiceleste is going to the match between Juan Martin DEL POTRO against non other then Roger FEDERER. Another tough test waiting for the Albicelestes in this round will be Guillermo CANAS in which he will face Max MIRNYI from Belarus. While CALLERI will want to prevent Korean representative HYUNG-Taik Lee from creating back-to-back victory over us as well. Here is the list of fixtures involving all our players in Round Two: -
Juan Martin DEL POTRO vs. Roger FEDERER (SWI)
Juan Ignacio CHELA vs. Edouard Roger VASSELLIN (FRA)
David NALBANDIAN vs. Frank DANCEVIC (CAN)
Guillermo CANAS vs. Max MIRNYI (BLR)
Agustin CALLERI vs. HYUNG-Taik Lee (KOR)
Watch out for this space for all the results!!! In the meantime good luck to all our players in the second round
VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!
David NALBANDIAN def. Mischa ZVEREV (GER) 6-3, 6-4 & 6-2
Mariano ZABALETA lost Nicolas DEVILDER (FRA) 7-6, 4-6, 5-7 & 4-6
Agustin CALLERI def Luis HORNA (PER) 6-2, 7-6 & 7-5
Guillermo CANAS def Ivan Navarro PASTOR (ESP) 7-6, 6-3 & 6-1
Juan MONACO lost Kristof VLIEGEN (BEL) 4-6, 3-6 & 6-7
Juan Martin DEL POTRO def Davide SANGUINETTI (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 & 6-4
Martin Vassallo ARQUELLO lost HYUNG-Taik Lee (KOR) 4-6, 2-6 & 3-6
Juan Ignacio CHELA def Benjamin BECKER (GER) 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 & 10-8
Juan-Pablo GUZMAN lost Andrei PAVEL (ROM) 4-6, 4-6 & 1-6
As for the second round, the most mouth-watering clash for anyone at Mundo Albiceleste is going to the match between Juan Martin DEL POTRO against non other then Roger FEDERER. Another tough test waiting for the Albicelestes in this round will be Guillermo CANAS in which he will face Max MIRNYI from Belarus. While CALLERI will want to prevent Korean representative HYUNG-Taik Lee from creating back-to-back victory over us as well. Here is the list of fixtures involving all our players in Round Two: -
Juan Martin DEL POTRO vs. Roger FEDERER (SWI)
Juan Ignacio CHELA vs. Edouard Roger VASSELLIN (FRA)
David NALBANDIAN vs. Frank DANCEVIC (CAN)
Guillermo CANAS vs. Max MIRNYI (BLR)
Agustin CALLERI vs. HYUNG-Taik Lee (KOR)
Watch out for this space for all the results!!! In the meantime good luck to all our players in the second round
VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!
VENEZUELA 2007 UNDERWAY!
Uruguay and Peru are opening the Copa America as I write this from work.
I won't be able to watch today's matches (later on there is Venezuela v Bolivia) as I have a concert to attend to! haha!
But I'll be posting some words on the opening day's games tomorrow.
As I write this, Peru have just scored the Copa's first goal through VILLALTA on 26 minutes in the first half.
Kind of a surprising result as I expected something different from Uruguay...
Now listen carefully...this is between you and me..."YOU KNOW THE COPA AMERICA STARTS ON THURSDAY, DON'T YOU?"
I won't be able to watch today's matches (later on there is Venezuela v Bolivia) as I have a concert to attend to! haha!
But I'll be posting some words on the opening day's games tomorrow.
As I write this, Peru have just scored the Copa's first goal through VILLALTA on 26 minutes in the first half.
Kind of a surprising result as I expected something different from Uruguay...
Now listen carefully...this is between you and me..."YOU KNOW THE COPA AMERICA STARTS ON THURSDAY, DON'T YOU?"
TEVEZ: "I choose Inter over Real Madrid"
Just when everything looked like he was going to be dressed in white and play in Spain, Carlitos TEVEZ opened his mouth and say three words that I’m sure sounded like a bomb at the Bernabeu: “I CHOOSE INTER”
Prestigious Italian sports newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, published an interview with the Apache, and it clearly stated that the player have said that he knows there is an interest from Real Madrid, but he is the one to decide he prefers to play for Inter rather than joining GAGO and HIGUAIN at La Casa Blanca.
Nothing confirmed yet, but if the river sounds…
Here’s the link to the interview published by Gazzetta dello Sport: http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Primo_Piano/2007/06_Giugno/26/tevez.shtml
Prestigious Italian sports newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, published an interview with the Apache, and it clearly stated that the player have said that he knows there is an interest from Real Madrid, but he is the one to decide he prefers to play for Inter rather than joining GAGO and HIGUAIN at La Casa Blanca.
Nothing confirmed yet, but if the river sounds…
Here’s the link to the interview published by Gazzetta dello Sport: http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Primo_Piano/2007/06_Giugno/26/tevez.shtml
Monday, June 25, 2007
"El Matador" KEMPES to talk to Mundo Albiceleste
You know Mundo Albiceleste is a new blog with very few resources and not a long time of being online.
We hardly have the time or the chance to cover live events, go to matches or offer you attractive multimedia files, but we try and keep you updated and give you the chance to comment on every post while you meet others around the World that share your passion for Argentina.
Our biggest asset is passion for everyone that wears the Albiceleste in any sport.
And we are proud to announce that, very soon, we will have our first ever interview published in Mundo Albiceleste!
We will start by talking to someone really big in the history of Argentine football: Mario Alberto KEMPES, World Cup champion and top-goalscorer in Argentina 1978.
Very few players in history represented the Albicelestes the way El Matador did in that unforgettable final against Holland in our way to our first World Cup title.
But I still didn't finish! I've left the most important thing unsaid: Mundo Albiceleste will give YOU the chance to send in your questions and comments to Mario Alberto KEMPES before we publish the interview in the coming days.
Here's your chances to be as close as you ever got to one true Albiceleste legend!
Start sending in your questions! I know he will be pleased to know there are Argentina fans all over the World that still pay tribute to him and follow the team through thick, thin, language barrier, distance and different time-zones!
The following e-mail address will be open for you to send in your questions: argentina.correspondent@gmail.com .
Please don't forget to give us your name (not necessarily full name, just one name will do!) and the city and country where you live!
MESSI: "I felt great training with ROMAN"
When asked about who is going to be the best player in Venezuela 2007, Lionel MESSI was the name in the minds of more than 30% of the people at the Copa America’s official website, with ROBINHO (Brazil) a distant 5th (7%) in the people's choice.
Who is going to be the star of Copa America?
MESSI (Argentina)
33,39%
Matías FERNANDEZ (Chile)
22,08%
José ARANGO (Venezuela)
11,36%
Jefferson FARFAN (Peru)
8,06%
ROBINHO (Brasil)
7,05%
Other
5,54%
Diego FORLAN (Uruguay)
3,88%
Iván CORDOBA (Colombia)
3,35%
Oswaldo SANCHEZ (Mexico)
2,60%
Ulises DE LA CRUZ (Ecuador)
1,43%
Jaime MORENO (Bolivia)
0,90%
Salvador CABAÑAS (Paraguay)
0,36%
Soon after his 20th birthday (celebrated away from his family and WITH the national team, just like his 19th last year in Germany and hopefully it’ll be the case every year, as the major tournaments are played always around the same time of the year), Lionel MESSI talked to the media and said some interesting things about various subjects.
He had time to talk about RIQUELME and said “I felt great in Yesterday’s training with him. We played very close to each other, with the ball on the ground, played a couple of one-two combinations. Same as I play with AIMAR”.
Being under millions of eyes the 24 hours is not something that is easily handled by a teenager, but Lionel is not afraid of fame. “I don’t mind signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans. It is a great way for me to say thanks for all the love they give me”.
“With Brazil there is mutual respect. We are, clearly, the main title contenders. We have an important squad and we have the desire to face them”.
It doesn’t matter that his head is 100% set in the Copa America, LIO still has time to welcome new team-mate Thierry HENRY to FC Barcelona: “Who doesn’t want to have HENRY in his team? I feel proud to have him as a team-mate”.
And finally, MESSI confessed there is a defect he wants to correct soon. “I don’t know how to take free-kicks. I think it is just a matter of training hard and start hitting the ball”.
Who is going to be the star of Copa America?
MESSI (Argentina)
33,39%
Matías FERNANDEZ (Chile)
22,08%
José ARANGO (Venezuela)
11,36%
Jefferson FARFAN (Peru)
8,06%
ROBINHO (Brasil)
7,05%
Other
5,54%
Diego FORLAN (Uruguay)
3,88%
Iván CORDOBA (Colombia)
3,35%
Oswaldo SANCHEZ (Mexico)
2,60%
Ulises DE LA CRUZ (Ecuador)
1,43%
Jaime MORENO (Bolivia)
0,90%
Salvador CABAÑAS (Paraguay)
0,36%
Soon after his 20th birthday (celebrated away from his family and WITH the national team, just like his 19th last year in Germany and hopefully it’ll be the case every year, as the major tournaments are played always around the same time of the year), Lionel MESSI talked to the media and said some interesting things about various subjects.
He had time to talk about RIQUELME and said “I felt great in Yesterday’s training with him. We played very close to each other, with the ball on the ground, played a couple of one-two combinations. Same as I play with AIMAR”.
Being under millions of eyes the 24 hours is not something that is easily handled by a teenager, but Lionel is not afraid of fame. “I don’t mind signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans. It is a great way for me to say thanks for all the love they give me”.
“With Brazil there is mutual respect. We are, clearly, the main title contenders. We have an important squad and we have the desire to face them”.
It doesn’t matter that his head is 100% set in the Copa America, LIO still has time to welcome new team-mate Thierry HENRY to FC Barcelona: “Who doesn’t want to have HENRY in his team? I feel proud to have him as a team-mate”.
And finally, MESSI confessed there is a defect he wants to correct soon. “I don’t know how to take free-kicks. I think it is just a matter of training hard and start hitting the ball”.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Does COCO already know the starting lineup?
"It hurts not to be in the starting eleven. I'm a football player and all I want is to play. I will support my team-mates from the bench" said Carlos TEVEZ after Argentina completed a couple of training session in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
That opens up a question?
Does Coco BASILE already have his starting lineup confirmed? Did he tell the players or is this something that TEVEZ is just assuming?
Apparentely, there is some truth in Carlitos' statement. COCO's been testing and the Apache is not a part of the starting lineup that on Thursday's Copa America debut will take on the USA, crowned today as Gold Cup champions by defeating Mexico 2-1.
Our plans here at Mundo Albiceleste, were to break down the whole list and eventually, all together, arrive to our very own conclussions and see what's everybody's favourite starting eleven.
Forget about those plans, then!
The team for Thursday should be:
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI on goal. A back four of Javier ZANETTI, Roberto AYALA, Gabriel MILITO and Gabriel HEINZE.
Up to this point, no major surprises. But starting from our central midfielder, up to the main striker, EVERY position has a legit candidate to be picked. There are a lot of options to COCO to use and that could turn into a very difficult puzzle to solve.
Let's continue unveiling the whole formation.
Javier MASCHERANO has edged Fernando GAGO for the central midfielder role. The inclussion of RIQUELME have played against the Real Madrid midfielder as the team will need more balance and for that, it is imperative to use the most defensive-minded player.
Juan Sebastián VERON, as anticipated here, will play on the right, taking Lucho GONZALEZ' place, while Esteban CAMBIASSO is the choice to occupy the left hand side of midfield.
Juan Román RIQUELME will of course be the play-maker and he will sit behind Lionel MESSI and Hernán CRESPO.
Player by player, a very strong line-up. One that should have no problems in beating the United States.
VERON, RIQUELME and MESSI will all play together and COCO insists with the formula he used in the USA 94 World Cup. He had all his best players (maybe TEVEZ is the exception) together from the start. I remember that tournament in America when Fernando REDONDO, Diego SIMEONE, Diego MARADONA, Claudio CANIGGIA and Gabriel BATISTUTA were all starters. Argentine became the best team in that World Cup until the MARADONA-GATE that saw the team morale take a deadly blow and the dreams of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final faded out.
What I really like about this group of players that COCO took to Venezuela is that they can't fall asleep. There are too many options available for the manager and the moment one player underachieves, he knows he can be replaced in no time.
That opens up a question?
Does Coco BASILE already have his starting lineup confirmed? Did he tell the players or is this something that TEVEZ is just assuming?
Apparentely, there is some truth in Carlitos' statement. COCO's been testing and the Apache is not a part of the starting lineup that on Thursday's Copa America debut will take on the USA, crowned today as Gold Cup champions by defeating Mexico 2-1.
Our plans here at Mundo Albiceleste, were to break down the whole list and eventually, all together, arrive to our very own conclussions and see what's everybody's favourite starting eleven.
Forget about those plans, then!
The team for Thursday should be:
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI on goal. A back four of Javier ZANETTI, Roberto AYALA, Gabriel MILITO and Gabriel HEINZE.
Up to this point, no major surprises. But starting from our central midfielder, up to the main striker, EVERY position has a legit candidate to be picked. There are a lot of options to COCO to use and that could turn into a very difficult puzzle to solve.
Let's continue unveiling the whole formation.
Javier MASCHERANO has edged Fernando GAGO for the central midfielder role. The inclussion of RIQUELME have played against the Real Madrid midfielder as the team will need more balance and for that, it is imperative to use the most defensive-minded player.
Juan Sebastián VERON, as anticipated here, will play on the right, taking Lucho GONZALEZ' place, while Esteban CAMBIASSO is the choice to occupy the left hand side of midfield.
Juan Román RIQUELME will of course be the play-maker and he will sit behind Lionel MESSI and Hernán CRESPO.
Player by player, a very strong line-up. One that should have no problems in beating the United States.
VERON, RIQUELME and MESSI will all play together and COCO insists with the formula he used in the USA 94 World Cup. He had all his best players (maybe TEVEZ is the exception) together from the start. I remember that tournament in America when Fernando REDONDO, Diego SIMEONE, Diego MARADONA, Claudio CANIGGIA and Gabriel BATISTUTA were all starters. Argentine became the best team in that World Cup until the MARADONA-GATE that saw the team morale take a deadly blow and the dreams of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final faded out.
What I really like about this group of players that COCO took to Venezuela is that they can't fall asleep. There are too many options available for the manager and the moment one player underachieves, he knows he can be replaced in no time.
* Lineup image courtesy of the excellent blog www.valechumbar.com.ar
Breaking down the list: Time to think defense
We've already seen our goalkeepers and we know that, if nothing happens to ABBONDANZIERI -like in the World Cup against Germany-, he will play every minute.
Now it's time to take a look at our back line. Those who will try and control the opposing strikers while containing our midfield.
Let's have a look at our defenders' profiles and then start a debate as on who should start and who should wait in the bench.
Name : Javier Adelmar ZANETTI
Club : Internazionale, Italy
Caps : 104 (8)
Name : Daniel Alberto DIAZ
Club : Boca Juniors, Argentina
Caps : 3 (0)
Now it's time to take a look at our back line. Those who will try and control the opposing strikers while containing our midfield.
Let's have a look at our defenders' profiles and then start a debate as on who should start and who should wait in the bench.
Name : Roberto Fabián AYALA 
Club : Valencia CF, Spain
Caps : 107 caps (7 goals)
Club : Valencia CF, Spain
Caps : 107 caps (7 goals)
The most capped player in Argentina’s history and the one that COCO has entrusted to take the captain arm-band. One of the best center back in the world, AYALA has the ability to score headers from set pieces. At the age of 34, the Copa America might just be his final swansong and he would want to go out on a high.
Name : Gabriel Alejandro MILITO 
Club : Real Zaragoza, Spain
Caps : 16 (0)
Club : Real Zaragoza, Spain
Caps : 16 (0)
MILITO is likely to be best option to partner AYALA in central defense. Will go to the Copa America with plenty of confidence after having a great season with Zaragoza. Once rejected by Real Madrid because they said he had a career-ending knee injury he went on to play for Zaragoza and have had excellent performances and results against Madrid. He is currently one of the most wanted defenders in Europe. A fine performance in the Copa America may just establish him in the international context.
Name : Javier Adelmar ZANETTI
Club : Internazionale, Italy
Caps : 104 (8)
Despite his age (33 years old), PUPI has never shown any sign of slowing down and still possess the strength, resilience and the ability to run past opposing player when joining the attack from right back. Was controversially left out in the last World Cup by José PEKERMAN and will be highly motivated to go to the Copa America after captaining Inter to the Scudetto glory.
Name : Gabriel Iván HEINZE
Club : Manchester United, England
Caps : 39 (2)
Name : Gabriel Iván HEINZE
Club : Manchester United, England
Caps : 39 (2)
Confidence will soar high for HEINZE after winning the Premiership with Manchester United last season. COCO’s first choice at left-back, is a fan favourite among the Old Trafford faithful. With ruthless being his middle name, he is a no nonsense defender and a real fighter on the pitch. His ability to join in attack is somewhat improved as seen on numerous occasions in the Premiership last season.
Name : Nicolás Andrés BURDISSO 
Club : Internazionale, Italy
Caps : 10 (0)
Club : Internazionale, Italy
Caps : 10 (0)
The debate will always be there about his inclusion in the last World Cup, but all that changed after he had a good tournament in Germany 2006 and a tremendous season with Inter winning the Scudetto and scoring many goals. Could be used either in every position of the back line.
Name : Hugo Benjamín IBARRA 
Club : Boca Juniors, Argentina
Caps : 7 (0)
Club : Boca Juniors, Argentina
Caps : 7 (0)
IBARRA is the most “Brazilianesque” right-back we have in Argentina. He’s great on the ball and he can become an extra forward at times. Pin-point crosses and feared long-distance shots are other weapons in his Arsenal. Also a COCO’s favourite from his Boca days.
Name : Daniel Alberto DIAZ
Club : Boca Juniors, Argentina
Caps : 3 (0)
Daniel Alberto was also the name of the first Argentine to ever touch the World Cup trophy! Like PASSARELLA, “Cata” DIAZ plays in defense and his power in the air and solid presence, makes him a tough bone to bite. COCO knows him well from his days as Boca manager and he looks like an interesting back-up as a central defender.
Honestly? I like our defense.
Brutally honest? I'm worried about the generational transition. There are no outstanding talents around that show signs of deserving a chance to play international football.
Not something that will hurt our chances at this Copa America, as we will probably have the most experienced defensive line in the competition. But what about the long run?
Will AYALA, ZANETTI, HEINZE, IBARRA and MILITO be "fresh" enough to travel to South Africa in 2010? I doubt it.
The Copa America represents the last chance for some of them (I think especially of Javier ZANETTI and Roberto AYALA) to win a major trophy with Argentina.
So what do you think?
Is COCO right in bringing to Venezuela the "Old Boys"?
Regardless of that:
Who should start?
Should we play with a line of 3 defenders? Or you prefer 4?
June 24 should be "Play-Maker Day" in Argentina
Of course it is just a play of words. But...why is that?
Well...how often can this happen?
The play-maker of our last World Cup and the soon-to-be Argentina's Number 10 in Venezuela 2007, Juan Román RIQUELME was born in Don Torcuato (the outskirts of Buenos Aires) a day like Today in 1978.
9 years later (June 24, 1987), Lionel MESSI, the Argentine play-maker of the future, arrived in this World in Rosario.
Now the two of them represent their national team and they are amongst the best players in the World right now.
A double birthday celebration that comes days before the Copa America debut against USA.
In Saturday's training session, ROMAN and LIONEL were seen very close to each other with the Boca legend teaching the Barça star some basic moves and positioning. And they seem to be on the same page when it comes to commitment and desire to win the trophy for Argentina.
Happy birthday to both of them and let the Copa America be their present!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Canada 2007 Youth World Cup - One week to go
Argentina's title defense will start in one week when the Canada 2007 Youth World Cup kicks-off with Brazil facing Poland the 30th of June in Montreal.
Hugo TOCALLI's team will debut that same day against the Czech Republic and will have the difficult task to repeat what Diego MARADONA did in 1979, Juan Pablo SORIN in 1995, Juan Roman RIQUELME in 1997, Javier SAVIOLA in 2001 and Lionel MESSI in 2005 and win the U-20 World Cup.
Argentina have won more FIFA Youth World Cups than any other nation and history will force them to at least get to the final match.
Without Lionel MESSI (technically allowed to play but choosen by COCO to play with the big guys) and Gonzalo HIGUAIN (technically allowed to play but not willing to miss out on his vacations....), the responsibility to lead the team and provide the goals will fall on phenom Sergio AGÜERO.
The Atletico de Madrid forward will wear the number 10 shirt and will be thrilled to take on the anchor-man role after being a substitute of Lionel MESSI two years ago in The Netherlands.
The former Independiente's striker will not be alone, though! Hot-shot Mauro ZARATE, recently sold to Al-Sadd (Qatar) in 16 million dollars, will join him to form one of the deadliest attacking combination of the tournament.
Just sitting behind them we will see play-maker Maximiliano MORALEZ, a key first team member in Racing Club and one of the best players in the U20 South American tournament that saw Argentina qualify for both, the Canada 2007 World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Eber BANEGA, a starter in a Boca Juniors team that have won the Copa Libertadores last week, will be the star defensive midfielder while Matias CAHAIS, also from Boca, will provide the height and presence as a stand-out central defender.
Sergio ROMERO, recently bought by Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, will be the goalkeeper.
Here are the 21 young lads that will represent the Albicelestes in Canada (to the left you can see the shirt numbers):
1 ROMERO Sergio
Goalkeeper
2 FAZIO Federico
Defender
3 INSUA Emiliano
Defender
4 MERCADO Gabriel
Defender
5 BANEGA Ever
Midfielder
6 CAHAIS Matias
Defender
7 YACOB Claudio
Midfielder
8 SANCHEZ Matias
Midfielder
9 ZARATE Mauro
Forward
10 AGUERO Sergio
Forward
11 ESCUDERO Damian
Midfielder
12 GARCIA Javier
Goalkeeper
13 VOBORIL German
Defender
14 SIGALI Leonardo
Defender
15 CABRAL Alejandro
Midfielder
16 GOMEZ Alejandro
Midfielder
17 MORALEZ Maximiliano
Midfielder
18 DI MARIA Angel
Forward
19 PIATTI Pablo
Forward
20 ACOSTA Lautaro
Forward
21 CENTENO Bruno
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
2 FAZIO Federico
Defender
3 INSUA Emiliano
Defender
4 MERCADO Gabriel
Defender
5 BANEGA Ever
Midfielder
6 CAHAIS Matias
Defender
7 YACOB Claudio
Midfielder
8 SANCHEZ Matias
Midfielder
9 ZARATE Mauro
Forward
10 AGUERO Sergio
Forward
11 ESCUDERO Damian
Midfielder
12 GARCIA Javier
Goalkeeper
13 VOBORIL German
Defender
14 SIGALI Leonardo
Defender
15 CABRAL Alejandro
Midfielder
16 GOMEZ Alejandro
Midfielder
17 MORALEZ Maximiliano
Midfielder
18 DI MARIA Angel
Forward
19 PIATTI Pablo
Forward
20 ACOSTA Lautaro
Forward
21 CENTENO Bruno
Goalkeeper
It is very hard to leave players out of this brief introduction I'm trying to do as this squad have a lot of talent in every position. We have Federico FAZIO (Sevilla), Emiliano INSUA (Liverpool), Angel DI MARIA (Rosario Central), Damián ESCUDERO (Velez Sarsfield)...
Talent is everywhere and on paper, the only thing that worries me is our manager Hugo TOCALLI.
He says he will use offensive tactics and I really hope they are not offensive to our glorious history in this category!
I would hate to see something similar to what we witnessed in February when we qualified for the Beijing 2008 Olympics in complete agony when Lautaro ACOSTA scored the winner against Uruguay in the very last second of the game we needed to win and we did nothing to do so.
For what is worth, I implore to Mr. TOCALLI from this space to go for it! To attack! To use the immense talent he has at his dispossal and to take us to our sixth U20 World Title!
VAMOS ARGENTINITA!
Follow all the adventures of the Young-Argentina in the Canada 2007 Youth World Cup here at Mundo Albiceleste!
USA: Do they care about the Copa America?
One of the national teams that is always improving and they are already qualified to play the CONCACAF Gold Cup final match, the United States of America, will take to Venezuela an alternative squad with only 9 first team regulars in the list.
Manager Bob BRADLEY announced the list of 22 that will face Argentina in their debut and the majority of them play in the local MLS.
"Copa America is a great opportunity for our youngsters to earn a very valuable international experience. This group have a lot of players that can be used during 2008 and 2009 in our quest to qualify for the next World Cup" said the American manager.
USA will debut on Thursday against non-other than Argentina and both teams share Group C with Paraguay and Colombia, but before that, BRADLEY's team can lift a trophy if they beat Mexico on Sunday in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final match.
Check out the list of 22 players that will represent the U.S. in Venezuela 2007:
Goalkeepers:
Brad GUZAN (Chivas USA-USA)
Kasey KELLER (Borussia Moenchengladbach-GER)
Defenders:
Jonathan BORNSTEIN (Chivas USA-USA)
Bobby BOSWELL (D.C. United-USA)
Dan CALIFF (Aalborg BK-DEN)
Jimmy CONRAD (Kansas City Wizards-USA)
Jay DE MERIT (Watford FC-ENG)
Drew MOOR (FC Dallas-USA)
Heath PEARCE (FC Nordsjælland-DEN)
Marvell WYNNE (Toronto FC-CAN -MLS-)
Midfielders:
Kyle BECKERMAN (Colorado Rapids-USA)
Ricardo CLARK (Houston Dynamo-USA)
Benny FEILHABER (Hamburgo-GER)
Eddie GAVEN (Columbus Crew-USA)
Sacha KLJESTAN (Chivas USA-USA)
Justin MAPP (Chicago Fire-USA)
Lee NGUYEN (PSV-NED)
Ben OLSEN (D.C.United-USA)
Forwards:
Charlie DAVIES (Hammarby-SWE)
Herculez GOMEZ (Colorado Rapids-USA)
Eddie JOHNSON (Kansas City Wizards-USA)
Taylor TWELLMAN (New England Revolution-USA)
Well...what can I say?
I think it is just a matter of setting your priorities and Mr. BRADLEY played it safe. He will try and win the Gold Cup that will qualify them to play the next edition of the glamourous Confederations Cup, knowing the had every chance to do it. There are only 2 strong teams in that region (CONCACAF) and they are both in the finals. In my opinion, a final match between Mexico and the USA was always going to be the case. No surprise at all.
So why not win that one and go to Venezuela with a reserve team without pressures or responsibilities.
If they get a couple of results, they will come as a bonus track. If they are knocked out in the first round, then there is no harm because it's kind of logical to lose against Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia.
But I wonder if taking only a handful of slightly known players is a good thing for the USA (Kasey KELLER, Jay DE MERIT and Eddie JOHNSON are the only three names that ring any bells to me).
Why not bringing the best they have to the Copa America and see how they fare against the big guns from South America?
I guess all of those (like me) who were waiting to see how the ever-improving USA could do against tougher opposition, will have to wait a little longer...
Manager Bob BRADLEY announced the list of 22 that will face Argentina in their debut and the majority of them play in the local MLS.
"Copa America is a great opportunity for our youngsters to earn a very valuable international experience. This group have a lot of players that can be used during 2008 and 2009 in our quest to qualify for the next World Cup" said the American manager.
USA will debut on Thursday against non-other than Argentina and both teams share Group C with Paraguay and Colombia, but before that, BRADLEY's team can lift a trophy if they beat Mexico on Sunday in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final match.
Check out the list of 22 players that will represent the U.S. in Venezuela 2007:
Goalkeepers:
Brad GUZAN (Chivas USA-USA)
Kasey KELLER (Borussia Moenchengladbach-GER)
Defenders:
Jonathan BORNSTEIN (Chivas USA-USA)
Bobby BOSWELL (D.C. United-USA)
Dan CALIFF (Aalborg BK-DEN)
Jimmy CONRAD (Kansas City Wizards-USA)
Jay DE MERIT (Watford FC-ENG)
Drew MOOR (FC Dallas-USA)
Heath PEARCE (FC Nordsjælland-DEN)
Marvell WYNNE (Toronto FC-CAN -MLS-)
Midfielders:
Kyle BECKERMAN (Colorado Rapids-USA)
Ricardo CLARK (Houston Dynamo-USA)
Benny FEILHABER (Hamburgo-GER)
Eddie GAVEN (Columbus Crew-USA)
Sacha KLJESTAN (Chivas USA-USA)
Justin MAPP (Chicago Fire-USA)
Lee NGUYEN (PSV-NED)
Ben OLSEN (D.C.United-USA)
Forwards:
Charlie DAVIES (Hammarby-SWE)
Herculez GOMEZ (Colorado Rapids-USA)
Eddie JOHNSON (Kansas City Wizards-USA)
Taylor TWELLMAN (New England Revolution-USA)
Well...what can I say?
I think it is just a matter of setting your priorities and Mr. BRADLEY played it safe. He will try and win the Gold Cup that will qualify them to play the next edition of the glamourous Confederations Cup, knowing the had every chance to do it. There are only 2 strong teams in that region (CONCACAF) and they are both in the finals. In my opinion, a final match between Mexico and the USA was always going to be the case. No surprise at all.
So why not win that one and go to Venezuela with a reserve team without pressures or responsibilities.
If they get a couple of results, they will come as a bonus track. If they are knocked out in the first round, then there is no harm because it's kind of logical to lose against Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia.
But I wonder if taking only a handful of slightly known players is a good thing for the USA (Kasey KELLER, Jay DE MERIT and Eddie JOHNSON are the only three names that ring any bells to me).
Why not bringing the best they have to the Copa America and see how they fare against the big guns from South America?
I guess all of those (like me) who were waiting to see how the ever-improving USA could do against tougher opposition, will have to wait a little longer...
Friday, June 22, 2007
Brazil vs. RIQUELME: Are they afraid of him?
I have to confess that I have changed!
I used to hate those games that media plays. I used to think they were meant to hurt and to cause distress to players, teams, supporters or anyone involved in football.
But now I enjoy them! I think they are amusing, entertaining. I understand the game now and I flow with it.
Juan Roman RIQUELME is the subject again.
No Albiceleste have been so controversial since Diego stopped playing. While MARADONA was never questioned for his on the field skills, RIQUELME separates Argentines to the extreme that half of them love him, the other half hate him.
But I have found that this is not something that happens just in Argentina! Brazilians are watching Roman very closely and they are also divided!
O Globo, the biggest media corporation in Brazil, have published in their website a couple of lists containing the 10 reasons why Brazil should fear RIQUELME in the Copa America and 10 reasons why they shouldn't be worried about him!
They can be right or wrong in many of those 20 reasons, what they can't deny is that they are already talking about him, starting to open the umbrella before the first drop hits the floor.
RIQUELME is already getting to their heads. Installing some insecurity in them. Making them talk about him, think about him...
So here's the list of 10 reasons why Brazil should fear RIQUELME:
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,MUL56932-4482,00.html
1. Because he destroyed Palmeiras in 2000
2. Because he destroyed Brazil in the World Cup Qualifiers in Buenos Aires in 2005 (Argentina won 3-1 with a sensational goal by Roman from outside the area).
3. Because he destroyed Gremio in 2007 (this week!)
4. Because he was the best player of the Copa Libertadores and Boca's top-scorer.
5. Because he will wear MARADONA's number 10 shirt.
6. Because he will want to avenge the defeat he suffered against Brazil (3-0 in London) in his last game before his interrupted international retirement.
7. Because those who will have to stop RIQUELME's shots are HELTON and DONI.
8. Because it is forbidden to use weapons in football to stop him.
9. Because he is as ugly as Topo Gigio (a mouse-puppet from a kids TV show that was immortalized by Roman when he celebrated a goal against River Plate by putting his hands around his ears, resembling the image of the famous puppet).
10. Because he is Argentine.
Now the list of 10 reasons why Brazil should not be afraid of Roman:
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,MUL56941-4840,00.html
1. Because he always underachieve playing for Argentina.
2. Because he is an usual victim of Brazil.
3. Because he failed at FC Barcelona where RONALDINHO is king.
4. Because there is no Bombonera stadium in Venezuela.
5. Because the Copa America is not quite like the Copa Libertadores.
6. Because Brazil have ROBINHO.
7. Because this time Argentina won't have contaminated water (in reference of the incident in which Brazilian BRANCO was given intoxicated water during the World Cup match in Italy 90 by a member of BILARDO's staff).
8. Because Brazil should better be worried about MESSI and TEVEZ.
9. Because he has the face of Topo Gigio, and Topo Gigio can't hurt nobody!
10. Because he is Argentine.
I used to hate those games that media plays. I used to think they were meant to hurt and to cause distress to players, teams, supporters or anyone involved in football.
But now I enjoy them! I think they are amusing, entertaining. I understand the game now and I flow with it.
Juan Roman RIQUELME is the subject again.
No Albiceleste have been so controversial since Diego stopped playing. While MARADONA was never questioned for his on the field skills, RIQUELME separates Argentines to the extreme that half of them love him, the other half hate him.
But I have found that this is not something that happens just in Argentina! Brazilians are watching Roman very closely and they are also divided!
O Globo, the biggest media corporation in Brazil, have published in their website a couple of lists containing the 10 reasons why Brazil should fear RIQUELME in the Copa America and 10 reasons why they shouldn't be worried about him!
They can be right or wrong in many of those 20 reasons, what they can't deny is that they are already talking about him, starting to open the umbrella before the first drop hits the floor.
RIQUELME is already getting to their heads. Installing some insecurity in them. Making them talk about him, think about him...
So here's the list of 10 reasons why Brazil should fear RIQUELME:
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,MUL56932-4482,00.html
1. Because he destroyed Palmeiras in 2000
2. Because he destroyed Brazil in the World Cup Qualifiers in Buenos Aires in 2005 (Argentina won 3-1 with a sensational goal by Roman from outside the area).
3. Because he destroyed Gremio in 2007 (this week!)
4. Because he was the best player of the Copa Libertadores and Boca's top-scorer.
5. Because he will wear MARADONA's number 10 shirt.
6. Because he will want to avenge the defeat he suffered against Brazil (3-0 in London) in his last game before his interrupted international retirement.
7. Because those who will have to stop RIQUELME's shots are HELTON and DONI.
8. Because it is forbidden to use weapons in football to stop him.
9. Because he is as ugly as Topo Gigio (a mouse-puppet from a kids TV show that was immortalized by Roman when he celebrated a goal against River Plate by putting his hands around his ears, resembling the image of the famous puppet).
10. Because he is Argentine.
Now the list of 10 reasons why Brazil should not be afraid of Roman:
http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,MUL56941-4840,00.html
1. Because he always underachieve playing for Argentina.
2. Because he is an usual victim of Brazil.
3. Because he failed at FC Barcelona where RONALDINHO is king.
4. Because there is no Bombonera stadium in Venezuela.
5. Because the Copa America is not quite like the Copa Libertadores.
6. Because Brazil have ROBINHO.
7. Because this time Argentina won't have contaminated water (in reference of the incident in which Brazilian BRANCO was given intoxicated water during the World Cup match in Italy 90 by a member of BILARDO's staff).
8. Because Brazil should better be worried about MESSI and TEVEZ.
9. Because he has the face of Topo Gigio, and Topo Gigio can't hurt nobody!
10. Because he is Argentine.
Albicelestes land in Venezuela
The Albicelestes have landed in Venezuela last night and will start training in their Maracaibo head-quarters later Today.
Before leaving Buenos Aires last night, COCO left us with another motivational lesson in front of the microphones that were eager to capture his voice.
“I’m not a future-reader. I don’t know if everything is going to be OK. All I know is that the players I’m taking with me to this Copa America are the best”.
He wasn’t the only one talking to the press last night. Here are some bits and pieces of what was said:
Roberto AYALA: “We will try and not disappoint the people. Because of our history, we are always contenders”.
Daniel DIAZ: “I dream of return to Buenos Aires with the title. I’ll be the perfect end for an awesome semestre”.
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI: “This is a beautiful tournament to play in. We want to win it and forget that bitter experience we had in 2005”.
Carlos TEVEZ: “I wish we can get to the final and get revenge over Brazil. What happened in the last Copa America (Argentina defeated by Brazil on penalties after conceeding a goal in the last minute of regulation) was very tough”.
Before leaving Buenos Aires last night, COCO left us with another motivational lesson in front of the microphones that were eager to capture his voice.
“I’m not a future-reader. I don’t know if everything is going to be OK. All I know is that the players I’m taking with me to this Copa America are the best”.
He wasn’t the only one talking to the press last night. Here are some bits and pieces of what was said:
Roberto AYALA: “We will try and not disappoint the people. Because of our history, we are always contenders”.
Daniel DIAZ: “I dream of return to Buenos Aires with the title. I’ll be the perfect end for an awesome semestre”.
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI: “This is a beautiful tournament to play in. We want to win it and forget that bitter experience we had in 2005”.
Carlos TEVEZ: “I wish we can get to the final and get revenge over Brazil. What happened in the last Copa America (Argentina defeated by Brazil on penalties after conceeding a goal in the last minute of regulation) was very tough”.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Breaking down the list: Goalkeepers
They say all the great teams in history are built starting at the back.
For years, Argentina have failed to keep up with a school of great keepers and nobody seemed to become the undisputable Number 1 for the Albiceleste.
In my opinion, the last great goalkeeper we had was Ubaldo Matildo FILLOL (World Cups 1978 and 1982). He was the greatest keeper from Argentina. And since he left, some have had success, Nery PUMPIDO, Sergio GOYCOCHEA and sometimes Carlos ROA or Roberto ABBONDANZIERI himself.
But a lot of names came by and showed that they were not good enough or simply lacked the consistency to give security to the team.
In the build-up to Copa America, Alfio BASILE went for experience between the posts and mixed it with some of the most exciting youngsters that are making a name for themselves.
Let's take a quick look at our three goalkeepers:
Name : Roberto Carlos ABBONDANZIERI
Club : Getafe CF
Caps : 27(0)
Safe hands ABBONDANZIERI, nicknamed PATO, moved to Getafe in 2006 after 16 years playing domestic club football in Argentina. His arrival proved to be one of La Liga best signing last season and has made the club a household name with arguably the best defensive record in the league. Has great reflexes and a well-known penalty-saving skill, a combination that have given him the Zamora award (a prize given to the best goalkeeper of La Liga).
Name : Juan Pablo CARRIZO
Club : River Plate
Caps : 1(0)
They say River Plate have one of the biggest goals in Argentina, because for their goalkeepers it is extremely difficult to perform in a top level. Historically, they are most of the time in attack, both home and away, so the goalkeeper will only be called into action a very few times through 90 minutes. Now Juan Pablo has been impressive and with youth on his side, he’ll push PATO in the next few years for a place in the first team.
Name : Agustín Ignacio ORION
Club : San Lorenzo
Caps : 0(0)
There is no other spot less glamorous than being the third-choice keeper in a list of 22 players. But don’t tell that to Agustín ORION. This young goalkeeper won his first title and he consolidated in the first division this season. To top it all, he’s going to Venezuela as a result of an injury to Oscar USTARI. ORION will travel to learn and that experience could be crucial if he wants to become first-choice by 2010.
My first take on this is that I think COCO is right. Many would think that if ABBONDANZIERI is not young enough to get to the next World Cup, then COCO is wasting time by calling him and not giving the youngters a chance. But COCO picked what he thought was the best keeper RIGHT NOW. And I agree with him. I think PATO is the best goalkeeper we have.
USTARI was forced out by injury but I don't think he is up there with PATO. CARRIZO and ORION look like great prospects but at the moment, they are just that: prospects.
Thumbs up for these group of three goalkeepers!
Are you with me?
For years, Argentina have failed to keep up with a school of great keepers and nobody seemed to become the undisputable Number 1 for the Albiceleste.
In my opinion, the last great goalkeeper we had was Ubaldo Matildo FILLOL (World Cups 1978 and 1982). He was the greatest keeper from Argentina. And since he left, some have had success, Nery PUMPIDO, Sergio GOYCOCHEA and sometimes Carlos ROA or Roberto ABBONDANZIERI himself.
But a lot of names came by and showed that they were not good enough or simply lacked the consistency to give security to the team.
In the build-up to Copa America, Alfio BASILE went for experience between the posts and mixed it with some of the most exciting youngsters that are making a name for themselves.
Let's take a quick look at our three goalkeepers:
Name : Roberto Carlos ABBONDANZIERI
Club : Getafe CF
Caps : 27(0)
Safe hands ABBONDANZIERI, nicknamed PATO, moved to Getafe in 2006 after 16 years playing domestic club football in Argentina. His arrival proved to be one of La Liga best signing last season and has made the club a household name with arguably the best defensive record in the league. Has great reflexes and a well-known penalty-saving skill, a combination that have given him the Zamora award (a prize given to the best goalkeeper of La Liga).
Name : Juan Pablo CARRIZO
Club : River Plate
Caps : 1(0)
They say River Plate have one of the biggest goals in Argentina, because for their goalkeepers it is extremely difficult to perform in a top level. Historically, they are most of the time in attack, both home and away, so the goalkeeper will only be called into action a very few times through 90 minutes. Now Juan Pablo has been impressive and with youth on his side, he’ll push PATO in the next few years for a place in the first team.
Name : Agustín Ignacio ORION
Club : San Lorenzo
Caps : 0(0)
There is no other spot less glamorous than being the third-choice keeper in a list of 22 players. But don’t tell that to Agustín ORION. This young goalkeeper won his first title and he consolidated in the first division this season. To top it all, he’s going to Venezuela as a result of an injury to Oscar USTARI. ORION will travel to learn and that experience could be crucial if he wants to become first-choice by 2010.
My first take on this is that I think COCO is right. Many would think that if ABBONDANZIERI is not young enough to get to the next World Cup, then COCO is wasting time by calling him and not giving the youngters a chance. But COCO picked what he thought was the best keeper RIGHT NOW. And I agree with him. I think PATO is the best goalkeeper we have.
USTARI was forced out by injury but I don't think he is up there with PATO. CARRIZO and ORION look like great prospects but at the moment, they are just that: prospects.
Thumbs up for these group of three goalkeepers!
Are you with me?
ARGENTINA ANNOUNCES SQUAD FOR COPA
The following are the 22 players that will wear the Albiceleste in Venezuela 2007.
RIQUELME is back. PALACIO was picked instead of SAVIOLA. The rest, we've had anticipated here during the last few days.
Goalkeepers:
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI
Juan Pablo CARRIZO
Agustín ORIÓN
Defenders:
Javier ZANETTI
Roberto AYALA
Gabriel HEINZE
Gabriel MILITO
Daniel DÍAZ
Hugo IBARRA
Nicolás BURDISSO
Midfielders:
Luis GONZÁLEZ
Juan Román RIQUELME
Javier MASCHERANO
Esteban CAMBIASSO
Fernando GAGO
Juan Sebastián VERÓN
Pablo AIMAR
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI
Hernán CRESPO
Diego MILITO
Carlos TEVEZ
Rodrigo PALACIO
Argentina travel to Venezuela today at 4 PM local time and will make their debut next Thursday against the United States.
Mundo Albiceleste promises players' profiles and analysis on the probable line-ups.
In the meantime...give us your two-cents about these strong group of 22 players that will represent you in Venezuela...
RIQUELME is back. PALACIO was picked instead of SAVIOLA. The rest, we've had anticipated here during the last few days.
Goalkeepers:
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI
Juan Pablo CARRIZO
Agustín ORIÓN
Defenders:
Javier ZANETTI
Roberto AYALA
Gabriel HEINZE
Gabriel MILITO
Daniel DÍAZ
Hugo IBARRA
Nicolás BURDISSO
Midfielders:
Luis GONZÁLEZ
Juan Román RIQUELME
Javier MASCHERANO
Esteban CAMBIASSO
Fernando GAGO
Juan Sebastián VERÓN
Pablo AIMAR
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI
Hernán CRESPO
Diego MILITO
Carlos TEVEZ
Rodrigo PALACIO
Argentina travel to Venezuela today at 4 PM local time and will make their debut next Thursday against the United States.
Mundo Albiceleste promises players' profiles and analysis on the probable line-ups.
In the meantime...give us your two-cents about these strong group of 22 players that will represent you in Venezuela...
Countdown to THE LIST: Who's the last passenger?
We are a couple of hours away from the announcement. 22 players will be named by Coco BASILE to represent Argentina in Venezuela 2007, but with so little time to go, there is still a big question mark as to who will be the last passenger?
I'll anticipate here the 21 names that are pretty much set in stone:
Goalkeepers:
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI, Juan Pablo CARRIZO, Agustín ORIÓN
Defenders:
Roberto AYALA, Javier ZANETTI, Gabriel MILITO, Gabriel HEINZE, Nicolás BURDISSO
And after the Copa Libertadores final, Daniel DIAZ and Hugo IBARRA (both from Boca Juniors) will join the team.
Midfielders:
Lucho GONZALEZ, Javier MASCHERANO, Esteban CAMBIASSO, Fernando GAGO, Pablo AIMAR, Juan Sebastián VERÓN and of course the open secret is that Juan Román RIQUELME will be the last midfielder to join in.
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI, Hernán CRESPO, Diego MILITO and Carlos TEVEZ
So that makes 21, with two clear-cut candidates to fight for the last spot. Both play for Boca Juniors. One is a midfielder and the other one is a forward.
Pablo LEDESMA and Rodrigo PALACIO.
So who’ll be Coco’s pick?
Who’s your pick between these two?
We’ll start talking more about the 22 and what the team should look like, once the list is announced later today (it is thought that the announcement will come at around noon in Buenos Aires (4 PM London time, 10 AM New York, 5 PM Madrid, Rome, Paris, 10:30 PM New Dehli and of course, midnight in Tokyo!).
I'll anticipate here the 21 names that are pretty much set in stone:
Goalkeepers:
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI, Juan Pablo CARRIZO, Agustín ORIÓN
Defenders:
Roberto AYALA, Javier ZANETTI, Gabriel MILITO, Gabriel HEINZE, Nicolás BURDISSO
And after the Copa Libertadores final, Daniel DIAZ and Hugo IBARRA (both from Boca Juniors) will join the team.
Midfielders:
Lucho GONZALEZ, Javier MASCHERANO, Esteban CAMBIASSO, Fernando GAGO, Pablo AIMAR, Juan Sebastián VERÓN and of course the open secret is that Juan Román RIQUELME will be the last midfielder to join in.
Forwards:
Lionel MESSI, Hernán CRESPO, Diego MILITO and Carlos TEVEZ
So that makes 21, with two clear-cut candidates to fight for the last spot. Both play for Boca Juniors. One is a midfielder and the other one is a forward.
Pablo LEDESMA and Rodrigo PALACIO.
So who’ll be Coco’s pick?
Who’s your pick between these two?
We’ll start talking more about the 22 and what the team should look like, once the list is announced later today (it is thought that the announcement will come at around noon in Buenos Aires (4 PM London time, 10 AM New York, 5 PM Madrid, Rome, Paris, 10:30 PM New Dehli and of course, midnight in Tokyo!).
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Boca wins Copa Libertadores back for Argentina
For the half-plus-one of Argentina's football fans, the Flag Day had different colours. They are allowed to change the blue and white for the blue and gold as Boca Juniors, led by an incredible performance by Juan Román RIQUELME, won their sixth Copa Libertadores by defeating Gremio (Brazil), 2-0 (5-0 in aggregate) at Porto Alegre.
After two years in which only Brazilian teams got to the final match, the Copa Libertadores is back in Argentina, the country with most titles in the history of the competition (21), followed by Brazil with a distant 13 triumphs.
This is Boca's fourth Copa Libertadores title in this decade alone and they are now just one short of Independiente (also from Argentina with 7) in the list of teams with more silverware in the history of this competition.
There were many differences between the two sides in a contest that was already decided in the first leg with a clear 3-0 win by the Buenos Aires outfit.
But the main factor in the decision of this two-legged final was non-other than Juan Román RIQUELME.
He scored one and participated in the other two goals last week in La Bombonera and tonight he was simply too much for Gremio. He controlled the game at will. He always played the ball safe. And to cap it all, he scored both goals in the game.
The first one was a screamer from the edge of the box. A typical RIQUELME shot, towards the far post and giving the Gremio keeper, Argentine Sebastián SAJA, no chance at all.
Then he capitalized on a rebound given by SAJA after a Rodrigo PALACIO's shot and scored his third overall goal in Copa Libertadores finals.
In his previous two titles (2000, 2001) he only scored a goal in each of the penalty shoot-outs.
Martín PALERMO wasted a golden chance to make it 3-0 by missing a penalty kick in which he didn't even hit towards the goal! Remember Copa America against Colombia and his three penalty misses?
Not that Boca fans really cared about that. They already had the cup in their hands and they are the best team in our continent.
A couple of little things to add...
It was mentioned by the Brazilian TV (O Globo), during the game, that RIQUELME is being closely followed by Juventus as they look to improve their team to start the next Serie A season.
In finals decided between Argentine and Brazilian teams, the advantage is for the Albicelestes as they won 8 out of a possible 11 titles!
Congratulations to Boca Juniors and what I always say...I hope RIQUELME plays for Argentina at least a 10% of what he shows for Boca.
If that's the case, come COCO's list, I'll be looking forward to see his name there. But only if he tries REALLY hard.
After two years in which only Brazilian teams got to the final match, the Copa Libertadores is back in Argentina, the country with most titles in the history of the competition (21), followed by Brazil with a distant 13 triumphs.
This is Boca's fourth Copa Libertadores title in this decade alone and they are now just one short of Independiente (also from Argentina with 7) in the list of teams with more silverware in the history of this competition.
There were many differences between the two sides in a contest that was already decided in the first leg with a clear 3-0 win by the Buenos Aires outfit.
But the main factor in the decision of this two-legged final was non-other than Juan Román RIQUELME.
He scored one and participated in the other two goals last week in La Bombonera and tonight he was simply too much for Gremio. He controlled the game at will. He always played the ball safe. And to cap it all, he scored both goals in the game.
The first one was a screamer from the edge of the box. A typical RIQUELME shot, towards the far post and giving the Gremio keeper, Argentine Sebastián SAJA, no chance at all.
Then he capitalized on a rebound given by SAJA after a Rodrigo PALACIO's shot and scored his third overall goal in Copa Libertadores finals.
In his previous two titles (2000, 2001) he only scored a goal in each of the penalty shoot-outs.
Martín PALERMO wasted a golden chance to make it 3-0 by missing a penalty kick in which he didn't even hit towards the goal! Remember Copa America against Colombia and his three penalty misses?
Not that Boca fans really cared about that. They already had the cup in their hands and they are the best team in our continent.
A couple of little things to add...
It was mentioned by the Brazilian TV (O Globo), during the game, that RIQUELME is being closely followed by Juventus as they look to improve their team to start the next Serie A season.
In finals decided between Argentine and Brazilian teams, the advantage is for the Albicelestes as they won 8 out of a possible 11 titles!
Congratulations to Boca Juniors and what I always say...I hope RIQUELME plays for Argentina at least a 10% of what he shows for Boca.
If that's the case, come COCO's list, I'll be looking forward to see his name there. But only if he tries REALLY hard.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
WELCOME TO MUNDO ALBICELESTE!
23 August 1812
Manuel José Joaquín del Corazón de Jesús BELGRANO, or Manuel BELGRANO as he is widely known, had a vision and he made history.
He was commanding a battle near Rosario. He noticed that both the Crown's forces and the independence forces were both using the same colors (Spain's yellow and red). After he noticed this, BELGRANO created a new flag with the colors that were used by the Criollos during the May Revolution in 1810.
The flag was first flown, for the soldiers to swear allegiance to it, on 27 February 1812, on the Batería Libertad (Liberty Battery), by the Paraná River (that very first flag is pictured to the right and it was white & blue rather than blue & white).
What can you expect in MUNDO ALBICELESTE?
Everything you need to know about Argentina in sports ALL THE TIME!
Updated information on the most important tournaments (starting of course with the Copa America Venezuela 2007), videos, pictures, gossip, opinion, coverage of every sport in which an Argentine is shining and…best of all, a community of Albicelestes from around the World formed by people that share the same passion you have and will provide you with lots of interesting messages and stories through our comments section.
We will of course be looking to improve all the time, so we will also welcome you if you want to be a part of our team or simply send us your ideas and suggestions.
A new era begins.
Welcome to your MUNDO ALBICELESTE!
John & Seba
Manuel José Joaquín del Corazón de Jesús BELGRANO, or Manuel BELGRANO as he is widely known, had a vision and he made history.
He was commanding a battle near Rosario. He noticed that both the Crown's forces and the independence forces were both using the same colors (Spain's yellow and red). After he noticed this, BELGRANO created a new flag with the colors that were used by the Criollos during the May Revolution in 1810.
The flag was first flown, for the soldiers to swear allegiance to it, on 27 February 1812, on the Batería Libertad (Liberty Battery), by the Paraná River (that very first flag is pictured to the right and it was white & blue rather than blue & white).
Soon after, BELGRANO dispatched a letter addressed to the First Junta, informing them of the newly created flag. The Junta, fearing the Spanish Crown, sent a warning to Belgrano not to fight under the flag, but by the time the reply had arrived, BELGRANO had moved on, and was flying the flag on the battlefield. The letter contained the following passage:
"Being it necessary to hoist a flag, and not having one, I ordered one made, white and sky blue in the colours of the national cockade; I hope Your Excellencies will find it worthy of approval”
Manuel BELGRANO died 8 years later on a 20th of June, a day that will always be remembered as Argentina’s Flag Day.
Even though I can clearly see the differences between an historical event like the one I’m writing about and a merely recreational (yet very serious!) thing like sports, I thought it would have been a great idea to re-launch our blog on this very day.
After all, the Argentine flag, is what connects us all. It is our common denominator. It is what makes us all equal in this place. WE FOLLOW THE ARGENTINE FLAG NO MATTER WHERE WE WERE BORN.
"Being it necessary to hoist a flag, and not having one, I ordered one made, white and sky blue in the colours of the national cockade; I hope Your Excellencies will find it worthy of approval”
Manuel BELGRANO died 8 years later on a 20th of June, a day that will always be remembered as Argentina’s Flag Day.
Even though I can clearly see the differences between an historical event like the one I’m writing about and a merely recreational (yet very serious!) thing like sports, I thought it would have been a great idea to re-launch our blog on this very day.
After all, the Argentine flag, is what connects us all. It is our common denominator. It is what makes us all equal in this place. WE FOLLOW THE ARGENTINE FLAG NO MATTER WHERE WE WERE BORN.
I think that’s the whole idea behind this space that Today is re-born.
A new address, a new name, a new era in our blog!
I hope many new readers will join our gang of regular posters in what we decided (together with John) to call MUNDO ALBICELESTE (BLUE & WHITE WORLD).
A new address, a new name, a new era in our blog!
I hope many new readers will join our gang of regular posters in what we decided (together with John) to call MUNDO ALBICELESTE (BLUE & WHITE WORLD).
What can you expect in MUNDO ALBICELESTE?
Everything you need to know about Argentina in sports ALL THE TIME!
Updated information on the most important tournaments (starting of course with the Copa America Venezuela 2007), videos, pictures, gossip, opinion, coverage of every sport in which an Argentine is shining and…best of all, a community of Albicelestes from around the World formed by people that share the same passion you have and will provide you with lots of interesting messages and stories through our comments section.
We will of course be looking to improve all the time, so we will also welcome you if you want to be a part of our team or simply send us your ideas and suggestions.
A new era begins.
Welcome to your MUNDO ALBICELESTE!
John & Seba
Rivals, Title, Results...
RIVALS:
Argentine Gerardo MARTINO, now national team manager of Paraguay, have announced the list of 22 players that will represent them in Venezuela 2007, a tournament in which they will face Argentina in the group stage.
With 5 players from the Argentine league and one being born in Argentina (Jonathan SANTANA), the main stars of this team will be: Edgar BARRETO, Julio DOS SANTOS and Roque SANTA CRUZ.
The 22 Paraguayans:
Goalkeepers:
Justo VILLAR (Newell's Old Boys), Aldo BOBADILLA (Boca Juniors) y Joel ZAYAS (Bolívar de Bolivia).
Defenders:
Paulo DA SILVA (Toluca, México), Claudio MOREL RODRIGUEZ (Boca Juniors, Argentina), Julio César CÁCERES (Tigres, México), Darío VERÓN (Pumas, México) and Julio MANZUR (Guaraní).
Midfielders:
Carlos BONET (Libertad), Enrique VERA (LDU, Ecuador), Edgar GONZALEZ (Cerro Porteño), Cristian RIVEROS (Libertad), Aureliano TORRES (San Lorenzo, Argentina), Jonathan SANTANA (Wolfsburg, Germany), Edgar BARRETO (NEC Nimega, Holland), José Domingo SALCEDO (Cerro Porteño) y Julio DOS SANTOS (Bayern Munich, Germany).
Forwards:
Salvador CABAÑAS (América, México), Nelson CUEVAS (América, México), Roque SANTA CRUZ (Bayern Munich, Germany), Oscar CARDOZO (Newell's Old Boys) and Dante LOPEZ (Crotone, Italy).
TITLE:
The U17 Argentina basketball national team have won the South American Championship by defeating the hosts, Venezuela, 66-55.
"We had the crowd against us but we were not afraid" said our best player Matías NOCEDAL.
RESULTS:
World Cup - Roller Hockey:
Argentina defeated South American neighbours, Chile, 6-0 to finish top of Group B in the Montreaux Roller Hockey World Cup.
Argentine Gerardo MARTINO, now national team manager of Paraguay, have announced the list of 22 players that will represent them in Venezuela 2007, a tournament in which they will face Argentina in the group stage.
With 5 players from the Argentine league and one being born in Argentina (Jonathan SANTANA), the main stars of this team will be: Edgar BARRETO, Julio DOS SANTOS and Roque SANTA CRUZ.
The 22 Paraguayans:
Goalkeepers:
Justo VILLAR (Newell's Old Boys), Aldo BOBADILLA (Boca Juniors) y Joel ZAYAS (Bolívar de Bolivia).
Defenders:
Paulo DA SILVA (Toluca, México), Claudio MOREL RODRIGUEZ (Boca Juniors, Argentina), Julio César CÁCERES (Tigres, México), Darío VERÓN (Pumas, México) and Julio MANZUR (Guaraní).
Midfielders:
Carlos BONET (Libertad), Enrique VERA (LDU, Ecuador), Edgar GONZALEZ (Cerro Porteño), Cristian RIVEROS (Libertad), Aureliano TORRES (San Lorenzo, Argentina), Jonathan SANTANA (Wolfsburg, Germany), Edgar BARRETO (NEC Nimega, Holland), José Domingo SALCEDO (Cerro Porteño) y Julio DOS SANTOS (Bayern Munich, Germany).
Forwards:
Salvador CABAÑAS (América, México), Nelson CUEVAS (América, México), Roque SANTA CRUZ (Bayern Munich, Germany), Oscar CARDOZO (Newell's Old Boys) and Dante LOPEZ (Crotone, Italy).
TITLE:
The U17 Argentina basketball national team have won the South American Championship by defeating the hosts, Venezuela, 66-55.
"We had the crowd against us but we were not afraid" said our best player Matías NOCEDAL.
RESULTS:
World Cup - Roller Hockey:
Argentina defeated South American neighbours, Chile, 6-0 to finish top of Group B in the Montreaux Roller Hockey World Cup.
RIQUELME to announce come-back
Not official yet.
Rumour has it that Juan Román RIQUELME will shortly announce his desire to make an international come-back and declare himself available for the next Copa America.
Alfio BASILE is to unveil a list of 22 players that will travel to Venezuela on Thursday. So Roman's idea would be to make that announcement before the list is known and therefore have chances to make it to the team, if BASILE decides so.
We are talking about the most controversial player (perhaps together with VERON) that ever graced our national team in the last few years. Some managers loved him, some hated him...BASILE is identified with those who like the way he plays and would welcome him back.
Not for nothing, his play-maker for his first game in charge in his second tenure for Argentina was Juan Roman RIQUELME (0-3 against Brazil in London).
So...I'll be the first one to say it and I'll accept all the criticism I might get after saying this...
I think RIQUELME wants to play for Argentina just to try and attract the interest of an European team and see if he can secure a move away from Villarreal. His future in Boca is jeopardized by his very expensive salary and Villarreal manager, Manuel PELLEGRINI, would not be keen on having him again.
Even though, and I said it many times, I think he is a terrific player, I don't think he wants to come back just because he wants to play for Argentina again. I think he is not committed like others in our team.
So again...RIQUELME is out there, with another controversy and he is turning me into a Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde situation. Making my two sides fight between them.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Change of gloves: USTARI injured, in comes ORION
His got a surname identical to the name of a famous constellation, and he honoured this resemblance, with a star performance for Torneo Clausura champions San Lorenzo de Almagro.
Agustín ORION have just been called up by Coco BASILE and he will be Argentina's third-choice goalkeeper in Venezuela 2007.
With ABBONDANZIERI being number one and Juan Pablo CARRIZO as his natural substitute, Agustín ORION comes into play because of a last-minute injury suffered by Europe-bound Oscar USTARI.
Independiente's keeper pulled off a muscle and will miss out of the Copa America: "This is the worst thing that happened in my career" said USTARI who is chased by Villarreal amongst other teams from Europe.
Another name in Coco's list.
The 22 names will all be unveiled this Thursday.
I'm sure you can wait till then, can you?
Agustín ORION have just been called up by Coco BASILE and he will be Argentina's third-choice goalkeeper in Venezuela 2007.
With ABBONDANZIERI being number one and Juan Pablo CARRIZO as his natural substitute, Agustín ORION comes into play because of a last-minute injury suffered by Europe-bound Oscar USTARI.
Independiente's keeper pulled off a muscle and will miss out of the Copa America: "This is the worst thing that happened in my career" said USTARI who is chased by Villarreal amongst other teams from Europe.
Another name in Coco's list.
The 22 names will all be unveiled this Thursday.
I'm sure you can wait till then, can you?
COCO calls 5 more: AIMAR in! SAVIOLA out?
It seems like this final list of 22 players to represent Argentina in the Copa America will take forever to be announced.
COCO is using all the time he has and he is adding footballers in short doses, 2 today, 4 tomorrow, 3 the day after...
Yesterday he waited to see the decision of La Liga and then he ringed 5 of the best Argentine stars that were helping their teams achieve their various goals.
The big news is that Pablo AIMAR has been confirmed in the list, while Javier SAVIOLA received no hints of a possible place in the team.
Along with Pablo AIMAR, COCO will see on Wednesday at Ezeiza, the arrival of the MILITO brothers, Fernando GAGO (just crowned in his first season in La Liga) and (no surprises here...) Lionel MESSI.
When I have a little bit of time to count and do the math, I'll write something about the players that have already been called by COCO.
In the meantime...
Do you think COCO will definitely leave SAVIOLA out of Venezuela 2007?
Are you happy to see AIMAR joining in?
What about The Militos?
Does this (AIMAR being called up) means that RIQUELME will have no place in the team?
COCO is using all the time he has and he is adding footballers in short doses, 2 today, 4 tomorrow, 3 the day after...
Yesterday he waited to see the decision of La Liga and then he ringed 5 of the best Argentine stars that were helping their teams achieve their various goals.
The big news is that Pablo AIMAR has been confirmed in the list, while Javier SAVIOLA received no hints of a possible place in the team.
Along with Pablo AIMAR, COCO will see on Wednesday at Ezeiza, the arrival of the MILITO brothers, Fernando GAGO (just crowned in his first season in La Liga) and (no surprises here...) Lionel MESSI.
When I have a little bit of time to count and do the math, I'll write something about the players that have already been called by COCO.
In the meantime...
Do you think COCO will definitely leave SAVIOLA out of Venezuela 2007?
Are you happy to see AIMAR joining in?
What about The Militos?
Does this (AIMAR being called up) means that RIQUELME will have no place in the team?
Sunday, June 17, 2007
An Argentine Angel wins US Open
This is really something that I didn't expect!
After a round of 76 on Saturday, Angel CABRERA wasted a great chance to stay at the top of the US Open standings and his chances took a real blow heading on to Sunday's final round.
But a splendid final 18 holes with a score of 69 saw him climbing up the ranks to eventually win one of the most important trophies in golf. With his title, he becomes the fourth foreign player in a row to win the US Open.
40 years after legendary Roberto DE VICENZO won the British Open, Angel CABRERA makes history and enters the hall of fame of Argentine sports. He had 15 international wins but none in the PGA Tour.
CABRERA, just like FILLOL and ABBONDANZIERI nicknamed THE DUCK, finished with a score of 5-over par and was one shot stronger than the Tiger! WOODS had to birdie in the last hole to force an 18-hole round tie-break on Monday, but he couldn't do it and Angel reached the sky!
The Duck is another fine product of the Cordoba province. A place of birth for many important Argentine athletes like:
Fellow golfer Eduardo ROMERO.
World Cup 1978 champion and top-scorer Mario KEMPES.
World Cup 1986 champion Oscar RUGGERI.
Tennis star David NALBANDIAN.
World Cup 1998 and 2002 player Claudio LOPEZ.
Bayern Munich midfielder Martín DEMICHELIS.
Bronze medal winner in Athens 2004 swimmer Georgina BARDACH.
Former basketball star, Marcelo MILANESIO.
San Antonio Spurs center and Olympic gold medallist Fabricio OBERTO.
Inter Milan's defenders Walter SAMUEL and Nicolás BURDISSO.
Impressive list, right? I believe Cordoba will be dancing and singing to the sound of CUARTETOS (the typical music style from the province) and drinking Fernet!
After all, CABRERA is its most recent working class hero!
VAMOS PATO CARAJO!
The following is borrowed from ESPN.com. An excellent blog by expert Jason SOBEL and a great way for those who haven't watched the last couple of holes at Oakmont, to live a great moment in Argentine sports. Read from bottom to top:
7:33 p.m.: Couple of notes before I shut this thing down for good:
• Angel Cabrera becomes the fourth straight foreign-born U.S. Open champion, which has never been done before.• There's plenty of symmetry between Cabrera's victory and that of Geoff Ogilvy last year. They both totaled winning scores of 5-over 285, both watched as more well-known players in groups behind couldn't keep up with them and both won with long-bombing, un-U.S. Open-like games. But make no mistake, like Ogilvy, Cabrera is a world-class player and among the best in the world. He's no fluky champion by any means.• Playoff. There! I wrote it -- the dreaded "p" word! You don't have to call in sick from work, I don't have to eat any more media center sugar cookies and Tiger Woods doesn't have to drop any extra cash to stay in Oakmont for one more night.
7:28 p.m.: It's got the distance ... but Woods misses it on the high side! And Angel Cabrera is the 107th U.S. Open champion!
7:27 p.m.: OK, now for Tiger's putt ...
7:26 p.m.: And here's the putt ... it looks good ... but it misses!!! Aaron Baddeley can't make his lengthy putt on the final hole!
(Ha. Had you going there, didn't I?)
7:22 p.m.: Biggest shot of the tournament ...
... and Tiger Woods hits his approach onto the green, but to the back right, about 30-35 feet above the hole.
This is the exact same putt that Cabrera had some 45 minutes ago. He was able to lag it down to about a foot or so, but that won't be good enough for Tiger. He needs to hole this. If he doesn't, Angel Cabrera is your newest U.S. Open champion. If he does, it may very well replace the chip on 16 in the final round of the 2005 Masters as the greatest pressure shot of his career.
7:19 p.m.: You may notice that no one has removed Aaron Baddeley from the course, even though he was Leotardo'd about three hours ago. Matt in Australia makes an astute point in this e-mail lovingly titled, "Greg Norman's influence on Australian golf":
Aaron Baddeley joins Adam Scott and Rod Pampling in three straight chokes by Australian players with the 54-hole lead -- Pampling at Memorial, Scott last week and now Badds.
7:15 p.m.: Well, someone is on Tiger's side. His tee shot on 18 bounds into the thick rough and pops out, landing in the first cut, just right of the fairway.
7:13 p.m.: Now this -- this! -- is where champions make their mark, right? Can you not expect Tiger to make birdie here on 18?
7:12 p.m.: Tiger is taking an awfully long time reading this putt. Here it is ...
It's true. Dead center. Tiger down one with one to play.
7:11 p.m.: Cutaway to Cabrera. Big smile on his face.
7:10 p.m.: Woods chips past the hole. Now has about 4 feet coming back for the par. Obviously needs this or the tournament is O-V-E-R.
7:07 p.m.: Tiger's bunker shot on 17 ...
... rolls up to the pin ... and past it ... and onto the fringe ... and through it ... and winds up in the thick stuff. Short-sided again. Not an easy shot.
7:05 p.m.: E-mail from David:
Seriously, what time tomorrow?
Seriously, not cool.
7:03 p.m.: E-mail from Adam:
Forget the cigarettes. Angel is calling Tiger's cell phone pretending to be the OB nurse!!!!
7:01 p.m.: Tiger Woods' tee shot on 17 ...
... lands right in the middle of the right bunker. You and I may not like hitting green-side bunker shots, but this actually sets up pretty well for Tiger. He'll have a good stance and just may be able to get up-and-down for birdie.
6:54 p.m.: Tiger Woods makes his 5-footer for par on 16. He's one back with two holes to play, while Angel Cabrera is busy pummeling a carton of Marlboro Reds right now.
6:52 p.m.: Jim Furyk makes a nice attempt for birdie on 18, but it doesn't fall and he is officially Leotardo'd. He just ran out of holes down the stretch, couldn't come all the way back.
And just as I thought it was some hour-and-a-half ago, it's a two-man race.
6:51 p.m.: E-mail from Joe C., in regards to whether you'd bet against Tiger Woods in this situation:
If this was the Tiger Woods of 2000, no way. But this is 2007, he's not at Pebble Beach, and it looks like foreign dominance of OUR U.S. Open will continue.
We will see ...
6:49 p.m.: Told you it wouldn't be an easy two-putt for Tiger Woods. He's got 5 feet left for par. Champions make these, right? Right???
6:48 p.m.: Jim Furyk to the back left fringe on 18. Calling Costantino Rocca! Is Costantino Rocca in the house?
6:46 p.m.: The ESPN.com headline writers are already trying to figure out what to post on the page should Angel Cabrera close this out. Some of the clubhouse leaders:
• "Just Ducky"• "Angel Baby"• "Up In Smoke"
(OK, that last one may have been a joke.)
6:44 p.m.: I officially want to rip the "p" key out of my keyboard.
6:43 p.m.: Tiger Woods hit an indifferent tee shot on the par-3 16th. He's going to have a tough two-putt from about 50 feet away.
Meanwhile, Jim Furyk pipes one down the middle on 18.
6:42 p.m.: Well, golf fans: Isn't this where champions elevate their game? Tiger Woods, down one shot with three to play. Anyone want to bet against him?
6:40 p.m.: Speaking of classy ... Angel Cabrera taps in for par at the last to claim the clubhouse lead at 5-over.
And we just may be looking at the fourth consecutive foreign-born winner of the U.S. Open. The only guys that can catch him? Jim Furyk, with a birdie on the final hole. Tiger Woods, with a birdie on any of the final three holes. And Bubba Watson, with birdies on each of the last two holes.
Should I stay or should I go? Transfer rumours!
From BBC.co.uk Football Gossip column:
Striker Carlos TEVEZ, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, is on the verge of agreeing a deal to stay at West Ham, which would cost the London club £9m for the next season. (News of the World)
Liverpool have opened talks with Real Zaragoza striker Diego MILITO. (Various)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6760873.stm
Just keeping track of what's on the press for our players.
What's your call on TEVEZ?
Should he stay or should he go?
And MILITO? Do you fancy a striker partnership between him and Peter CROUCH? hahaha!
Joke aside, I believe Diego MILITO could take the Premiership by storm and really step up a notch in his quest to become Argentina's main target-man.
Striker Carlos TEVEZ, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, is on the verge of agreeing a deal to stay at West Ham, which would cost the London club £9m for the next season. (News of the World)
Liverpool have opened talks with Real Zaragoza striker Diego MILITO. (Various)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6760873.stm
Just keeping track of what's on the press for our players.
What's your call on TEVEZ?
Should he stay or should he go?
And MILITO? Do you fancy a striker partnership between him and Peter CROUCH? hahaha!
Joke aside, I believe Diego MILITO could take the Premiership by storm and really step up a notch in his quest to become Argentina's main target-man.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Keep On Rollin Baby!!!
Now don't get me wrong here. I'm talking about Fred DURST and his overrated limping posse. It's the 2007 Roller Hockey World Championship, which is taking place in Montreux, Switzerland from 16th until the 23rd of June. Roller what you might say? Well it depends from which part of the world you come from as it has various types of name for it. But for further info and knowledge about this game, you might want to check on the following link, courtesy of good old wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_hockey_%28Quad%29
To begin, Argentina has a very tremendous history in this sport and is regarded as one of the worlds best four, alongside Spain, Portugal and Italy. It was played as an exhibition game in the Barcelona ' 92 Olympics and I'm proud to say that we won gold back then. We've also been World Champions on four different occasions (1978, 1984, 1995, 1999) and also runners-up on five occasions as well (1976, 1980, 1997, 2001, 2005). The city of San Juan is regarded as the spiritual ground for Albicelestes roller hockey.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_hockey_%28Quad%29
To begin, Argentina has a very tremendous history in this sport and is regarded as one of the worlds best four, alongside Spain, Portugal and Italy. It was played as an exhibition game in the Barcelona ' 92 Olympics and I'm proud to say that we won gold back then. We've also been World Champions on four different occasions (1978, 1984, 1995, 1999) and also runners-up on five occasions as well (1976, 1980, 1997, 2001, 2005). The city of San Juan is regarded as the spiritual ground for Albicelestes roller hockey.
Argentina will start as favourites in Group B alongside Angola, Netherlands and Chile. The following are the names of the players and the coach that make up this team and also their group fixtures.
The Players
Juan OVIEDO,
Reinaldo GARCIA,
Carlos LOPEZ,
Pablo ALVAREZ,
Emmanuel GARCIAl,
Mariano VELAZQUEZ,
Carlos NICOLIA,
David FARRAN,
Jose GARCÌA,
Andrés GARRAMUÑO
The Coach
Jorge “Fredi” LUZ
Fixtures
17th of June - Argentina vs. Angola
18th of June - Argentina vs. Netherlands
19th of June - Argentina vs. Chile.
Sorry to say that at present, I don't really have much information pertaining to the background of the team, players detail or any other relevant information, as there seems to be not much coverage available on the Internet and the worse is, most of the contents on the Official website is written in French!!! But in case you would like to more than the following links could be helpful.
www.rollersports.org
www.montreux2007.ch/
www.capatin.com/
http://www.fspatin.com.ar/
Now it has been only a day since MANU and FABRICIO gave us something to shout about, lets hope The Roller Boys will give us another great time just before we kick off the Copa America.
In the meantime, good luck boys
VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!
The FINALS, Game 4 - Vamos SPURS!!!, Vamos ARGENTINA!!!
Finally!!! Oh Finally!!! After much disappointment for the past one month (Euroleague, Champions League), finally I’m able to say that we have something to celebrate.
But before I go into this further, I have a word for Mr. JAMES and Company. If the prophecy are true about you being the next Michael JORDAN than your time will come soon after all you are still 23 years old; His AIRNESS won his first when he was only 28, so there is still a long way to go for you. And THANK YOU for giving us some memorable moments in these past few months.
Yes!!! San Antonio SPURS have completed a 4-0 whitewash over the Cleveland CAVALIERS in the Final series, after defeating them in Game 4 by 83-82, to win their fourth crown in 9 years. To be honest it wasn’t something that I expected as I was hoping this series could stretch until Game 5 or Game 6 at least.
While Tim DUNCAN (12 Points) gets his fourth ring and Tony PARKER (24 points) wins the MVP award, the night was certainly an ALBICELESTES night and indeed it did finish off in the most fashionable ALBICELESTES way.
For Manu GINOBILI, it’s a hat trick of NBA titles to his name while for Fabricio OBERTO it was his first.
MANU, who did not had any field points to his credit in Game 3, led SPURS point scoring with 27 points – 13 in the fourth quarter – and also posted 5 rebounds, 3 assists & 1 steal. He achieved all this despite being a benched player. But most importantly he achieved this though passion, commitment and whole lot of dedication. Overall for this series, MANU has SPURS best percentage for free throws (86%) and also the most steals (1.5 per game).
OBERTO’s name on other hand will go down in NBA history as one of the starter in this SPURS championship winning team and certainly through his consistency in defense and offense he was given the nod. This must be an unbelievable journey for him when he was a deep reserve upon arriving two years ago and two years later, when the likes of NASH or IVERSON have yet to win any, he can proudly claim that he has one. For the night, he had managed to post 7 points, 5 rebounds & 1 steal.Well done to both of them and lets just hope that their achievement will be start of something more to come, especially within the next few months.
GRACIAS MANU!!! GRACIAS OBERTO!!! Gracias for giving us this wonderful moment. Get the rest that you guys deserve during the summer. Recharge yourself for next season and after that inspire your team once again the way you inspire in Athens 2004.
And for one last time
VAMOS MANU!!!
VAMOS FABRICIO!!!
VAMOS SPURS!!!
But most importantly VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
MANU, FABRICIO are NBA CHAMPIONS!
The San Antonio Spurs sweeped the Cleveland Cavaliers on their way to the NBA title with an 83-82 victory.
Manu GINOBILI was the top scorer with 27 points (including 16 in the 4th quarter and 11 of the last 12 points by the Spurs).
John will give us a detailed article in the next few hours, but I thought in the meantime I'd say: VAMOS MANU! VAMOS FABRICIO! VAMOS ARGENTINA!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM ON WINNING THE NBA TITLE!
Manu GINOBILI was the top scorer with 27 points (including 16 in the 4th quarter and 11 of the last 12 points by the Spurs).
John will give us a detailed article in the next few hours, but I thought in the meantime I'd say: VAMOS MANU! VAMOS FABRICIO! VAMOS ARGENTINA!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM ON WINNING THE NBA TITLE!
PINOLA: Married with Argentina
Wednesday 13 June, 2007, 12:00 PM
Javier Horacio PINOLA and Mariela LATTANZIO were joined in holly matrimony in a quiet ceremony organised in the beautiful district of Olivos, in the northern area of the Great Buenos Aires.
Wednesday 13 June, 2007, 03:00 PM
Javier Horacio PINOLA is performing a sliding tackle at the Albicelestes' training session in Ezeiza (all the way accross the city and beyond!).
Wednesday 13 June, 2007, 06:00 PM
Javier Horacio PINOLA is all dressed-up again. He has to join her wife and get ready for the big party and the wedding night.
A beautiful story and one that shows incredible committment to our National Team.
Congratulations on his wedding to Javier and Mariela! May the honeymoon come with a title for Argentina in the Copa America and the other honeymoon -the real one- gets to be enjoyed sometime in the future!
I don't know if this is silly or what, but I feel I have to say "Thank you Javier" for showing that all hope is not lost and you REALLY care about our National Team.
I hope every international player of every national team can show this kind of committment!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
RIQUELME: the best possible farewell from La Bombonera
Juan Román RIQUELME was the center of attention for a packed Bombonera stadium for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final (The South American version of the Champions League).
On loan from Villarreal, the former Argentina play-maker was set to say goodbye for the second time to the supporters of the most popular club from our country.
Against Boca Juniors were Gremio, from Brazil, and the Buenos Aires side was too much for them. Very much so, because of Juan Román RIQUELME.
He sent the ball to the box for Martín PALERMO (in off-side position) to miss incredibly, only to see his horrible shot going straight into the path of Rodrigo PALACIO who was quick to react and make it 1-0 in 14 minutes.
In the second half, RIQUELME created a chance when he was fouled just outside the Gremio area. After a clever touch by Pablo LEDESMA to neutralise the presence of the Gremio wall, RIQUELME sent a screamer from 25 meters and made it 2-0 before starting to run like a mad man while almost 60.000 people (with a certain Diego Armando MARADONA included) paid tribute to his undeniable talent.
Later on, and just to make sure Boca will travel to Porto Alegre with almost two hands in the trophy, RIQUELME showed some flashes of brilliance to drive Gremio's back line crazy. Now you see it. Now you don't. Boom! Another precious shot. But this time, Argentine keeper Sebastián SAJA was great to react and deflect the ball. Unlucky for him, a Boca player found the ball, sent it to the box, Pablo LEDESMA won the aerial battle with SAJA and a Gremio defender headed toward his own goal to make it 3-0.
I couldn't think of a better farewell from the Bombonera for RIQUELME.
And I can only keep dreaming of him playing for Argentina just a 10% of how he plays for Boca!
And I can only keep dreaming of him playing for Argentina just a 10% of how he plays for Boca!
The story in Germany 2006 would have been very very different...
The Duck is back!
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI will be fit for Copa America.
A big boost for COCO's team as his first-choice goalkeeper will be ready for Venezuela 2007.
After further exams, it turned out that the injury was not as bad as initially thought.
A big boost for COCO's team as his first-choice goalkeeper will be ready for Venezuela 2007.
After further exams, it turned out that the injury was not as bad as initially thought.
HIGUAIN won't play the Youth World Cup
Just when the prospect of watching Gonzalo HIGUAIN, Sergio Kun AGÜERO and Mauro ZARATE all together in our U20 National Team that will play the Youth World Cup in Canada, news came from Spain, where Real Madrid have asked the Argentine Football Association (AFA) not to include PIPITA in the squad.
This comes just after the same club denied ROBINHO the chance to join the Brazilian national team when DUNGA needed him.
Another case in which clubs have the priority and international football is damaged.
I really wanted to see PIPITA in the team and I think this is a real shame.
This comes just after the same club denied ROBINHO the chance to join the Brazilian national team when DUNGA needed him.
Another case in which clubs have the priority and international football is damaged.
I really wanted to see PIPITA in the team and I think this is a real shame.
Top of the World in March, 5th placed in June
Another updated of the FIFA World Ranking. Another fall for Argentina who are now sitting in 5th position.
World Champions Italy stay at the top of the ranking, while France overtook Brazil to reach the second position and Germany are now the 4th best team in the World according to FIFA.
Here are the FIFA Top10 nations as of June 2007:
1 Italy
2 France
3 Brazil
4 Germany
5 Argentina
6 Portugal
7 Spain
8 England
9 Netherlands
10 Czech Republic
World Champions Italy stay at the top of the ranking, while France overtook Brazil to reach the second position and Germany are now the 4th best team in the World according to FIFA.
Here are the FIFA Top10 nations as of June 2007:
1 Italy
2 France
3 Brazil
4 Germany
5 Argentina
6 Portugal
7 Spain
8 England
9 Netherlands
10 Czech Republic
BREAKING NEWS: MAXI won't go to Copa
Even when he wanted to go to Venezuela 2007, Coco BASILE considers Maxi RODRIGUEZ is not completely recovered from his knee injury and decided not to risk him.
Yes, Maxi scored two goals for Atletico de Madrid on Saturday but he is the first to accept he is not 100% fit.
This was a decision Maxi took together with Coco and the midfielder knows it is probably for his own good, even if the will to wear the Albiceleste in the Copa America is still very very strong.
A great player that will be missed in Venezuela. But I think it is a wise decision. Maxi still needs time to recover and to rest.
He'll play a big part for Argentina in their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup. And he'll be eager to make a rampant return.
Yes, Maxi scored two goals for Atletico de Madrid on Saturday but he is the first to accept he is not 100% fit.
This was a decision Maxi took together with Coco and the midfielder knows it is probably for his own good, even if the will to wear the Albiceleste in the Copa America is still very very strong.
A great player that will be missed in Venezuela. But I think it is a wise decision. Maxi still needs time to recover and to rest.
He'll play a big part for Argentina in their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup. And he'll be eager to make a rampant return.
The FINALS, Game 3 - MANU & FAB, Just One Win Away
Finally, the State of Ohio has hosted an NBA Finals match, but still what was missing tonight, was all the drama and the suspense that makes an NBA final so interesting to watch.
Instead it turns out to be, the game ended up as the second fewest points in NBA finals history, as San Antonio SPURS manage to achieve a hard fought 75-72 win over the Cleveland CAVALIERS. With this result, SPURS are now only one win away from clinching their fourth championship.
While the world was hoping to see real Le Bron JAMES stand up in front of his own supporters, the most unlikely hero of the night was Bruce BOWEN who notched 13 points, while Tony PARKER (MVP Finals favourite) and Tim DUNCAN had 17 and 14 points respectively
Instead it turns out to be, the game ended up as the second fewest points in NBA finals history, as San Antonio SPURS manage to achieve a hard fought 75-72 win over the Cleveland CAVALIERS. With this result, SPURS are now only one win away from clinching their fourth championship.
While the world was hoping to see real Le Bron JAMES stand up in front of his own supporters, the most unlikely hero of the night was Bruce BOWEN who notched 13 points, while Tony PARKER (MVP Finals favourite) and Tim DUNCAN had 17 and 14 points respectively
As for Manu GINOBILI it wasn’t a great night by his own standards as he only scored three, all of which were free throws in the final 10.4 seconds, to hold off the Cavaliers and crush the hopes of their rowdy, towel-waving crowd, who had never before seen their team play a finals game in person. He was fouled, missed his first throw but finally got something to fall through the net to give the Spurs a three-point lead and scored another two free throws to give San Antonio its final margin. Apart from this he also posted 4 rebounds, and team high 5 assists as well."Oh, it's great, beautiful . . . we didn't play good," guard Manu GINOBILI said. "We won in a tough arena like this one and we are just one game shy of making it."
FAB-ulous OBERTO who was a starter, in one those rare situations, had a better point scoring than his compatriot, as he notched 6 points & 4 rebounds.Though their performance may not as mouth watering as their previous effort but in a result as close as this, you know that every contribution is crucial.
So now this is what the situation looks like, SPURS only need to win their game to complete their whitewash of this series. The CAVALIERS need to do the most impossible task ever which to become the first franchise in NBA history to win a series after going 0-3 down.
Game 4 will be played on Thursday, 14th of June in Ohio.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
AYALA: "I have no problems with VERON"
With the arrivals of Roberto AYALA, Roberto ABBONDANZIERI (still not ruled out of contention) and Oscar USTARI, the players following BASILE's instruction at the Ezeiza training ground are 14 now.
The most capped player in Argentina's history, Roberto AYALA, didn't work alongside his team-mates as he had to recover from a very long flight.
He talked to the press and was quick to discard those rumours suggesting he, Javier ZANETTI and Esteban CAMBIASSO asked COCO not to call up Juan Sebastián VERON.
"I've got a great relationship with Sebastián (VERON). You people are trying to come up with fights where they don't exist. I don't understand what's wrong with you."
ABBONDANZIERI repeated that "I still have plenty of days to recover from this injury. I don't think this is very serious and that's why I'm sure I'll be able to play in the Copa America".
The training session today ended with a short match in reduced spaces with improvised goalkeepers. Juan Sebastián VERON and Roberto AYALA were wearing the gloves this time! Watch out, Pato!
SAVIOLA to Real Madrid, Part II
MARCA, the biggest sports newspaper in Spain, is going at it again!
Just like they did in 27 April, 2007, they are publishing more hints about a confirmed move for the Little Rabbit to the Bernabeu Stadium.
They are stating a quote from José María MINGUELLA, in which the former candidate for president of FC Barcelona says: "You have to wonder why SAVIOLA wasn't even in the bench for a crucial game like the one Barça had on Saturday against Espanyol. It looks to me like he is already sold to Real Madrid."
"I spent four days in Madrid last week and they told me it is a done deal", but MINGUELLA fails to say who told him about this!
Here is the news as published by MARCA's website:
http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/barcelona/es/desarrollo/1004722.html
Just like they did in 27 April, 2007, they are publishing more hints about a confirmed move for the Little Rabbit to the Bernabeu Stadium.
They are stating a quote from José María MINGUELLA, in which the former candidate for president of FC Barcelona says: "You have to wonder why SAVIOLA wasn't even in the bench for a crucial game like the one Barça had on Saturday against Espanyol. It looks to me like he is already sold to Real Madrid."
"I spent four days in Madrid last week and they told me it is a done deal", but MINGUELLA fails to say who told him about this!
Here is the news as published by MARCA's website:
http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/barcelona/es/desarrollo/1004722.html
Copa official site: Argentina hot favourites in Group C
Typical of the days before a competition starts, rumours, speculation and of course…POLLS!
Here’s one that’s been running in the Copa America’s official website.
The question was simple: Who are the favourites to win each group?
The results are the following:
GROUP A:
Venezuela
Uruguay
Peru
Bolivia
GROUP B
Brazil
Mexico
Ecuador
Chile
Group C
Argentina
Colombia
USA
Paraguay
Argentina, voted as Group C favourites by 75,37% of the people, are the ones with the biggest difference towards the second placed team in their group.
In my opinion, those who are not considering Paraguay as, at least, second best team in the Group are making a big mistake. I don’t know if they will win the group or even finished in second place, but I certainly don’t how they got only 2,94% of the votes.
Group A will be the closest. Venezuela could benefit from being the home-team, but Uruguay could be dangerous and Peru can beat any of those two in their day.
Brazil should walk away with Group B, but they are facing tough opposition in all of the three teams that in theory will fight for the second place. I like Mexico and Ecuador’s chances to cause an upset and if Chile goes to Venezuela with a full team…anything can happen.
Do you care about these polls? What do you think of the outcome of this particular poll?
Check it out at: http://copaamericavenezuela2007.terra.com.br/default.asp?pag=enquetes
Here’s one that’s been running in the Copa America’s official website.
The question was simple: Who are the favourites to win each group?
The results are the following:
GROUP A:
Venezuela
Uruguay
Peru
Bolivia
GROUP B
Brazil
Mexico
Ecuador
Chile
Group C
Argentina
Colombia
USA
Paraguay
Argentina, voted as Group C favourites by 75,37% of the people, are the ones with the biggest difference towards the second placed team in their group.
In my opinion, those who are not considering Paraguay as, at least, second best team in the Group are making a big mistake. I don’t know if they will win the group or even finished in second place, but I certainly don’t how they got only 2,94% of the votes.
Group A will be the closest. Venezuela could benefit from being the home-team, but Uruguay could be dangerous and Peru can beat any of those two in their day.
Brazil should walk away with Group B, but they are facing tough opposition in all of the three teams that in theory will fight for the second place. I like Mexico and Ecuador’s chances to cause an upset and if Chile goes to Venezuela with a full team…anything can happen.
Do you care about these polls? What do you think of the outcome of this particular poll?
Check it out at: http://copaamericavenezuela2007.terra.com.br/default.asp?pag=enquetes
Monday, June 11, 2007
VERON: "This is a huge chance for me"
The first training session took place in Ezeiza and two of the most high-profile players have spoken to the press.
Carlos TEVEZ and Juan Sebastián VERON faced the local press microphones and said a couple of news worthy things:
Carlos TEVEZ: “We are in a very difficult group (USA, Colombia and Paraguay) and our margin of error will be minimum. For me it is a chance for revenge after the last Copa America (TEVEZ started as a sub and ended up being a key player, but Argentina lost the final against Brazil in penalties). We know what we’ve been doing well and we are also conscious of what we did wrong. The intelligent thing to do now that we are working together will be to solve those problems now”
Juan Sebastian VERON: “To make a comeback to our national team is like a piece of unfinished business for me and for the people who loves me. I don’t feel like I’m in debt with anybody. I try to play with my whole heart. This is a huge chance for me and as far as I’m concerned, I’ll give my everything.”
There were rumours about possible personal problems between VERON and other players called up by COCO. The former Manchester United and Chelsea player was quick to face those versions and said: “The squad is still to be named and you are already throwing those things to the air?”
“We are a team that is still learning, even though a lot of these players have an important experience with our national team. We are aiming at winning something big”.
TEVEZ and VERON were not the only ones to speak. Champion of Italy with Inter, Esteban CAMBIASSO said: “For the history we have and the players that are in this team, the idea is to always aim at the top”.
His team-mate in the Nerazzurri, Hernán CRESPO added “We are going to have a great Copa America. We will be contenders”.
Nurnberg left back Javier PINOLA, the first big surprise of the list, said: “I worked really hard to get where I am right now. From now on, I’ll try and learn all I can from my team-mates and give a 100% if I’m asked to play”.
Trainings will resume tomorrow, with 50% of the squad following COCO’s instructions, while everybody keeps waiting for the final list of 22 that will play in the Copa America.
Carlos TEVEZ and Juan Sebastián VERON faced the local press microphones and said a couple of news worthy things:
Carlos TEVEZ: “We are in a very difficult group (USA, Colombia and Paraguay) and our margin of error will be minimum. For me it is a chance for revenge after the last Copa America (TEVEZ started as a sub and ended up being a key player, but Argentina lost the final against Brazil in penalties). We know what we’ve been doing well and we are also conscious of what we did wrong. The intelligent thing to do now that we are working together will be to solve those problems now”
Juan Sebastian VERON: “To make a comeback to our national team is like a piece of unfinished business for me and for the people who loves me. I don’t feel like I’m in debt with anybody. I try to play with my whole heart. This is a huge chance for me and as far as I’m concerned, I’ll give my everything.”
There were rumours about possible personal problems between VERON and other players called up by COCO. The former Manchester United and Chelsea player was quick to face those versions and said: “The squad is still to be named and you are already throwing those things to the air?”
“We are a team that is still learning, even though a lot of these players have an important experience with our national team. We are aiming at winning something big”.
TEVEZ and VERON were not the only ones to speak. Champion of Italy with Inter, Esteban CAMBIASSO said: “For the history we have and the players that are in this team, the idea is to always aim at the top”.
His team-mate in the Nerazzurri, Hernán CRESPO added “We are going to have a great Copa America. We will be contenders”.
Nurnberg left back Javier PINOLA, the first big surprise of the list, said: “I worked really hard to get where I am right now. From now on, I’ll try and learn all I can from my team-mates and give a 100% if I’m asked to play”.
Trainings will resume tomorrow, with 50% of the squad following COCO’s instructions, while everybody keeps waiting for the final list of 22 that will play in the Copa America.
The "Duck" is injured. Little big problem for COCO!
He was hit by Miroslav KLOSE’s knee in the hip. He tried to continue but eventually he pulled out of the game and the World Cup.
He played through injury for Getafe during this weekend. He tried to continue and he did so. He played for 63 minutes before eventually call for a substitution. Those 63 minutes were three more of what he needed in order to receive the Zamora award (a prize given to the best La Liga goalkeeper of the season).
Today, Getafe announced that Roberto "PATO" (Spanish for "Duck") ABBONDANZIERI has teared off a muscle of his left leg and his participation in the Copa America is in doubt and the “succession war” could be a heated one.
The five fingers of Coco’s right hand are enough to count the candidates to Pato’s eventual vacant throne.
Oscar USTARI and Juan Pablo CARRIZO looked to be in a better position than Leo FRANCO and Agustín ORIÓN.
First thing first. We still need to know if ABBONDANZIERI is definitely out of the Copa America and then start talking about his substitute.
Whatever happens, these are already bad news for Coco in the build-up for the Copa America.
He played through injury for Getafe during this weekend. He tried to continue and he did so. He played for 63 minutes before eventually call for a substitution. Those 63 minutes were three more of what he needed in order to receive the Zamora award (a prize given to the best La Liga goalkeeper of the season).
Today, Getafe announced that Roberto "PATO" (Spanish for "Duck") ABBONDANZIERI has teared off a muscle of his left leg and his participation in the Copa America is in doubt and the “succession war” could be a heated one.
The five fingers of Coco’s right hand are enough to count the candidates to Pato’s eventual vacant throne.
Oscar USTARI and Juan Pablo CARRIZO looked to be in a better position than Leo FRANCO and Agustín ORIÓN.
First thing first. We still need to know if ABBONDANZIERI is definitely out of the Copa America and then start talking about his substitute.
Whatever happens, these are already bad news for Coco in the build-up for the Copa America.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The FINALS, Game 2 - SPURS Simply GINOBILIcious
Just as much as MESSI does it every week-in and week-out on the football pitch, I do get the same feeling for this guys as well for everything he does on the basketball court. But unlike the Atomic Flea, there are some occasions that his great talent overlooked due to critics often labelling him of being a flopper. But as Johnny summarized in one his previous comments, it's up to the match officials to decide whether it was a foul, a goal, or whatever it may be.
Unlike Game 1, on this occasions the CAVALIERS were simple outclassed in the first 3-quarters (at one point the SPURS were leading by 29 points!!!) but Cleveland's young guns did manage to storm back to a 8 points deficit. In the end it was just too late as with a 103-92 win, San Antonio SPURS are now only just two games away from clinching their fourth championship.
And just where does all this comes from?
Of course there is Tony PARKER (30 points) and Tim DUNCAN (23 points) but once again just as in Game 1, Big POPO needed the most from his bench players to deliver. And let me put it simple, he needed the most from Manu GINOBILI. In recent times, there has been some lengthy discussion on why good old GREGG doesn't use him as a starter. Well perhaps the following links might just give us a better understanding about the whole scenario
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=220073
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070610/sp_nm/nba_finals_ginobili_dc;_ylt=AiFowwNjAkOxHWPiRkJ2oc.79LQF
Now back to the game, it was the usual ROAR from the SPURS crowd whenever OUR main man comes in to the court. And tonight, he gave another terrific performance. Forget about the few turnover that he committed. Just look at the other stats, 25 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds and game high 3 steals (one of which was from non other than the man himself, Le Bron JAMES!!!). He was 100% from the free throws (11-11) and for every 3 points shot that goes in, in the background, it was MAAAAAANUUUUUU!!!!! All the way.
Fabricio OBERTO was a starter and this time he had a much better performance than he had in Game 1 with 4 points and 4 rebounds and if it wasn't the 3 personal fouls he had committed, the CAVS center comprising of ILGAUKAS and VAREJOA could have inflicted more damage to the SPURS.
Well done boys, well done.
Now the series heads to Ohio (Game 3 & 4 and Game 5 as well, if necessary) and from the looks of it, Le BRON & Co. seems to have learn all the tricks and tales of playing in the Finals, which makes the series even more interesting and I know that I'm looking forward to it more than ever.
Game 3 will be played on Tuesday, 12th of June.
Unlike Game 1, on this occasions the CAVALIERS were simple outclassed in the first 3-quarters (at one point the SPURS were leading by 29 points!!!) but Cleveland's young guns did manage to storm back to a 8 points deficit. In the end it was just too late as with a 103-92 win, San Antonio SPURS are now only just two games away from clinching their fourth championship.
And just where does all this comes from?
Of course there is Tony PARKER (30 points) and Tim DUNCAN (23 points) but once again just as in Game 1, Big POPO needed the most from his bench players to deliver. And let me put it simple, he needed the most from Manu GINOBILI. In recent times, there has been some lengthy discussion on why good old GREGG doesn't use him as a starter. Well perhaps the following links might just give us a better understanding about the whole scenario
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=220073
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070610/sp_nm/nba_finals_ginobili_dc;_ylt=AiFowwNjAkOxHWPiRkJ2oc.79LQF
Now back to the game, it was the usual ROAR from the SPURS crowd whenever OUR main man comes in to the court. And tonight, he gave another terrific performance. Forget about the few turnover that he committed. Just look at the other stats, 25 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds and game high 3 steals (one of which was from non other than the man himself, Le Bron JAMES!!!). He was 100% from the free throws (11-11) and for every 3 points shot that goes in, in the background, it was MAAAAAANUUUUUU!!!!! All the way.
Fabricio OBERTO was a starter and this time he had a much better performance than he had in Game 1 with 4 points and 4 rebounds and if it wasn't the 3 personal fouls he had committed, the CAVS center comprising of ILGAUKAS and VAREJOA could have inflicted more damage to the SPURS.Well done boys, well done.
Now the series heads to Ohio (Game 3 & 4 and Game 5 as well, if necessary) and from the looks of it, Le BRON & Co. seems to have learn all the tricks and tales of playing in the Finals, which makes the series even more interesting and I know that I'm looking forward to it more than ever.
Game 3 will be played on Tuesday, 12th of June.
Torneo Clausura: San Lorenzo crowned in style
Time, distance and resources keep me from posting much stuff about the local Argentine league.
But Today I thought I wrote a few paragraphs about the new Clausura champions: San Lorenzo.
For you to understand, there are two short tournaments (19 weeks each) per season in Argentina.
The first half of the season (Apertura tournament), Estudiantes were champions after beating Boca Juniors in the final match, because both teams finished the 19 weeks with the same number of points.
It wasn't the case to play a final match for the Clausura. With one game to go to the end of the season, San Lorenzo kept an advantage of 4 points over Boca Juniors with a 4-2 win over Arsenal de Sarandí.
It is San Lorenzo's 10th league title since football became professional in Argentina in 1930.
With manager Ramón DIAZ (he played for Argentina in Spain 1982 World Cup), they will now try and win the next Copa Libertadores, a major continental trophy that they are still to win.
Congratulations to San Lorenzo de Almagro. Clausura 2007 Champions with 13 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses.
Napoli: Back to where Diego left them. SERIE A!
It finally happened: Napoli are back in the Serie A after seven years!
A draw away at Genoa saw both teams promoted as they avoided the playoffs by having a 10-point cushion over the fourth placed team, Piacenza, as they drew 1-1 against Triestina in a very exciting last day of the Serie B season.
Diego must be celebrating at home as the Azzurri return to the top tier of Italian football together with Juventus and Genoa.
Roberto SOSA was the Argentine representative this time and we will have to see if the San Paolo's club look for other Albicelestes to join him for next season.
Meanwhile...COMPLIMENTI NAPOLI! BEN TORNATO IN SERIE A, LA TUA CASA!
Celebrations already started in Napoli's official website: http://www.sscnapoli.it/serieA.htm
A draw away at Genoa saw both teams promoted as they avoided the playoffs by having a 10-point cushion over the fourth placed team, Piacenza, as they drew 1-1 against Triestina in a very exciting last day of the Serie B season.
Diego must be celebrating at home as the Azzurri return to the top tier of Italian football together with Juventus and Genoa.
Roberto SOSA was the Argentine representative this time and we will have to see if the San Paolo's club look for other Albicelestes to join him for next season.
Meanwhile...COMPLIMENTI NAPOLI! BEN TORNATO IN SERIE A, LA TUA CASA!
Celebrations already started in Napoli's official website: http://www.sscnapoli.it/serieA.htm
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Diego MILITO and Ruud in a top-scorers battle
Real Zaragoza 2-2 Real Madrid
Diego MILITO 2-2 Ruud VAN NISTELROOY
Here are the goals. Pablo AIMAR had a huge influence in both of MILITO's goals. He was fouled inside the area before Diego scored from the penalty spot and then AIMAR rode through the whole field before sending a perfect assist for MILITO to embarrass Fabio CANNAVARO before scoring his second goal of the game.
I can see a smile in COCO's face after watching this!
MESSI does MARADONA...AGAIN...
Not something to be proud of. At least I'm not.
But it is worthy to watch this as Lionel MESSI does nothing to stop everybody to compare him with the great Diego MARADONA.
MESSI should have been booked by the referee as he clearly touched the ball with his hand to score the first of FC Barcelona's goals against Espanyol.
Then he sent home another one (did Diego scored twice the day he immortalized his "Hand of God" goal? Oh...yeah...I think so! ha!) but it wasn't enough for Barça as they conceeded a late goal by TAMUDO and now they have to win next week and hope Real Madrid drop some points against Mallorca.
Take note, COCO: MAXI is ready!
Despite Atletico de Madrid losing at home against Celta de Vigo, Maxi RODRIGUEZ scored both of his team's goals and seems to be completely recovered after his knee surgery.
VAMOS MAXI!
Deuces are wild! MESSI, MILITO, MAXI x 2
It was a very exciting Saturday in Spain.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla were all in action at the same time in one of the best La Liga decision of the last few years (and probably in the history of the competition).
The three teams had chances to reach the final week of the season at the top spot of the table that belonged to Real Madrid before Today's matches.
The White Empire had a dangerous visit to La Romareda to face a Real Zaragoza full of Argentineans. And it was an Argie who almost ruined the campaign of CAPELLO's team. Diego MILITO scored once in each half to help Zaragoza build a 2-1 lead. Diego tied RONALDINHO for third place in the top-scorers list. Both have 20 goals, three behind VAN NISTELROOY and one less than KANOUTÉ.
Meanwhile, at the Camp Nou, in another Maradonian action, Lionel MESSI scored a goal with his hand and then doubled his score to give Barcelona also a 2-1 lead over Espanyol.
But then...a fatal minute for Barça and for Zaragoza. As Ruud VAN NISTELROOY scored his second goal of the match just before the struck of full-time, Raúl TAMUDO did the same for Espanyol and both games finished in a 2-2 draw. Results that keep Real Madrid top of La Liga and only needing a win against Mallorca at the Bernabeu next week to claim the title.
Sevilla could have taken the lead in the standings had they win at Mallorca, but they couldn't break a 0-0 draw and stayed third with very little chances of becoming champions in the last round of matches.
In another match (without much relevance in the top fight), Maxi RODRIGUEZ sent a clear message to Coco BASILE. He wants to be in the Copa America, and for that, he scored a brace for Atletico de Madrid against Celta de Vigo as they lost 2-3.
Coming up to this blog, the six Argentine goals of Today's La Liga action.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla were all in action at the same time in one of the best La Liga decision of the last few years (and probably in the history of the competition).
The three teams had chances to reach the final week of the season at the top spot of the table that belonged to Real Madrid before Today's matches.
The White Empire had a dangerous visit to La Romareda to face a Real Zaragoza full of Argentineans. And it was an Argie who almost ruined the campaign of CAPELLO's team. Diego MILITO scored once in each half to help Zaragoza build a 2-1 lead. Diego tied RONALDINHO for third place in the top-scorers list. Both have 20 goals, three behind VAN NISTELROOY and one less than KANOUTÉ.
Meanwhile, at the Camp Nou, in another Maradonian action, Lionel MESSI scored a goal with his hand and then doubled his score to give Barcelona also a 2-1 lead over Espanyol.
But then...a fatal minute for Barça and for Zaragoza. As Ruud VAN NISTELROOY scored his second goal of the match just before the struck of full-time, Raúl TAMUDO did the same for Espanyol and both games finished in a 2-2 draw. Results that keep Real Madrid top of La Liga and only needing a win against Mallorca at the Bernabeu next week to claim the title.
Sevilla could have taken the lead in the standings had they win at Mallorca, but they couldn't break a 0-0 draw and stayed third with very little chances of becoming champions in the last round of matches.
In another match (without much relevance in the top fight), Maxi RODRIGUEZ sent a clear message to Coco BASILE. He wants to be in the Copa America, and for that, he scored a brace for Atletico de Madrid against Celta de Vigo as they lost 2-3.
Coming up to this blog, the six Argentine goals of Today's La Liga action.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Top10 Transfer Market Shakers from Argentina
With the Copa America in the agenda, the European summer's football transfer market will not have the same coverage which, in non-World Cup or Copa America years, take center stage and fill up almost 100% of the sports pages.
In those ocassions, papers don’t publish anything that it is not related to gossip, rumours and versions surrounding football’s top players and their moves from one European team to the other or those who make the giant quality leap from a South American outfit to one of the Old Continent's more powerful clubs.
I thought we could take a quick look at the Argentine players that are involved in this conversations and try and break down the impact of their probable moves to one team or another.
I’ll try and make a Top10 (in descending order from less to most important) of the top Argentines in the market:
10. Mariano GONZALEZ:
Speedy, as he is called because of his pace and after sharing the same surname with that famous cartoon of a Mexican mouse, belongs to Palermo (Italy). He was sent on loan to Serie A Champions, Inter, for which he played a few games without claiming a regular first team spot. He is on his way back to Palermo, but Porto FC (two time defending champions of Portugal) is interested in the talented Argentine midfielder. If the deal goes through, Mariano will join friend Lisandro LOPEZ with who he formed an exciting combination when they both played for Racing Club in Argentina.
IMPACT: Mariano will probably have the task to help fill up the void that Lucho GONZALEZ will leave in Porto’s midfield. Lucho is further down this list as he is one of the hot players in this year’s market. Brazilian ANDERSON have already left Porto (to join Manchester United) so Speedy will surely play more minutes and eventually become a key member of the team.
9. Rodrigo PALACIO:
The Jewel is believed to be heading to FC Barcelona. Boca Juniors vice-president, Pedro POMPILIO, said that both clubs came to an agreement and that the striker should join Barcelona in July. In a complicated situation, only PALACIO’s 32,5% belong to Boca Juniors, so the club will have to agree a fee together with other clubs such as Huracán de Tres Arroyos and Banfield as well as agent Juan PALADINO who own the rest of the striker’s rights.
IMPACT: I don’t think PALACIO will be a starter if he is to join Barça. Could have a tough time trying to adapt to a new league and could struggle to get enough chances. I think if it comes through, this deal will not benefit PALACIO immediately.
8. Oscar USTARI:
At the moment of writing, it appears that Independiente’s goalkeeper will move to Villarreal for a fee of around 6 million Euros.
Wanted by Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Mallorca, Zaragoza, Lazio and Chelsea, the Yellow Submarine might have just pipped all the competition to this exciting young keeper that will probably fight for the title of best Argentine number 1 of La Liga next season with ABBONDANZIERI and Leo FRANCO.
IMPACT: This will surely boost USTARI’s chances to become Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper in the build-up for the next World Cup. ABBONDANZIERI is not getting any younger and play at a high level competition like La Liga will only improve USTARI. A great move if it becomes a reality.
7. Mauro ZARATE:
Poised to shine in the upcoming Canada 2007 Youth World Cup, this very talented forward is a target of two-time defending UEFA Cup champions, Sevilla.
ZARATE is also rumoured to be in the radar of FC Barcelona and Cruz Azul (Mexico).
IMPACT: We are talking of another great appearance in the mould of SAVIOLA, MESSI, TEVEZ. That is fast, short and with a knack for scoring. Barcelona will be too big of a leap for him. Cruz Azul is not glamourous enough compared to Sevilla or any Spanish side. So I think he could fit right in if he arrives at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. Another one to look for the future, starting in this year’s Youth World Cup.
6. Gabriel MILITO:
The only reason why he is behind five players here is because this summer is busier than the previous years in which the Argentines were rather quiet. But after a great season with Zaragoza and with international caps coming his way, Gabriel MILITO became an obsession for more than one big club in Europe. Juventus want to make a return to Serie A in style and could spend around 16 million Euros in the curly haired central defender.
FC Barcelona will also try and capture him and give him the pleasure to get revenge of Real Madrid, a club that when Gabriel went there to pass a medical said that his knee was ruined and that he could never play football again. As a return, Gaby has been outstanding everytime he faced Real Madrid playing for Zaragoza. Will he get a chance to play Spain’s biggest derby wearing the famous Blaugrana shirt?
IMPACT: Wherever he decides (or destiny takes him) to play, he will become a key player. None of these two big clubs, Juventus and FC Barcelona, will be too big for him.
5. Lucho GONZALEZ:
He is wanted everywhere! After helping Porto win their second consecutive league title in Portugal, this Argentina midfielder attracted clubs from everywhere in Europe. The most interested in him are Lyon. Tiago and Alou DIARRA left the French multiple champions and they will be looking for players to strengthen their midfield.
But Italian champions Inter Milan and Villarreal are also possible destinations for Lucho. Porto will only set Lucho free if the offer matches their 20 million Euros release clause.
IMPACT: Personally, I would love to see Lucho moving to Lyon. I don’t know why, but I think that club could be a perfect match for him and maybe this time around they will be able to achieve success in Europe just as they do in France.
Inter and Villarreal will also mean a progress in Lucho’s career. With all due respect to Porto, playing in France, Italy or Spain will be seen as a step forward.
4. Gabriel HEINZE:
You thought HEINZE would have topped this list? Think again! He is only in fourth position despited clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona fighting for the right to sign him. It all looks white for HEINZE as Roberto CARLOS has already left Real Madrid to continue his career in Turkey, playing for Fenerbahce. The Spanish press is all over this and some sources are saying it is a done deal.
IMPACT: Another big club in Gabriel’s career. I’m concerned as whether he will be able to fill the void left by Roberto CARLOS after the Brazilian played 11 years at the Bernabeu. Not an easy crowd to please for a defender. Real supporters are not that much into tough-tackling players. They prefer classy players with a fine touch and Gabriel is not one of those. However, if he is given enough chances, I think he can consolidate and conquer the tough Bernabeu crowd.
3. Diego MILITO:
Zaragoza are believed to have rejected a 16 million Euros offer from Juventus. For a long time now, FC Barcelona have declared their interest in Gabriel’s brother and it will be very tough for La Romareda’s outfit to keep this Pichichi contender at the club.
IMPACT: Diego have scored at will wherever he played in the past. Racing Club, Genoa and currently Zaragoza. I think the time has come for him to move to a big club and show he can become a +20-goals-per-season striker. To play in a big club like Barça or Juventus will only help his chances of becoming a feature of the Argentina attacking line for years to come.
2. Javier SAVIOLA:
A few months ago, I’ve published what Spanish newspaper MARCA said was a done deal: “SAVIOLA TO REAL MADRID”. It turned out to be that there is still a lot of water to run under the bridge before we know where is the Little Rabbit going.
Real Zaragoza (where childhood friend Andrés D’ALESSANDRO –just signed a contract with the club- and former River Plate team-mate Pablo AIMAR are stars) is also a possible destination. As well as Juventus, a team who seem to be interested in EVERY Argentine in the market.
IMPACT: No matter where he goes, HE WILL SCORE GOALS. That is a fact. Just as Diego MILITO, SAVIOLA has been a success wherever he played: River Plate, FC Barcelona (I don’t know why they don’t keep him in the team), Monaco, Sevilla…you name it. He always scores. A move to Zaragoza will be fun to see and I think that club is a more suitable place for SAVIOLA to go than Real Madrid.
1. Carlos TEVEZ:
No doubts: The darling of the market. There are no clubs in the World that couldn’t benefit from having a player like TEVEZ. Is there a better way to please your club’s supporters than by signing TEVEZ?
First, lets start with the list of teams that are/were and will be after the Apache’s signature:
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Liverpool
Inter
And I’m sure there were more. Not to mention West Ham’s ambition to keep him for another season. He is one of the most expensive players in the World right now. That could keep him out of Chelsea’s reach as there have been versions that indicated the Stamford Brigde club will not look into high-profile signings this time around.
IMPACT: Carlitos will make any supporter of any team happy. The way he plays and gives
100% in every action is just sensational. That comes together with an incredible talent, pace and strenght that all fit together into a rather small body.
The only problem I see is if he joins Chelsea. The competition for places could be very fierce and Carlitos could see his playing time reduced.
Liverpool, Inter and Real Madrid (in that order) sound like better options for TEVEZ who will, whatever his destination is, shine again in 2007/2008.
In those ocassions, papers don’t publish anything that it is not related to gossip, rumours and versions surrounding football’s top players and their moves from one European team to the other or those who make the giant quality leap from a South American outfit to one of the Old Continent's more powerful clubs.
I thought we could take a quick look at the Argentine players that are involved in this conversations and try and break down the impact of their probable moves to one team or another.
I’ll try and make a Top10 (in descending order from less to most important) of the top Argentines in the market:
10. Mariano GONZALEZ:
Speedy, as he is called because of his pace and after sharing the same surname with that famous cartoon of a Mexican mouse, belongs to Palermo (Italy). He was sent on loan to Serie A Champions, Inter, for which he played a few games without claiming a regular first team spot. He is on his way back to Palermo, but Porto FC (two time defending champions of Portugal) is interested in the talented Argentine midfielder. If the deal goes through, Mariano will join friend Lisandro LOPEZ with who he formed an exciting combination when they both played for Racing Club in Argentina.
IMPACT: Mariano will probably have the task to help fill up the void that Lucho GONZALEZ will leave in Porto’s midfield. Lucho is further down this list as he is one of the hot players in this year’s market. Brazilian ANDERSON have already left Porto (to join Manchester United) so Speedy will surely play more minutes and eventually become a key member of the team.
9. Rodrigo PALACIO:
The Jewel is believed to be heading to FC Barcelona. Boca Juniors vice-president, Pedro POMPILIO, said that both clubs came to an agreement and that the striker should join Barcelona in July. In a complicated situation, only PALACIO’s 32,5% belong to Boca Juniors, so the club will have to agree a fee together with other clubs such as Huracán de Tres Arroyos and Banfield as well as agent Juan PALADINO who own the rest of the striker’s rights.
IMPACT: I don’t think PALACIO will be a starter if he is to join Barça. Could have a tough time trying to adapt to a new league and could struggle to get enough chances. I think if it comes through, this deal will not benefit PALACIO immediately.
8. Oscar USTARI:
At the moment of writing, it appears that Independiente’s goalkeeper will move to Villarreal for a fee of around 6 million Euros.
Wanted by Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Mallorca, Zaragoza, Lazio and Chelsea, the Yellow Submarine might have just pipped all the competition to this exciting young keeper that will probably fight for the title of best Argentine number 1 of La Liga next season with ABBONDANZIERI and Leo FRANCO.
IMPACT: This will surely boost USTARI’s chances to become Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper in the build-up for the next World Cup. ABBONDANZIERI is not getting any younger and play at a high level competition like La Liga will only improve USTARI. A great move if it becomes a reality.
7. Mauro ZARATE:
Poised to shine in the upcoming Canada 2007 Youth World Cup, this very talented forward is a target of two-time defending UEFA Cup champions, Sevilla.
ZARATE is also rumoured to be in the radar of FC Barcelona and Cruz Azul (Mexico).
IMPACT: We are talking of another great appearance in the mould of SAVIOLA, MESSI, TEVEZ. That is fast, short and with a knack for scoring. Barcelona will be too big of a leap for him. Cruz Azul is not glamourous enough compared to Sevilla or any Spanish side. So I think he could fit right in if he arrives at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. Another one to look for the future, starting in this year’s Youth World Cup.
6. Gabriel MILITO:
The only reason why he is behind five players here is because this summer is busier than the previous years in which the Argentines were rather quiet. But after a great season with Zaragoza and with international caps coming his way, Gabriel MILITO became an obsession for more than one big club in Europe. Juventus want to make a return to Serie A in style and could spend around 16 million Euros in the curly haired central defender.
FC Barcelona will also try and capture him and give him the pleasure to get revenge of Real Madrid, a club that when Gabriel went there to pass a medical said that his knee was ruined and that he could never play football again. As a return, Gaby has been outstanding everytime he faced Real Madrid playing for Zaragoza. Will he get a chance to play Spain’s biggest derby wearing the famous Blaugrana shirt?
IMPACT: Wherever he decides (or destiny takes him) to play, he will become a key player. None of these two big clubs, Juventus and FC Barcelona, will be too big for him.
5. Lucho GONZALEZ:
He is wanted everywhere! After helping Porto win their second consecutive league title in Portugal, this Argentina midfielder attracted clubs from everywhere in Europe. The most interested in him are Lyon. Tiago and Alou DIARRA left the French multiple champions and they will be looking for players to strengthen their midfield.
But Italian champions Inter Milan and Villarreal are also possible destinations for Lucho. Porto will only set Lucho free if the offer matches their 20 million Euros release clause.
IMPACT: Personally, I would love to see Lucho moving to Lyon. I don’t know why, but I think that club could be a perfect match for him and maybe this time around they will be able to achieve success in Europe just as they do in France.
Inter and Villarreal will also mean a progress in Lucho’s career. With all due respect to Porto, playing in France, Italy or Spain will be seen as a step forward.
4. Gabriel HEINZE:
You thought HEINZE would have topped this list? Think again! He is only in fourth position despited clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona fighting for the right to sign him. It all looks white for HEINZE as Roberto CARLOS has already left Real Madrid to continue his career in Turkey, playing for Fenerbahce. The Spanish press is all over this and some sources are saying it is a done deal.
IMPACT: Another big club in Gabriel’s career. I’m concerned as whether he will be able to fill the void left by Roberto CARLOS after the Brazilian played 11 years at the Bernabeu. Not an easy crowd to please for a defender. Real supporters are not that much into tough-tackling players. They prefer classy players with a fine touch and Gabriel is not one of those. However, if he is given enough chances, I think he can consolidate and conquer the tough Bernabeu crowd.
3. Diego MILITO:
Zaragoza are believed to have rejected a 16 million Euros offer from Juventus. For a long time now, FC Barcelona have declared their interest in Gabriel’s brother and it will be very tough for La Romareda’s outfit to keep this Pichichi contender at the club.
IMPACT: Diego have scored at will wherever he played in the past. Racing Club, Genoa and currently Zaragoza. I think the time has come for him to move to a big club and show he can become a +20-goals-per-season striker. To play in a big club like Barça or Juventus will only help his chances of becoming a feature of the Argentina attacking line for years to come.
2. Javier SAVIOLA:
A few months ago, I’ve published what Spanish newspaper MARCA said was a done deal: “SAVIOLA TO REAL MADRID”. It turned out to be that there is still a lot of water to run under the bridge before we know where is the Little Rabbit going.
Real Zaragoza (where childhood friend Andrés D’ALESSANDRO –just signed a contract with the club- and former River Plate team-mate Pablo AIMAR are stars) is also a possible destination. As well as Juventus, a team who seem to be interested in EVERY Argentine in the market.
IMPACT: No matter where he goes, HE WILL SCORE GOALS. That is a fact. Just as Diego MILITO, SAVIOLA has been a success wherever he played: River Plate, FC Barcelona (I don’t know why they don’t keep him in the team), Monaco, Sevilla…you name it. He always scores. A move to Zaragoza will be fun to see and I think that club is a more suitable place for SAVIOLA to go than Real Madrid.
1. Carlos TEVEZ:
No doubts: The darling of the market. There are no clubs in the World that couldn’t benefit from having a player like TEVEZ. Is there a better way to please your club’s supporters than by signing TEVEZ?
First, lets start with the list of teams that are/were and will be after the Apache’s signature:
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Liverpool
Inter
And I’m sure there were more. Not to mention West Ham’s ambition to keep him for another season. He is one of the most expensive players in the World right now. That could keep him out of Chelsea’s reach as there have been versions that indicated the Stamford Brigde club will not look into high-profile signings this time around.
IMPACT: Carlitos will make any supporter of any team happy. The way he plays and gives
100% in every action is just sensational. That comes together with an incredible talent, pace and strenght that all fit together into a rather small body.The only problem I see is if he joins Chelsea. The competition for places could be very fierce and Carlitos could see his playing time reduced.
Liverpool, Inter and Real Madrid (in that order) sound like better options for TEVEZ who will, whatever his destination is, shine again in 2007/2008.
If he moves to any of these three clubs, just like in this picture, he will have the last laugh!
What is your favourite of this group of players and where do you want to see him playing next season?
Will you add a player to this list?
What is your favourite of this group of players and where do you want to see him playing next season?
Will you add a player to this list?
Playing the waiting game...
Everything is in COCO’s head. The days go by and we are still waiting to hear those 22 names that will wear the Albiceleste in the Copa America.
BASILE has time until 21 June, and by the look of it, he might just wait until the very last minute to announce his full squad.
However, slowly but surely we are getting some hints as to whom will play and whom will be left behind.
On Monday, nine of the players that participated in the tour around Switzerland and Spain will have to show up at AFA’s training ground in Ezeiza, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, to start a series of training session that will run from Monday to Friday every week until the team departs to Maracaibo, Venezuela.
It is important to consider that those who went to the tour and play in Spanish teams have obviously not been called up for Monday. They will join the trainings once La Liga is over. In ABBONDANZIERI’s case, he’ll have to wait until the Copa del Rey final (23 June) to join the team.
So the first nine (practically) guaranteed of a place that will start trainings on Monday are:
Javier ZANETTI
Nicolás BURDISSO
Esteban CAMBIASSO
Hernán CRESPO
Lucho GONZÁLEZ
Carlos TEVEZ
Javier MASCHERANO
Gabriel HEINZE
Javier PINOLA
So we’ve got the first major surprise with Javier PINOLA in the list (player profiles are coming soon to our blog). And I must admit that I’m very happy to see Javier ZANETTI back to play in a competitive tournament with the shirt he always honoured.
Who’s next?
Well…obviously the Spanish Gang will have an advantage over the rest.
COCO might call up a few players from the local league after the next round of matches are played this weekend and the list will be closer to be finalised.
In the meantime, let’s play the waiting game and try and complete the list.
Here, here, let me try (numbers are just there to help me count up to 22. Nothing to do with the numbers that will be on the shirts):
10. Lionel MESSI
11. Pablo AIMAR
12. Roberto ABBONDANZIERI (GK)
13. Gabriel MILITO
14. Roberto AYALA
15. Fernando GAGO
16. Diego MILITO
17. Maxi RODRIGUEZ
18. Juan Sebastián VERON
19. Hugo IBARRA
20. Rodrigo PALACIO
21. Leo FRANCO (GK)
22. Juan Pablo CARRIZO (GK)
My reasons?
There are a few obvious choices like MESSI, AIMAR, AYALA, MILITO, ABBONDANZIERI and COCO’s favourite Fernando GAGO.
As for the rest of my list:
I think COCO will give MAXI a chance. He didn’t call him for the recent tour but I think he already knows what MAXI can bring and my gamble is that we will see him in the Copa America. That’s why Jonas GUTIERREZ will be left out (becoming the only one left out from the Spanish Gang that went on tour last week).
From the domestic league, it’s been almost an open secret that Juan Sebastian VERON will make his international comeback.
IBARRA has been a long-time favourite of COCO and will be a perfect back-up for Javier ZANETTI as right back. He might even give PUPI a hard battle for the starting spot.
Rodrigo PALACIO has not been playing like he can, but his pace and finishing skills will be welcomed.
COCO said he will take three goalkeepers to Venezuela and that’s why I include ABBONDANZIERI (sure bet), Leo FRANCO and Juan Pablo CARRIZO. I wouldn’t be surprised if USTARI is called up instead of FRANCO. But CARRIZO, in my opinion, has a lot of chances of joining COCO’s Army.
So…out of these 13 names…how many do I have to have right in order to pass the exam??? Will I pass with 10 out of 13?
BASILE has time until 21 June, and by the look of it, he might just wait until the very last minute to announce his full squad.
However, slowly but surely we are getting some hints as to whom will play and whom will be left behind.
On Monday, nine of the players that participated in the tour around Switzerland and Spain will have to show up at AFA’s training ground in Ezeiza, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, to start a series of training session that will run from Monday to Friday every week until the team departs to Maracaibo, Venezuela.
It is important to consider that those who went to the tour and play in Spanish teams have obviously not been called up for Monday. They will join the trainings once La Liga is over. In ABBONDANZIERI’s case, he’ll have to wait until the Copa del Rey final (23 June) to join the team.
So the first nine (practically) guaranteed of a place that will start trainings on Monday are:
Javier ZANETTI
Nicolás BURDISSO
Esteban CAMBIASSO
Hernán CRESPO
Lucho GONZÁLEZ
Carlos TEVEZ
Javier MASCHERANO
Gabriel HEINZE
Javier PINOLA
So we’ve got the first major surprise with Javier PINOLA in the list (player profiles are coming soon to our blog). And I must admit that I’m very happy to see Javier ZANETTI back to play in a competitive tournament with the shirt he always honoured.
Who’s next?
Well…obviously the Spanish Gang will have an advantage over the rest.
COCO might call up a few players from the local league after the next round of matches are played this weekend and the list will be closer to be finalised.
In the meantime, let’s play the waiting game and try and complete the list.
Here, here, let me try (numbers are just there to help me count up to 22. Nothing to do with the numbers that will be on the shirts):
10. Lionel MESSI
11. Pablo AIMAR
12. Roberto ABBONDANZIERI (GK)
13. Gabriel MILITO
14. Roberto AYALA
15. Fernando GAGO
16. Diego MILITO
17. Maxi RODRIGUEZ
18. Juan Sebastián VERON
19. Hugo IBARRA
20. Rodrigo PALACIO
21. Leo FRANCO (GK)
22. Juan Pablo CARRIZO (GK)
My reasons?
There are a few obvious choices like MESSI, AIMAR, AYALA, MILITO, ABBONDANZIERI and COCO’s favourite Fernando GAGO.
As for the rest of my list:
I think COCO will give MAXI a chance. He didn’t call him for the recent tour but I think he already knows what MAXI can bring and my gamble is that we will see him in the Copa America. That’s why Jonas GUTIERREZ will be left out (becoming the only one left out from the Spanish Gang that went on tour last week).
From the domestic league, it’s been almost an open secret that Juan Sebastian VERON will make his international comeback.
IBARRA has been a long-time favourite of COCO and will be a perfect back-up for Javier ZANETTI as right back. He might even give PUPI a hard battle for the starting spot.
Rodrigo PALACIO has not been playing like he can, but his pace and finishing skills will be welcomed.
COCO said he will take three goalkeepers to Venezuela and that’s why I include ABBONDANZIERI (sure bet), Leo FRANCO and Juan Pablo CARRIZO. I wouldn’t be surprised if USTARI is called up instead of FRANCO. But CARRIZO, in my opinion, has a lot of chances of joining COCO’s Army.
So…out of these 13 names…how many do I have to have right in order to pass the exam??? Will I pass with 10 out of 13?
The FINALS, Game 1 - MANU scores 16 and OBERTO starts!!!
Before I start to say anything, the first thing I would like to do is say.....
Le Bron JAMES, Welcome to the NBA Finals.
For the past week, everyone seems to be talking about a destiny calling (which I'm sure at some point in the future) without even realizing that this place its not for the fainted heart.
Arguably the much talk about Final in recent times, San Antonio SPURS drew first blood as they defeated the Cleveland CAVALIERS by 85-76, to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Le Bron JAMES, Welcome to the NBA Finals.
For the past week, everyone seems to be talking about a destiny calling (which I'm sure at some point in the future) without even realizing that this place its not for the fainted heart.
Arguably the much talk about Final in recent times, San Antonio SPURS drew first blood as they defeated the Cleveland CAVALIERS by 85-76, to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Well done Tim DUNCAN (24 points) and Tony PARKER (27 points), you guys were the star of the night. But how would all this be possible without the mercurial talent of Manu GINOBILI, who notched 16 points, 8 rebounds & 1 steal. Well Big POPO's decision to leave MANU on the bench continue to puzzle many of us here, but even he would deny that there is no one else better to rely on from the bench.MANU was certainly everywhere, even when not scoring he also had a hand in controlling the young Le Bron.What about Fabricio OBERTO? Though he might have achieve plenty in his career but maybe, just maybe this was whole a new different level for him. Though there was no points for him tonight, instead he had posted 4 rebounds & 2 assists, he had a much more complicated task ahead for him as he had to contain Cleveland's Zydrunas IILGAUSKAS. And certainly OBERTO did a wonderful job in the battle of the center, as the Lithuanian only had a mere 2 points to his credit.
This series in certainly far from over yet and I'm itching right now for Game 2, which will be on the 10th of June at San Antonio.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
DUNGA names the 22 players for Copa America
A day after a completely different set of players played to a 0-0 draw against Turkey, Brazil manager, DUNGA, announced the 22 players that will be looking to defend the Copa America title in Venezuela.
With the return of Ze ROBERTO as one of the main stories and the confirmation of ROBINHO and DIEGO, here is the complete list for those who wear the World's most famous yellow shirt.
Goalkeepers:
DONI - Roma
HELTON - Porto
Defenders:
ALEX - PSV (I would say Chelsea now as it is almost confirmed he will play there next season)
Daniel ALVES - Sevilla
JUAN - Bayer Leverkusen
KLEBER - Santos
MAICON - Internazionale
GILBERTO - Hertha Berlin
Alex SILVA - São Paulo
NALDO - Werder Bremen
Midfielders:
JOSUÉ - São Paulo
ANDERSON - Porto
DIEGO - Werder Bremen
ELANO - Shakhtar Donetsk
FERNANDO - Bordeaux
Zé ROBERTO - Santos
Gilberto SILVA - Arsenal
MINEIRO - Hertha Berlim
Forwards:
AFONSO - Heerenveen
FRED - Lyon
ROBINHO - Real Madrid
Vagner LOVE - CSKA Moscow
Let me tell you about the first impressions I have from colleagues at work, here in Brazil.
THEY HATE THIS LIST!
Thay are asking: Who the hell is FERNANDO (Bordeaux) and what is AFONSO (HEERENVEEN) doing there?
But I think we should be careful in what we think of them. I'll say this until my dying days: THEY ARE BRAZIL, PEOPLE! And you should never underestimate them. NEVER!
I think they will be very motivated and we shouldn't forget about what happened in Peru during the last Copa America final and how we lost to a Brazil "B Team" on penalties.
They have a great midfield line with the likes of Gilberto SILVA, DIEGO, ELANO (scored 2 against Argentina in our friendly in London) and Ze ROBERTO.
Up front...ROBINHO is World Class and provides the flair and pace. FRED has a knack for scoring and both AFONSO and Vagner LOVE can become excellent subs.
Of course I'm not as concerned as I would have been if the likes of KAKA, RONALDINHO and RONALDO were in the list. Of course we can beat them and oh how I wish we can have the chance!
Especially now...that I know a lot of Brazilians!
With the return of Ze ROBERTO as one of the main stories and the confirmation of ROBINHO and DIEGO, here is the complete list for those who wear the World's most famous yellow shirt.
Goalkeepers:
DONI - Roma
HELTON - Porto
Defenders:
ALEX - PSV (I would say Chelsea now as it is almost confirmed he will play there next season)
Daniel ALVES - Sevilla
JUAN - Bayer Leverkusen
KLEBER - Santos
MAICON - Internazionale
GILBERTO - Hertha Berlin
Alex SILVA - São Paulo
NALDO - Werder Bremen
Midfielders:
JOSUÉ - São Paulo
ANDERSON - Porto
DIEGO - Werder Bremen
ELANO - Shakhtar Donetsk
FERNANDO - Bordeaux
Zé ROBERTO - Santos
Gilberto SILVA - Arsenal
MINEIRO - Hertha Berlim
Forwards:
AFONSO - Heerenveen
FRED - Lyon
ROBINHO - Real Madrid
Vagner LOVE - CSKA Moscow
Let me tell you about the first impressions I have from colleagues at work, here in Brazil.
THEY HATE THIS LIST!
Thay are asking: Who the hell is FERNANDO (Bordeaux) and what is AFONSO (HEERENVEEN) doing there?
But I think we should be careful in what we think of them. I'll say this until my dying days: THEY ARE BRAZIL, PEOPLE! And you should never underestimate them. NEVER!
I think they will be very motivated and we shouldn't forget about what happened in Peru during the last Copa America final and how we lost to a Brazil "B Team" on penalties.
They have a great midfield line with the likes of Gilberto SILVA, DIEGO, ELANO (scored 2 against Argentina in our friendly in London) and Ze ROBERTO.
Up front...ROBINHO is World Class and provides the flair and pace. FRED has a knack for scoring and both AFONSO and Vagner LOVE can become excellent subs.
Of course I'm not as concerned as I would have been if the likes of KAKA, RONALDINHO and RONALDO were in the list. Of course we can beat them and oh how I wish we can have the chance!
Especially now...that I know a lot of Brazilians!
The FINALS
Today as I’m writing this article, it is Wednesday the 6th of June (in Malaysia), with just two days left before the tip-off of Game 1 in this season NBA Finals. Oh boy!!! I can’t really wait for that to happen as we are in for a REAL threat in the month of June.
I still remember what was the feeling like when I was writing a preview on the play-offs back in April and everything will be settled within the next two weeks. Throughout my short time being an avid NBA follower, this post season has been the best for me, in terms of all the excitement and drama that took place.
Who would have thought last year finalist the MAVERICKS and HEATS would’ve bowed out the first round. The RAPTORS and WARRIORS were making a return to the play-off after a lengthy time and made a good impression indeed. Once again Houston ROCKET’s YAO and McGRADY failed to deliver when it really matters. And of course that intense series between the SUNS and SPURS.
So now from 16 franchises only two is left to battle it out for the ultimate crown in basketball and to re-write their respective history on the walls of NBA.
On one hand there is the Cleveland CAVALIERS, whom are gunning for the first NBA title in their franchise history. Many of that success come from the inspiration of KING Le Bron JAMES. While the entire world believe that the time has come for him to join the ranks of Greatest before him such as RUSSELL, MAGIC, BIRD or JORDAN and being an admire of him I do know that time will come but not now, after all he is still 22 years only.
It is the other side that matter the most for me as San Antonio SPURS are on the verge of creating a dynasty by winning their fourth NBA crown in 9 years and joining previous great teams such as the CELTICS of the 60s, LAKERS of the 80s and the BULLS of the 90s. However unlike previous dynasties, there are other factors to why SPURS success will play a significant factor in the NBA. With a roster that is well represented INTERNATIONALY, with the presents of two Argentines, a Frenchmen, a Dutchman, a Slovenian and an All-Star and future Hall of Fame Captain, SPURS are arguably playing the indefinite role in pushing the NBA of being more of Global rather than an American brand.
Now lets rest our laurels on that the fact that Tim DUNCAN is a inspiration captain and towering figure in the team and Tony PARKER is a great point guard in every inch as Steve NASH can be, as for any reasonable basketball fans would not argue that much of the credit should also go to the two ever present Tall Albicelestes in the SPURS team.
For Emmanuel GINOBILI, he success story is not something new as for every team that he has played for, he touched of brilliance has turn them into gold. In his fifth season with the San Antonio Spurs, MANU has already won two championships and is targeting a third. And it is no accident that the guard is at the center of the franchise's success.
MANU has been a winner his entire career. He was a two-time MVP in the Italian League and led Argentina to the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, where he was MVP of the tournament. In the 2005 NBA Finals, the 6ft 6in guard nearly outpolled Tim Duncan for the MVP honours.
His performance in the play-off for this season didn’t start the way he would have hoped to be. Despite having played amazingly during the regular season, MANU was erratic at times especially during the first round series against the Denver NUGGETS. But all that changed during that heated encounter against the Phoenix SUNS as he raised his stake to help the SPURS win that series and subsequently against the Utah JAZZ as well. He is the X factor for San Antonio, who are 9-0 this post-season when he scores at least 15 points. And it doesn't bother him that he gets under the skin of opposing players. He just continues to win.
According to Spurs coach Gregg POPOVICH, MANU's aggressiveness is the catalyst for San Antonio's offense, especially when it is sputtering.
The question will always remain in why he is not starter despite of all this? Well I’m sure BIG POPO has something else in his mind and will know what to do.
If everything falls into the correct place, he is definitely going to be ranked among Albicelestes greatest. He is to basketball the same way Diego MARADONA and Juan Manuel FANGIO is for their respective field.
As for Fabricio OBERTO, his road to stardom in the NBA may be something accidental. Two years ago when the SPURS scouting team where paying visit to the Spanish city of Vitoria, all eyes was on their draft pick Luis SCOLA. Having realized that SCOLA may cost them huge amount on his buyout clause, they quickly shifted their attention to the other Argie on TAU Ceramica’s roster.
OBERTO knew what were the risk he was taking when agreed to join the SPURS for the 2005/06 season. In a star-studded team, he is likely to loose that liberty he had enjoyed as a starter throughout his time in Europe. Despite of all this at the tender age of 32, don’t tell that to OBERTO, for he is a hungry veteran.
He is just for four games away from completing a magnificent double. Just as his compatriot has already done, OBERTO can win, for his own, both an Olympic gold and an NBA crown. "We are so close to reaching the summit, to winning the title, but we have to keep cool and have patience. Every day the adrenalin grows, but we know we have to remain calm."
The former Atenas Cordoba player, who has also played for Olympiacos in Greece and Pamesa Valencia in Spain, added: "I have a lot of experience, but playing an NBA final is new for me and I have to keep learning. I always dreamed of playing in the NBA finals and now I could fulfill that - I'm enjoying every moment”.
Over the last 8 matches in the play-off, OBERTO hard work and patience has paid off, as BIG POPO decides to start him instead of Francisco ELSON for the center role. And he is delighted to be playing alongside NBA superstar Tim DUNCAN. "Playing with Tim is incredible and the chemistry between us is increasing," he said to La Manana de Cordoba newspaper.
So for all you Albicelestes and San Antonio SPURS supporters out there, stand up and be counted!!!
Game 1 will be played at San Antonio, 7th of June (Malaysian time 9.00 am, 8th June)
Oh!!! By the way, my prediction for this final is SPURS to win in Game 6. So what’s your?
I still remember what was the feeling like when I was writing a preview on the play-offs back in April and everything will be settled within the next two weeks. Throughout my short time being an avid NBA follower, this post season has been the best for me, in terms of all the excitement and drama that took place.
Who would have thought last year finalist the MAVERICKS and HEATS would’ve bowed out the first round. The RAPTORS and WARRIORS were making a return to the play-off after a lengthy time and made a good impression indeed. Once again Houston ROCKET’s YAO and McGRADY failed to deliver when it really matters. And of course that intense series between the SUNS and SPURS.
So now from 16 franchises only two is left to battle it out for the ultimate crown in basketball and to re-write their respective history on the walls of NBA.
On one hand there is the Cleveland CAVALIERS, whom are gunning for the first NBA title in their franchise history. Many of that success come from the inspiration of KING Le Bron JAMES. While the entire world believe that the time has come for him to join the ranks of Greatest before him such as RUSSELL, MAGIC, BIRD or JORDAN and being an admire of him I do know that time will come but not now, after all he is still 22 years only.
It is the other side that matter the most for me as San Antonio SPURS are on the verge of creating a dynasty by winning their fourth NBA crown in 9 years and joining previous great teams such as the CELTICS of the 60s, LAKERS of the 80s and the BULLS of the 90s. However unlike previous dynasties, there are other factors to why SPURS success will play a significant factor in the NBA. With a roster that is well represented INTERNATIONALY, with the presents of two Argentines, a Frenchmen, a Dutchman, a Slovenian and an All-Star and future Hall of Fame Captain, SPURS are arguably playing the indefinite role in pushing the NBA of being more of Global rather than an American brand.
Now lets rest our laurels on that the fact that Tim DUNCAN is a inspiration captain and towering figure in the team and Tony PARKER is a great point guard in every inch as Steve NASH can be, as for any reasonable basketball fans would not argue that much of the credit should also go to the two ever present Tall Albicelestes in the SPURS team.
For Emmanuel GINOBILI, he success story is not something new as for every team that he has played for, he touched of brilliance has turn them into gold. In his fifth season with the San Antonio Spurs, MANU has already won two championships and is targeting a third. And it is no accident that the guard is at the center of the franchise's success.
MANU has been a winner his entire career. He was a two-time MVP in the Italian League and led Argentina to the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, where he was MVP of the tournament. In the 2005 NBA Finals, the 6ft 6in guard nearly outpolled Tim Duncan for the MVP honours.
His performance in the play-off for this season didn’t start the way he would have hoped to be. Despite having played amazingly during the regular season, MANU was erratic at times especially during the first round series against the Denver NUGGETS. But all that changed during that heated encounter against the Phoenix SUNS as he raised his stake to help the SPURS win that series and subsequently against the Utah JAZZ as well. He is the X factor for San Antonio, who are 9-0 this post-season when he scores at least 15 points. And it doesn't bother him that he gets under the skin of opposing players. He just continues to win.
According to Spurs coach Gregg POPOVICH, MANU's aggressiveness is the catalyst for San Antonio's offense, especially when it is sputtering.
The question will always remain in why he is not starter despite of all this? Well I’m sure BIG POPO has something else in his mind and will know what to do.
If everything falls into the correct place, he is definitely going to be ranked among Albicelestes greatest. He is to basketball the same way Diego MARADONA and Juan Manuel FANGIO is for their respective field.
As for Fabricio OBERTO, his road to stardom in the NBA may be something accidental. Two years ago when the SPURS scouting team where paying visit to the Spanish city of Vitoria, all eyes was on their draft pick Luis SCOLA. Having realized that SCOLA may cost them huge amount on his buyout clause, they quickly shifted their attention to the other Argie on TAU Ceramica’s roster.
OBERTO knew what were the risk he was taking when agreed to join the SPURS for the 2005/06 season. In a star-studded team, he is likely to loose that liberty he had enjoyed as a starter throughout his time in Europe. Despite of all this at the tender age of 32, don’t tell that to OBERTO, for he is a hungry veteran.
He is just for four games away from completing a magnificent double. Just as his compatriot has already done, OBERTO can win, for his own, both an Olympic gold and an NBA crown. "We are so close to reaching the summit, to winning the title, but we have to keep cool and have patience. Every day the adrenalin grows, but we know we have to remain calm."
The former Atenas Cordoba player, who has also played for Olympiacos in Greece and Pamesa Valencia in Spain, added: "I have a lot of experience, but playing an NBA final is new for me and I have to keep learning. I always dreamed of playing in the NBA finals and now I could fulfill that - I'm enjoying every moment”.
Over the last 8 matches in the play-off, OBERTO hard work and patience has paid off, as BIG POPO decides to start him instead of Francisco ELSON for the center role. And he is delighted to be playing alongside NBA superstar Tim DUNCAN. "Playing with Tim is incredible and the chemistry between us is increasing," he said to La Manana de Cordoba newspaper.
So for all you Albicelestes and San Antonio SPURS supporters out there, stand up and be counted!!!
Game 1 will be played at San Antonio, 7th of June (Malaysian time 9.00 am, 8th June)
Oh!!! By the way, my prediction for this final is SPURS to win in Game 6. So what’s your?
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
BASILE: "MESSI thrills me when he plays"
It is known that BASILE has a soft spot for Lionel MESSI. He can't say enough good things about The Flea.
Tonight was no exception. After Lionel's brace against Algeria, COCO said: "MESSI thrills me with the way he plays. He is a different kind of player. He does some things that only the chosen ones are capable of doing."
About the team in general, the manager said: "I'm quite pleased with our second half performance. We were superior in those last 45 minutes with the ball in our feet but we missed a lot of chances. We didn't work a lot in the defensive aspects and we need time to solve some issues. I have to confess that I've never seen a player shot three identical balls in a game and his team score from those actions" (in reference to BOUGHERRA's part in Algeria's three goals)
"I said I wanted 10 scoring chances per game and today we've done that. That's why I'm happy. We showed some great plays, one-two combinations..."
"The outcome of this tour has to be positive. I've met some players I haven't been with before, we shared a day-to-day environment and we were able to see them closely. All those things are really necessary".
Tonight was no exception. After Lionel's brace against Algeria, COCO said: "MESSI thrills me with the way he plays. He is a different kind of player. He does some things that only the chosen ones are capable of doing."
About the team in general, the manager said: "I'm quite pleased with our second half performance. We were superior in those last 45 minutes with the ball in our feet but we missed a lot of chances. We didn't work a lot in the defensive aspects and we need time to solve some issues. I have to confess that I've never seen a player shot three identical balls in a game and his team score from those actions" (in reference to BOUGHERRA's part in Algeria's three goals)
"I said I wanted 10 scoring chances per game and today we've done that. That's why I'm happy. We showed some great plays, one-two combinations..."
"The outcome of this tour has to be positive. I've met some players I haven't been with before, we shared a day-to-day environment and we were able to see them closely. All those things are really necessary".
Argentina 4 - 3 Algeria: Match Highlights
The game was played in Catalunya?
Then this video is in Catalan!
Hope you enjoy the goals!
Argentina v Algeria - Match Thread here...
...if there is anybody there...let's follow the game together (while I'm pretending to be working) through the comments section of this post.
VAMOS ARGENTINA!
Lineup confirmed:
Argentina: Abbondanzieri; Burdisso, Ayala, G. Milito, Pinola; Zanetti, Gago y Cambiasso; Messi, Tevez and D. Milito.
1st minute: And we've got a penalty in the very first minute. Diego MILITO was fouled inside the area.
Carlos TEVEZ took it and made no mistake.
Argentina 1 - Algeria 0
5th minute: TEVEZ and MILITO seem to be working well together. A cross from Carlitos and Diego was unable to make contact with the ball.
7th minute: MESSI sent the ball towards the area and BURDISSO scored with a header. But the linesman flagged the Inter defender as he was offside.
9th minute: Algeria equalise! YAHIA scores with a header after a mistake from ABBONDANZIERI following a corner kick.
Argentina 1 - Algeria 1
40th minute: MESSI with a great move, the keeper sent it out for a corner kick.
43rd minute: Algeria scored! BOUGHERRA surprises everyone and Algeria have turned the game around.
Argentina 1 - Algeria 2 (Oh dear!)
End of 1st Half: Argentina started off like we were destined to win big. Then we conceeded a couple of goals on set-pieces and we are suddenly 2-1 down against a team that shouldn't be causing us any problems.
I think there is no excuse (lack of time to work together, heavy rain, tiredness, etc). We should be beating them comfortably with the kind of players we have and their quality.
It's still early. We could have been surprised one or two times and there are still 45 minutes to be played. It is a game that we are still with chances to win and I'm confident we can do it.
We'll see what we change for the second half.
Start of 2nd Half: Javier MASCHERANO and Lucho GONZALEZ are in. Fernando GAGO and Nicolás BURDISSO were replaced by them.
49th minute: Diego MILITO was denied when the ball was crossing the finish line. Almost there...
52nd minute: MESSI hits the post. So close again...
55th minute: Lionel MESSI scores from the penalty spot. He suffered a foul inside the area and then exchanged it for a goal.
Argentina 2 - Algeria 2 (Now's more like it!)
57th minute: Javier ZANETTI started the action, sent a cross and his Inter team-mate Esteban CAMBIASSO scored with a great header.
Argentina 3 - Algeria 2 (And there is a commentator I know that is starting to eat all their words).
61st minute: Hernán CRESPO replaces Diego MILITO.
67th minute: Pablo AIMAR replaces Carlos TEVEZ. We'll have to wait and see if MESSI now moves forward and AIMAR takes the play-making role.
73rd minute: MESSI's done it again! Great combination between Lionel and Pablo AIMAR and the Barça star finished in style.
Argentina 4 - Algeria 2 (And MESSI will now look to score his first ever hat-trick for Argentina).
75th minute: ABBONDANZIERI fails again and Algeria still have a chance in the game. BOUGHERRA again.
Argentina 4 - Algeria 3 (Can't we just have a quiet game. Can't we just finish a game without destroying our nervous system?)
VAMOS ARGENTINA!
Lineup confirmed:
Argentina: Abbondanzieri; Burdisso, Ayala, G. Milito, Pinola; Zanetti, Gago y Cambiasso; Messi, Tevez and D. Milito.
1st minute: And we've got a penalty in the very first minute. Diego MILITO was fouled inside the area.
Carlos TEVEZ took it and made no mistake.
Argentina 1 - Algeria 0
5th minute: TEVEZ and MILITO seem to be working well together. A cross from Carlitos and Diego was unable to make contact with the ball.
7th minute: MESSI sent the ball towards the area and BURDISSO scored with a header. But the linesman flagged the Inter defender as he was offside.
9th minute: Algeria equalise! YAHIA scores with a header after a mistake from ABBONDANZIERI following a corner kick.
Argentina 1 - Algeria 1
40th minute: MESSI with a great move, the keeper sent it out for a corner kick.
43rd minute: Algeria scored! BOUGHERRA surprises everyone and Algeria have turned the game around.
Argentina 1 - Algeria 2 (Oh dear!)
End of 1st Half: Argentina started off like we were destined to win big. Then we conceeded a couple of goals on set-pieces and we are suddenly 2-1 down against a team that shouldn't be causing us any problems.
I think there is no excuse (lack of time to work together, heavy rain, tiredness, etc). We should be beating them comfortably with the kind of players we have and their quality.
It's still early. We could have been surprised one or two times and there are still 45 minutes to be played. It is a game that we are still with chances to win and I'm confident we can do it.
We'll see what we change for the second half.
Start of 2nd Half: Javier MASCHERANO and Lucho GONZALEZ are in. Fernando GAGO and Nicolás BURDISSO were replaced by them.
49th minute: Diego MILITO was denied when the ball was crossing the finish line. Almost there...
52nd minute: MESSI hits the post. So close again...
55th minute: Lionel MESSI scores from the penalty spot. He suffered a foul inside the area and then exchanged it for a goal.
Argentina 2 - Algeria 2 (Now's more like it!)
57th minute: Javier ZANETTI started the action, sent a cross and his Inter team-mate Esteban CAMBIASSO scored with a great header.
Argentina 3 - Algeria 2 (And there is a commentator I know that is starting to eat all their words).
61st minute: Hernán CRESPO replaces Diego MILITO.
67th minute: Pablo AIMAR replaces Carlos TEVEZ. We'll have to wait and see if MESSI now moves forward and AIMAR takes the play-making role.
73rd minute: MESSI's done it again! Great combination between Lionel and Pablo AIMAR and the Barça star finished in style.
Argentina 4 - Algeria 2 (And MESSI will now look to score his first ever hat-trick for Argentina).
75th minute: ABBONDANZIERI fails again and Algeria still have a chance in the game. BOUGHERRA again.
Argentina 4 - Algeria 3 (Can't we just have a quiet game. Can't we just finish a game without destroying our nervous system?)
FULL TIME
Argentina 4 - Algeria 3
MORE COMMENTS TO FOLLOW LATER (and hopefully videos with highlights of the game)
Au revoir Paris...DAVYDENKO too much for CAÑAS
I must confess that I was quite confident on Guillermo CAÑAS progressing further in Roland Garros. But Nikolay DAVYDENKO proved to be too strong today and defeated the only Argentine that was left in the tournament in straight sets: 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.
We were left without what could have been a great semifinal match between CAÑAS and FEDERER and now we're going to have to wait until next year to see if an Albiceleste can take home the French Open.
We were left without what could have been a great semifinal match between CAÑAS and FEDERER and now we're going to have to wait until next year to see if an Albiceleste can take home the French Open.
PINOLA says "I do". His bride don't want him to!
OK, OK, I admit it is a tricky headline for this article. But hey...not every day you come up with a piece of news like this!
Former Chacarita Juniors and Racing Club de Avellaneda defender, Javier PINOLA, voted as the best left-back in the Bundesliga after he produced some great performances this season with Nurnberg, was recently called up for the first time to play for his country.
Until this point of the story, there is nothing really extrange. Is it?
Hours before Argentina's friendly against Algeria, PINOLA is standing before a crossroad.
He wants to play Today and he wants to show COCO that he can be an option to cover the left back position in the Copa America.
But if he do that and he convinces the manager, then he will have to POSTPONE HIS WEDDING scheduled for June 23.
Now that is what I call "ground for an early divorce", isn't it?
Fortunatelly for Javier, Mariela, his fiancee understands that this is could be a unique opportunity in his husband-to-be's life. Should she stay in the way of Javier's dream of playing for Argentina?
We are talking about the day for which most women wait their whole life and a lot of them will not even consider the chance of postponing the wedding.
But what does PINOLA have to say about this? Here here...
"I've got a beautiful problem! Truth is that we've been planning this wedding for a year, but if a trip to Venezuela with our National Team is confirmed, then it'll be like reaching a dream. I'm sure of what I want: I first think of our National Team. The wedding can happen later...Not because of this decision will I stop loving my woman!".
"My wedding is in stand-by now. If I go to the Copa America, I'll get married whenever I can in the future."
"I was surprised when COCO called me, because I didn't receive any clue before. I was surprised especially because the Bundesliga is not followed very much in Argentina. But I knew I was doing a good job and our team was doing quite well. We even won the German Cup. So I was confident that COCO would follow my performances."
"Being here training with Argentina is like paradise to me. I'm living a dream."
When asked about the most difficult question, Javier reluctantly admits: "My wife kind of give up now! She knows this is my dream, the reward of a life of hard work. She wants me to play the Copa America because she knows how much I fought for this through all my life. But of course there is a huge part of her that wants to get married!"
"I too want to get married. Don't get me wrong! hahaha!"
Former Chacarita Juniors and Racing Club de Avellaneda defender, Javier PINOLA, voted as the best left-back in the Bundesliga after he produced some great performances this season with Nurnberg, was recently called up for the first time to play for his country.
Until this point of the story, there is nothing really extrange. Is it?
Hours before Argentina's friendly against Algeria, PINOLA is standing before a crossroad.
He wants to play Today and he wants to show COCO that he can be an option to cover the left back position in the Copa America.
But if he do that and he convinces the manager, then he will have to POSTPONE HIS WEDDING scheduled for June 23.
Now that is what I call "ground for an early divorce", isn't it?
Fortunatelly for Javier, Mariela, his fiancee understands that this is could be a unique opportunity in his husband-to-be's life. Should she stay in the way of Javier's dream of playing for Argentina?
We are talking about the day for which most women wait their whole life and a lot of them will not even consider the chance of postponing the wedding.
But what does PINOLA have to say about this? Here here...
"I've got a beautiful problem! Truth is that we've been planning this wedding for a year, but if a trip to Venezuela with our National Team is confirmed, then it'll be like reaching a dream. I'm sure of what I want: I first think of our National Team. The wedding can happen later...Not because of this decision will I stop loving my woman!".
"My wedding is in stand-by now. If I go to the Copa America, I'll get married whenever I can in the future."
"I was surprised when COCO called me, because I didn't receive any clue before. I was surprised especially because the Bundesliga is not followed very much in Argentina. But I knew I was doing a good job and our team was doing quite well. We even won the German Cup. So I was confident that COCO would follow my performances."
"Being here training with Argentina is like paradise to me. I'm living a dream."
When asked about the most difficult question, Javier reluctantly admits: "My wife kind of give up now! She knows this is my dream, the reward of a life of hard work. She wants me to play the Copa America because she knows how much I fought for this through all my life. But of course there is a huge part of her that wants to get married!"
"I too want to get married. Don't get me wrong! hahaha!"
Monday, June 04, 2007
News round-up
The day before our second and last friendly in this European tour, against Algeria at the Camp Nou of Barcelona, Alfio BASILE said he’ll wait until the last moment to confirm our lineup while he announced that he will use most of the players from Saturday.
COCO will wait because he wants to check on the players’ fitness as he is looking to avoid conflicts, especially with the Spanish clubs.
Why is this? Because a lot of our players are key members of their Spanish teams and they all have to play crucial La Liga matches next weekend.
MESSI, AIMAR, The Militos (could be a name for a rock band! Haha!), GAGO and AYALA are all huge parts of teams fighting for the title or to get to next season’s Champions League or UEFA Cup.
After what happened with Maxi RODRIGUEZ (injured knee in a friendly against Spain, had to sit out for most of the season), I guess COCO wants to be as politically correct as he possibly can with the clubs.
Clubs I said?
OK, then…so who is going to take one of the hottest products in the market?
Carlitos TEVEZ said: “I don’t know where I’ll play next season. I still haven’t decide yet. I’m just thinking in our National Team.”
Then he said a funny thing about his goal against Switzerland: “I surprised everyone. Even myself! I think I finished quite well considering it was with my head!”.
Another hot product that teams all over Europe are desperate to put their hands in is Gabriel MILITO. The solid central defender (once accused by Real Madrid of having a career-ending injury on his knee when he was set to pass a medical at the Bernabeu), is now a priority for Serie B champions Juventus.
The Vecchia Signora are ready to splash as much as 16 million Euros for the Real Zaragoza defender, who is also being chased by FC Barcelona (along with his brother Diego).
The only problem could be the pay-off clause is set on 30 million Euros and that price could scare Juventus.
Watching our rivals:
United States (our first rivals in the Copa America) easily defeated China 4-1 in a friendly match as the Americans prepare for the CONCACAF Gold Cup (that will be played before the Copa America).
DaMarcus BEASLEY, Brazilian born Benny FEILHABER, Clint DEMPSEYand Oguchi ONYEWU scored for the United States. ZHANG Yaokun had equalised for China in the first half.
Match highlights and information here: http://www.ussoccer.com/
Colombia, another of our group C rivals in the Copa America, are playing the Kirin Cup.
They defeated Montenegro 1-0 with a goal from River Plate’s Radamel FALCAO.
They will face Japan tomorrow in what will be the tournament decider.
COCO will wait because he wants to check on the players’ fitness as he is looking to avoid conflicts, especially with the Spanish clubs.
Why is this? Because a lot of our players are key members of their Spanish teams and they all have to play crucial La Liga matches next weekend.
MESSI, AIMAR, The Militos (could be a name for a rock band! Haha!), GAGO and AYALA are all huge parts of teams fighting for the title or to get to next season’s Champions League or UEFA Cup.
After what happened with Maxi RODRIGUEZ (injured knee in a friendly against Spain, had to sit out for most of the season), I guess COCO wants to be as politically correct as he possibly can with the clubs.
Clubs I said?
OK, then…so who is going to take one of the hottest products in the market?
Carlitos TEVEZ said: “I don’t know where I’ll play next season. I still haven’t decide yet. I’m just thinking in our National Team.”
Then he said a funny thing about his goal against Switzerland: “I surprised everyone. Even myself! I think I finished quite well considering it was with my head!”.
Another hot product that teams all over Europe are desperate to put their hands in is Gabriel MILITO. The solid central defender (once accused by Real Madrid of having a career-ending injury on his knee when he was set to pass a medical at the Bernabeu), is now a priority for Serie B champions Juventus.
The Vecchia Signora are ready to splash as much as 16 million Euros for the Real Zaragoza defender, who is also being chased by FC Barcelona (along with his brother Diego).
The only problem could be the pay-off clause is set on 30 million Euros and that price could scare Juventus.
Watching our rivals:
United States (our first rivals in the Copa America) easily defeated China 4-1 in a friendly match as the Americans prepare for the CONCACAF Gold Cup (that will be played before the Copa America).
DaMarcus BEASLEY, Brazilian born Benny FEILHABER, Clint DEMPSEYand Oguchi ONYEWU scored for the United States. ZHANG Yaokun had equalised for China in the first half.
Match highlights and information here: http://www.ussoccer.com/
Colombia, another of our group C rivals in the Copa America, are playing the Kirin Cup.
They defeated Montenegro 1-0 with a goal from River Plate’s Radamel FALCAO.
They will face Japan tomorrow in what will be the tournament decider.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
PUMAS 16 - 0 IRELAND: See you in France
Another test match between Los Pumas and Ireland. Another victory for Argentina.
Both teams will share Pool D in the upcoming Rugby World Cup (Sept. 7th - Oct. 20th) in France and the Irish went on a tour to Argentina to fine-tune in their preparations for this big event.
These two test matches, both wins for Argentina, 22-20 in Santa Fe and 16-0 in Buenos Aires, will hardly be compared to the BIG ONE that the two will play at the Parc des Princes in Paris on 30 September.
On Saturday, a crowd of 28.000 supported Los Pumas at Velez Sarsfield's José Amalfitani stadium in what was the last test-match on home soil before the Rugby World Cup.
It was the first time in 63 matches for Marcelo LOFFREDA as a manager, that a rival of rugby's top tier, is unable to score points against Los Pumas.
Manuel CONTEPOMI, the less famous brother of fly-half Felipe, scored the only try of the game, while Federico TODESCHINI (pictured) scored the other 11 points with his right foot.
Argentina and Ireland used a lot of substitutes as both managers are trying to give some of them a good "international match scenario" to see if they are worth of a place in the teams that will, in theory, fight for the second place in Pool D where France are favourites to run away with it.
Los Pumas will play against Ireland for the third consecutive World Cup. Argentina lost the last one (15-16 at Adelaide in the 2003 RWC which gave the Irish qualification to the quarterfinals -where they lost to France-).
Four years before that, in a Quarterfinals-Playoff round, Argentina defeated Ireland in an epic encounter, where Los Pumas' defense stopped the Boys in Green when they were on the verge of scoring the game-winning try. It was 28-24 in Lens and again, the winner went on to be eliminated by France in the Quarterfinals.
Here's the schedule for Argentina at the Rugby World Cup:
7 September - v FRANCE (RWC Opening Game) - Stade de France, St. Denis.
11 September - v GEORGIA - Stade Gerland, Lyon.
22 September - v NAMIBIA - Velodróme, Marseille.
30 September - v IRELAND - Parc des Princes, Paris.
We'll also be following Los Pumas here at Vamos Argentina in their way to this very difficult and exciting Rugby World Cup.
CAÑAS, the lone Albiceleste survivor in Paris
Guillermo CAÑAS played a brilliant and very intense game against compatriot Juan MONACO (6-0, 6-4, 6-2) and is now in Roland Garros quarterfinals, where he will face Nikolay DAVYDENKO after the Russian defeated David NALBANDIAN in four sets by a score of 6-3, 7-6, 3-6, 7-6.
The winner of CAÑAS v DAVYDENKO will be "awarded" with the "benefit" of facing Roger FEDERER in the semis. But CAÑAS will surely feel confident if that was to happen since he's having a positive 2007 against the World's number one.
The winner of CAÑAS v DAVYDENKO will be "awarded" with the "benefit" of facing Roger FEDERER in the semis. But CAÑAS will surely feel confident if that was to happen since he's having a positive 2007 against the World's number one.
BASILE: "MESSI will be the playmaker in Copa"
After Argentina and Switzerland played to a 1-1 draw under heavy rain for most of the first half, Alfio BASILE revealed an important decision he already made: "I liked what I saw from MESSI tonight, I'm pleased. There are a few things about the play-maker role he needs to work in. But we will take him slowly. He'll play our next game in that position (on Tuesday against Algeria at the Camp Nou). And by 28 June, when we'll start the Copa America, he'll play much better."
That's it then. Mystery solved. MESSI is and will be for years to come (if he succeeds) our play-maker. Our "enganche".
As for the team in general, BASILE said "we tried to play my kind of game. What I care about it the intention. The way we play. I don't like to win at all costs".
"I'm satisfied. We lacked that finishing touch. The rain played its part but we were the better team. They had two chances and scored one."
"We always played with the ball on the floor. Argentina have to win and play good."
MESSI himself said "I liked to play there. It wasn't my best game, the pitch didn't help, they were very well positioned and it was complicated for us. But we did what we could and we always tried to play. That's what's important."
That's it then. Mystery solved. MESSI is and will be for years to come (if he succeeds) our play-maker. Our "enganche".
As for the team in general, BASILE said "we tried to play my kind of game. What I care about it the intention. The way we play. I don't like to win at all costs".
"I'm satisfied. We lacked that finishing touch. The rain played its part but we were the better team. They had two chances and scored one."
"We always played with the ball on the floor. Argentina have to win and play good."
MESSI himself said "I liked to play there. It wasn't my best game, the pitch didn't help, they were very well positioned and it was complicated for us. But we did what we could and we always tried to play. That's what's important."
Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland: Watch CARLITOS score
Video with commentary from radio-star Victor Hugo MORALES (the same of the famous commentary of Diego MARADONA's second goal against England in the WC 1986).
Saturday, June 02, 2007
International Friendly: Switzerland v Argentina
I'm creating this post to write about the latest news and details of this international friendly between our Argentina and Switzerland at St. Jakob Park, Basel.
There has been a few changes to the Swiss probable lineup. Here's the latest information I have:
BENAGLIO; Philipp DEGEN, MULLER, SENDEROS, MAGNIN; GYGAX, WICKY, CABANAS, BARNETTA, YAKIN and STRELLER.
That makes three changes from the lineup I've published Yesterday: MULLER in for DJOUROU. . ZIEGLER and VONLANTHEN are not starting, leaving their places to GYGAX and WICKY (both key members of the squad in Germany 2006). Both of them will play in midfield making the formation look like a 4-5-1 formation with YAKIN used as a play-maker to try and feed the lone striker Marco STRELLER.
Regarding Argentina, everything is more than confirmed and the team will be composed by: ABBONDANZIERI; ZANETTI, AYALA, Gabriel MILITO, HEINZE; Lucho GONZALEZ, GAGO, CAMBIASSO, MESSI; CRESPO and TEVEZ.
Italian Domenico MESSINA will be the referee and the match will kick-off at 20:30 local time (15:30 Buenos Aires; 19:30 London; 14:30 New York). And I'm gutted because here in Brazil I won't get to watch it live...
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Gabriel HEINZE will be playing with a million eyes on him. Along with the interest that Real Madrid have to sign him for next season, now FC Barcelona have joined the battle for his services. But Manchester United are still keen on keeping him. Is he the most wanted Argie around? He sure has tough competition for that title with Carlos TEVEZ and Javier SAVIOLA still with an uncertain fate for this summer.
In the build-up to Lionel MESSI's first ever game for Argentina in the play-making position, the Barça player gave an interview to FIFA.com and said: "I'm not the best in the World".
It is a good interview, even though FIFA.com's reporter says ZAMBROTTA is MESSI's compatriot!
If you want to check out this interview, click here.
SWITZERLAND v ARGENTINA
MATCH FACTS AND FIGURES
Argentina are 3rd in the FIFA World Ranking while Switzerland sit in the 21st position.
Argentina and Switzerland only played once in a FIFA World Cup. The South American side won 2-0 (ARTIME and ONEGA) at the Hillsborough Stadium of Sheffield in the Group Stage of the England 1966 World Cup.
Switzerland never beat Argentina in 4 matches (3 losses -including that 66 World Cup match- and one draw -a friendly in Berne (1-1) in 1992-).
The complete head to head between Argentina and Switzerland can be seen here.
I'll hopefully be posting comments and updates here during the match with those of you following the action.
There has been a few changes to the Swiss probable lineup. Here's the latest information I have:
BENAGLIO; Philipp DEGEN, MULLER, SENDEROS, MAGNIN; GYGAX, WICKY, CABANAS, BARNETTA, YAKIN and STRELLER.
That makes three changes from the lineup I've published Yesterday: MULLER in for DJOUROU. . ZIEGLER and VONLANTHEN are not starting, leaving their places to GYGAX and WICKY (both key members of the squad in Germany 2006). Both of them will play in midfield making the formation look like a 4-5-1 formation with YAKIN used as a play-maker to try and feed the lone striker Marco STRELLER.
Regarding Argentina, everything is more than confirmed and the team will be composed by: ABBONDANZIERI; ZANETTI, AYALA, Gabriel MILITO, HEINZE; Lucho GONZALEZ, GAGO, CAMBIASSO, MESSI; CRESPO and TEVEZ.
Italian Domenico MESSINA will be the referee and the match will kick-off at 20:30 local time (15:30 Buenos Aires; 19:30 London; 14:30 New York). And I'm gutted because here in Brazil I won't get to watch it live...
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Gabriel HEINZE will be playing with a million eyes on him. Along with the interest that Real Madrid have to sign him for next season, now FC Barcelona have joined the battle for his services. But Manchester United are still keen on keeping him. Is he the most wanted Argie around? He sure has tough competition for that title with Carlos TEVEZ and Javier SAVIOLA still with an uncertain fate for this summer.
In the build-up to Lionel MESSI's first ever game for Argentina in the play-making position, the Barça player gave an interview to FIFA.com and said: "I'm not the best in the World".
It is a good interview, even though FIFA.com's reporter says ZAMBROTTA is MESSI's compatriot!
If you want to check out this interview, click here.
SWITZERLAND v ARGENTINA
MATCH FACTS AND FIGURES
Argentina are 3rd in the FIFA World Ranking while Switzerland sit in the 21st position.
Argentina and Switzerland only played once in a FIFA World Cup. The South American side won 2-0 (ARTIME and ONEGA) at the Hillsborough Stadium of Sheffield in the Group Stage of the England 1966 World Cup.
Switzerland never beat Argentina in 4 matches (3 losses -including that 66 World Cup match- and one draw -a friendly in Berne (1-1) in 1992-).
The complete head to head between Argentina and Switzerland can be seen here.
I'll hopefully be posting comments and updates here during the match with those of you following the action.
End of the dream for BRZEZICKI
Juan Pablo BRZEZICKI was no match for former number 1, Spaniard Carlos MOYA as he defeated him in straight sets.
It was a brave effort by Juan Pablo after he arrived to the third round coming from the Qualy.
Tomorrow we'll see our three remaining players in action as Juan MONACO faces Guillermo CAÑAS and David NALBANDIAN will try and beat Nikolay DAVYDENKO to face the winner of the duel between his two compatriots in the next round.
It was a brave effort by Juan Pablo after he arrived to the third round coming from the Qualy.
Tomorrow we'll see our three remaining players in action as Juan MONACO faces Guillermo CAÑAS and David NALBANDIAN will try and beat Nikolay DAVYDENKO to face the winner of the duel between his two compatriots in the next round.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Volleyball World League: Argentina lost again
Argentina lost their third straight game in the 2007 edition of the World League as they were defeated 3-1 (23-25, 27-25, 25-17, 25-23) by Poland at Poznan.
Having lost twice against Bulgaria (also away from home), Argentina will now try and get a win in their next game with Poland on Sunday.
The next rival for Jon URIARTE's boys will be China.
Having lost twice against Bulgaria (also away from home), Argentina will now try and get a win in their next game with Poland on Sunday.
The next rival for Jon URIARTE's boys will be China.
Basket: HERNANDEZ names FIBA Americas team
Knowing that the big guns will not represent Argentina at Las Vegas in the FIBA Americas tournament, Sergio HERNANDEZ announced the full list of players that will wear the Albiceleste, looking for a place in Beijing 2008.
Without "NBAers" Manu GINOBILI, Andrés NOCIONI, Fabricio OBERTO and Walter HERRMANN, our manager opted for a squad composed by:
Juan Ignacio "Pepe" SANCHEZ, Pablo PRIGIONI, Antonio PORTA, Nicolás GIANELLA, Paolo QUINTEROS, Carlos DELFINO, Matías SANDES, Federico KAMMERICHS, Hernán JASEN, Diego LO GRIPPO, Leonardo MAINOLDI, Juan GUTIERREZ, Gabriel FERNANDEZ, Luis SCOLA, Román GONZALEZ, Rubén WOLKOWYSKI and Leonardo GUTIERREZ.
The natural leaders and key starters will be Luis SCOLA, Pepe SANCHEZ and Carlos DELFINO.
There is experience in WOLKOWYSKI, Gabriel FERNANDEZ and Leo GUTIERREZ. It'll be mixed with exciting youth and some hot-shots that are playing in Europe: Pablo PRIGIONI, Hernan JASEN and Federico KAMMERICHS (a Walter HERRMANN clon) being the stand-out players of this group.
But there is still one little obstacle for HERNANDEZ to overcome: Pepe SANCHEZ and Leonardo GUTIERREZ are yet to confirm their intention to play in the tournament.
The team will gather on 23 July in Bahía Blanca (in the southern region of the Buenos Aires province -where Manu GINOBILI and Pepe SANCHEZ -among others- were born). Bahía Blanca is considered the capital of basketball in Argentina. A place were basketball is even more popular than football. Two weeks after the initial meeting they will play there a friendly match against Uruguay.
They will play the Super 4 Tournament in Santa Fé (6 and 7 August) against Uruguay, Canada and Spain. On 16 August they will travel to Puerto Rico to play the Tuto Marchant Cup (together with the home team, Brazil and Canada) and on 22 August they will fly to their final destination: Las Vegas.
In other news, HERNANDEZ have also announced the team that will take part of the PanAm Games in Rio 2007.
Luis CEQUEIRA, Raimundo LEGARIA, Antonio PORTA, Nicolás GIANELLA, Pablo MOLDÚ, Mariano BYRÓ, Diego GARCIA, Javier BULFONI, Matías SANDES, Patricio PRATO, Andrés PELUSSI, Gabriel MIKULAS, Leonardo MAINOLDI, Diego LO GRIPPO, Martín LEIVA, Damián TINTORELLI, Román GONZALEZ and Juan Ignacio JASEN.
Without "NBAers" Manu GINOBILI, Andrés NOCIONI, Fabricio OBERTO and Walter HERRMANN, our manager opted for a squad composed by:
Juan Ignacio "Pepe" SANCHEZ, Pablo PRIGIONI, Antonio PORTA, Nicolás GIANELLA, Paolo QUINTEROS, Carlos DELFINO, Matías SANDES, Federico KAMMERICHS, Hernán JASEN, Diego LO GRIPPO, Leonardo MAINOLDI, Juan GUTIERREZ, Gabriel FERNANDEZ, Luis SCOLA, Román GONZALEZ, Rubén WOLKOWYSKI and Leonardo GUTIERREZ.
The natural leaders and key starters will be Luis SCOLA, Pepe SANCHEZ and Carlos DELFINO.
There is experience in WOLKOWYSKI, Gabriel FERNANDEZ and Leo GUTIERREZ. It'll be mixed with exciting youth and some hot-shots that are playing in Europe: Pablo PRIGIONI, Hernan JASEN and Federico KAMMERICHS (a Walter HERRMANN clon) being the stand-out players of this group.
But there is still one little obstacle for HERNANDEZ to overcome: Pepe SANCHEZ and Leonardo GUTIERREZ are yet to confirm their intention to play in the tournament.
The team will gather on 23 July in Bahía Blanca (in the southern region of the Buenos Aires province -where Manu GINOBILI and Pepe SANCHEZ -among others- were born). Bahía Blanca is considered the capital of basketball in Argentina. A place were basketball is even more popular than football. Two weeks after the initial meeting they will play there a friendly match against Uruguay.
They will play the Super 4 Tournament in Santa Fé (6 and 7 August) against Uruguay, Canada and Spain. On 16 August they will travel to Puerto Rico to play the Tuto Marchant Cup (together with the home team, Brazil and Canada) and on 22 August they will fly to their final destination: Las Vegas.
In other news, HERNANDEZ have also announced the team that will take part of the PanAm Games in Rio 2007.
Luis CEQUEIRA, Raimundo LEGARIA, Antonio PORTA, Nicolás GIANELLA, Pablo MOLDÚ, Mariano BYRÓ, Diego GARCIA, Javier BULFONI, Matías SANDES, Patricio PRATO, Andrés PELUSSI, Gabriel MIKULAS, Leonardo MAINOLDI, Diego LO GRIPPO, Martín LEIVA, Damián TINTORELLI, Román GONZALEZ and Juan Ignacio JASEN.
BASILE: "I'm proud of the Argentine players"
Alfio BASILE gave a press conference today in Basel and said very interesting things about our players and the near future of the Albicelestes.
“I’m proud of my players because they always want to be a part of our national team. They are the ones who feel these colours the most. Not for nothing they are always wanted by the best clubs in Europe”.
BASILE announced that Roberto AYALA will remain the captain and confirmed the starting line-up we published Yesterday here in Vamos Argentina:
ABBONDANZIERI; ZANETTI, AYALA, Gabriel MILITO, HEINZE; Lucho GONZALEZ, GAGO, CAMBIASSO, MESSI; CRESPO and TEVEZ.
“Sometimes, people don’t realize of the sacrifice these players make. The Argentine footballer is the one who suffers the most. That is why they are so admired in Europe and in the whole World. Because he is a man who really feels the shirt he is wearing, the one who, in defeat, suffers more.”
“This match against Swirzerland will be good for us to fine-tune for the Copa America. Even if I do have the complete squad in my head, I still need to decide on two or three spots between players that have even chances”.
What a great motivational speach for the players to receive before this friendly (and before the Copa America). They know they are in COCO’s plans, but they can’t relax. They have to stay focused and show the manager what they can do.
SCOUTING REPORT: SWITZERLAND
Our rivals, Switzerland, are not having the best of times. Even though they are already qualified for the Euro 2008 (as they are one of the hosts together with Austria), their manager, Kobi KUHN, could risk his job if he losses big tomorrow against Argentina.
Switzerland are a team that left Germany 2006 without conceeding a single goal in the whole competition. But their lack of finishing costed them dearly as they failed to score a single goal in a penalty shoot-out against Ukraine that saw them leaving the World Cup with a bad taste in their mouthes.
Their top forward, Alexander FREI is out and their probable lineup looks like this: BENAGLIO; DEGEN, DJOUROU, SENDEROS, MAGNIN; BARNETTA, YAKIN, CABANAS, ZIEGLER; VONLANTHEN and STRELLER.
Nine of them played in the World Cup (only VONLANTHEN and ZIEGLER were not in their Germany 2006 squad).
Every member of their back four are interesting players: DJOUROU and SENDEROS with Premiership experience and physical presence and MAGNIN being a left-back that will advance into attacking positions at every chance he’ll have. Philipp DEGEN, of Borussia Dortmund, is a steady right-back who can score the ocassional goal.
Tranquillo BARNETTA is a modern midfielder who can do everything and do it at a good level (he shone in the World Cup), while YAKIN is the most “South-American” (in a way that he can really play with the ball at his feet and make others around him play). Ricardo CABANAS is a Spanish-Swiss midfielder and an international since the year 2000. Reto ZIEGLER belongs to Tottenham Hotspurs but was loaned in 2006 to Wigan and then to Sampdoria, where he ended up playing 10 games and scoring 1 goal this season.
In attack, VONLANTHEN is even more South-American because he was actually born in Santa Marta, Colombia! He is a pacey forward who can cause a lot of problems with his mobility. His combination with Marco STRELLER gives Switzerland a perfect combo: Speedy guy outside (VONLANTHEN) + Powerful tower inside (STRELLER and his 1.95mt).
They represent a good test for Argentina. However, in my opinion, I think Argentina should walk away with a victory. And here’s hoping for a great performance by all the Albicelestes, especially from Lionel MESSI in his new play-making role.
“I’m proud of my players because they always want to be a part of our national team. They are the ones who feel these colours the most. Not for nothing they are always wanted by the best clubs in Europe”.
BASILE announced that Roberto AYALA will remain the captain and confirmed the starting line-up we published Yesterday here in Vamos Argentina:
ABBONDANZIERI; ZANETTI, AYALA, Gabriel MILITO, HEINZE; Lucho GONZALEZ, GAGO, CAMBIASSO, MESSI; CRESPO and TEVEZ.
“Sometimes, people don’t realize of the sacrifice these players make. The Argentine footballer is the one who suffers the most. That is why they are so admired in Europe and in the whole World. Because he is a man who really feels the shirt he is wearing, the one who, in defeat, suffers more.”
“This match against Swirzerland will be good for us to fine-tune for the Copa America. Even if I do have the complete squad in my head, I still need to decide on two or three spots between players that have even chances”.
What a great motivational speach for the players to receive before this friendly (and before the Copa America). They know they are in COCO’s plans, but they can’t relax. They have to stay focused and show the manager what they can do.
SCOUTING REPORT: SWITZERLAND
Our rivals, Switzerland, are not having the best of times. Even though they are already qualified for the Euro 2008 (as they are one of the hosts together with Austria), their manager, Kobi KUHN, could risk his job if he losses big tomorrow against Argentina.
Switzerland are a team that left Germany 2006 without conceeding a single goal in the whole competition. But their lack of finishing costed them dearly as they failed to score a single goal in a penalty shoot-out against Ukraine that saw them leaving the World Cup with a bad taste in their mouthes.
Their top forward, Alexander FREI is out and their probable lineup looks like this: BENAGLIO; DEGEN, DJOUROU, SENDEROS, MAGNIN; BARNETTA, YAKIN, CABANAS, ZIEGLER; VONLANTHEN and STRELLER.
Nine of them played in the World Cup (only VONLANTHEN and ZIEGLER were not in their Germany 2006 squad).
Every member of their back four are interesting players: DJOUROU and SENDEROS with Premiership experience and physical presence and MAGNIN being a left-back that will advance into attacking positions at every chance he’ll have. Philipp DEGEN, of Borussia Dortmund, is a steady right-back who can score the ocassional goal.
Tranquillo BARNETTA is a modern midfielder who can do everything and do it at a good level (he shone in the World Cup), while YAKIN is the most “South-American” (in a way that he can really play with the ball at his feet and make others around him play). Ricardo CABANAS is a Spanish-Swiss midfielder and an international since the year 2000. Reto ZIEGLER belongs to Tottenham Hotspurs but was loaned in 2006 to Wigan and then to Sampdoria, where he ended up playing 10 games and scoring 1 goal this season.
In attack, VONLANTHEN is even more South-American because he was actually born in Santa Marta, Colombia! He is a pacey forward who can cause a lot of problems with his mobility. His combination with Marco STRELLER gives Switzerland a perfect combo: Speedy guy outside (VONLANTHEN) + Powerful tower inside (STRELLER and his 1.95mt).
They represent a good test for Argentina. However, in my opinion, I think Argentina should walk away with a victory. And here’s hoping for a great performance by all the Albicelestes, especially from Lionel MESSI in his new play-making role.
MONACO advance to "Sweet 16" in Roland Garros
Argentine Juan MONACO continues with his raise as he advanced to the second week of action at Roland Garros. He’s got a place in the eight-finals and he will try and keep up the form that helped him winning two ATP tournaments this year: Buenos Aires in February and Austria last week.
The 23-year old MONACO defeated Frenchman Edouard ROGER-VASSELIN in straight sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-4) and he’ll face the winner of compatriot Guillermo CAÑAS and Belgian Kristof VLIEGEN.
Yesterday, Former Roland Garros champion Gastón GAUDIO, couldn’t maintain the level of performance shown in the first two sets and he was knocked out of contention by Australian Lleyton HEWITT in five.
At the moment of writing, David NALBANDIAN won the first set (7-6) playing the first-set tie-break against local boy Gael MONFILS and will look to secure a place in the next round where he could be up against Russian Nicolay DAVYDENKO (4th seeded).
CAÑAS is leading VLIEGEN (6-4 in the first, 1-1 in the second) and Juan Pablo BRZEZICKI will face a tough test in Carlos MOYA later in this round.
We already have MONACO amongst the 16 survivors and three others could follow him.
I'll update on their progress when my work allows me to...
ALLEZ ARGENTINA!
The 23-year old MONACO defeated Frenchman Edouard ROGER-VASSELIN in straight sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-4) and he’ll face the winner of compatriot Guillermo CAÑAS and Belgian Kristof VLIEGEN.
Yesterday, Former Roland Garros champion Gastón GAUDIO, couldn’t maintain the level of performance shown in the first two sets and he was knocked out of contention by Australian Lleyton HEWITT in five.
At the moment of writing, David NALBANDIAN won the first set (7-6) playing the first-set tie-break against local boy Gael MONFILS and will look to secure a place in the next round where he could be up against Russian Nicolay DAVYDENKO (4th seeded).
CAÑAS is leading VLIEGEN (6-4 in the first, 1-1 in the second) and Juan Pablo BRZEZICKI will face a tough test in Carlos MOYA later in this round.
We already have MONACO amongst the 16 survivors and three others could follow him.
I'll update on their progress when my work allows me to...
ALLEZ ARGENTINA!
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