Argentina vs. Ivory Coast (Match Thread)

We are just barely hours away before Checho and his gunslingers take their ammunition to the field to face Ivory Coast. Already there are plenty of things to talk about.

Now it is confirm that CAS has decided in favour of football clubs over the release of players for the Olympic Games. Once again, we are left in a moment of uncertainty. Now I’m not going to dwell into that, for now instead I would rather concentrate on today’s match.

Here is some interesting info. Both MASCHERANO and RIQUELME were in starting line up while USTARI and MESSI were on the bench when both teams played in Hamburg two years ago.

Pound to pound, I can say that we are a class above compared to the Ivorian. But never ever underestimate the African at this level of football. They have been prone on winning youth level competition. So I do expect a physical approach from them. I’m sure our boys can weathered down the situation to come away with a close win and get on to a good start.

Now back to MESSI, the good news is that he won’t be on a flight to New York to re-join Barcelona’s pre-season training camp. Its official that his name is on the starting line up: -

Oscar USTARI
Pablo ZABALETA
Ezequiel GARAY
Nicolas PAREJA
Luciano MONZON
Javier MASCHERANO
Fernando GAGO
Lionel MESSI
Juan Roman RIQUELME
Ezequiel LAVEZZI
Kun AGUERO

Okay, now I will be leaving my office to rush back for the game. Enjoy the game wherever you are watching at and do keep those comments coming in before, during and after the game.