A Win For Argentina, Finally

Apologize for the late posting on this. BIG thanks to Jack! for keeping us updated throughout the match. Also thanks to Johnny and the rest for their respective comment as well. By the way, I wonder where was that Seba fella?

Coco BASILE has finally got it right this time though the overall performance may leave some question mark. Goals from Lionel MESSI and Kun AGUERO ensured that Argentina ended their five match winless streak with a narrow 2-1 win over Uruguay.

Juan Roman RIQUELME sublime long ball pass found MESSI, who headed the ball past Juan CASTILLO in the 6th minute. The Albiceleste kept piling on the pressure and their reward was paid off with a second goal in the 13th minute. Kun AGUERO slammed in the ball in after the initial shot by Esteban CAMBIASSO hit the post.

The visitors pulled back through Diego LUGANO in the 39th minute courtesy of a good cross from Luis SUAREZ.

In the second half, Argentina played the better football but the Uruguayans defense stood firm and did not allow any breakthrough. Carlos TEVEZ and AGUERO had the best opportunities but neither could convert their chances.
In a typical River Plate derby, a total of 10 players received yellow cards by the time the referee blew the final whistle.

As Johnny did highlight in our match thread's comment box, several players will not be available for the trip to Santiago to face Chile. There will be plenty questions on how Coco will react to this.

In the meantime, some other news…

FIFA 2008 Futsal World Cup

After drawing 3-3 in their first match in the second round group stage against Paraguay, Argentina went down to Spain 2-1. This means that Argentina must beat Russia in their last group game to progress to the semi-finals.

Nalbandian Wins Stockholm Open

Top-seeded David NALBANDIAN capped a near perfect week with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 win over local favorite Robin SODERLING in the Stockholm Open final on Sunday.

"It was great," NALBANDIAN said. "The conditions are perfect to play indoors. It could be faster or slower. I adapt my game to play here and I really like it."

This was his first title since winning in Buenos Aires since February and he will now go to Madrid to defend his Madrid Masters title.

Mar del Plata To Host Davis Cup Final

The Davis Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be held at the Islas Malvinas Stadium in Mar del Plata. The Argentine team hoped to play on a fast indoor court in Cordoba to bolster the strengths of David NALBANDIAN and Juan Martin DEL POTRO.