Sunday, May 10, 2009

CRESPO, TEVEZ, AGUERO and more!


The Carlos TEVEZ saga continues, this time it's good news for TEVEZ as he scored a fantastic goal for Manchester United in the Manchester derby. With the score 1-0 for United, Dimitar BERBATOV passed the ball to Carlos TEVEZ who had a man on him but still managed to send in a great shot that kissed the post and in. Manchester United won the match 2-0. The play starts at the 45 second mark.


Finding life difficult under Jose Mourinho, Hernan CRESPO was given a rare start this season against Chievo. It took 3 minutes for Valdanito to find the back of the net as Inter led the game 0-1. Serbian International Dejan STANKOVIC crossed the ball into Chievo's box which landed infront of Esteban CAMBIASSO who fired a shot towards the keeper. The goalkeeper gave the rebound and CRESPO being the great "#9" that he is scored from close range. Javier ZANETTI, Hernan CRESPO, Esteban CAMBIASSO and Walter SAMUEL all started for the Italian League champions. In the 57th minute, CRESPO came off for fellow Argentine Julio CRUZ and in the 67th minute, Sulley MUNTARI came off for another Argentina man, Nicolas BURDISSO.


Moving to Spain, Atletico Madrid took on a rejuvenated Espanyol side. With the score 2-1 for Espanyol, Sergio "Kun" Aguero tied the game for the home side in another sort of "#9" goal. The ball was sent into the box and AGUERO just tapped it into the net, ala Hernan CRESPO during his prime. Sergio AGUERO, Maxi RODRIGUEZ and Leo FRANCO all started the match for Atletico Madrid and Ever BANEGA came on at the 72nd minute. Olympic Gold Medalist, Nicolas PAREJA played the full 90 minutes for Espanyol. Atletico Madrid won the match 3-2 thanks to a 90th minute goal by Uruguayin Diego FORLAN. The cross is sent in at 1:12.

Pablo PIATTI scored in the 90th minute for Almeria as they defeated Sporting Gijon, 3-1(he scored the third goal in the 90th minute).

Don't forget to vote for the Mundo Albiceleste and Hasta El Gol Siempre award for the best Argentine Player Abroad (2008-2009).
Click here to vote.

35 comments:

John said...

Other scorer from Sunday's fixture...

In Turkey, Franco CANGELE was on target for Kayserispor in their 3-1 win over Gaziantepspor.

In Greece, Ismael BLANCO was on the hero for AEK Athens scoring the winner from the spot in the 79th minute, in their 3-2 win over Larissa. Facundo PARRA gave the visitor the lead in the 3rd minute.

Meanwhile in the Swiss League, Eulogio ZARATE scored twice for Grasshopper in the 4-1 away win to FC Sion Sitten.

messidona19 said...

It's always a blast to see Crespo score! Great goal celebration from the commentator too!

Akash said...

Diego Maradona has called up Esteban Fuertes(36),stricker of Colon de Santa Fe for the friendly against Panama.Maradona said today that he will call up Christian "Chaco" Gimenez of Pachuca for the next pair of World Cup qualifiers.

John said...

So that's the surprise that Diego was talking about. Still this won't make up for the dissapointment of missing out Gonzalo HIGUAIN. This has been bothering me a lot in recent days. The news about how the likes of Kun and GAGO are not in good terms with Pipita. And just to accomodate all this, Diego is willing to make a decision of not having him in the team. Something must is very wrong here.

Okay he may have Diego MILITO or Lisandro LOPEZ. But still that doesn't make a strong statement saying that he does not need Pipita in his plan. Though it's not too late, yet; but looks like we might just say goodbye to him (Pipita) sooner rather than later.

John said...

By the way, this is the Esteban FUERTES who did featured for Derby County, somewhere around 1999-00 right?

Mohd said...

guys, to begin with: to me maradona is the god of football. but trully his selections are making me crazy. How come a sane person leave higuain out. he is 100 times better than aguero, and now he selects a 100 years old striker and keeps calling the usless lisandro instead of zarate.

no one deserves the call more than higuain and after that zarate!!

Anonymous said...

higuain is 100 times better than aguero? r u on something? seriously, u guys are funny, it's whoever is flavour of the month.
it's more important that u have a united and happy squad, than a squad where the players don't like each other.


day1star

Anonymous said...

Some of you should really stop the crack as soon as possible. While Higuain is on a better form than Aguero, x100 better??

Come on...

Anonymous said...

u know, aguero might not have been in great form the last couple of months, but he's still scored 20 goals and 15 assists this season.



day1star

messidona19 said...

Let's not all get too jumpy because the list for the next WCQ is not out yet, so this interview might just be a rumour. Not until I see the list of the European-based players and I don't see Higuain in it, then I will start doubting Diego on his squad selections.
As for the local players list, I don't see the reason why he picked out a 36 year old striker while a player by the name of Buonanotte who has immense talent is not given experience with the team.

Anonymous said...

messidona19> there wont be any higuain in that list, you can be sure of that. he clearly stated there's no place for higuain right now and he named exactly who are in his priority order.
dont be too hopeful with that.

Mohd said...

for "anonymous" users...first you should be more civilized (if that is possible) in your discussions.

next, maybe i was wrong. higuain is 1000 times better than aguero. aguero is the most overrated player in the world...just as a sample, go see the chances aguero missed during each match and you will understand (again if possible).

higuain is a team player with great individual abilities...and he never stops running. plus he is a tactical player who can play in midfield as well as in attack, and these players win cups; being the son of law of maradona doesn't!

John said...

Diego MARADONA is the greatest footballer of all time, period. But I've to agree with Mohd, his selection has been very critical to say the least.

Now I wouldn't go on to say that Pipita is 100 times better than Kun. The circumstances surrounding both players at their respective clubs are different.

I pray for these reports not be true and that it could be some pure paparazzi tactics just to get their paper selling. I really do still habour some hope that Diego will give Pipita that much deserve call up for the NT.

My focus here is merely on HIGUAIN getting the call from Diego before those pest from the French camp come knocking on his door. If there is one pure footballing reason, can someone share with me why should noy play for Argentina? I would love to hear that from you.

Day1Star, you made a great point about a happy squad is better than players don't like each other. But don't you think, Diego is responsible for ensuring that all those fat egos are out of the dressing room? Isn't it his role, in telling the players that they are here for the NT and not for themselves?

HIGUAIN and AGUERO may not like (if the reports are true) for so many reasons but in the end they are there for the blue & white jersey. That should be their prime focus and not their personal agenda.

I pray everyday that these reports are not true and that Diego will give Pipita that much deserve call for the NT. Even if later rather than sooner.

Anonymous said...

hahahaha, i post my name at the bottom of all posts, understand, maybe you should read the whole post.
If Aguero is overrated then higuain is a non-starter, tell me how many chances has higuain missed? And yet even though Aguero's been a bit off colour he's still scored 20 with 15 assists, so i'm sorry but i think you're comment is fanciful to say the least.
Especially when you consider the quality of players surrounding Higuain, and those that Aguero plays with.
hmmm, and Aguero has won titles what has higuain won? he refused to play in the youth teams. And aguero has scored for the NT and set up goals.
I rather think your post is extremely biased and based on one good season, and just to clear things up Aguero can also play in midfield, and he doesn't stop running either.
What cup has Higuain won? the league cup last season? with his contribution of 5 goals?
Please talk sense!



day1star

Anonymous said...

If you remember in the past, John, there has been a lot of trouble with in-fighting within the camp, that makes for a disaster in the dressing room and on the playing field.
Maradona won't be playing, the players will, and yes the most importatnt thing is playing for the blue and white jersey, but everyone highlights aguero as the one who does not get on with higuain, this has not been proven, i'm sure other players don't like him too. And if one player can cause problems within the squad then they should be left out. I'm not saying that Higuain is not a good player but he is not the be all and end all, and we have a plethora of talented players, it's about finding the right players with the right understanding.



day1star

Sebastian said...

Hi everyone. I've been without internet for the last few days. It's a disgrace for someone like me who can't live without it!

On top of that, I've been busy.

Here's my take on this.

MARADONA has called up FUERTES (36-years old and yes, John, he was at Derby County before some issues with a dodgy passport forced him out of the UK), simply because some of his other options are unavailable (PALERMO will be busy with Boca and young sensation big target man Milton CARAGLIO of Rosario Central has injured his knee's ligaments on Sunday and will be out for 6 months).

Plus...you have to think the match will be played at Colón de Santa Fé's stadium and FUERTES plays there and is a crowd favourite (having scored 99 goals for that team).

Realistically, he shouldn't be anywhere near the national team come WCQ time and he may not even start against Panamá (that spot surely going to Lanús' goal-scoring machine José SAND).

I believe we should take it as it is. FUERTES is probably 7th or 8th in the strikers' pecking order and I see this as a one-off call-up to probably enhance the notion that Diego evaluates anyone and gives a chance to every form player.

I read Diego's comments regarding HIGUAIN and he said this is not Pipita's time. It's always been the case. A national team manager who ignores the people's voice and prefers other players to the fan-favourites (see FERGUSON giving BERBATOV more minutes than TEVEZ when the Old Trafford crowd really feels it should be the other way around or see DOMENECH leaving PIRES out of the last World Cup based on some zodiac beliefs!). And like that...there are a million examples. It'll always happen with teams that have some many options.

There's still time for HIGUAIN to do things to change Diego's mind and a thousand things can happen from now until the moment when Diego has to give the WC squad list. Let's not precipitate and get too angry over this.

Mohd said...

so what if for some reason messi became hated by some of his teammates? should he also be kicked out?

if aguero or any other player hates higuain and for this reason higuain is not called, then this should result in two actions:
1. aguero should get kicked in the ass away from the NT
2. maradona should be sacked immediatley for letting such silly stuff affecting his selections.

anyway, regardless of the reasons; maradona's selections are auwful at times. please i want answers on why the following players are not called:
1. higuain
2. zarate
3. insua (of liverpool)
4. gonzalez (villereal central defender)
5. cambiasso

John said...

Seba, glad to have you back!

Mohd,

I don't agree with you about Diego getting sacked over some reports which none of us are not sure the truth behind it. Of course, I find it hard to accept that he says it is not Pipita's time.

Like what Seba has mentioned, there is still time before we get to see on who's in and who's out in the next WCQ list. Let' wait and see what happens.

As for the rest for the names which you've mentioned.

ZARATE; I like him but I don't think he is yet a NT material. He is doing well for Lazio (lets for a good outing for him in the Coppa Italia later tonight) but he still has a long shot.

INSUA; I feel he needs more first team football because at Liverpool he is behind Fabio AURELIO for the left back position. He has the potential to be our NT left back player and I hope Rafa BENITEZ will stick with him in the long run.

GONZALEZ; He still is a promising defender but then again there is also competition for players in this position as well (SAMUEL, HEINZE, DEMICHELIS etc. )

CAMBIASSO; He is very underated but I like what he does for Inter. His hard working ethics on the field is something I truly admire but something tells me Diego prefers Jonas GUTIERREZ to play on the left midfield at the moment.

This is the beauty about our team, there is just too many names to think of and it's always hard to leave someone out.

Mohd said...

John,

this is my preferred formation:

---------GK---------
Zanete--Demichelis,Samuel,Insua
-------mascherano--cambiasso---
----higuain--messi---tevez/maxi
----------zarate-------

i have no preference for a Gk since sadly they all suck like hell.
as for having higuain and tevez as wings; that is because i believe both defend very well. higuain has played many times as a right winger, while tevez has also excelled in the left wing position; but maxi can also be an option.

Anonymous said...

mohd, seriously, stop talking like a child? u don't actually know if he's not liked by players or not, that's all rumours.
Secondly, no one player is bigger than the team or it's objective, and if you have a squad of players that aren't happy well u've got f all chance of winning anything.
We need a team that has chemistry, players who have a good understanding on and off the pitch.
If Higuain is not called i very much doubt it has anything to do with Aguero. And Aguero has much more talent than higuain, which is why he was in the top 5 players in the world last season. Tell me where is Higuain?
As to why Zarate hasn't been called, well it has something to do with he's very selfish at times, and this is the first season where he's played well, since leaving Velez Sarsfield.
Insua, is still young, and needs more experience.
Gonzalez hasn't been the same since he came back from injury and is a bit accident prone, but hopefully he'll be in the squad.
Cambiasso, i don't know, he's a good player, but maybe lacks pace, and gago is ahead of him in the pecking order.



day1star

Anonymous said...

Zarate cant be our poacher. Come on, this is not Pro Evolution Soccer.

BTW, i suspect when people are talking Gonzalez, this is in fact Gonzalo Rodriguez, right? From Villarreal?

Finally, about Higuain, this is media tactics, i heard Diego himself saying that.

Anonymous said...

I also pick Higuain over Aguero. Day1star, Aguero had a good seasons last year. This season has been decent, worthy of play for Argentina yes but starting NO! He has 19 goals for ATL Madrid this year counting La Liga and Champions League. He has 9 assists. Last year for ATL Madrid he had 19 goals and 7 assists. But what what we are asking for Kun is that he has gone at a standstill, he has not improved much. While Messi in the last few years has gotten a lot better and Higuain has been scoring and been a lot better every year. Even with Raul on the team he can slot in the back of the net. Does Diego Forlan take away goals from Kun? I say no. I want to see a Tevez,Higuain,Messi line up. You know it seems Diego does not want him on the team and the man needs to get his head checked! Zarate is another player I want to see playing for Argentina. I think he also holds a Italian passport and just might be able to play for Italia. So does Maradona want Higuain to go and play for France and Zarate for Italia.?

Look at Zarate's first half goal in Copa Italia. You sure you guys do not want him on the National Team? Kid is fire and RIGHT NOW he is a few steps ahead of Aguero!

Jack!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMLMjRlpZN4

Anonymous said...

So far Copa Del Rey final is going as 4-1 Barca. Messi got the 2nd goal.

Also just finished watching the Coppa Italia final and Lazio wins in PK's. Maurito first year at Lazio and takes them to one Italia's titles.

Jack!

Anonymous said...

that is rubbish, Jack, and shows how much u've actually watched Aguero play. Last year kun scored 27 goals and 12 assists, don't know where u got u're figures from, but they are wrong! And this year he has scored 20 goals and 15 assists, u're figures are again wrong.
look at the calibere of players that higuain and messi have around them, and then look at some of the mediocrity that aguero plays alongside.
And upto the start of this year aguero was in great form. he only went down slightly around the birth of his kid. How the f can you say he hasn't improved, if the team plays shit, and don't get the ball to him wat the hell do u expect him to do?
and quite frankly if Zarate or higuain go to play for another NT then fuck them!



day1star

Anonymous said...

Daily1star.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=44927&cc=5901


2007/08 Statistics
TEAM Competition GS SB G A SH SG FC FS YC RC
Argentina World Cup Qualifying - CONMEBOL 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 0
Atlético Madrid UEFA Cup 4 1 3 2 10 8 8 10 0 1
Atlético Madrid Spanish Primera División 36 2 19 7 97 53 72 90 8 2
Argentina International Friendly 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2007/08 Season Totals 41 5 23 9 107 61 81 103 8 3

Anonymous said...

Daily1star and no need to cuss. This is a friendly debate, it shows your maturity and character when you get hot headed. I like Kun I really do. I have been watching him since he was 16 or so. He is a very good player BUT he has fallen off from grace recently. Last year Champions magazie had him ranked as the #8 player in the world. Now today, right now can you tell me he is actually the # 8 player in the world. And as for you to say Zarate and Higuain should just run off and play for another country shows the lack and love for your countrymen(not sure if you are Argentine or not). How patient should one player be? Honestly, think about it for a second. You are scoring goals left and right and your national team is not even giving you a second look. Is that fair? Is it fair because Diego shows nepotism towards Kun? Is that fair? When and if this teams goes to the WC and dares to play a comb of Tevez,Aguero and Messi they will LOSE! It may work vs the Mexicans and Americans, but that combo will get pushed around by the African sides and will get punished by a German or Dutch side because of size. The team needs to great wingers which they have, but they need a Higuain in the middle. Lica, Milito are good players but I personally do not think they can fit with Messi and Tevez(Or Aguero). Why do you think Messi does so well at Barca, he has a goal scorer in Eto'o who has pace and goal scoring ability that is very similar to Higuain. Higuain can score with his head, both feet and has speed with a flick of the ball he can blow by players. The WC is one year away and we should get the team together now.

Jack!

Anonymous said...

First off, like i told u before your stats are wrong, because i've watched every atletico match the last 2 seasons, have them on tape, and know that my figures are true.
Yes, he's had a dip in form, but it came this year, not last, and y don't u take a look at how atletico have been playing, and u might actually get an answer to y he hasn't shone this year.
As for what i said is the absolute truth, we don't lack talent in any area but defense. And, if players don't want to fight for a place on the NT and want to go join another country, well that's their loss, i can't see Zarate doing that anyway.
As for Higuain, yes he's had a good season, probably deserves to be in the squad, but then u can say the same for Milito.
Tevez, aguero and messi have not lost so far, when they've played together, and Messi benefits from having Alves and Iniesta and Xavi, not so much eto'o. And, quite frankly speaking, Aguero can also score with his head and both feet
and he is also very quick.
And before this season how many goals did Higuain score for Real last season, hmmm?
As for playing in the WC, if the same players don't play together consistently, then u can add whoever u like to the team because we won't be winning anything.
The most important thing is to have players who get along but also have a great understanding on the pitch, and u only get that when players play together repeatedly. There's nothing wrong with tevez, messi and aguero with a fourth. It's about player movement and space and utilizing your intelligence.


day1star

Sebastian said...

Easy guys! Don't fight.

Perhaps one of you is talking about Kun's La Liga goals and the other one is also including those of Copa del Rey and other competitions. I'm sure both of you have a point and you're just not seeing eye to eye in this debate. Please, don't fight.

It's a great thing to be able to exchange our points of view here and that's one of the things that makes me really proud of Mundo Albiceleste, but I would be sad to see you fight.

I will only address one point raised by Mohd. This thing about players not liked by their national team's colleagues is as old as humanity.

It's part of the dynamic of football and for much as I hate it, it'll always be a part of it. There are a lot of examples and having a quick look back in time, I can recall a few.

Why do you think Ramón DIAZ was not called up to play in Italia 90 when he was clearly better than players such as BALBO or DEZZOTTI? Yes. You guessed. He wasn't seeing eye-to-eye with MARADONA. BILARDO opted to keep his star player happy and as a result, Argentina missed out on a world class striker who only one year earlier helped Inter to their last scudetto before they broke the drought a few seasons back.

We'll never know what happened between PEKERMAN and ZANETTI before Germany 2006, but the idea of seeing SCALONI and BURDISSO being picked ahead of him was ludicrous. And BURDISSO playing right back when his natural position is centre-back or left-back....I'll never understand that.

It's nothing new and sometimes, if one player's presence is disruptive for the team as a whole, then it's the manager's prerogative to call him up regardless or leave him out.

Look at Ireland in Korea/Japan 2002, when Mick McCARTHY decided to let Roy KEANE go just before the tournament. And we're talking Roy KEANE for Ireland in 2002. It would be like the equivalent of keeping MASCHERANO out of our squad, or someone like that.

Yes, it'll hurt our chances, eventually. But it's the manager who has to make that decision and ultimately pay the prize or get the credit.

Anonymous said...

day1star fine fine you're stats are correct and ESPN's are wrong fine anything you say.You say when Messi,Tevez,Aguero have played together they have not lost. I can only put my finger on the game vs Venz that has happened. I know Argentina does not lack talent up front, talent is not the issue. If it is based on talent the 82 Brasil team would of won the WC and so would of the 2006 side. Talent does not win you anything! You need that potent player in the middle as a strike force. Lets take a stroll through memory lane shall we? The 2008 Euro champs, had that goal scorer in El Nino Torres. Copa America 2007 Brasil had Baptista.The 2006 WC Italian team had Luca Toni. I will skip Euro 2004(Unless you want Argentina to sit back and defend all game like the Greeks). 2002 WC winning team of Brasil who had Ronaldo. Euro 2000 winners Trezeguet(I kinda wish he decided to play for Argentina but it is a different story than Higuain's). You see all those winners had great goal scorers up front. Even some of the runner ups had potent goal scorers. The #9 is the missing link to have a perfect attack. Fielding three midgets will cost them and cost them big. When Copa America 2007 was around I told myself and believed hey if they stop Riquelme, Messi and Tevez would be right there. They can not contain all three players at a time. I saw it clear as day that it was easy just to give the players no room. It has nothing to do with talent it is thinking rationally and making sure whoever that #9 is a pure striker not another midget.

Jack!

Mohd said...

guys stop the debate and watch zarate's goal. see the way he runs with the ball. only messi can do that.

Anonymous said...

Actuallly, Messi cant even shout like that...

messidona19 said...

Woa sorry for missing this debate! it took me time to finish reading everything. But come on, some players are being selected and didn't perform up to standard while others who deserve more are not... Aguero has a decent goal per game record with the national team unlike Tevez who hasn't been that effective. I don't see why Higuain can't get at least one call so that he won't join France, i mean why lose a perfectly good striker just like how we lost Trezeguet and Camoranesi? As for the issue that Higuain is 100 time better than Aguero, i disagree as they're both very different players, Higuain can play almost anywhere (As a no9, second striker, Attacking playmaker and right winger) and gets back to midfield to fight for the ball while Aguero sometimes tends to dissapear from the game if he's man-marked but he has his moments. i personally don't think that Aguero should be dropped but i think that he should fight his place against Tevez on the left, while the number9 role should be fought between Higuain,Lopez,Milito. Zarate can get his chance from the sub bench... he can be useful for long range shots when the game is closed. as for now my favourate attacking line up is :
Messi - Higuain - Aguero/Tevez

Anonymous said...

Yes, Jack my stats are correct, and ESPN's are wrong, and they are the stats of all competitions.
Messi, Tevez and aguero also beat bolivia 3-0, when Basile was coach.
U seem to miss the point, Jack, i never said it was about talent, i said it was about players having an understanding on the pitch and being able to read the game and also having great movement and being able to interchange positions, u can just as easily slot Tevez into the role of Attacking Mid and play with Aguero and Messi on the flanks with Milito in the middle, and have the players change positions.
And just to address your point, Tevez and Messi never really played
that well together then, there wasn't that great an understanding between them, and Tevez is much better when you bring him on in the second half and let him run at tired defenders, Basile sucked as a strategist, he kept changing the teams, and the players mostly looked confused.
Messidona, first off aguero can also play pretty much anywhere, he only disappears when he's made to play upfront and he gets no bloody service. U guys obviously don't watch many atletico games.
Higuain is surrounded by better players, if he was surrounded by crap, let's see how well he would do then.


day1star

Anonymous said...

day1star- Really Messi and Tevez do not play well together? 2006 WC Argentina-Serbia&Montenegro Tevez gets an assist for Messi scoring his first WC goal. Copa Ameriaca 2007 Tevez gives up the ball for Messi to score that wonderful chip vs Mexico. Argentina vs France in a friendly, Tevez drags players with him and passes to Messi to score a wonderful run and goal. This just top off my head.Tevez works very hard, on the ball and off it, and I personally feel Aguero is a bit lazy. And as for the 3-0 vs Bolivia come on Bolivia??? Neither Venz nor Bol will be at the WC and do not look for teams like that in the WC, unless Argentina has another super easy game in their first round. I do get the point bringing Tevez off the bench because he is a workhorse . Like I said the team still needs that goal scorer. Who is your dream 3 up front? Or do you even want 3 up front.

Jack!

Anonymous said...

the game against serbia montenegro, was aimar, riquelme, messi, tevez, all on the pitch at the same time, and it was the fifth or sixth goal of the game, and the serbian montenegro defence had already fallen to pieces.
i never said that tevez wasn't a good player, but in both the serb game and the france game tevez came on with fresh legs in the second half.
and just so that u don't misunderstand me again, if those 3 keep playing together they will develop, and form an understanding, and all 3 can interchange positions, which makes it very hard for teams to defend against.
Personally, like i said b4 if you play Tevez in the AM role with aguero, messi and a third in front, in a diamond formation, that could be lethal, especially when they all interchange positions.


day1star