tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post7156692447032117477..comments2024-03-07T23:35:43.352-08:00Comments on Mundo Albiceleste: Does COCO already know the starting lineup?Royhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06402857142181219977noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-12016943668923415452007-06-26T02:51:00.000-07:002007-06-26T02:51:00.000-07:00http://www.26noticias.com.ar/copa-america-aimar-la...http://www.26noticias.com.ar/copa-america-aimar-la-rompio-y-pide-cancha-43259.htmlNicohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01168887880050430503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-62975246803603358372007-06-26T02:50:00.000-07:002007-06-26T02:50:00.000-07:00"The ability a lot of players in our team have to ..."The ability a lot of players in our team have to multi-task, or play in different positions, really makes me feel positive. <BR/>elieve me, I wouldn’t want to be CRESPO or MESSI and have TEVEZ pushing hard to replace me! So they’ll try harder than ever so they make sure to keep their place in the starting eleven"<BR/><BR/>that's right on the money man. Now aimar probably earned a spot.Nicohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01168887880050430503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-38448729166087343972007-06-25T20:31:00.000-07:002007-06-25T20:31:00.000-07:00I'll sure be here!TV on (finally Argentina is on T...I'll sure be here!<BR/><BR/>TV on (finally Argentina is on TV here in Brazil! I guess they don't want to miss the show! haha!), computer too!<BR/><BR/>I'll be giving you a complete play-by-play detailed action. Comments after 15, 30, 60 and 75 minutes. Half-time report and everything there is to tell you all!<BR/><BR/>I know I can make it for this game against USA and I hope I can do it for the rest of the matches. Being so close to the PanAm Games opening ceremony (which is where I work here in Rio) means that I might miss some action (especially if it is an afternoon kick-off). <BR/><BR/>But I'll make the most of this opportunity to bring you updated information and to have Mundo Albiceleste provide you with a space to gather and share our feelings during these crucial 90 minutes!<BR/><BR/>To borrow a little something from Liverpool fans: I know I'll never walk alone!Sebahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09584249588879160704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-5304869447608262212007-06-25T20:06:00.000-07:002007-06-25T20:06:00.000-07:00I’m really happy for you, Allan NgUnfortunately fo...I’m really happy for you, Allan Ng<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately for me I’ll be working on that day, as it is my company’s financial year ending :-(<BR/><BR/>Most likely I’ll keep myself update through www.livescore.com and of course I will not be alone as I’m sure they will be other who’ll keep everyone update in this blog as well.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02838964451459226837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-68331477265455619272007-06-25T19:18:00.000-07:002007-06-25T19:18:00.000-07:00I am going to take a day off to see my beloved Arg...I am going to take a day off to see my beloved Argentina thrash USA on Friday morning here in Hong Kong.<BR/><BR/>Rio, your knowledge on football tactics is really interesting. I think on Friday we won't have to worry about defence so much. I am happy to accept a 6-0 win. Two each for Crespo and Messi, one for Roman and one for Tevez (as a 2nd half sub).<BR/><BR/>Our strength in depth is unquestionable, when you see that Saviola, Higuain, Aguero and D'Alessandro didn't even make the team.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-45360234756710937092007-06-25T18:15:00.000-07:002007-06-25T18:15:00.000-07:00Wow Rio!!! I’m amazed by your incredible knowledge...Wow Rio!!! I’m amazed by your incredible knowledge on tactics. Gracias my friend, for sharing all these wonderful information with us.<BR/><BR/>To summarized this as a whole, COCO has plenty of option at his disposal and it doesn’t matter on what formation or which dimension, he has the wealth of talents at his disposal to utilized them.<BR/><BR/>Of course right now it is hard for us picture how the team is going to be play but you know what, that is what makes this whole thing so beautiful.<BR/><BR/>The match against USA will be played on Friday morning (8.50 am Malaysia Time) and right now it is Tuesday morning here, it feels like a long, long time to go. I just can’t wait any longer.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02838964451459226837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-47287858595682816802007-06-25T17:00:00.000-07:002007-06-25T17:00:00.000-07:00Argentina's strength is obviously the variety of a...Argentina's strength is obviously the variety of attacking options at Basile's disposal : hes got potentially 5 world-class strikers, 4 playmakers, a couple of attacking midfielders, a couple of players capable of playing as deep-lying playmakers, and many of these players are capable of switching roles mid-game or mid-move. If the team plays with the fluidity it seems capable of, and Basile rotates the line-up effectively, then it should be beautiful to watch.<BR/><BR/>I'm interested to watch Veron play with Riquelme, but my ideal attacking line-up would be:<BR/><BR/> Mascherano<BR/>Messi Cambiasso<BR/> Riquelme<BR/><BR/>Tevez CrespoDavid Nhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01289610966074361701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-62345845797693318302007-06-25T15:36:00.000-07:002007-06-25T15:36:00.000-07:00Wow, I must confess that many of you know a great ...Wow, I must confess that many of you know a great deal more than I do and it is great to learn from so many knowledgable fans here. Tevez I think will definately get his share of playing time one way or another, If we need more attack at any time what a weapon to have Carlitos(desperate with something to prove) coming in full of passion and energy. Also, what does it say about our team that Tevez is even on the bench at all? He could start for any team in the world Club or national! I am very excited to see what Argentina can do this Copa.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-54684862617327516782007-06-25T12:44:00.000-07:002007-06-25T12:44:00.000-07:00You see, Rio? Your last paragraph is what really m...You see, Rio? Your last paragraph is what really makes me feel this team can be very special. <BR/><BR/>I think the ability that COCO will have to switch formations, strategies, mentalities without even making substitutions! <BR/><BR/>The ability a lot of players in our team have to multi-task, or play in different positions, really makes me feel positive. <BR/><BR/>And rest assure COCO will experiment and work around the various options. <BR/><BR/>Also, he knows how to motivate, so I expect the players that unfortunatelly won’t have a place in the team from the start, to jump to the field whenever they have the chance and do it with all their contained “rage” to use it to the team’s advantage. <BR/><BR/>Kind of, if I’m allowed to compare something I shouldn’t compare, what Manu GINOBILI does when he comes from the bench. <BR/><BR/>He plays with so much energy that he can turn a game around, motivate those around him. Inspire them. <BR/><BR/>TEVEZ did that during the last Copa America. Started as a substitute and finished on a high, even scoring crucial goals, on our way to the final against Brazil. <BR/><BR/>Believe me, I wouldn’t want to be CRESPO or MESSI and have TEVEZ pushing hard to replace me! So they’ll try harder than ever so they make sure to keep their place in the starting eleven.Sebahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09584249588879160704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-37552022985312104952007-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:002007-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:00thanks saurabh, but my understanding of tactic is ...thanks saurabh, but my understanding of tactic is really very limited, I've only read stuff like football magazines :D <BR/><BR/>I think ray hudson said something like, you need to understand enough so you can appriciate the brilliance of some players, but knowing too much detail makes the game less enjoyable.<BR/><BR/>back to topic. I think you guys that are against tevez LM have a good point. he's too offensively minded. That's probably also why basile won't let messi play RM.<BR/> <BR/>but one thing for sure, Basile won't start the same lineup through out the tourney. Especially if we go far. And he probably will play at least 2 radically different formations too. Historically our coaches did.Riohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16512604882510689737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-37858457125221426702007-06-25T11:18:00.000-07:002007-06-25T11:18:00.000-07:00Heinze tackles and heads well, has good reaction, ...Heinze tackles and heads well, has good reaction, lacks leadership skills, and is well experienced.<BR/>He either can't or doesn't like ordering his teammates around, so he's not very ideal for CB. eventhough he can pull out saves inside the box like ayala. but CB needs to deal with 2 defender teammates, LB only need to deal with 1... <BR/><BR/>IMO heinze's been on a slump ever since his injury b4 wc. Although he does seemed to play harder for NT.Riohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16512604882510689737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-63140664189168428892007-06-25T11:16:00.000-07:002007-06-25T11:16:00.000-07:00Brilliant work, Rio! Your elaborate and engaging e...Brilliant work, Rio! Your elaborate and engaging explanations are informative indeed. <BR/><BR/>Tevez as a midfielder does not really convince me. His initial days at West Ham should act as a warning against any such experiment in the NT. <BR/><BR/>Do you people think Veron is as good a multi-dimensional player as Lucho Gonzalez (who has simply been outstanding this season)?Saurabh Bhattacharjeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09630624593107341561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-91200907615209339542007-06-25T10:56:00.000-07:002007-06-25T10:56:00.000-07:00Guys a news on our starting 11 on goal.com6/25/200...Guys a news on our starting 11 on goal.com<BR/><BR/>6/25/2007 12:32 AM<BR/> <BR/><BR/>Argentina Announce Starting XI, Tevez On The Bench<BR/> <BR/>West Ham striker Carlos Tevez is disappointed about being left on the bench for Argentina’s opening Copa America group match against the United States of America next week.<BR/> <BR/><BR/> <BR/>zoom - galleria Alfio Basile has already named the starting eleven for Argentina's Copa America opener, and Carlos Tevez is not in it.<BR/><BR/>Basile has chosen Lionel Messi and Hernan Crespo as his strikers for Argentina’s debut, while Juan Roman Riquelme and Juan Sebastian Veron have been confirmed in midfield.<BR/><BR/>GK: Abbondanzieri (Getafe-ESP); <BR/><BR/>DF: Zanetti (Inter-ITA), Ayala (Villarreal-ESP), Milito (Zaragoza-ESP), Heinze (Manchester United-ENG); <BR/><BR/>MF: Verón (Estudiantes), Mascherano (Liverpool-ENG), Cambiasso (Inter-ITA); <BR/><BR/>AMF: Riquelme (Villarreal-ESP); <BR/><BR/>FW: Messi (FC Barcelona-ESP); Crespo (Inter-ITA) <BR/><BR/>Tevez, who was one of Argentina’s best players in their preparation matches for the competition, understands that the national team has several players that can do a good job in the attack. <BR/><BR/>"It hurts to not be a starter, because I think I did enough to earn my place. I’m a [soccer] player and I always want to be there," he said. <BR/><BR/>Tevez is still eager for the Copa America to commence and states "I’m more motivated [by starting on the bench] because I can demonstrate that I’m worth a starting eleven role." <BR/><BR/>'El Apache' was the main reason West Ham United avoided relegation last season: "Right now I’m going through a great moment. In England I discovered that if I’m prepared well physically I can take better advantage of things."<BR/><BR/> http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=335894Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-21551352486666873052007-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:002007-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:00Rio.. thanks for pointing out the role of the enga...Rio.. thanks for pointing out the role of the enganche. well done..<BR/><BR/>the one concern I have about this lineup is that there is just not enough speed, top to bottom. Both in attack and defense. Which is why Maxi is so crucial to this team as he along with Cambiasso and Mashe can atleast cover a lot of ground real quick. But Veron, well, I don't recall the last time I ever saw him make a tackle or keep the triangle moving as he used to be the number 10 but now will have to play the number 8 role.<BR/><BR/>In South America, we can get away with this, but vs. Euro based teams, we will be punished. And even vs Brazil as with Kaka they are deadly on the counter attack and can expose us (like they did in the friendly).<BR/><BR/>Finally, Tevez just cannot play MF. he even admits, he trains according to his strengths, which is speed burst / acceleration based conditioning as opposed to long distance running / cardio that a MF would need to do. he simply does not have the stamina to last a game in MF.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-13036387473433262382007-06-25T10:30:00.000-07:002007-06-25T10:30:00.000-07:00I typed the above while eating, so there were some...I typed the above while eating, so there were some typos and some definitions ambiguous. I think it'd be necessary to clarify how enganches work though.<BR/><BR/>the triangle i refered to was the triangular/stagged shape formed between the CAM and the 2 outside midfielders. the triangle can pivots around the CAM like a helicopter blade. By changing the distance between each player and the CAM, it can also shapeshift. They can also move with the CAM laterally and horizontally while maintaining angular and distance relationships with him.<BR/><BR/>the 2 forwards also form a triangle with the CAM. These 2 triangles pivot around, shapeshift and move with the CAM simotaneously. <BR/>The CAM is therefore the mobile pivot point, and enganche. <BR/><BR/>so the idea is, at any instance, the relationship between the enganche and the other 4 offensive players would be defined by these 2 triangles (4312 is 5:5 formation, so 5 offensive players including the enganche. This also means the 2 outside midfielders are both offensive players by definition) Enganche therefore 'steer' the 4 guys via these 2 triangles so they could be oriented and displaced at the position he wanted them to be. <BR/>In other words, the organizational duty of the enganche is to tell the 2 triangles to be in proper shapes and face proper directions so the offensive players can form a route for the ball to go through.<BR/>one must try to picture this dynamically in order to appriciate the quality of enganches.<BR/><BR/>essentially, the offensive purpose of enganche doctrine is to prevent opponents from man marking the offensive players. the enganche can maintain control over the offensive players without the restriction of fixed "positions". so to opponent defenders, these guys would be all over the place and impossible to mark, so they have to drop into zone defense, which yiels room for attacking plays. (the only offensive player they can usually mark is the enganche himself)<BR/><BR/>Enganche also needs to consider the defensive responsibilities of his players. He respond to this by repositioning himself, bringing the offensive players back to correct defensive positions.<BR/><BR/>football tactics are constantly evolving so what i explained is just the very basis. nowadays, they need to break formation, rejoin, cross forming triangles, etc. they also need to excute set plays between all of them, not just within each triangles. Alot of group to group coorporations without going through the enganche himself...<BR/><BR/>One element need to mention though. <BR/>The wingback is essentially an independant element (could be wrong, this is what I heard). and when he displace to higher ground, the overall formation goes from 5:5 to 4:6. so things need to be done by the others to compensate this in order to sustain the quality of defense. <BR/>A usual solution is to use a more defensively minded midfielder natural to the side of the wingback, and he'll generally stay at the lower corner of the triangle between him, the enganche and the other outside midfielder. In argentina's case, zanetti and ibarra are the right wing backs (and sub), so the defensive guy also needs to be natural to the defensive playing on the right hand side.<BR/><BR/>cambiasso is better at defense than veron, this is the clear half.<BR/>the unclear half is whether cambiasso is also better defensively than tevez.<BR/><BR/>if he is, then he'll likely start right. and since basile is training veron, it's likely tevez won't get to play.<BR/>if cambiasso isn't better defensively than tevez, then training veron means cambiasso won't be starting.<BR/><BR/>What i'm trying to say is, veron training on the right half doesn't mean he'll be starting on the right. he was just learning to work with riquelme when he is to the right of him.<BR/>the more important thing which the stupid ole article didn't say is whether he was playing lower or higher than riquelme. If he was playing lower than riquelme, then 70+% chance we get tevez.Riohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16512604882510689737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-12383890886510445132007-06-25T09:30:00.000-07:002007-06-25T09:30:00.000-07:00As for HEINZE...just as argentinafan pointed out, ...As for HEINZE...just as argentinafan pointed out, he is a centre-back turned into a left-back. <BR/><BR/>He clearly is not at his best when on the ball. <BR/><BR/>He doesn't even feel (or look) comfortable on the ball. I wouldn't trust him to command the majority of our attacking plays (which I don't think will ever be the case!) but the sad thing is that I don't even trust him to do that once or twice a game. <BR/><BR/>I'll feel there is something very wrong with the team is that was the case! <BR/><BR/>Gabriel can score with headers from corner-kicks and he even started taking some free-kicks. But, despite having made a lot of progress in controlling the ball, he is still far from being an option to support our attack. <BR/><BR/>I trust him to cover his wing with his undeniable tackling and marking ability, but nothing else, really.Sebahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09584249588879160704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-53705771128557315822007-06-25T09:23:00.000-07:002007-06-25T09:23:00.000-07:00You really are into tactics and formation, Rio! Th...You really are into tactics and formation, Rio! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. It is not very often that someone studies tactics the way you obviously do. <BR/><BR/>However, let me disagree in one thing: TEVEZ should not play in midfield. <BR/><BR/>It doesn't matter if he can do a decent job. He is, what we say in Spanish, "Un animal de área" ("An animal that lives inside the box" could the the closest possible translation into English). <BR/><BR/>If you take the animal out of his habitat, eventually, he will die. <BR/><BR/>Yes, he did play a lot in midfield for West Ham, but it was mainly during the bad run of results as PARDEW kept him playing wide open in midfield. And he suffered. <BR/><BR/>Then CURBISHLEY played him up front (as part of a one-two combo with ZAMORA) and CARLITOS started to deliver. And boy he did deliver!!!<BR/><BR/>For much as I prefer TEVEZ to CAMBIASSO, there is no way that I will rather have CARLITOS as left-midfielder over CUCHU. <BR/><BR/>MESSI, AIMAR and TEVEZ (probable options to play in left midfield, following your way of thought) are all one-track-minded. They live to attack. Forget about TEVEZ being able to tackle. He WILL tackle, but he will do it inside our rivals' box to win back the ball only to shoot and try and score! <BR/><BR/>He won't do it as a main task. Same with AIMAR and MESSI. <BR/><BR/>Your point about having one "offensively weak" wing-back and another "offensive-minded" one, and how midfield should provide the balance is accepted. <BR/><BR/>But don't forget that the examples of SORIN, SCALONI and the last World Cup all happened during PEKERMAN's era. And now we are talking about a different manager that will surely have a different mentality (even though they liked pretty much the same players). <BR/><BR/>Alwin is spot on! Keep this tactic-talkin' comin' <BR/><BR/>I'm loving it! Is it Thursday already? <BR/><BR/>No?<BR/><BR/>Bollocks! I want Today to be Thursday and watch our Albicelestes in action!Sebahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09584249588879160704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-19581142714623342892007-06-25T09:12:00.000-07:002007-06-25T09:12:00.000-07:00Damn Rio ! Let me go back and get my physics and g...Damn Rio ! Let me go back and get my physics and geometry textbooks !johnnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00322074221832626021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-43474196141582778782007-06-25T08:54:00.000-07:002007-06-25T08:54:00.000-07:00I agree Roman leans left. but not sure we're talki...I agree Roman leans left. but not sure we're talking about the same thing. <BR/>He doesn't let the triangle formed with the 2 outside midfielders to reach the right edge. but when the triangle is turned 180 degrees he let the 'hight' be like 1/6 of the width of the pitch.<BR/><BR/>the mexico game for example. we started out like this:<BR/><BR/>scaloni ayala heinze sorin<BR/>--------Mascherano<BR/>maxi-------------Cambiasso<BR/>----------Roman<BR/>----Saviola------Crespo---<BR/><BR/>when we were attacking right:<BR/>------scaloni ayala heinze <BR/><BR/>--------------Mascherano<BR/><BR/>-------cambiasso<BR/><BR/>--------------Riquelme<BR/><BR/>--------Maxi<BR/>Saviola------------------Sorin<BR/>--------------Crespo<BR/><BR/><BR/>and when we were going left. <BR/>--scaloni ayala heinze <BR/><BR/>--------Mascherano<BR/><BR/>-------------------------Sorin<BR/><BR/>-------------cambiasso<BR/>--------------------------Maxi<BR/><BR/>--------------Riquelme<BR/><BR/><BR/>----Saviola------------Crespo<BR/><BR/><BR/>The triangle is to restrict space as well as creat routes to move the ball around opponents. So the 2 midfielders can't just leave position and go help his side. They need to move in the stagged form. breaking the triangle eliminates its function to restrict midfield space.<BR/><BR/>of the 2 center mids, 1 of them need to be more offensive and stay higher than the other. this way the triangle "stands up" and you can 1-2 over people. <BR/><BR/>this rotation of the triangle is actually the main advantage of playing enganche, so the formation doesn't just move horizontal and perpendicularly.<BR/><BR/>the lateral choice for the 2 midfielders depend on the backline setup. because they tackle with their perfered foot. the side with wing back need more defensive midfielder, so the other side should provide the more offensive one.<BR/><BR/>in 06 case, Scaloni was sub for burdisso, so he was there to play full back despite he's more oriented towards wing back. That's why he always stayed inline with the CBs through out the 1-1 period<BR/>on the other edge, sorin playing wing back so cambiasso was the defensive choice.<BR/><BR/>Now, in the current case, our defensive midfielder needs to start from the right side. between veron and cambiasso obviously cuchu was more defensive, so if veron really get the right spot, he's chosen to be the more defensive oriented outside mid, and Tevez should be first choice for the other side instead of cambiasso.<BR/><BR/>couple other things could also help tevez getting the job:<BR/>1. his tackles are top rated in EPL.<BR/>2. the routes maxi ran last year are almost identical to some the routes tevez ran in west ham.<BR/>3. he's faster than almost everyone else on the team.<BR/>4. he played upper midfielder (the more offensive outside mid) more than Veron and Cambiasso. Veron played enganche so I dont doubt his understanding of the movements, but cambiasso always played lower midfielder.Riohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16512604882510689737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-51395833385335045992007-06-25T07:52:00.000-07:002007-06-25T07:52:00.000-07:00I don't think it's natural for him to do that. He...I don't think it's natural for him to do that. Heinze, in reality, is a CB and not a FB and so is used to staying back. It's what he did under Pekerman. During his first seasons at Manchester United he didn't come up either (as a FB). It's only recently that he has started to attack more and that is most likely because Evra (his main competition for the starting spot) is very offensively minded. <BR/><BR/>My suggestion earlier regarding Riquelme and Aimar would have had Aimar playing in the wing. Yes the guy is more of an enganche but he can play out in the wing. At Zaragoza he and D'Alessandro would alternate as to who would play in the center. If one of them was already there the other would gi out into the wings. It seemed to work there which makes me think that Aimar could play in right wing if he had to. <BR/><BR/>Lucho is also very good there and can also handle himself well defensively (which would make the back 4 feel better).<BR/><BR/>Messi has also stated that he doesn't consider himself a foward but a midfielder and he likes to play a little deeper down, which is why he could also act as a wing of sorts and give Tevez some playing time (who is a true foward). If you had Zanetti behind him they could link up very well.<BR/><BR/>-argentinafanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-52860210387235901422007-06-25T07:50:00.000-07:002007-06-25T07:50:00.000-07:00Johnny,HEINZE did come up on many occasions for MA...Johnny,<BR/>HEINZE did come up on many occasions for MAN UTD this season, at times fruitful but on the whole he is a typical hard tackling defender. The reason why he was doing it often was to push EVRA out of the team as the latter loves going up front. As for the national team, i don't think we would need him to come up too often because of attacking calibre from midfield onwards looks good. <BR/><BR/>HEINZE is more suited as the "Stay Back" left back to do the job from bottom. I would think ZANETTI would do more of the running on the right side and that is where he would cover for VERON for whom i think would cut into the center and dictate play more often than never.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>Alwin<BR/><BR/>*nice string of thoughts we have here..keep it up guys :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-49759007229398478612007-06-25T07:34:00.000-07:002007-06-25T07:34:00.000-07:00For you all with more experience-I watched alot of...For you all with more experience-I watched alot of Manchester United this year and Heinze often came up the left side to join in the attack. Does he not have a history of doing this for the national team, or is it the opinion that he is not effective at doing this ? Thanks !johnnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00322074221832626021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-87695708630780946672007-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:002007-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:00Good point Saurabh. I would think that if any of o...Good point Saurabh. I would think that if any of our wing-backs is going to advance when in possession of the ball, that will be ZANETTI. <BR/><BR/>I don't know if ZANETTI will join the attack as a resource the team might use or if he will do it sistematically (as part of the game plan). <BR/><BR/>Another thing that I would like to add is that I like the fact that both, VERON and CAMBIASSO (our "wide" midfielders) can adjust at any time and dedicate solely to help MASCHE in recovering the ball. They can form a pair of defensive midfielders with MASCHE if the team needs it. <BR/><BR/>If that's the case, and for example VERON joins in MASCHE to just try and win back the ball, I clearly see ZANETTI moving forward with the ball at every chance there is. <BR/><BR/>The bad thing is that I don't think HEINZE will be able to do that at any stage. So we don't have the surprise factor coming from the left...<BR/><BR/>Also...who needs HEINZE in attack when you have MESSI? haha!Sebahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09584249588879160704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-90382192359324803532007-06-25T07:14:00.000-07:002007-06-25T07:14:00.000-07:00I think this team is certainly capable of winning ...I think this team is certainly capable of winning the Copa, but it is true that with so many attacking options now available, it will be difficult to determine who is going to start.<BR/><BR/>While Riquelme performed for Boca, I still think the Argentinian and Brazilian clubs are not at the same level as the European clubs. Look at how Tevez, Aguero, Gago and Higuain have to spend time to adjust while Riquelme just seemed to do wonderful things straightaway for Boca.<BR/><BR/>Which means I rate Aimar further up the pecking order than Riquelme for now. Also, will Coco allows Riquelme to come on and off the national team as he pleased? I think/hope Aimar will start.<BR/><BR/>I also rank Diego Milito slightly ahead of Crespo for now. Also, given the first game is against an under-strength USA team, I think Coco will want to experiment a little.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29878545.post-47955903302948682702007-06-25T06:56:00.000-07:002007-06-25T06:56:00.000-07:00I am a bit worried about the width of the team in ...I am a bit worried about the width of the team in this predicted line-up. While realising that wing play has never been the strength of Argentinian teams and that splitting through the middle has more been the style, we must not ignore the role of Maxi Rodriguez and Sorin in Germany. <BR/><BR/>I hope Zannetti can put some pressure on the wings to drag out defenders to wide areas and create space in the middle. <BR/><BR/>Do you think Zannetti, when in possession, is going to come forward into 3-5-2 position like what Sorin did in the WC?Saurabh Bhattacharjeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09630624593107341561noreply@blogger.com