I don't know if it's just me but everytime I think of our Olympic football national team I've got only one image. One memory. The memory of one of the goals I celebrated the most in recent years.
We were playing Uruguay. It was 0-0. Boring. Really boring match. With that result, we had enough to make it to the U20 World Cup in Canada (which we eventually won thanks to KUN, Maxi MORALEZ and company). But we were falling short of our biggest goal. We were seconds away from not being able to defend our Athens gold medal near the Great Wall.
So Lautaro ACOSTA (U20 World Cup Champion and Torneo Apertura champion with Lanús) jumped higher than everyone else to send it home with that head full of curly hair and to send me into a state of complete madness! Remember I was living in Brazil! I surely woke up the entire building and I just couldn't stop. I'll thank Lautaro forever and I'll never forget that moment.
You can say that was when the Road to Beijing really started. With a ticket won by U20's for a tournament that will eventually be played by U23's (with three over-aged players). But this Wednesday's friendly match against Guatemala in LA is certainly going to be played by a team that will look pretty much like the one Sergio BATISTA will bring to Beijing in August.
BATISTA himself had no idea he was going to manage these players by the time ACOSTA scored that goal.
One thing we know for sure is that he is a motivated man. "This match against Guatemala will be like the World Cup final of 86 against Germany for me", exagerated Mr. Checho but he made his point.
Three over-aged players. Three regular first-team players for Coco's big boys. Martín DEMICHELIS, Javier MASCHERANO and Juan Roman RIQUELME. It'll be their duty to lead their younger team-mates and to teach them a trick or two in the process.
There's no secret that U23's are no longer what they used to be. I remember when growing up, the majority of the footballers taking part of the Olympic tournament were complete and absolute unknown people. They were there to gain some experience and hopefully attract the attention of big clubs willing to bring them over.
Now even the U17's have signed professional contracts and some of them are first team regulars with at least 50 matches under their belts.
So the Olympic tournament is more competitive than ever and you need to bring your best men to the party.
A HAPPY CHECHO
This time around, BATISTA wanted to have all the stars he could possibly call. He knew from the start he was not going to have MESSI (understanding he is just coming back from injury and knowing that calling him was probably not the best thing to do). But, like a little boy who knows he's behave superbly during the year, he wrote Santa a letter asking for all the other top toys he knows.
And when the album was almost complete, he found out that Kun AGÜERO, Fernando GAGO, Ezequiel GARAY where the elusive figures and he had to make do without them.
Still, BATISTA looks to be very happy with what he got out of the letter he wrote. On paper, the team to face Guatemala looks promising (to say the least).
Solid in every line. But let's take a look at how the team will probably start the match:
Oscar USTARI will be the goalkeeper (Sergio ROMERO -U20 WC in Canada- will wait in the bench)
ZABALETA (right) and ESCUDERO (left) will be the full-backs, while Martín DEMICHELIS and Federico FAZIO (Sevilla) will play in the centre of the back four.
There's be a pair of holding midfielders in Ever BANEGA and Javier MASCHERANO (I'm thinking how many team will present a stronger pair in the Olympics -and you have to have in mind that BANEGA will play only because GAGO is injured-).
RIQUELME will have a free role and will move mostly in the centre while José SOSA (former Estudiantes de La Plata, now at Bayern Munich) and Gonzalo HIGUAIN will move on the flanks, feeding up Napoli's Ezequiel LAVEZZI who will play up front.
What do you think of that? Pretty strong, I must admit!
BATISTA tried to call up Maxi MORALEZ and Claudio YACOB (both of Racing Club, now that MORALEZ will officially return to Avellaneda -much to my incredible joy!-), but he failed to bring them to LA because the pair didn't have a visa to enter the USA.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE MATCH? STREAMING? COMMENTARY?
At the beginning it was for research. Then communications took over and all you wanted to do was to chat and to read and write e-mails. Then porn became king (some might say it still is! haha!) and e-business and online gaming and plenty of other things. But I dare to say we are officially living in the era of football (and sports in general) broadcast through the internet.
How cool is to watch virtually every match from every country from anywhere like you can do these days?
Well...I may have to eat my words here as there is no confirmation (to my knowledge) of an online broadcast of Guatemala v Argentina.
My source for online football broadcastings (and highly recommendable) still has no link to the match but it promises they will. So here's hoping we'll be able to get it.
Here's the link to their site (make sure you download the software you need -SopCast, TVU, TVAnts, etc.-): http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=5767&part=sports
Another good source for live football has it listed, but still no information on the link. You may want to check here: http://rojadirecta.com/foros/viewtopic.php?t=34684
I will of course post here if I find a link to that commentary and I kindly ask all readers to feel free to post in the comments section if you happen to find one.
Vamos Argentina!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Argentina Survive French Scare
Argentina took on France in their third match of the qualifier. Much to everyone surprise it was the French who took the game to our boys as they were pressuring our defense. For the reward, France took the lead in the 4th minute, courtesy of a roof top scoop from Nicolas GAILLARD.
That scary moment was just temporary as Argentina found their rhythm and got the equalizer in the 15th minute through Lucas VILA. Three minutes later, Rodrigo VILA put us in the lead. Juan GARERTA made it 3-1 for Argentina towards the end of the first half.
When the second half started, again our boys have seemed to lose their rhythm and the French started to attack again. The score line became 3-2 when Frederic SOYEZ pushes the ball over the line in the 58th minute. But a minute later, Lucas CAMMERERI slotted the ball into an empty goal to restore Argentina’s two-goal lead.
The final score Argentina 4 France 2
That scary moment was just temporary as Argentina found their rhythm and got the equalizer in the 15th minute through Lucas VILA. Three minutes later, Rodrigo VILA put us in the lead. Juan GARERTA made it 3-1 for Argentina towards the end of the first half.
When the second half started, again our boys have seemed to lose their rhythm and the French started to attack again. The score line became 3-2 when Frederic SOYEZ pushes the ball over the line in the 58th minute. But a minute later, Lucas CAMMERERI slotted the ball into an empty goal to restore Argentina’s two-goal lead.The final score Argentina 4 France 2
NBA News - Great News For Scola
Miami Heat 82 Toronto Raptors 114
A fantastic start from the first quarter, enable the Raptors to rout the Heat to they’re 19th defeat in the last 20 games.
Carlos DELFINO posted 7 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists & 1 steal.
Minnesota Timberwolves 86 Houston Rockets 92
Luis SCOLA continued his double scoring spree as a starter, this time he posted 11 points, a team high 8 rebounds & 1 assist.
The big news is that SCOLA has been selected to take part in the upcoming All-Star Rookie Challenge event, alongside other rookies such as Milwaukee Bucks YI Jianlian from China, Memphis Grizzlies Spaniard Juan Carlos NAVARRO and Kevin DURANT from the Seattle Supersonics.
This is also a great news for myself after realizing how stupid can some people get for leaving Manu GINOBILI from the All-Star despite having a spectacular season.
Seattle Supersonics 108 Chicago Bulls 118
The Bulls are improving on their quest for a play off spot in the Eastern Conference. Andres NOCIONI posted a double-digit performance with 14 points, 4 rebounds & 1 assist.
A fantastic start from the first quarter, enable the Raptors to rout the Heat to they’re 19th defeat in the last 20 games.
Carlos DELFINO posted 7 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists & 1 steal.
Minnesota Timberwolves 86 Houston Rockets 92
Luis SCOLA continued his double scoring spree as a starter, this time he posted 11 points, a team high 8 rebounds & 1 assist.
The big news is that SCOLA has been selected to take part in the upcoming All-Star Rookie Challenge event, alongside other rookies such as Milwaukee Bucks YI Jianlian from China, Memphis Grizzlies Spaniard Juan Carlos NAVARRO and Kevin DURANT from the Seattle Supersonics.This is also a great news for myself after realizing how stupid can some people get for leaving Manu GINOBILI from the All-Star despite having a spectacular season.
Seattle Supersonics 108 Chicago Bulls 118
The Bulls are improving on their quest for a play off spot in the Eastern Conference. Andres NOCIONI posted a double-digit performance with 14 points, 4 rebounds & 1 assist.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
The Weekend Roundup
Spanish Primera Liga...
Aldo DUSCHER scored a 75th minute penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Racing Santander against Levante. DUSCHER was fouled in the penalty area by David CASTEDO, then took the spot kick himself and firing high into the net.
Italian Serie A...
Maximiliano PELLEGRINO scored first for Atalanta in their 3-2 away win over Parma.
Hockey Olympic Qualifier...
Argentina overtook host New Zealand at the top of the standing after trashing Trinidad & Tobago 7-1in Day 2 of the qualifier.
Matias VILA (2), Lucas VILA (2), Rodrigo VILA, Lucas ROSSI & Fernando ZYLBERBERG were the scorers.
NBA News...
Walter HERRMANN had 5 points in a space of 3:22 time play in Detroit Pistons 90-67 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Tennis Fed Cup...
Argentina move into the World Group play off after defeating Austria 4-1 in Buenos Aires.
Jorgelina CRAVERO struck first for Argentina with a 7-6 & 6-3 win over Yvonne MEUSBUGER.
The tie was level at 1-1 after Maria-Ernilia SALERINI lost her game to Melanie KLAFFNER.
But she redeemed herself in the next match against Patricia MAYR 7-5, 3-6 & 6-2. CRAVERO then went to seal the win with a 6-4 & 6-4 win over KLAFFNER.
To complete the fixture, the pairing of Maria IRIGOYEN & Betina JOZAMI made it 4-1 for Argentina with a 6-1, 4-6 & 6-3 win against Yvonne MEUSBUGER & Barbara SCHWARTZ.
Aldo DUSCHER scored a 75th minute penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Racing Santander against Levante. DUSCHER was fouled in the penalty area by David CASTEDO, then took the spot kick himself and firing high into the net.
Italian Serie A...
Maximiliano PELLEGRINO scored first for Atalanta in their 3-2 away win over Parma.
Hockey Olympic Qualifier...
Argentina overtook host New Zealand at the top of the standing after trashing Trinidad & Tobago 7-1in Day 2 of the qualifier.
Matias VILA (2), Lucas VILA (2), Rodrigo VILA, Lucas ROSSI & Fernando ZYLBERBERG were the scorers.
NBA News...
Walter HERRMANN had 5 points in a space of 3:22 time play in Detroit Pistons 90-67 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Tennis Fed Cup...
Argentina move into the World Group play off after defeating Austria 4-1 in Buenos Aires.
Jorgelina CRAVERO struck first for Argentina with a 7-6 & 6-3 win over Yvonne MEUSBUGER.
The tie was level at 1-1 after Maria-Ernilia SALERINI lost her game to Melanie KLAFFNER.
But she redeemed herself in the next match against Patricia MAYR 7-5, 3-6 & 6-2. CRAVERO then went to seal the win with a 6-4 & 6-4 win over KLAFFNER.
To complete the fixture, the pairing of Maria IRIGOYEN & Betina JOZAMI made it 4-1 for Argentina with a 6-1, 4-6 & 6-3 win against Yvonne MEUSBUGER & Barbara SCHWARTZ.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Double Strikes From FARIAS & LAVEZZI
Forget about Almeria surprise victory over the Real Madrid as they were other great news during smashing Saturday.
In Portugal...
FC Porto trounced Uniao Leiria 4-0 to remain on top of the Portuguese Liga with two goals from Ernesto FARIAS and one from Lisandro LOPEZ. Jose BOSINGWA strike first in he 16th minute.
Lucho GONZALEZ was in the starting line up and played until the 62nd minute when he was substitute for Mariano GONZALEZ.
In Italy...
Napoli got back to winning ways after defeating Udinese 3-1 in a game which saw both teams were reduced to 10 men. The man that ensure this win for them is non other than Ezequiel LAVEZZI, scoring twice in one minute.
The first, on which he controlled the ball deftly before firing in a thunderbolt of a shot from 30 yards into the bottom corner.
Just moments later, an unfortunate knocked by by Udinese's Christian ZAPATA saw the ball going towards LAVEZZI from which he slotted his effort from 15 yards out.
In Portugal...
FC Porto trounced Uniao Leiria 4-0 to remain on top of the Portuguese Liga with two goals from Ernesto FARIAS and one from Lisandro LOPEZ. Jose BOSINGWA strike first in he 16th minute.
Lucho GONZALEZ was in the starting line up and played until the 62nd minute when he was substitute for Mariano GONZALEZ.In Italy...
Napoli got back to winning ways after defeating Udinese 3-1 in a game which saw both teams were reduced to 10 men. The man that ensure this win for them is non other than Ezequiel LAVEZZI, scoring twice in one minute.
The first, on which he controlled the ball deftly before firing in a thunderbolt of a shot from 30 yards into the bottom corner.Just moments later, an unfortunate knocked by by Udinese's Christian ZAPATA saw the ball going towards LAVEZZI from which he slotted his effort from 15 yards out.
Hockey Olympic Qualifier - Argentina Trash USA
From the beginning of the match clearly they were the strongest side. When the match ended, Argentina did what had to do, wrap up a big win over USA and keep pace with New Zealand at the same time.
Mario ALMADA and his men capitalized on every moment and weakness from the Americans to beat them 9-1 in Day 1 of the qualifiers.
Two goals by ALMADA & Lucas VILLA and a goal each from Juan GARRETA, Matias VILLA, Lucas ROSSI & Fernando ZYLBERBERG help Argentina to secure the win. Nate COOLIDGE got the only consolation for USA.
Today they will take on Trinidad & Tobago.
Heroic Apache rescues point for Red Devils
I was watching Portsmouth-Chelsea on FOX Sports Latin America (odd choice of live coverage when they had Spurs-Man. Utd. at the same time).
They had Pompey-Blues live, followed by Tottenham-Manchester United (taped), while they could have had the match at White Hart Lane LIVE, followed by Liverpool-Sunderland LIVE. Anyway...
The thing is...the public in Argentina missed one more Carlitos TEVEZ's heroics!
I was following the entire Premiership action (paying special attention to my team -QPR- in the Championship -we won 3-0 against high-flying Bristol City, by the way-) and when all the matches were about to finish, I said: "OK, I'll give it a try and I'll watch the final minutes on SopCast".
As the software was loading I said to myself: "I doubt I'll tune in on time, it's surely over".
But the ref gave 3 added minutes and United won a corner kick on the right and Carlitos decided to write another page in his book of heroics.
He went to the first post and got there before everybody else to simply touch it and send it to the back of the net to equalize a match that looked pretty much in the bag for unlucky Spurs.
Considering Arsenal had defeated Manchester City earlier and knowing this TEVEZ goal now keeps them 2 points away from the Gunners...how much will this goal be worth by the end of the season?
Pancho VILLA, the rebel County needed
He doesn't have the large mustache and he surely doesn't fire revolvers or wear big sombreros, like the legendary Mexican Pancho VILLA, but Emanuel, born in Argentina and a former player of Huracán and Rosario Central, arrived to Derby County from Mexico and today he fired home to give them a point away at St. Andrew's against Birmingham.
County are favourites to be relegated as the have gathered only 9 points in the entire campaign, but it's a good thing for VILLA to score and hopefully start making a name for himself.
Mauro ZARATE also played in that match, but he only came in as a sub with roughly 15 minutes to go. He is surely pushing to get his first start with the Blues. We'll see how it goes.
They had Pompey-Blues live, followed by Tottenham-Manchester United (taped), while they could have had the match at White Hart Lane LIVE, followed by Liverpool-Sunderland LIVE. Anyway...
The thing is...the public in Argentina missed one more Carlitos TEVEZ's heroics!
I was following the entire Premiership action (paying special attention to my team -QPR- in the Championship -we won 3-0 against high-flying Bristol City, by the way-) and when all the matches were about to finish, I said: "OK, I'll give it a try and I'll watch the final minutes on SopCast".
As the software was loading I said to myself: "I doubt I'll tune in on time, it's surely over".
But the ref gave 3 added minutes and United won a corner kick on the right and Carlitos decided to write another page in his book of heroics.
He went to the first post and got there before everybody else to simply touch it and send it to the back of the net to equalize a match that looked pretty much in the bag for unlucky Spurs.
Considering Arsenal had defeated Manchester City earlier and knowing this TEVEZ goal now keeps them 2 points away from the Gunners...how much will this goal be worth by the end of the season?
Pancho VILLA, the rebel County needed
He doesn't have the large mustache and he surely doesn't fire revolvers or wear big sombreros, like the legendary Mexican Pancho VILLA, but Emanuel, born in Argentina and a former player of Huracán and Rosario Central, arrived to Derby County from Mexico and today he fired home to give them a point away at St. Andrew's against Birmingham.
County are favourites to be relegated as the have gathered only 9 points in the entire campaign, but it's a good thing for VILLA to score and hopefully start making a name for himself.
Mauro ZARATE also played in that match, but he only came in as a sub with roughly 15 minutes to go. He is surely pushing to get his first start with the Blues. We'll see how it goes.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Hockey Olympic Qualifier Underway
The national men’s hockey team are currently in the midst are preparing for the Olympic Qualifier to be held in down under New Zealand.
Argentina apart from the host will also have France, Ireland, USA and Trinidad & Tobago in company. Just for the info, only the top team will book a ticket to Beijing.
It hasn’t been an ideal situation for them, after having qualified for every Olympics since 1968; to play in this tournament. However this is the reality for coach Sergio VIGIL and his players after suffering a surprise defeat at the hands of Canada in last year Pan-Am Games in Rio.
On paper, the New Zealand Black Sticks will provide to toughest opposition for our boys, as they are highly motivated to erase the bad memories in last years Champions Challenge Tournament.
Further note to this, inspirational play maker Jorge LOMBI’s name has been omitted for some unknown reason. Almost certainly this is going to leave a huge gap in the team. Bare in mind it was his heroic performance in Brussels that won Argentina the Champions Challenge Tournament.
The following are the names that have been selected by coach VIGIL.
1. Juan Manuel VIVALDI (GK)
3. Juan Martin LOPEZ
4. Matias VILA
5. Pedro IBARRA
7. Mario ALMADA (C)
8. Lucas REY
9. Rodrigo VILA
10. Matias PAREDES
11. Lucas CAMMARERI
12. Lucas VILA
14. Fernando ZYLBERBERG
18. Juan GARRETA
22. Matias REY
23. Juan ESPINOSA (GK)
24. Lucas ARGENTO
27. Lucas ROSSI
29. Agustin CORRADINI
31. Ignacio BERGNER
Argentina will kick off their campaign against the United State on the 2nd of February.
GAGO out of Guatemala friendly. FERNANDEZ in
Fernando GAGO is injured and he will miss the trip to Los Angeles where Argentina will face Guatemala on February 6th.
River Plate's Augusto FERNANDEZ was called up by Sergio BATISTA to cover for GAGO.
This is the second substitution BATISTA is forced to make after Ezequiel GARAY (suffering from a kind of stomach flu) was replaced by Boca Juniors' Jonathan MAIDANA.
River Plate's Augusto FERNANDEZ was called up by Sergio BATISTA to cover for GAGO.
This is the second substitution BATISTA is forced to make after Ezequiel GARAY (suffering from a kind of stomach flu) was replaced by Boca Juniors' Jonathan MAIDANA.
NBA News - Suns Can't Stop Manu, Again
Phoenix Suns 81 San Antonio Spurs 84
I was skeptical about this before the game but now I’ve just realized this wasn’t something new as it did happen before.
Lets go back to the 17th May 2007; the Spurs visited the Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-finals. At one point, Spurs were down by 16 points and it looked like the Suns were about to force the series to Game 7.
Then this is where, someone needs to rise to the occasion to deliver and that man posted a game high 26 points to help Spurs win that match, subsequently the series as well.
Now fast forward to 31st January 2008, this story was more or less the same.
Playing at the US Airways Center in front of raucous capacity plus with some sport celebrity appearance from the National Football League and PGA circle to spice up the atmosphere.
Coming from a three game losing streak, Spurs were desperate for a win but it was never going to be easy. The Suns fans were there to give them a hard long night with chant and insult being hurled everywhere.
At half time, Manu GINOBILI was pointless but finished off with a team high 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists & 3 steals.
GINOBILI said that despite trailing all of the first half and most of the game, the Spurs were confident.
"At the half, I was scoreless, Tim (DUNCAN) had only six points and they (the Suns) had 15 points off turnovers, but we were only down six points," he said. "So we were optimistic that we could get the win."
Fabricio OBERTO, together with Manu was a starter tonight, posted 2 points, 7 rebounds & 1 assist.
I was skeptical about this before the game but now I’ve just realized this wasn’t something new as it did happen before.
Lets go back to the 17th May 2007; the Spurs visited the Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-finals. At one point, Spurs were down by 16 points and it looked like the Suns were about to force the series to Game 7.
Then this is where, someone needs to rise to the occasion to deliver and that man posted a game high 26 points to help Spurs win that match, subsequently the series as well.
Now fast forward to 31st January 2008, this story was more or less the same.
Playing at the US Airways Center in front of raucous capacity plus with some sport celebrity appearance from the National Football League and PGA circle to spice up the atmosphere.
Coming from a three game losing streak, Spurs were desperate for a win but it was never going to be easy. The Suns fans were there to give them a hard long night with chant and insult being hurled everywhere.
At half time, Manu GINOBILI was pointless but finished off with a team high 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists & 3 steals.
GINOBILI said that despite trailing all of the first half and most of the game, the Spurs were confident.
"At the half, I was scoreless, Tim (DUNCAN) had only six points and they (the Suns) had 15 points off turnovers, but we were only down six points," he said. "So we were optimistic that we could get the win."Fabricio OBERTO, together with Manu was a starter tonight, posted 2 points, 7 rebounds & 1 assist.
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