Mundo Albiceleste Best of 2009

Wow! I find it hard to believe how time flies so fast that we have reached the pinnacle end of 2009. A year which started with plenty of optimism, suddenly we had to go through some trouble times but in the end, it was nevertheless a happy note.

Despite of being a rollercoaster year, there’s were some great things to look back in Mundo Albiceleste during the past 12 months which I would like to personally to highlight here.

Firstly, the Mundo team grew from two to three with the arrival of Roy from Canada as our new member. He gave us some great insight among which statistics, match preview and most importantly the Mundo Albiceleste Chat Room which has always served as a great place for fans of Argentina to interact with one another (especially during live matches).

Speaking of matches, lets not forget the contribution of Dave P (from New York) and GK (from Canada) on the player ratings which also been another regular post on the blog.

The biggest featured that we brought to you on Mundo has to got to be our very own Podcast Show. We’re glad that you love the idea and I must say thanks to all our friends for being our special guest and making it a great show.

Another new feature on the blog was our very own Twitter page, thanks to our friend P2BN. We also did promote the blog through facebook courtesy of Networked Blogs. Apart from this, we also did a collaboration with Sam Kelly from Hasta El Gol Siempre for the HEGS/MA Award for Best Argentine Abroad 2009.

I can assure you that we’re not done just yet. If there is anything that you feel can help to promote this blog (contribution, advertising etc.) please do let us know or write to us. We appreciate all the feedback coming in.

Now it is my pleasure to bring you our annual Mundo Albiceleste Best of 2009, counting down from Ten to One

10. Gonzalo HIGUAIN The Non-Galatico Madrid. This year was a breakout year for Pipita as he was the most outstanding performer in a Los Merengues side that is overwhelmed by a numbers of superstars; forcing a certain Diego to say “Welcome to the National Team”. Thank goodness for that. Sorry Les Blues, Pipita is here to stay with us.

9. Diego MILITO He was the best striker we had in 2009. At club level, whether he was playing with little Genoa or the giant of San Siro, the script always remains the same; just goals after goals (I believe the it was 25 in total, sorry incase if I’m wrong here). All I’m asking for in 2010 is that he gets a decent 90 minute football for the National Team.

8. Luis SCOLA

For once basketball was not about Manu GINOBILI as SCOLA took over the mantle and helped the Houston Rockets to win their first play off series in 12 years and captained an under strength Argentina at the FIBA Americas to qualify for next year’s World Championship; in which he was also named as the tournament’s MVP.

7. Marcelo BIELSA Step aside Diego. El Loco was the best Albiceleste that stood on the sideline. Of course he is coaching another National Team but lets not forget that he was the main architect behind Chile’s brand of attacking football thus helping them to qualify for their first World Cup in 12 years. Wish him luck in South Africa.

6. Javier ZANETTI
The evergreen Pupi is still going strong at the tender age of 36. A charismatic figure, he lead Inter to another Italian Serie A title, his fourth in a row. A remarkable achievement when you are playing in arguably the toughest league in the world. Now the real question is, will we ever see Ill Capitano in an Albiceleste shirt ever again?

5. Luciana AYMAR For the female category, surely it’s got to be non-other than “La Maga” AYMAR. She was instrumental in helping Las Leonas claiming the Champions Trophy and has already cemented her place as the games greatest ever player after winning her sixth (a record for both men and women!) FIH Player of the Year award.

4. Estudiantes de la Plata
La Brujita VERON & Co. truly deserves the honour as the best football team from Argentina. Compared with the National Team (at all levels), the Rat Stabbers carried the Argentine flag proudly by winning the Copa Libertadores against a club from Brazil and were just merely one minute away from being crown as the King of the World.

3. Angel CABRERA Another historical moment for the mighty duck of Cordoba. Just like the US Open two years ago, Pato CABRERA being the odd man out, with some luck came back strongly to ensure that for the first time, the famous Green Jacket of Augusta will come to Argentina. A true working class hero indeed.

2. Juan Martin DEL POTRO In the midst of darkness, then there was light everywhere. The hero from Tandil finally ended our drought at the Grand Slam by winning the US Open. All this despite playing against a familiar foe, Roger FEDERER. Apart from clinching two other ATP event, he ended the year by winning the Olimpia de Oro as the Best Sportsmen in Argentina.

1. Lionel MESSI This year was indeed that Year of the LION-el. What else there is that left to say about a young man whom at the tender age of 22, has already achieved almost everything there is available for a footballer. I’m sure you don’t need me to list them down because throughout the time of this blog’s existence, we have followed him closely. We’ve heard all the never ending critics and all the haters that never stops attacking him. In the end, it was just mere words to this genius Flea. It only makes him better and better. Now all that is left for him….well I’m sure you know what I’m referring too.

So what can we look forward to in the coming new year? Well definitely 2010 is going to be a real challenging one and we will do our best to bring the best coverage and the latest news on the Albiceleste.

Now to end this article, on behalf of the Mundo team I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all our readers/friends for the comments and contributions on this blog. It was pleasure reading all of them even if sometime we tend to disagree on some of them. After all, this is what made Mundo a great place to be and you guys played a part of it.

With that said, its time for us to wish all of you a very Happy New Year and the best of luck in 2010.

VAMOS VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

Ace Manu & Scola Post Double-Double

Surely they’ve had better night than this. Nevertheless both Manu GINOBILI and Luis SCOLA were key figures in their respective franchise win.

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-99 with Manu showing his other capabilities. He was on course for a triple double performance but settle’s with 14 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds and one block shot.

As much he has been know for his shooting, he also threaded passes to Roger MASON and Richard JEFFERSON and found Tim DUNCAN and DeJuan BLAIR open under the basket. Wolves coach regarded him as one of the most dangerous player in the league.

“He just creates so much havoc with his energy,” Kurt RAMBIS said. “His ability to crash the glass, get steals, play defense, shoot long shots, penetrate and find guys open. He just plays an unorthodox style of basketball that makes it difficult to cover.”

Not to forget, even Spurs coach Gregg POPOVITCH was all amazed with his all around game.

“Tonight was probably one of his best all around games,” Pops said. “He played well defensively. He rebounded fantastically and offensively, he looked like Manu. Everybody is excited to see him play that way.”

Meanwhile SCOLA too had his own personal double-double, as always helping his team in both scoring and rebounding. The Houston Rockets at one point trailing their opponent the New Orleans Hornet, came back to win the game 108-100.

Much of this thanks to SCOLA’s 13 points, 12 rebounds and 1 steal to his credit. In his own words “It wasn’t looking very good for us, but we came back and closed the game pretty good.”

Great to see to see the Tall Albiceleste in the best league in the world closing 2009 with such high numbers. Just a day earlier, Andres NOCIONI scored a season high 21 points (including 6 rebounds, 2 assists & one block shot) for the Sacramento Kings in their 106-101 win over the Denver Nuggets.

Carlitos Double Cracks Wolves

Carlos TEVEZ continues his hot scoring streak after netting twice in Manchester City 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His first goal came in the 33rd minute when he was picked out by Craig BELLAMY from the left. His first time shot took a deflection off a defender on it’s way past Wolves keeper Marcus HAHNEMANN.

City were already 2-0 up after a wonderful curling free kick from Javier GARRIDO and then with four minutes left, TEVEZ scored his second goal in the game to seal the win for his team. He fired a left footed shot from the edge of the penalty area after a cross from ROBINHO.

He has already scored 8 goals in the last 7 appearance and in total so far 11 goals in every competition. In was City’s first away win in four months and the second in a row for new manager Roberto MANCINI.

Nice to see this little fellow playing with such confidence and let’s hope he keep this up in the month to come.

Wolves - Manchester City 0-3 (28/12/09)
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Average Manu Thus Far Against Bucks

For a while it did look like he was back but much to my fear, it wasn’t the case in San Antonio Spur’s four of the last five games.

Tonight I was hoping to see the dad to be Manu GINOBILI (twin boys to be exact!) would able to come up big against the Milwaukee Bucks and it was pretty much average game. The Spurs did out run the Bucks to win 112-97 with Manu posting 13 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

“We just had a different mind-set tonight,” a positive Manu said. “We played very aggressively and moved the ball really well, so it's easier to make shots. We didn't walk the ball up every time. For me, getting a couple of easy transition baskets makes you feel better. That was the big difference tonight. We played faster and better with faster pace. It was more fun, definitely.”

Hopefully slowly he would gain the same form that we were so used to watching from him. On the opposite end, Carlos DELFINO started for the Bucks and posted 5 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 steal.

In the absence of Tracy McGRADY, Luis SCOLA played a leading role for the revamp Houston Rockets as the continue to pile misery on the New Jersey Nets with 98-93 win. He posted 17 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist.

In other games, Fabricio OBERTO posted 2 points in the Washington Wizards 89-101 loss to Minnesota Timberwolves. Andres NOCIONI only had 1 point and 1 assist in the Sacramento Kings 103-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Diego BUONANOTTE Suffers Car Accident & Narrowly Escaped Death

A sad and tragic incident that happened during this festive and joyous season.

2008 Olympic Gold Medallist and River Plate striker Diego BUONANOTTE was involved in a severe car accident while heading towards Teodelina village in his father's vehicle. He was travelling with three close friends, all of whom died because of the crash. BUONANOTTE himself has been hospitalised.

The accident occurred on Route 65 in Santa Fe Province when the 21-year-old was heading towards the Teodelina village, where he hails from. He and his friends were supposedly returning from the neighbouring town of Arribenos.

It's been reported that the car, a Peugeot 307, hit a tree along the route around 6:45am amidst a heavy downpour. Authorities have also reportedly said that the car could have taken a slide against a small hill beside the road and then hit a huge tree. BUONANOTTE's three friends died shortly afterwards.

BUONANOTTE has been hospitalised at the San Martin de Venado Tuerto clinic. He is currently in the Intensive Care department. Initial reports suggest that he has suffered a broken humerus, collar bone, a pulmonary contusion as well multiple injuries. Authorities are now trying to find out whether there was any other vehicle involved in the accident.

On behalf of all Mundo Albiceleste readers and friends, our thoughts and prayers goes to the family of BUONANOTTE’s three friends. We also wish him to get well soon and speedy recovery.

Carlitos Scores In MAN-chester-CINI Debut

After of couple of days enjoying this festive moment with family and friends, time now to relax and enjoy some football once again. With most of the Europeans leagues now on a holiday break, that means it’s all about the traditional Premiership’s Boxing Day fixtures.

Of course the on going news (or controversy) was all about the appointment of Roberto MANCINI as the new manager of Manchester City. Well how did this effect on the status quo of the two City’s Albiceleste?

For a start, MANCINI has decided to name both Carlos TEVEZ and Pablo ZABALETA in the starting line up against Stoke City. Now that’s sounds like a good start in particularly for ZABALETA, whom for a while I thought he had probably lost his place in the team.

Today those could do no wrong as the Citizen start their new era with a 2-0 win over the Potters. The first goal came in the 28th minute after a brilliant run from TEVEZ on the left from which his cross inside the penalty area was touched onto Martin PETROV by ROBINHO.

Then close to stoppage time, a cross from ZABALETA found Gareth BARRY and the Englishmen headed the ball into path of TEVEZ from which the little fellow delicately lifted the ball over Stokes keeper Thomas SORENSEN. No doubt in my opinion, Carlitos was the Man of the Match.

Catalunya vs Argentina (Match Highlights & Goals)

Player Ratings for Catalunya vs. Argentina... Version 2!

Earlier I posted GK's player ratings, now it's time to post Dave's player ratings! Compare both and see who you agree with more!

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Have been waiting to see the NT play for awhile, and even though this is not a true FIFA team, Catalunya is full of talent. It does not matter who we play, every time the Albiceleste suit up it is important game. With that being said, and this being an “exhibition match,” I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was not expecting a 4-2 loss. Much like our struggles in every other match Catalunya showed our faults. Our lack of even having a defense that works, combine with no organization in the midfield allowed for Catalunya to hold possession and push forward to break down our terrible defense all game. There were some positives, which were our ability to actually have an attacking presence for once. We created plenty of chances, but we could not finish for anything all night…Anyway here are the ratings.

Pozo 4: Poor performance by Pozo, should have saved at least 2 of the four gols, but it is hard to come up big, when your defense are non existent. Had a great save on a break away from Bojan. Overall was slow to react and showed no confidence in coming off his line all game. Should never be called up to the NT again.

Alvarez 4: First time starting for the NT and showed some quality in the first half. However, as the game went he was caught out of position far to many times and allowed Bojan to run around him. Alvarez would push forward and played some good balls into Higuain but could not track back fast enough and allowed Catalunya to counter on us too easily. Was too slow to apply pressure out wide on their wings. Also, all game his corners and free kick distribution were pathetic. Like Pozo should never be called up to the NT.

Demichelis (8/3): A tale of two halves for Demichelis our captain in the back. In the first half Demi showed why he is probably our most set in stone defender coming up big with strong enforcing tackles all half. He saved Otamendi by sliding out of nowhere to push the ball out of bounds on a break away. Demi was always in good position in the first half. However, in the second half he seemed clueless. He was always slow to react, and was caught flat-footed by Bojan who blew by him and scored on us. Another gol was Demi’s fault as well when a free kick was sent into the box and Demi was caught sleeping allowing Hurtado an open header on Pozo. Also, all game he made poor distributive passes up front which would just be picked off.

Otamendi 3: Much like our other defenders was caught out of position way too often. Showed no confidence in applying pressure to Catalunya’s strikers. Was beat 3 or 4 times in our own box all game and proved that he is still young and has very little ability to perform on the NT. Also, allowed his defender to get on the inside of him far too easily to let Catalunya score first at the end of the first half.

Papa 3: Terrible performance by Papa. He always seemed to be nervous even when he did not have the ball at his foot. He does not have the talent to be on the NT as well. He would push forward with the ball only to lose it. In the first half a sloppy tackle on Bojan who was in, should have been given a red card. We do not need Papa to be playing left back for our NT. Anyone such as Insua and even Heinze could play there far better then Papa.

Gago -1: Wow so much negativity in these defensive player ratings. I have nothing to say for Gago other then he was invisible. It was like we were playing with only 9 outfield players when he was on the field…Awful should not be called up ever again unless he goes to a team in the transfer window, starts every game, and a miracle happens. That’s, one two, three, four, five players that started this game that should not be even called up to the NT.

Bolatti 4.5: He played well in the first half covering for two positions because Gago was not existent. Played well with helping out Otamendi and Demichelis in defense and bossed some of the Catalunya attackers around. However, as the game went on Bolatti failed to solidify his position in the midfield. Would make poor decisions and would be too slow with moving the ball up to Pastore. There was one instance where Bojan caught him because he was too slow to react which gave Bojan a breakaway.

Pastore 6: Played the role of linking the midfield to the attack and did a decent enough job for his first cap on the NT ever. Played good balls out wide to Di Maria and played well with Lavezzi. Pastore was a little slow at first but as the game went on he settled in fine. Set up Di Maria multiple times as well as got the ball forward to Higuain. Also not to mention a wonder strike for our first gol. He popped the ball up to himself, by accident, but was quick to react and power it into the side netting past Valdez. Continue to keep an eye on Pastore and he may find himself into the WC side.

Di Maria 7: His rating would be a lot higher had he scored all four brilliant chances that he had all game. All game Di Maria was running at defenders looking to combine either by drawing the ball back or crossing it across the box. To start the game he had a brilliant cross to Lavezzi, who pushed the header wide. As the first half went on he continued to press forward and had a few one on one’s with Valdez, only to shoot wide or be stopped at the last moment. Di Maria proved how dangerous he can be, and how valuable he is to our NT. There should have been a PK called on Valdez when Di Maria beat his man end line and Valdez to the ball, only to have Valdez chop his legs down. Anyway, great attacking mindset by Di Maria. Much like our other attacking players, we lacked the finishing touch tonight.

Lavezzi 7: Played very well in the attack and single handily sprinted past much of Catalunya’s defenders. Lavezzi is a truehearted player who runs much like Tevez and Jonas (workhorse mentality). All game he worked hard and drew defenders to him to set up Higuain who could not finish at all tonight as well. Lavezzi ran at the entire 4 man defense cut to his right and had a rip that was saved away from Valdez. Also, he missed a header which was sent into the box by Di Maria. And finally at the end of the game he had a little cross-laid into the middle which he hit wide. Many missed chances but good optimistic play. Anybody who questioned Lavezzi’s value to the NT cannot say he doesn’t deserves his spot after a performance like this one.

Higuain 5.5: He played well when he had the ball and was trouble for Catalunya’s defense all night. However, our #9 could not finish to save his life tonight. He had a one on one with Valdez after he cleverly beat Puyol and Pique but hit it over the top. Also, Lavezzi supplied him with a brilliant cross at the 6 yard box which he headed right at Valdez’s chest. As the game went on he became frustrated and it showed. He would force runs and recklessly shoot the ball wide. That being said Higuain did show some very good foot work, he proved his quality having the ability to beat Puyol and Pique all night, he showed his speed by blowing past them on the outside many times. Also, he played well as the game went on in combination with Di Maria. He will continue to grow and I hope that he can play well with Di Maria in the future.

Subs:

Pareja 3: Finally we got to see a different center back get some playtime as Pareja was subbed in for Otamendi at half time. However, Pareja looked more confused then Otamendi out there in the central defense. All half he was out of position and was too slow to move the ball out of the back. Very sloppy play by Pareja, even gave up a PK for clumsily colliding with Catalunya’s striker. Poor play and should not be called up again as well.

Datolo 6: Did well as a sub, his first touch on the ball was a run at the defense and then combined well with Di Maria to set up Pastore’s gol. Datolo had the same mindset as Di Maria and would always look to pass and move. Definitely a useful spark to have on the bench.

Palermo 0: Came on for Higuain in the 66th min and did nothing all game, I think he touched the ball once…Never call him again.

Banega N/A: Can’t really give him a rating because he entered the game in the 75th min for Gago. But he did show his ability to hold up play on the ball and combine well with other midfielders. He played one clever thru ball to Di Maria who again put his shot wide. Overall would like to see more of Banega.

Salvio: N/A 78th min sub for Papa

So in the end an overall terrible performance by our defense and midfield lets us down again. The only positives that I can take out of this game is that Pastore looks to have a bright future with our NT and should have more play time, Di Maria is a attacking machine and when his finishing is on he will definitely be important, Lavezzi’s work rate is top notch, and the fact that our defense was so utterly dismantled all night by Catalunya will hopefully wake Maradona up and make him think twice about who he calls up for defense. Names such as Zanetti, Samuel, Garay, Insua, and Zabaleta should be given chances to play defense instead of, Alvarez, Otamendi, Papa, and Pareja. So now we will wait and see what changes will be made to our next team that gets called which I don’t believe is until March. Another embarrassing loss under Maradona…we will wait to see what happens.

Player Ratings for Catalunya vs. Argentina

As always here on Mundo, following every match we have Dave send in his player ratings for the match. But for this match, we had GK give us his player ratings. So without further-a-do, here are the ratings!

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I am not any kind of journalist or writter, just a die hard Albiceleste fan....

We end our terrible year with another terrible performance. We had our chances and our time to shine but we didn't finish and the end result was another defeat for the Albiceleste.

4-2 DEFEAT

Player ratings (by position more or less)....

GK - Pozo
Really? Who is this guy? He was absolutely terrible, embarassing even. He failed to handle a routine cross early on and let it slip through his hands. He looked like an ameteur more than anything. Why didn't one of our potential backups for the World Cup start this match? Andujar should have got the call over Pozo to get more minutes in just in case Romero goes down with injury anytime before or during the finals in June. He did come up with one big save late in the match and that is where he scores his ratings points.
Rating: 4

DEFENCE
Again, terrible. If Argentina plan to compete for glory this coming June they really need to take the time and sit down and work on our back line. Demichelis was really the only one of the four who looked like he knew what he was doing and where he should be during the Catalan attacks. He bailed out Otamendi with a beautiful tackle and really controlled the defence. He is the man we want starting in the middle of our defence come June. Papa was more than terrible and I continue to scratch my head 'why is this guy called?'. He was bad in the defence pretty much all game and blew an open net oppurturnity. Otemendi was decent though far from impressive and Alvarez could have done much better in my opinion.
Rating: 3

MIDFIELD
Pastore. What a pleasant surprise for the Albiceleste. He only was called up because Messi couldn't make it and he really did his best to impress Diego. He set up a fair amount of attacks and finished one himself with a beautiful opening volley goal for Argentina. What made his volley especially nice is that flicked up the little volley for himself and finshed it beautifully.
Pastore personal rating: 8

Gago. Where to start? We just discussed Gago's terrible performance in the Mundo chat room with Roy and others. I really don't know what to say about him. He is, or was tonight at least, by far our weakest link on the national team. Did he even touch the ball in the first 45? Did he even want to be on the field to begin with? He showed no motivation and no passion what so ever. I have my fingers crossed that he won't be apart of our 23 man roster come June but if he is, let's pray that he is moved during the January transfer window and goes to a club where he will see minutes as a starter rather than a sub, or in his case not selected at all.
Gago personal rating: 2 (is that too generous?)

Bolatti. To be honest I didn't really notice him out there or knew why he was out there to begin with. He scored against Uruguay to secure our place in the finals. Does this justify his place in our midfield? I think there are plenty of other Argentines that can fit into the middle other than Bolatti and I know I'm not the only one telling from the comment boxes of previous Mundo posts. (Cambiasso anyone?)
Bolatti personal rating: 6

Di Maria. Sure he blew quit a few chances and I know its frustrating as a supporter but there is no denying that he was great out there tonight. He was the best player out there on the field tonight (you can argue Pastore was superior). He scored the second goal for us and should have been awarded a penalty kick before that which could have changed the entire outcome of the match. Great game for Di Maria, I am convinced he will drop jaws in South Africa.
Di Maria personal rating: 8

FORWARDS
Lavezzi. Like Pastore, a pleasant surprise. I know alot of us here a Mundo (including myself) have complained about his call up on the national team. He seemed so energetic and ambitious out there tonight that would start him over Tevez or Aguero in a heart beat. We can keep calling for Lisandro and Milito but until they are called, Lavezzi might be our solution up front. I know he didn't score but he is definatly capable of scoring or setting up chances for us.
Lavezzi personal rating: 7.5

Higuain. Another player who just couldn't finish for the life of him tonight. Missed a header early on and had a few other chances afterwards and couldn't do anything with them. I don't think he took this friendly lightly but maybe he took it a little too personal being a Real Madrid star? Overall I was happy he got the start, although the mediocore performance and hope to see him in the starting 11 come June.
Higuain personal rating: 7

Not sure if any sub had any kind of influence other than Datalo who seems to score or create chances soon as he is subbed in. You don't really look at him as national team material but once he is on the field and playing for us he tends to impress. Like I said this is my first player rating but if I had to rate him I would give him a 7.5
As for the rest of the subs, I can't really come up with a player review or rating for them other than Palermo. Did he touch the ball even once with his time on the field? Did we even see him on the screen? Again, like Bolatti,he scored a heroic goal in qualification but you can't use that as justification to be on the national team.


I hope this was a decent player rating for fill in for Dave P.

VAMOS ALBICLESTE!!!!!

Mundo Albiceleste Podcast - Season's Greetings!

Well, this is it. With 2009 coming to an end and 2010 fast approaching, Mundo Albiceleste does a Year in Review in our very own "Season's Greetings" Podcast.



We cover everything from the U20 South American tournament in January to Lionel MESSI winning the Ballon D'Or and World Player of the Year in December. We also preview the Catalunya/Argentina match which is in less than an hour. Not only that, but we also talk about some possible transfers concerning Argentine's in January(there's even a mention of the forgotten Maxi LOPEZ!), possible 2010 friendly's and more.

So join John and I(Seba was un-able to make it due to a schedule conflict) as we cover everything, from A to Z in this monumental podcast!

*NOTE* This podcast was recorded a few hours prior to MESSI winning the World Player of the Year.

To download the Podcast, click here.