Unfortunately, I missed the press conference MARADONA gave earlier today. It was too early for me here in Buenos Aires.
There is and there always will be a press conference from Diego the day before each match we play in this World Cup.
As for yesterday's press conference from TEVEZ and GARCE, I was also unable to take notes and didn't find the time to translate some of their quotes for you. I apologise if you really wanted to hear what they said.
I can't give you a full transcript as you always find here on Mundo, but here are some of Diego's quotes from today. Oh...wait...I found it! Full transcript here:
Diego MARADONA
On VERON:
"Yes. It was tough leaving Sebastian out of our team for tomorrow. Especially because he really wants to play. No player will ever want to miss out on a World Cup match. But I think the bigger problem is to risk him aggravating his injury and miss him for the rest of the competition. And I don't want that. I need him to be fit. I explained it to him and he understood this is the best thing for the team".
"He gave me another lesson of professionalism, of being a man and of being a leader. I'm very happy with how he reacted and how the other players reacted. We all know that if tomorrow we lose VERON for the rest of the tournament, this group of players won't be the same. Maxi RODRIGUEZ will do a great job for us."
On what kind of match he expects against Korea:
"We won't change our team that much. We know they are really quick and they are good at set-pieces. We need to be clinical in midfield and we need to keep the ball and prevent them from hitting us on the break"
"I think the main difference between Nigeria and South Korea is the physical strength. Every time we collided with a Nigerian player it was like hitting a wall. Whereas against Korea we won't suffer that much from that. We will be more equal with them in that regard".
On MESSI:
"I want to say one thing about Lio. I see him so calm. So mature. I feel great. He needed a match like the one he had v. Nigeria. Showing leadership, playing well with his team-mates. Especially when the match was close in the second half. That's when we saw the best version of MESSI. He was never shy. He kept on trying to play. Him, together with TEVEZ, took away Nigeria's confidence in the second half".
On MILITO:
"I'm not ruling out to play him together with HIGUAIN. As I'm not ruling out to play PALERMO or AGÜERO. I'm telling you that the team we saw yesterday in practice (Note: The substitutes) almost had no difference with what you see from the team that faced Nigeria. AGÜERO scored, MILITO scored, PASTORE scored. So don't rule no player out for me".
On PELE and PLATINI:
"I would tell PELE to go back to the museum. I'm not surprised by what PLATINI said (NOTE: Basically, Michel PLATINI said: "What do I think about MARADONA as a manager? I think he was a great player") . I always had a distant relationship with him. It's "Hello, goodbye" and that's it. We all know how the French are like and PLATINI is French and he thinks he is better than the rest of the world. I don't pay attention to what he says".
On Jonas and TEVEZ:
"I confirm him on the team because I thought he played a great game. If Carlitos played more on the right for some moments was because VERON was very much playing through the middle. Carlitos won't only play on the right. If we need him to play as a left-back, as a centre-back and he would also play as goalkeeper if it was up to him and if he considers he is helping the team. We are really proud to have Carlitos on our team".
On what he saw of the tournament so far and Argentina's chances:
"I always said we were going to put up a fight against anybody. Wins will give you confidence. I know because I played in previous World Cups. Players who think they have no chance, start playing as stars. Having seen these first round matches so far...France, Uruguay, Mexico, Italy, Paraguay, Ivory Coast, even Brazil yesterday, gives you more confidence. Because I know what I have here in our team will put up a fight against anybody".
On whether this World Cup is more boring than previous editions:
"To be honest, I'm having a great time here! I'm not worried because we are seeing fewer goals. They will come. Teams study each other a lot and that's why they are more levelled. I don't want to speak about the ball, but it's hard to play with it. I have asked PELE and PLATINI many many times to study the ball before the tournaments. To test it. I think that's a more important thing for them to do than to talk rubbish about me".
On whether he fears South Korea will commit many tactical fouls on MESSI:
"Tactical fouls are punished by the referees. Tactical fouls are a resource every team have, but according to what he sees, the referee has the authority to stop play, show cards. I think it's clear. Lio has to stay calm. Play his game and have no fear of fouls".
This is all I got from a clip I found online. I think there were more answers after the ones above, but I don't have them yet.
And don't forget to listen to our latest podcast.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mundo Albiceleste Pod - A walk in the PARK?
Following on our preview show ahead of our debut match against Nigeria, we are here again with a new edition of our podcast to discuss the latest before Argentina take on South Korea.
Like we did with our Nigerian friend BC last week, we are joined in this show by Daniel CHO. Like me, Daniel writes a blog for Soccernet on his national team: South Korea.
He was kind enough to give us some of his time to join me and John for a conversation. We lost him in the middle of it so we were unable to hear his predictions, but what we had before connection crashed was entertaining.
I found out while editing that Dan and I were in the same channel and John was in a different one. So...chances are you will hear John's voice coming from one ear piece and our voices coming from the other. I hope you manage to listen to it without much trouble.
Believe me, we are trying our best to try and do this as best we can (on a limited budget that consists in 0 USD -or the currency of your preference-!), but sometimes we find some difficulties with technology-related issues.
I apologies in advance if you are troubled by some audio difficulties. I can listen to the file with no problem here and I hope it's the same for you.
Simply click the audio player above or right-click on the following link and save it as an MP3 file or listen to it in your computer: download.
Enjoy! And don't forget to send us your views to mundo.albiceleste@gmail.com or right here in the comments' box. If you want to participate in a future edition of our podcast, make sure to drop us an e-mail too.
Like we did with our Nigerian friend BC last week, we are joined in this show by Daniel CHO. Like me, Daniel writes a blog for Soccernet on his national team: South Korea.
He was kind enough to give us some of his time to join me and John for a conversation. We lost him in the middle of it so we were unable to hear his predictions, but what we had before connection crashed was entertaining.
I found out while editing that Dan and I were in the same channel and John was in a different one. So...chances are you will hear John's voice coming from one ear piece and our voices coming from the other. I hope you manage to listen to it without much trouble.
Believe me, we are trying our best to try and do this as best we can (on a limited budget that consists in 0 USD -or the currency of your preference-!), but sometimes we find some difficulties with technology-related issues.
I apologies in advance if you are troubled by some audio difficulties. I can listen to the file with no problem here and I hope it's the same for you.
Simply click the audio player above or right-click on the following link and save it as an MP3 file or listen to it in your computer: download.
You can also listen to us via iTunes.
Enjoy! And don't forget to send us your views to mundo.albiceleste@gmail.com or right here in the comments' box. If you want to participate in a future edition of our podcast, make sure to drop us an e-mail too.
Steve NASH delivered to the World Cup (must see)
One of my favourite NBA players, Steve NASH, just became even greater in my book.
You can't spend another minute without checking this fantastic and very clever YouTube clip.
Genius!
You can't spend another minute without checking this fantastic and very clever YouTube clip.
Genius!
PELE: I have to admit it. You are the number 1!
Yeah. Among annoying people.
The former Brazil legend has said: "MARADONA is a manager now because he needed a job and he needed money".
Here's some news to you. MARADONA is loved and respected in his country and that's why he got this job, whereas you were never even close to getting a similar role with yours. You want more? Up to this point, Diego has won more World Cup matches as a manager than you will ever win. Would you please shut up?
Plus...he is also loved in Africa because he was one of the few people who believed in that continent's potential to host the World Cup and you, you shameless friend of whoever is in power, forgot your roots and questioned South Africa's ability to organise this tournament. Surely you had a hidden agenda somewhere, whilst Diego was backing Africa out of his personal opinion and belief (just as he has backed Bolivia in their quest of playing games on home soil whatever the geographical factors and despite getting his ass kicked in the altitude).
How long has it been since you achieved something in life? How long has it been since you were worthy of reporting something you are DOING, rather than what you are just SAYING?
I mean...last time I saw you being relevant was when you advertise Viagra! Why did you do that? Because you needed money? Hmmm...how ironic. I don't want to be a judgemental here. I think you needed both. The money AND the product you were advertising.
But that's not all. PELE also said: "MARADONA is in love with me". Excuse me? Who is the one having a go at the other everytime someone walks by you with a microphone or a recorder in hand?
Please, PELE, concentrate on what you have always done. Keep walking around your VIP areas, making friends with powerful people and making sure you always stay politically correct whilst losing touch with reality and forgetting about where you came from. And have in mind that if it wasn't for the ridiculous need some people have to compare you all the time with Diego, you would be anonymous these days. Especially to the newer generations.
Whilst you are at it, enjoy your last few years as the second best player in history, because MESSI is joining Diego at the top. OK?
Take another blue pill, please. And shut up!
(There! That's off my chest. I'm relieved now. Thank you!)
The former Brazil legend has said: "MARADONA is a manager now because he needed a job and he needed money".
Here's some news to you. MARADONA is loved and respected in his country and that's why he got this job, whereas you were never even close to getting a similar role with yours. You want more? Up to this point, Diego has won more World Cup matches as a manager than you will ever win. Would you please shut up?
Plus...he is also loved in Africa because he was one of the few people who believed in that continent's potential to host the World Cup and you, you shameless friend of whoever is in power, forgot your roots and questioned South Africa's ability to organise this tournament. Surely you had a hidden agenda somewhere, whilst Diego was backing Africa out of his personal opinion and belief (just as he has backed Bolivia in their quest of playing games on home soil whatever the geographical factors and despite getting his ass kicked in the altitude).
How long has it been since you achieved something in life? How long has it been since you were worthy of reporting something you are DOING, rather than what you are just SAYING?
I mean...last time I saw you being relevant was when you advertise Viagra! Why did you do that? Because you needed money? Hmmm...how ironic. I don't want to be a judgemental here. I think you needed both. The money AND the product you were advertising.
But that's not all. PELE also said: "MARADONA is in love with me". Excuse me? Who is the one having a go at the other everytime someone walks by you with a microphone or a recorder in hand?
Please, PELE, concentrate on what you have always done. Keep walking around your VIP areas, making friends with powerful people and making sure you always stay politically correct whilst losing touch with reality and forgetting about where you came from. And have in mind that if it wasn't for the ridiculous need some people have to compare you all the time with Diego, you would be anonymous these days. Especially to the newer generations.
Whilst you are at it, enjoy your last few years as the second best player in history, because MESSI is joining Diego at the top. OK?
Take another blue pill, please. And shut up!
(There! That's off my chest. I'm relieved now. Thank you!)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Picture special: Argentina-Nigeria
These pictures are courtesy of our friend PAI who is in South Africa and very nicely offered to send them to us. We appreciate this lovely initiative and we encourage others to do the same! Just send them by e-mail to mundo.albiceleste@gmail.com
In return, Pai asked us to give him some lyrics so he can join the Argentina fans singing in the upcoming matches.
So...here are some of the most popular songs for you to learn and join the 'hinchada'
"Vamos vamos, Argentina... Vamos vamos a ganar... esta barra quilombera no te deja no te deja de alentar"
"Volveremos volveremos, volveremos otra vez, volveremo' a ser campeones como en el '86"
"El que no salta es un inglés"
"Brasilero brasilero, que amargado se te ve,Maradona es más grande... es más grande que Pelé"
This is a new song they are trying to make popular among fans in South Africa (if they can beat the noise of the vuvuzelas!):
Can't translate them for you right now as I'm on a rush. But you need the lyrics in Spanish, don't you?
And here, my friends, are Pai's pictures. Thanks again, amigo!
Is this MASCHERANO rehearsing?
Diego waving the Hand of God (or was it the other?):
Are these Los Pumas? Emotional anthem ceremony:
And here's HEINZE flying with (Super) Eagles! Get in there, you beauty!
In return, Pai asked us to give him some lyrics so he can join the Argentina fans singing in the upcoming matches.
So...here are some of the most popular songs for you to learn and join the 'hinchada'
"Vamos vamos, Argentina... Vamos vamos a ganar... esta barra quilombera no te deja no te deja de alentar"
"Volveremos volveremos, volveremos otra vez, volveremo' a ser campeones como en el '86"
"El que no salta es un inglés"
"Brasilero brasilero, que amargado se te ve,
This is a new song they are trying to make popular among fans in South Africa (if they can beat the noise of the vuvuzelas!):
Can't translate them for you right now as I'm on a rush. But you need the lyrics in Spanish, don't you?
And here, my friends, are Pai's pictures. Thanks again, amigo!
Diego waving the Hand of God (or was it the other?):
Are these Los Pumas? Emotional anthem ceremony:
And here's HEINZE flying with (Super) Eagles! Get in there, you beauty!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Top 5 Argentina goal commentaries by Victor Hugo
You all remember that emotional commentary of that Diego's eternal and immortal second goal v. England in Mexico 1986. Right?
The man with the microphone, Victor Hugo MORALES, is not Argentine. He was born in Uruguay, but he's been working for a lifetime in Argentina.
Here's a great idea by a blog which has put together his best 5 commentaries of Argentina goals (or famous moments) in World Cups with a special bonus track.
I'm sure you won't care if the audio is in Spanish.
Click here and enjoy the ride!
The man with the microphone, Victor Hugo MORALES, is not Argentine. He was born in Uruguay, but he's been working for a lifetime in Argentina.
Here's a great idea by a blog which has put together his best 5 commentaries of Argentina goals (or famous moments) in World Cups with a special bonus track.
I'm sure you won't care if the audio is in Spanish.
Click here and enjoy the ride!
MESSI and HIGUAIN press conference highlights
Continuing with the numerical order, we have a treat for you today. It's number 9 and number 10!
Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Lionel MESSI.
Here you have what they just said:
Lionel MESSI
On yesterday's match:
"We didn't have much luck with our finishing. But at least we created many chances. It was important to start with a win. We will improve as the tournament progresses".
"Their goalkeeper (Vincent ENYEAMA) had a great game. All credit should go to him"
"Our team had a good game. We found each other well playing up front. We had a lot of freedom to move around the pitch depending on what the play asked from us. We have a lot of great forwards and we have to make the most out of that strong asset we have".
On the pitch conditions (the reporter pointed that the grass was really short and it was wet):
"I like to play with a very short grass and a humid pitch. I'm used to it. It's faster, but we are still trying to get used to the ball".
On whether Argentina relies too much on what he can do:
"This team does not depend on me. We've got many great players and they can change a game at any given moment. What I can tell you is that I need to be in touch with the ball to give my best to the team".
"Yesterday I saw a lot of the ball thanks to MASCHERANO, VERON, DI MARIA and all my team-mates and I felt really happy".
On how he lived yesterday's match:
"I'm happy for how things worked out for me yesterday and because the team won. I lived so many difficult moments with our national team, especially in the World Cup Qualifiers when things were not working out for us. We couldn't play good matches. Today, I'm very happy".
On the importance of arriving early to South Africa:
"Since we arrived here, everything changed for us. The time we spent working here, helped us a lot. Slowly but surely this Argentina side will grow in confidence. We have a good margin to improve and we are going to do just that. We hope we can do it starting from our very next match. Nervousness and anxiety did play their part yesterday, so I hope they don't in our next match".
On whether Argentina are now a serious contender to the title:
"I think the candidates are the same we have been mentioning before the World Cup started. We made a good impression yesterday and we know who we are. We will take it one step at a time".
On whether he thought Nigeria could have equalised in the second half:
"In a match like yesterday's, you can never be entirely sure of winning. At any moment, your rivals could score, even if it's a fluky goal or a rebound. But I don't think we suffered that much yesterday. They had one clear scoring chance and we had like seven or eight. We should have finish off this match sooner".
On whether he watched a recording of yesterday's match:
"I haven't seen the match again yet. I haven't seen Greece v. South Korea either. We will surely do it starting tomorrow".
On whether South Korea are our main rivals in Group B:
"I think we are our main rivals. If we do the things we know how to do, with all due respect to the other teams in our Group, we should finish first and we should have no problems qualifying to the next round".
"Korea are a quick and organised team. If you let them have the ball and run at you, you could be in trouble".
On what Diego MARADONA said to him when he spoke to him before the second half started:
"To be honest, I don't remember exactly what he told me! (laughs). That's the truth! But anyway, Diego has always trusted me and he always gave me a lot of freedom. He is still doing that and he keeps giving us a lot of confidence".
On whether him and HIGUAIN have arguments about Barcelona and Real Madrid:
"Being here, we belong to our national team. We don't speak and we don't even think about Barcelona and/or Real Madrid. We only think about winning the World Cup".
On what kind of a manager Diego MARADONA is:
"Diego is always very close to the players. He is one of us in this group. He is always there for you. He's got a lot of experience and he has lived everything as a player. So he knows at all times what is going on and what we are going through. That's really comforting for us and it gives us confidence".
--------------------------------------------------
Gonzalo HIGUAIN
On yesterday's win over Nigeria:
"The important thing was to win. A World Cup is always difficult and it's even more when you have a strong rival like we had in Nigeria. The important thing was to create the chances we have created. Obviously, if we would have scored in most of them we would have killed the game earlier. We need to continue like this and keep working".
"I think that, of all the matches we've seen so far in this World Cup, we are the team which created more chances. Had we scored some of them we would be talking about a very different thing here".
"It was a tough match. We knew Nigeria were going to be strong and really good in the air. But Argentina knew how to overcome that and we won it."
On how he felt playing with two other forwards from the start:
"I felt comfortable yesterday. It's not just the three of us (Note: MESSI, TEVEZ and him). There are truly great forwards in this team and they can all play with us in attack at any time during the tournament."
On how he lives with the fact that he missed a few clear chances:
"It's true that every striker lives to score and lives from the goals he scores. But I feel no pressure. I feel more like a challenge. I'm obviously disappointed for not scoring, but the important thing is that we won".
On the importance of having Lionel MESSI on the team:
"We know how important MESSI is for us. Yesterday it was obvious for all to see. It's such a pleasure to play next to him. He sent me a couple of times to be one-on-one with the keeper. He always looked to pass me the ball. He takes pressure off you and he takes a few defenders off you when he is on the ball. We hope he continues like this for the benefit of all of us".
On whether he was able to enjoy yesterday's match or if he was just doing his job. And then this reporter, from Panama, asked him to say hello to the people of Panama!:
"Of course you enjoy being at the World Cup. With responsibilities, but you enjoy it. It's not a thing you can live everyday. Especially with the kind of team-mates I've got with me. And a 'hello' to the people of Panama (laughs)"
On what Diego told him after the match:
"Diego gave me strength when he spoke to me after the match. He is a true motivator. Honestly, it's a privilege to see him on the bench and for this to be his first World Cup as a manager, I see that he works well and some of that was evident yesterday".
Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Lionel MESSI.
Here you have what they just said:
Lionel MESSI
On yesterday's match:
"We didn't have much luck with our finishing. But at least we created many chances. It was important to start with a win. We will improve as the tournament progresses".
"Their goalkeeper (Vincent ENYEAMA) had a great game. All credit should go to him"
"Our team had a good game. We found each other well playing up front. We had a lot of freedom to move around the pitch depending on what the play asked from us. We have a lot of great forwards and we have to make the most out of that strong asset we have".
On the pitch conditions (the reporter pointed that the grass was really short and it was wet):
"I like to play with a very short grass and a humid pitch. I'm used to it. It's faster, but we are still trying to get used to the ball".
On whether Argentina relies too much on what he can do:
"This team does not depend on me. We've got many great players and they can change a game at any given moment. What I can tell you is that I need to be in touch with the ball to give my best to the team".
"Yesterday I saw a lot of the ball thanks to MASCHERANO, VERON, DI MARIA and all my team-mates and I felt really happy".
On how he lived yesterday's match:
"I'm happy for how things worked out for me yesterday and because the team won. I lived so many difficult moments with our national team, especially in the World Cup Qualifiers when things were not working out for us. We couldn't play good matches. Today, I'm very happy".
On the importance of arriving early to South Africa:
"Since we arrived here, everything changed for us. The time we spent working here, helped us a lot. Slowly but surely this Argentina side will grow in confidence. We have a good margin to improve and we are going to do just that. We hope we can do it starting from our very next match. Nervousness and anxiety did play their part yesterday, so I hope they don't in our next match".
On whether Argentina are now a serious contender to the title:
"I think the candidates are the same we have been mentioning before the World Cup started. We made a good impression yesterday and we know who we are. We will take it one step at a time".
On whether he thought Nigeria could have equalised in the second half:
"In a match like yesterday's, you can never be entirely sure of winning. At any moment, your rivals could score, even if it's a fluky goal or a rebound. But I don't think we suffered that much yesterday. They had one clear scoring chance and we had like seven or eight. We should have finish off this match sooner".
On whether he watched a recording of yesterday's match:
"I haven't seen the match again yet. I haven't seen Greece v. South Korea either. We will surely do it starting tomorrow".
On whether South Korea are our main rivals in Group B:
"I think we are our main rivals. If we do the things we know how to do, with all due respect to the other teams in our Group, we should finish first and we should have no problems qualifying to the next round".
"Korea are a quick and organised team. If you let them have the ball and run at you, you could be in trouble".
On what Diego MARADONA said to him when he spoke to him before the second half started:
"To be honest, I don't remember exactly what he told me! (laughs). That's the truth! But anyway, Diego has always trusted me and he always gave me a lot of freedom. He is still doing that and he keeps giving us a lot of confidence".
On whether him and HIGUAIN have arguments about Barcelona and Real Madrid:
"Being here, we belong to our national team. We don't speak and we don't even think about Barcelona and/or Real Madrid. We only think about winning the World Cup".
On what kind of a manager Diego MARADONA is:
"Diego is always very close to the players. He is one of us in this group. He is always there for you. He's got a lot of experience and he has lived everything as a player. So he knows at all times what is going on and what we are going through. That's really comforting for us and it gives us confidence".
--------------------------------------------------
Gonzalo HIGUAIN
On yesterday's win over Nigeria:
"The important thing was to win. A World Cup is always difficult and it's even more when you have a strong rival like we had in Nigeria. The important thing was to create the chances we have created. Obviously, if we would have scored in most of them we would have killed the game earlier. We need to continue like this and keep working".
"I think that, of all the matches we've seen so far in this World Cup, we are the team which created more chances. Had we scored some of them we would be talking about a very different thing here".
"It was a tough match. We knew Nigeria were going to be strong and really good in the air. But Argentina knew how to overcome that and we won it."
On how he felt playing with two other forwards from the start:
"I felt comfortable yesterday. It's not just the three of us (Note: MESSI, TEVEZ and him). There are truly great forwards in this team and they can all play with us in attack at any time during the tournament."
On how he lives with the fact that he missed a few clear chances:
"It's true that every striker lives to score and lives from the goals he scores. But I feel no pressure. I feel more like a challenge. I'm obviously disappointed for not scoring, but the important thing is that we won".
On the importance of having Lionel MESSI on the team:
"We know how important MESSI is for us. Yesterday it was obvious for all to see. It's such a pleasure to play next to him. He sent me a couple of times to be one-on-one with the keeper. He always looked to pass me the ball. He takes pressure off you and he takes a few defenders off you when he is on the ball. We hope he continues like this for the benefit of all of us".
On whether he was able to enjoy yesterday's match or if he was just doing his job. And then this reporter, from Panama, asked him to say hello to the people of Panama!:
"Of course you enjoy being at the World Cup. With responsibilities, but you enjoy it. It's not a thing you can live everyday. Especially with the kind of team-mates I've got with me. And a 'hello' to the people of Panama (laughs)"
On what Diego told him after the match:
"Diego gave me strength when he spoke to me after the match. He is a true motivator. Honestly, it's a privilege to see him on the bench and for this to be his first World Cup as a manager, I see that he works well and some of that was evident yesterday".
Saturday, June 12, 2010
ARG 1-0 NGA: Player ratings
Dave P is in Japan and I still didn't get his usual player ratings. It's very late in Japan right now, so I think he won't be able to send them over.
That is why I'm stepping up to replace him for today and see what I can do with this usually controversial stuff.
Sergio ROMERO: 6
He gave us (I think I speak on behalf of all of us) the security you ask in a goalkeeper. They say goalkeepers from good teams are asked to respond only a handful of times per match as they are not always under attack. A great debut for what we hope is a long World Cup career for him, keeping a clean sheet. Needs to improve his delivery (and that pony tail), but that would be asking too much.
Martín DEMICHELIS: 5
The weakest from our defensive unit. Opposite to what ROMERO did, he never transmitted that kind of security that you need from one of the anchors of your team. It's true he had to cover some extra space because there weren't four at the back today, but that's no excuse. Sloppy at times. He needs to improve if we are to progress deep into the month of July.
Walter SAMUEL: 6
Rock-solid. I'm not giving him a higher grade because of that ball he lost at the beginning that left us all out of breath. He did recover well enough in that same action and after that he was his usual self. Didn't hesitate to send it out of bounds when being under fire in a Nigerian counterattack.
Gabriel HEINZE: 7
Before you criticize me because you think he deserved a higher grade, you won't see me giving away too many 9s or 10s. He scored and he helped Argentina win three points. His goal was also crucial to settle our team down a bit and frighten away our nervousness. He didn't make any of his trade-mark fouls and the only action in which I remember he scared me was when he went too fast for a tackle and exposed our defence to one very dangerous attack on the right by the Super Eagles. I want to meet the person (if someone was crazy enough) who bet on Argentina winning 1-0 with him being the scorer! I'll be happy to go to his/her new mansion, because that would have paid like 4000000 to 1.
Jonas GUTIERREZ: 4
A victim of playing out of position. A gamble that could have cost the team dearly. The only moments in which Nigeria were dangerous in the first half were when he lost the battle with Chinedu OGBUKE OBASI, who was more difficult for him to mark than for me to spell! You can't fault him in the 'sacrifice for the team' department. Improved dramatically when he was moved to the left hand side of our midfield. If it wasn't for that, he would have probably gotten a 3 from me. Plus...he was the only one of our players to see a yellow card.
Javier MASCHERANO: 8 (Man of the match)
My man of the match. He played one of the best games I remember from him. Calmed. Composed. A motor to help winning the ball back and then pass it to a team-mate. Committed only one foul and completed 59 of 73 passes. Great leadership from our captain.
Juan Sebastián VERON: 5
He couldn't control the pace of game the way Argentina expected him to do it. Diego gave him freedom of movement but he often choose the wrong areas of the pitch to chase a ball or an opponent with no back-up near him. He did play some neat passes between lines, but it was too little for the kind of performance the team expected from him. Concerned when he had to leave the pitch on 74 minutes.
Angel DI MARIA: 4
Anonymous in his World Cup debut. Never got involved in our attacking circuit with MESSI-TEVEZ and HIGUAIN. Never made one of his trade-mark runs on the wing. Never tried to take on a defender and beat him one-on-one. Completed only 15 of his 35 passes. Had one shot (off target). The only two good things I can think of were: 1. When he chased a ball all the way to the corner flag to prevent Nigeria from winning a corner kick. 2. When he played a nice one-two with MESSI in the second half. We need to see more from him.
Lionel MESSI: 8
Just edged by MASCHERANO in my personal appreciation but gets the same grade. He was the player we see every week playing for Barcelona. Everytime he was on the ball, you could hear the crowd and you could see how a few green shirts would try to surround him to prevent him from making one of his scintillating runs. Sometimes he played too far from TEVEZ and DI MARIA. Combined well with VERON and HIGUAIN and if it wasn't for Vincent ENYEAMA, he could have had a hat-trick. If this is the kind of World Cup we will have from Lionel MESSI...then nobody can stop us from dreaming.
Carlos TEVEZ: 6
If you go to FIFA's website and access the Matchcast for Argentina-Nigeria, you will see that TEVEZ was the player who ran the most of all of the Albicelestes. He clocked 9,546 km (3 metres more than HEINZE, though I think they are counting Gab's crazy run to the bench after scoring!). I give TEVEZ 10 for effort, but I always take that for granted. I want to judge Carlitos more for what he provides on the ball. Especially on offence. I can think of a great pass to HIGUAIN that could have been an assist had Pipita scored it. Other than that, he didn't let his mark when we need him most. He needs to play more and run less. You can't be unhappy with his performance but you have to admit we can expect more from the real TEVEZ.
Gonzalo HIGUAIN: 4
I was tempted to give him a 3. But you have to recognise that, despite missing a few clear chances, he always made himself available and he put himself in good positions for his team-mates to find him. That said, when you are the number 9 for Argentina, people will demand that you score goals first and foremost. That's what Pipita should have done today. Diego took a long time to replace him.
Subs:
Maxi RODRIGUEZ: N/A
I won't give grades to players that play less than 30 minutes. I could tell you about Maxi, though, that he helped our team show some composure in midfield when the match was entering 'crazy time'. It was the moment of the game in which Nigeria were going all out for the equaliser and Argentina were trying to keep the ball and make time go by. He did make a mistake when he kept a ball and ended up giving Nigeria a goal-kick instead of passing it back to a wide-open MESSI who was in front of goal.
Diego MILITO: N/A
It seems to be always the same old story for him. Get on the pitch when things are hot and only get to play a handful of minutes. Today there were 12 minutes. Not enough to judge him. He was released on a counter-attack in one of the first balls he touched. Tried to stop and cut inside (his trademark move), but he couldn't control the ball and lost it. Then, he played a beautiful one-two with MESSI that sent Lio in front of goal only to be denied by a Nigerian defender. Nothing much. If anything, it was good that MARADONA considered him and that the nervousness of the World Cup debut are history for him now.
Nicolás BURDISSO: N/A
Replaced DI MARIA in what was a clear message from Diego to tighten things up at the back. He relieved Jonas from his punishment of playing RB and had no real impact on the game. He only played 5 minutes.
That is why I'm stepping up to replace him for today and see what I can do with this usually controversial stuff.
Sergio ROMERO: 6
He gave us (I think I speak on behalf of all of us) the security you ask in a goalkeeper. They say goalkeepers from good teams are asked to respond only a handful of times per match as they are not always under attack. A great debut for what we hope is a long World Cup career for him, keeping a clean sheet. Needs to improve his delivery (and that pony tail), but that would be asking too much.
Martín DEMICHELIS: 5
The weakest from our defensive unit. Opposite to what ROMERO did, he never transmitted that kind of security that you need from one of the anchors of your team. It's true he had to cover some extra space because there weren't four at the back today, but that's no excuse. Sloppy at times. He needs to improve if we are to progress deep into the month of July.
Walter SAMUEL: 6
Rock-solid. I'm not giving him a higher grade because of that ball he lost at the beginning that left us all out of breath. He did recover well enough in that same action and after that he was his usual self. Didn't hesitate to send it out of bounds when being under fire in a Nigerian counterattack.
Gabriel HEINZE: 7
Before you criticize me because you think he deserved a higher grade, you won't see me giving away too many 9s or 10s. He scored and he helped Argentina win three points. His goal was also crucial to settle our team down a bit and frighten away our nervousness. He didn't make any of his trade-mark fouls and the only action in which I remember he scared me was when he went too fast for a tackle and exposed our defence to one very dangerous attack on the right by the Super Eagles. I want to meet the person (if someone was crazy enough) who bet on Argentina winning 1-0 with him being the scorer! I'll be happy to go to his/her new mansion, because that would have paid like 4000000 to 1.
Jonas GUTIERREZ: 4
A victim of playing out of position. A gamble that could have cost the team dearly. The only moments in which Nigeria were dangerous in the first half were when he lost the battle with Chinedu OGBUKE OBASI, who was more difficult for him to mark than for me to spell! You can't fault him in the 'sacrifice for the team' department. Improved dramatically when he was moved to the left hand side of our midfield. If it wasn't for that, he would have probably gotten a 3 from me. Plus...he was the only one of our players to see a yellow card.
Javier MASCHERANO: 8 (Man of the match)
My man of the match. He played one of the best games I remember from him. Calmed. Composed. A motor to help winning the ball back and then pass it to a team-mate. Committed only one foul and completed 59 of 73 passes. Great leadership from our captain.
Juan Sebastián VERON: 5
He couldn't control the pace of game the way Argentina expected him to do it. Diego gave him freedom of movement but he often choose the wrong areas of the pitch to chase a ball or an opponent with no back-up near him. He did play some neat passes between lines, but it was too little for the kind of performance the team expected from him. Concerned when he had to leave the pitch on 74 minutes.
Angel DI MARIA: 4
Anonymous in his World Cup debut. Never got involved in our attacking circuit with MESSI-TEVEZ and HIGUAIN. Never made one of his trade-mark runs on the wing. Never tried to take on a defender and beat him one-on-one. Completed only 15 of his 35 passes. Had one shot (off target). The only two good things I can think of were: 1. When he chased a ball all the way to the corner flag to prevent Nigeria from winning a corner kick. 2. When he played a nice one-two with MESSI in the second half. We need to see more from him.
Lionel MESSI: 8
Just edged by MASCHERANO in my personal appreciation but gets the same grade. He was the player we see every week playing for Barcelona. Everytime he was on the ball, you could hear the crowd and you could see how a few green shirts would try to surround him to prevent him from making one of his scintillating runs. Sometimes he played too far from TEVEZ and DI MARIA. Combined well with VERON and HIGUAIN and if it wasn't for Vincent ENYEAMA, he could have had a hat-trick. If this is the kind of World Cup we will have from Lionel MESSI...then nobody can stop us from dreaming.
Carlos TEVEZ: 6
If you go to FIFA's website and access the Matchcast for Argentina-Nigeria, you will see that TEVEZ was the player who ran the most of all of the Albicelestes. He clocked 9,546 km (3 metres more than HEINZE, though I think they are counting Gab's crazy run to the bench after scoring!). I give TEVEZ 10 for effort, but I always take that for granted. I want to judge Carlitos more for what he provides on the ball. Especially on offence. I can think of a great pass to HIGUAIN that could have been an assist had Pipita scored it. Other than that, he didn't let his mark when we need him most. He needs to play more and run less. You can't be unhappy with his performance but you have to admit we can expect more from the real TEVEZ.
Gonzalo HIGUAIN: 4
I was tempted to give him a 3. But you have to recognise that, despite missing a few clear chances, he always made himself available and he put himself in good positions for his team-mates to find him. That said, when you are the number 9 for Argentina, people will demand that you score goals first and foremost. That's what Pipita should have done today. Diego took a long time to replace him.
Subs:
Maxi RODRIGUEZ: N/A
I won't give grades to players that play less than 30 minutes. I could tell you about Maxi, though, that he helped our team show some composure in midfield when the match was entering 'crazy time'. It was the moment of the game in which Nigeria were going all out for the equaliser and Argentina were trying to keep the ball and make time go by. He did make a mistake when he kept a ball and ended up giving Nigeria a goal-kick instead of passing it back to a wide-open MESSI who was in front of goal.
Diego MILITO: N/A
It seems to be always the same old story for him. Get on the pitch when things are hot and only get to play a handful of minutes. Today there were 12 minutes. Not enough to judge him. He was released on a counter-attack in one of the first balls he touched. Tried to stop and cut inside (his trademark move), but he couldn't control the ball and lost it. Then, he played a beautiful one-two with MESSI that sent Lio in front of goal only to be denied by a Nigerian defender. Nothing much. If anything, it was good that MARADONA considered him and that the nervousness of the World Cup debut are history for him now.
Nicolás BURDISSO: N/A
Replaced DI MARIA in what was a clear message from Diego to tighten things up at the back. He relieved Jonas from his punishment of playing RB and had no real impact on the game. He only played 5 minutes.
Three points in the bag thanks to Gab
Who says that ball cannot be controlled? HEINZE showed it's possible!
Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 with a goal from one of the most unlikeliest scorers in a team so full of World Class forwards. And I think that was a key to understand this game.
We had to win it. It doesn't matter if it came on a set piece. The anxiety that comes with the World Cup debut is over now.
I'm writing this as the players are still heading to the dressing room, so you will understand I'm doing it in the heat of the moment.
But my first reaction tells me it could have been 3-0 for Argentina in the first half and could have well gone the other way in the second as Nigeria were dreadful in front of goal. It would have been unfair for them to take anything more than a draw from this, but if this match had to have a winner, make no mistake, it was always going to be Argentina.
I'm way happier with the result than with the performance. Even though I saw some really encouraging signs from a few players.
Lionel MESSI didn't take long to show he is from a different planet. He set up TEVEZ inside the area after only two minutes and started forcing goalkeeper ENYEAMA to a series of saves that earned him the man-of-the-match label.
Carlos TEVEZ showed a lot of movement and played a brilliant pass to HIGUAIN. SAMUEL was very solid at the back and so was ROMERO.
But my pick for best player in an Argentina shirt today has to go to Javier MASCHERANO. He was immense today. He is probably pushed by MESSI to get this recognition, but I think MASCHERANO stood out a little bit more according to what both players' potentials. The more I think about it and the more I remember some flashes from the game, the more I'm leaning towards give this award to MESSI, but I'm sticking to my original impression from the game. Great game, Captain Masch!
Don't get me wrong! MESSI was very much the same player we see every day play for Barcelona. If he was to play like this in every match, all we need is a little bit more production from his striking partners.
On the other side of the coin, our team didn't show much cohesion and there were some clear weak links across the starting XI.
I didn't see the Angel DI MARIA I would like to see. Just one flash of his talent when he played a brilliant one-two with MESSI in the second half.
Jonas GUTIERREZ suffered the game. He did. He never found his feet playing clearly out of position. I kept thinking he was playing as a RB (especially after HEINZE scored early on and changed the game) and he was there instead of one the best in the world in that position: Javier ZANETTI.
That said...it's not his fault that he was asked to play there and on the positive for Jonas you could say that once he joined our midfield in the second half (after BURDISSO and Maxi were introduced), he did show some good stuff.
But the lowest point in the entire team, the way I see it, was Gonzalo HIGUAIN. I like him. I really do. Don't even think for a moment that I'm saying this because I prefer Diego MILITO. Please. I'm being objective here. I'm neutral in this argument because I desperately wanted Pipita to score.
The problem is that I think we should have been 3-0 up after only 20 minutes and all the late suffering in the second half would have had no room for us. He missed a sitter early on after a great pass from MESSI and then another one when he was one-on-one with the keeper and I was getting ready to jump up and down with Felipe in my arms!
In my opinion, and that of many from what I've been reading on Twitter and Facebook, Diego took a lot longer than what he should have to introduce Diego MILITO.
The Inter striker only played 12th minutes. He couldn't deliver in a fast-break, then he set up MESSI in another brilliant one-two and he didn't have time to show anything else. Same old story for him at the national team.
We could have paid the price for not being accurate in front of goal and we have to thank that Nigeria were even worse than us at that.
I'm eager to hear what you have to say.
So far...I'm in a worse situation than that reporter Diego told he had something up his rear end! Gabriel HEINZE can tell me exactly the same thing and I wouldn't have anything to reply to him. Take a bow, Gab. You are the owner of the Jabulani! Take a bow!
Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 with a goal from one of the most unlikeliest scorers in a team so full of World Class forwards. And I think that was a key to understand this game.
We had to win it. It doesn't matter if it came on a set piece. The anxiety that comes with the World Cup debut is over now.
I'm writing this as the players are still heading to the dressing room, so you will understand I'm doing it in the heat of the moment.
But my first reaction tells me it could have been 3-0 for Argentina in the first half and could have well gone the other way in the second as Nigeria were dreadful in front of goal. It would have been unfair for them to take anything more than a draw from this, but if this match had to have a winner, make no mistake, it was always going to be Argentina.
I'm way happier with the result than with the performance. Even though I saw some really encouraging signs from a few players.
Lionel MESSI didn't take long to show he is from a different planet. He set up TEVEZ inside the area after only two minutes and started forcing goalkeeper ENYEAMA to a series of saves that earned him the man-of-the-match label.
Carlos TEVEZ showed a lot of movement and played a brilliant pass to HIGUAIN. SAMUEL was very solid at the back and so was ROMERO.
But my pick for best player in an Argentina shirt today has to go to Javier MASCHERANO. He was immense today. He is probably pushed by MESSI to get this recognition, but I think MASCHERANO stood out a little bit more according to what both players' potentials. The more I think about it and the more I remember some flashes from the game, the more I'm leaning towards give this award to MESSI, but I'm sticking to my original impression from the game. Great game, Captain Masch!
Don't get me wrong! MESSI was very much the same player we see every day play for Barcelona. If he was to play like this in every match, all we need is a little bit more production from his striking partners.
On the other side of the coin, our team didn't show much cohesion and there were some clear weak links across the starting XI.
I didn't see the Angel DI MARIA I would like to see. Just one flash of his talent when he played a brilliant one-two with MESSI in the second half.
Jonas GUTIERREZ suffered the game. He did. He never found his feet playing clearly out of position. I kept thinking he was playing as a RB (especially after HEINZE scored early on and changed the game) and he was there instead of one the best in the world in that position: Javier ZANETTI.
That said...it's not his fault that he was asked to play there and on the positive for Jonas you could say that once he joined our midfield in the second half (after BURDISSO and Maxi were introduced), he did show some good stuff.
But the lowest point in the entire team, the way I see it, was Gonzalo HIGUAIN. I like him. I really do. Don't even think for a moment that I'm saying this because I prefer Diego MILITO. Please. I'm being objective here. I'm neutral in this argument because I desperately wanted Pipita to score.
The problem is that I think we should have been 3-0 up after only 20 minutes and all the late suffering in the second half would have had no room for us. He missed a sitter early on after a great pass from MESSI and then another one when he was one-on-one with the keeper and I was getting ready to jump up and down with Felipe in my arms!
In my opinion, and that of many from what I've been reading on Twitter and Facebook, Diego took a lot longer than what he should have to introduce Diego MILITO.
The Inter striker only played 12th minutes. He couldn't deliver in a fast-break, then he set up MESSI in another brilliant one-two and he didn't have time to show anything else. Same old story for him at the national team.
We could have paid the price for not being accurate in front of goal and we have to thank that Nigeria were even worse than us at that.
I'm eager to hear what you have to say.
So far...I'm in a worse situation than that reporter Diego told he had something up his rear end! Gabriel HEINZE can tell me exactly the same thing and I wouldn't have anything to reply to him. Take a bow, Gab. You are the owner of the Jabulani! Take a bow!
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