With the friendly against Russia fast approaching, here is Mundo Albiceleste's probable lineup.
These names are purely based on speculation and some hints given by MARADONA in recent interviews.
ANDUJAR
ZANETTI, BURDISSO, OTAMENDI, HEINZE
Maxi RODRIGUEZ, MASCHERANO, BOLATTI, Jonas GUTIERREZ
MESSI and Diego MILITO
The confirmation of OTAMENDI should be an indicator of how highly the manager trusts him and the fact that he could play alongside BURDISSO in Russia can also tell us that the two of them could repeat in September against Brazil and Paraguay.
Mario BOLATTI looks set to make his first international appearance and I hope he can show with Argentina what he did with Huracán last season. Great passing skills, excellent shot from distance and a great reader of the game who can also interrupt the opposition as they start making their attacking moves from midfield.
Jonas and Maxi are in. Look for them to pay special attention to their duties off the ball.
MESSI to be partnered by Diego MILITO for the first time in an attacking line of two forwards (MILITO played the first 45 minutes together with Lio and Kun in Chile when BASILE was in charge for the last time).
We'll be updating this information as soon as we find out more about it.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, August 08, 2009
TEVEZ only fit to play for Manchester City?
I'm fuming! Manchester City are facing Celtic in a friendly that is as meaningless as Russia v. Argentina (if you want to look at them that way) and on 65 minutes, their number 32, the famous Carlos TEVEZ replaces Craig BELLAMY and plays the last 25 minutes at full speed and without any signs of 'a freak injury' he suffered (??) during the week.
At least that was what the club told us and who knows what was what the player said to MARADONA to get a 'day-off' in his international duty with Argentina.
Apparently, TEVEZ was going to be a doubt for City's debut in the Premier League next week and that was why he was in no conditions to play for Argentina against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday.
Why did he play today when it wasn't even an official match?
I'm so angry right now. I hate to be lied to and I thought I was going to be happy to see TEVEZ making his debut for City. Just not like this.
I would like to think Carlos is a victim and that he was pressured a lot, but I guess I'll never know.
I couldn't even wait until the match was over. I needed to rant about this.
I'm not happy...and I imagine Diego is feeling the same way...
At least that was what the club told us and who knows what was what the player said to MARADONA to get a 'day-off' in his international duty with Argentina.
Apparently, TEVEZ was going to be a doubt for City's debut in the Premier League next week and that was why he was in no conditions to play for Argentina against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday.
Why did he play today when it wasn't even an official match?
I'm so angry right now. I hate to be lied to and I thought I was going to be happy to see TEVEZ making his debut for City. Just not like this.
I would like to think Carlos is a victim and that he was pressured a lot, but I guess I'll never know.
I couldn't even wait until the match was over. I needed to rant about this.
I'm not happy...and I imagine Diego is feeling the same way...
Friday, August 07, 2009
2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup Draw
The draw has been made for the upcoming Under-17 World Cup, the only international tournament that we have yet to win. Our young guns will have a tough proposition when the tournament gets underway in Nigeria from October 24 to November 15.
Little Argentina are grouped together with the host nation, Germany and Honduras in Group A. Nigeria as we know are the defending champion and did knocked us out in the quarter-finals two years ago while Germany are the current European holders.
Here are the respective groups after the draw was conducted on August 7.
Group A - Nigeria, Germany, Argentina, Honduras
Group B - Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland
Group C - Iran, Gambia, Colombia, Netherlands
Group D - Turkey, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, New Zealand
Group E - UAE, Malawi, Spain, USA
Group F - Uruguay, South Korea, Algeria, Italy
As for the fixture, our boys will take on Honduras on the opening day at the Abuja Stadium in the capital city. Three days later they will take on Germany at the same venue. On August 30, they will travel to the city of Bauchi, where they will face the host.
Only the winner, runners up from each group plus four of the best third place team will progress to the second round. Will this be the year that we finally win the only title that is missing from our trophy cabinet?
Little Argentina are grouped together with the host nation, Germany and Honduras in Group A. Nigeria as we know are the defending champion and did knocked us out in the quarter-finals two years ago while Germany are the current European holders.
Here are the respective groups after the draw was conducted on August 7.
Group A - Nigeria, Germany, Argentina, Honduras
Group B - Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland
Group C - Iran, Gambia, Colombia, Netherlands
Group D - Turkey, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, New Zealand
Group E - UAE, Malawi, Spain, USA
Group F - Uruguay, South Korea, Algeria, Italy
As for the fixture, our boys will take on Honduras on the opening day at the Abuja Stadium in the capital city. Three days later they will take on Germany at the same venue. On August 30, they will travel to the city of Bauchi, where they will face the host.
Only the winner, runners up from each group plus four of the best third place team will progress to the second round. Will this be the year that we finally win the only title that is missing from our trophy cabinet?
Thursday, August 06, 2009
MARADONA: "ANDUJAR will start against Brazil"
Like some kind of puzzle he's putting together, MARADONA is giving us hints on the lineup he will use to face Brazil in September.
Some time ago he said: "MASCHERANO + 10". Then he added: "MESSI is my MARADONA and I can also say MESSI + 10".
Today, in an interview with FOX Sports and Radio Del Plata he added that "ANDUJAR will start against Brazil".
He also referred to the series of injuries that are marring our national team.
"I can't believe what's happening to us. First it was TEVEZ, now DEMICHELIS. We are in the middle of one of those streaks that leave you in a bad position. I spoke to DEMICHELIS yesterday and I noticed he was sad. The truth is he will be sidelined for quite some time, he even cried on the phone".
"The priority to replace DEMICHELIS belongs to Nicolás BURDISSO. He has been with us from the beginning and that's why he's first on the list to replace Micho".
Some time ago he said: "MASCHERANO + 10". Then he added: "MESSI is my MARADONA and I can also say MESSI + 10".
Today, in an interview with FOX Sports and Radio Del Plata he added that "ANDUJAR will start against Brazil".
He also referred to the series of injuries that are marring our national team.
"I can't believe what's happening to us. First it was TEVEZ, now DEMICHELIS. We are in the middle of one of those streaks that leave you in a bad position. I spoke to DEMICHELIS yesterday and I noticed he was sad. The truth is he will be sidelined for quite some time, he even cried on the phone".
"The priority to replace DEMICHELIS belongs to Nicolás BURDISSO. He has been with us from the beginning and that's why he's first on the list to replace Micho".
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
PAREJA replaces DEMICHELIS vs. Russia
After the avalanche of injuries ahead of the friendly vs. Russia, Diego MARADONA has decided to call up Nicolás PAREJA to replaced Martín DEMICHELIS.
An Olympic champion in Beijing 2008, PAREJA, a former Argentinos Juniors and Anderletch (Belgium) defender, who currently plays for Espanyol de Barcelona, looks set to make his full international debut with Argentina.
A quick central defender with great set-piece ability and with a solid aerial game, PAREJA scored three goals for the Catalan side in last season's La Liga campaign.
An Olympic champion in Beijing 2008, PAREJA, a former Argentinos Juniors and Anderletch (Belgium) defender, who currently plays for Espanyol de Barcelona, looks set to make his full international debut with Argentina.
A quick central defender with great set-piece ability and with a solid aerial game, PAREJA scored three goals for the Catalan side in last season's La Liga campaign.
OK...who wants to play vs. Russia? GAGO injured!
Four less players in two days. The list is down to 19 now. To the injuries of Carlos TEVEZ, Juan Sebastián VERÓN and Martín DEMICHELIS, we now have to add that of Fernando GAGO.
The Real Madrid midfielder suffered a micro-rupture in his abductor muscle (and please forgive me if I'm not writing the name of the injury and the muscles in good English!) and he will also leave his seat vacant on the plane that will take Diego MARADONA's team to Moscow to face Russia next Wednesday.
Now we've got a definite chance of seeing Mario BOLATTI in action for Argentina in his first call-up, although he still needs to beat competition from Boca Juniors' Sebastián BATTAGLIA.
We hope no more players get injured. My worry in GAGO's case is that his injury sounds like an important one (or at least one that takes long to recover). Real Madrid, apart from signing Xabi ALONSO from Liverpool to make him play in GAGO's position, has announced the Argentine midfielder will not make the trip to Toronto, Canada, where the white team has some commitments.
The Real Madrid midfielder suffered a micro-rupture in his abductor muscle (and please forgive me if I'm not writing the name of the injury and the muscles in good English!) and he will also leave his seat vacant on the plane that will take Diego MARADONA's team to Moscow to face Russia next Wednesday.
Now we've got a definite chance of seeing Mario BOLATTI in action for Argentina in his first call-up, although he still needs to beat competition from Boca Juniors' Sebastián BATTAGLIA.
We hope no more players get injured. My worry in GAGO's case is that his injury sounds like an important one (or at least one that takes long to recover). Real Madrid, apart from signing Xabi ALONSO from Liverpool to make him play in GAGO's position, has announced the Argentine midfielder will not make the trip to Toronto, Canada, where the white team has some commitments.
Lionel MESSI stars in 'Fearless in Seattle'
As part of the promotion for the friendly match between FC Barcelona and the newest MLS team: Seattle Sounders, Lionel MESSI went to the top of the famous Space Needle building and did a few tricks without suffering from the adverse effects of the altitude!
Check it out!
Check it out!
DEMICHELIS ruled out of the Russian friendly too!
Our squad for the friendly against Russia next week is getting thinner and thinner each day. To the injured Carlos TEVEZ and Juan Sebastian VERON, we now have to add the name of Martín DEMICHELIS, who suffers with a sprained ankle.
His injury could also complicate his presence in the crucial World Cup Qualifying match against Brazil.
To Mundo Albiceleste's knowledge, those three players will not be replaced and the squad will consists on 20 players instead of the original 23.
His injury could also complicate his presence in the crucial World Cup Qualifying match against Brazil.
To Mundo Albiceleste's knowledge, those three players will not be replaced and the squad will consists on 20 players instead of the original 23.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Injured TEVEZ and VERON miss trip to Moscow
Mark HUGHES can take a deep breath and relax now. Carlos TEVEZ will not be joining the Argentina squad that will travel to Moscow for a friendly match against Russia next week.
One of Manchester City's recent signings is still injured and has called Diego MARADONA to tell him that he suffered a set back from a recurrent injury and informed the manager that he is in no conditions to play.
MARADONA agreed for El Apache to stay in Manchester and continue with his recovery.
Another key player in MARADONA's plans, Juan Sebastián VERÓN, also called MARADONA and told him that he is still not 100% and he thinks it'd be better if he stays and recover to avoid risking a bigger injury in a friendly match.
He is still with a sore abductor muscle in his right leg and therefore he won't be on the plane next week.
With this, the question remains as to which player will join Lionel MESSI on the attack. Will it be Sergio AGÜERO? Will this friendly against Russia finally mean a start for Diego MILITO? Or will it be Lisandro LOPEZ?
In midfield, VERON's absence opens the door for first-timer Mario BOLATTI, who will face competition from Sebastián BATTAGLIA and Fernando GAGO -who seems favourite to resume his central midfield partnership with Javier MASCHERANO-.
One of Manchester City's recent signings is still injured and has called Diego MARADONA to tell him that he suffered a set back from a recurrent injury and informed the manager that he is in no conditions to play.
MARADONA agreed for El Apache to stay in Manchester and continue with his recovery.
Another key player in MARADONA's plans, Juan Sebastián VERÓN, also called MARADONA and told him that he is still not 100% and he thinks it'd be better if he stays and recover to avoid risking a bigger injury in a friendly match.
He is still with a sore abductor muscle in his right leg and therefore he won't be on the plane next week.
With this, the question remains as to which player will join Lionel MESSI on the attack. Will it be Sergio AGÜERO? Will this friendly against Russia finally mean a start for Diego MILITO? Or will it be Lisandro LOPEZ?
In midfield, VERON's absence opens the door for first-timer Mario BOLATTI, who will face competition from Sebastián BATTAGLIA and Fernando GAGO -who seems favourite to resume his central midfield partnership with Javier MASCHERANO-.
MARADONA to call up ORTEGA for "Argentina B"
It's a surprising announcement but one that has a clear message behind.
Speaking to Radio Mitre in Argentina, MARADONA said that he plans to call up Ariel ORTEGA, Argentina's talented creative midfielder in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, for the friendly that our national team will play against New Zealand or Mexico (rival to be confirmed) at the end of September in Cordoba, Argentina.
We all know Ariel ORTEGA has been struggling with alcohol problems in the past few years, but he has returned to River Plate now and he scored a great goal against Everton in a friendly match recently.
This doesn't mean that El Burrito will be making a definite comeback to Argentina and that he will be on Diego's plans for South Africa 2010. The way I see it, Diego wants to help Ariel to keep his mind in the right place and to keep him motivated.
The experiment of playing with a domestic national team (or an 'Argentina B' if you like), gives MARADONA some room for this kind of call-up. ORTEGA will surely help draw a bigger crowd in Cordoba and the fact that Diego already said he'll also name Martín PALERMO for that friendly, is another indication that MARADONA wants a combination of promising young prospects (like DEFEDERICO or OTAMENDI, with very popular figures such as ORTEGA and PALERMO).
MARADONA will also give River Plate fans something to keep them off his back and perhaps ORTEGA will have some sort of testimonial for all the exciting times and amazing memories he gave every Argentina fan over the years. Like some of these...
Speaking to Radio Mitre in Argentina, MARADONA said that he plans to call up Ariel ORTEGA, Argentina's talented creative midfielder in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, for the friendly that our national team will play against New Zealand or Mexico (rival to be confirmed) at the end of September in Cordoba, Argentina.
We all know Ariel ORTEGA has been struggling with alcohol problems in the past few years, but he has returned to River Plate now and he scored a great goal against Everton in a friendly match recently.
This doesn't mean that El Burrito will be making a definite comeback to Argentina and that he will be on Diego's plans for South Africa 2010. The way I see it, Diego wants to help Ariel to keep his mind in the right place and to keep him motivated.
The experiment of playing with a domestic national team (or an 'Argentina B' if you like), gives MARADONA some room for this kind of call-up. ORTEGA will surely help draw a bigger crowd in Cordoba and the fact that Diego already said he'll also name Martín PALERMO for that friendly, is another indication that MARADONA wants a combination of promising young prospects (like DEFEDERICO or OTAMENDI, with very popular figures such as ORTEGA and PALERMO).
MARADONA will also give River Plate fans something to keep them off his back and perhaps ORTEGA will have some sort of testimonial for all the exciting times and amazing memories he gave every Argentina fan over the years. Like some of these...
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