Los Pumas Tops Pool D In Style

If I had to convert some people to become new rugby fanatics, I just had to make them watch this game. There can't be a game that was played any better then how our beloved Los Pumas and the Irish did. This was perhaps the best match so far for me in this World Cup.

From the beginning I was at the edge of my seat. When the National Anthem was sang with pride and joy from both players and supporters, it was just one of those place that you feel that you have to be. The surrounding, the atmosphere was just pure, magic and beautiful.

As soon as Ronan O'GARA kicked off the game, there was sher pressure from Ireland for the first 10 minutes. From that moment it was game on. But right after that, Pumas weathered the storm and the rewards was a try from Lucas BORGES.
But still deep down I knew the Irish always have something up in their sleeves, when Brian O'DRISCOLL scored a try for them my heart was beating even more faster.

The second try by the Los Pumas was simply an awesome one, started by Juan Martin HERNANDEZ and finished off by Horacio AGULLA. Despite a 18-10 lead at half time, there was still a long way to go and when Geordan MURPHY converted another try, the 40 minutes to me looks like might take an hour to finish.

But two more penalties from CONTEPOMI and a drop goal from Juan Martin HERNANDEZ, made it sure that the IRISH was out of reach this time. (I screamed when the final whistle blew!!!)

But to me, the real winner was rugby itself. Muchos Gracias Los Pumas and Ireland for giving us a game worth remembering. At least for one day, they made rugby look like the most beautiful game.

And next up is Scotland, and I'm having rough time here as my Mom is half Scottish!!!But till then....

VAMOS LOS PUMAS!!!

Pumas Line Up Against Ireland Confirmed

Marcelo LOFFREDA has announced on Friday the list of names that will take on Ireland in Pool D crucial match at Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Starting 15 :-
1 Rodrigo RONCERO
2 Mario Ledesma AROCENA
3 Juan Martín SCELZO
4 Carlos Ignacio Fernandez LOBBE
5 Patricio ALBACETE
6 Lucas OSTIGLIA
7 Juan Martín Fernandez LOBBE
8 Gonzalo Longo ELIA
9 Agustín PICHOT (c)
10 Juan Martin HERNANDEZ
11 Horacio AGULLA
12 Felipe CONTEPOMI
13 Manuel CONTEPOMI
14 Lucas BORGES
15 Ignacio CORLETO

Replacements:
16 Alberto Vernet BASUALDO
17 Omar Hasan JALIL
18 Rimas Álvarez KAIRELIS
19 Martín DURAND
20 Nicolás Fernandez MIRANDA
21 Federico TODESCHINI
22 Hernán SENILLOSA

COCO Calls RIQUELME For WC Qualifier

COCO Basile has selected playmaker Juan Roman RIQUELME in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela. Though RIQUELME has not seen any action with Villarreal this season, BASILE, who is a big fan of RIQUELME, told reporters that the gifted midfielder is an important piece of puzzle of his squad.

The manager named 20 players for the World Cup qualifiers that will be played in mid-October. The remainder of the squad, which consists of home-based players, will join in after the 13th round of the Argentine Apertura Championship.

Despite the fact that RIQUELME has been inactive this season, after previous clashes with Villarreal manager Manuel PELLEGRINI, BASILE affirmed that the player should be in good form just in time for the two matches.

Here are the list players that will kick-start our road to glory to 2010.

Goalkeepers
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI (Getafe),
Oscar USTARI (Getafe).

Defenders
Daniel DIAZ (Getafe),
Gabriel HEINZE (Real Madrid),
Gabriel MILITO (Barcelona),
Javier ZANETTI (Inter Milan),
Fabricio COLOCCINI (Deportivo La Coruna),
Martin DEMICHELIS (Bayern Munich),
Nicolas BURDISSO (Inter Milan).

Midfielders
Esteban CAMBIASSO (Inter Milan),
Maxi RODRIGUEZ (Atletico Madrid),
Fernando GAGO (Real Madrid),
Jonas GUTIERREZ (Mallorca),
Javier MASCHERANO (Liverpool),
Federico INSUA (Club America),
Juan Roman RIQUELME (Villarreal).

Strikers
Lionel MESSI (Barcelona),
Javier SAVIOLA (Real Madrid),
Sergio AGUERO (Atletico Madrid),
Carlos TEVEZ (Manchester United)

Personally I feel this is a strong team when considering the fact that we are playing Chile and Venezuela (not to disrespect them), so I’m confident we should have six points in the bag.

Among the most notable absence from this list is Hernan CRESPO, but in TEVEZ, KUN and MESSI, COCO has plenty of firepower upfront.

PATO is most likely to be favourite to guard the post. In defence, my personal choice will be ZANETTI on the right, HEINZE on the left with MILITO and DEMICHELIS partnering in center.

The midfield quartet will be very much similar to the Copa America line up. RIQUELME will resume the play making duty and MASHERANO will take on the ball winning role. CAMBIASSO as always been COCO's preferred choice the left and MAXI will claim the right hand duty.

This is just for now, so until have the full squad completed, we will not have clear indication on what are COCO's plan for these matches.

Now the question here is, which home-based players are most likely to make it into the team? In your opinion, what could be the best formation that COCO should emphasis?

Pumas/Ireland Rivalry Resume

The date; 30th September 2007. The place; Parc des Princes, Paris. The occasion; to witness one of rugby’s World Cup most decorated rivalry in recent times, if not perhaps maybe the best. For the third consecutive World Cup, Los Pumas and the boys in green of Ireland will resume their battle on the rugby pitch. And once again the stakes are no different than before, to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Since their first meeting on that famous night in Lens in 1999, Los Pumas have grown from strength to strength to become the game´s most potent force outside the Tri and Six Nations countries. While the Irish, are still very much renowned as one of the best in the world.

So what can we expect from this crucial clash of titans in Pool D? Well this time around, Gonzalo QUESADA will not be the one converting those penalties and drop goals, while Ireland will not have the legendary Keith WOOD leading them into the field. But still the main ingredients, as they were displayed in the previous two meetings, will always be there: passion, determination and full commitment.

For Los Pumas, things just seems to be getting better and better at this World Cup. Ever since that famous victory over France in the opening day right up to the demolishing of Namibia, it seems like destiny is written all over the wall for Señor LOFFREDA and his army to achieve greatness and immortality. Now the only thing that separates them from their destiny is just one point and I repeat, one point only.

At this stage, we can say that we’ve made it to the next stage but that very important one point could prove to be too much to let go. Being grouped together with two other giants, it seems the only thing we can ask for is to progress to the next stage and after that for better or worse face the mighty All Blacks. Now, avoiding them, seems more like a reality rather than a distance dream.

As for the Irish, personally I find it hard to believe that they are in this situation. Early this year during the Six Nation (very unlucky not to win it), I felt they were probably the second best team in the world. Now a couple of hard fought victories against Namibia & Georgia and a defeat to France, have left Eddie O’SULLIVAN and his boys with no choice but to win. And they also need the bonus point as well (to make things even more complicated, they must avoid Los Pumas from claiming a bonus point!!!). Their "mission impossible" consists on scoring 4 tries against the only team yet to concede a single try in the entire Rugby World Cup.

Current form may leave us with a better chance of going through but anyone who knows his/her rugby well, will tell you to never ever underestimate Ronan O’GARA, Brian O'DRISCOLL and company.
Now here is a Blast From The Past between these two respected rivals at the Rugby World Cup.

20th October 1999, Stade Félix Bollaert, Lens

If this was a boxing event, it would have probably been known as the HUMPHREYS vs. QUESADA match.

When David HUMPHREYS converted a drop goal on the 45th min, the score line was 21-9 and the Irish look all set to face France in the quarterfinals. The Irish were so confident, that some of the fans had already bought their tickets (before the match that is) for the next game schedule to be played in Dublin. But nobody would have ever expected what was about to happen.

After 3 consecutive penalties by QUESADA (47th, 55th & 65th minute) plus another one from HUMPHREYS (61st minute), the score was brought to 24-18 for Ireland. Suddenly there seemed to be very little hope for a dramatic comeback. Yet, had I tell this to anyone back then, people would have probably laughed at me.

A try from Diego ALBANESE in the 74th minute with QUESADA converting the kick gave Los Pumas a 25-24 lead and stunned everyone in the stadium. At this point of time, the Irish were in panic mode but still the game was anyone’s for the taking.

Despite plenty of retaliation from the Irish side to score a try, another penalty by QUESADA in the dying minutes, sealed the deal for Los Pumas and they achieved a massive upset over Ireland. This was a result that sent a shock wave throughout the rugby community.

26th October 2003, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

When Ireland and Argentina were drawn together in the same pool, the one thing that people couldn’t stop talking was that night in Lens. It was so fresh in the minds of both sets of players as if it only happened yesterday. One commentator even did mention that this match was going to get both sets of supporters chewing their fingernail.

The memories came back even stronger when QUESADA opened the scoring with a 7th-minute long-range effort. Then the Irish stormed back with a try in the 17th minute courtesy of Alan QUILAN, followed by a conversion from, who else but David HUMPHREYS.

A drop goal and a penalty by QUESADA served to reduce the deficit to a single point. 10-9 was the lead in favour of Ireland at half time. Then a drop goal by Ignacio CORLETO put Argentina in the lead but two successive penalties from Ronan O’GARA saw Argentina trailing 12-16.

With seven minutes to go, QUESADA was there again to convert another penalty to again take Argentina within one point (15-16) and to bring the entire crowd to their feet for a massive conclusion. Only this time, it was a little too late for Los Pumas as Ireland held on to their nerve for the victory. Truly a blood and guts performance from both sides.

Now back to 2007. So which way is this match heading this time? Can Los Pumas gain that one point and march on to the last eight? Or will the Irish Luck finally smile on the boys in green to create a Houdini act? Only time will tell.

Hitting form just before facing Chile?

The Copa America defeat against Brazil was a huge blow to take (still is). The risks were too many. All the voices against Coco BASILE started being louder and louder and under those circumstances, the pressure the manager and the players he picks have on their shoulders, can be their worst enemy.

A defeat to Norway made things even worse but beating Australia in Melbourne gave our players a little bit more confidence.

In any case, we shouldn't take too seriously the results or the performances we've seen in those two matches. The real thing starts next month and I'm seeing very positive signs when I watch our national team players having good performances week in, week out in Europe's top competitions.

Today, Carlos TEVEZ finally scored his first Premiership goal for United and it came against bitter rivals, Chelsea in a 2-0 win over the former Jose MOURINHO's team.

Last week, it was impossible for me to write, but I wanted to mention SAVIOLA, HIGUAIN, CRESPO, Diego MILITO and Sergio AGÜERO, all of them scoring for their clubs.

A great competition for places and good news for COCO. A lot of his striking options are finding the back of the net just in time to face Marcelo BIELSA's Chile on October 13 in Buenos Aires, to start our World Cup 2010 Qualifying campaign.

And it's impossible to keep talking about our key players, without mentioning the top of the lot: Lionel MESSI.

The Flea just can't stop! And there's no stopping him either. He scored a brace on Saturday to help a RONALDINHO-less Barcelona beat UEFA Cup two-times defending champions, Sevilla. Those two goals came a couple of days after MESSI outclassed Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League, with a goal and a shot that was deflected by CLERC into his own net.

Our ace of spades seems ready to start a new era as the most important player in our national team. A lot more responsibility will come with that, but MESSI seems to be ready to take whatever pressures could be on his shoulders.

I trust him. I'm in peace.

Try fest for Pumas, one step away from the QF

I'm actually writing this from the Stade Velodrome where a huge Albiceleste crowd are cheering Los Pumas as they are comprehensively defeating Namibia in their third Pool D match.

Right now, the score is 63-3. The win and the bonus point are already in the bag and the only thing keeping us from reaching the quarter-finals is the match against Ireland (September 30 at the Parc des Princes in Paris).

A win and we are through, avoiding a clash against the mighty All Blacks. A draw and we are through. A loss with Ireland not getting the bonus point and we are through!

All and all, an impressive performance by Los Pumas in this World Cup, where they are the only team in the tournament yet to concede a try! (typical...I finish writing this and they concede it! haha! Hopefully not!).

OK, I'm off to try and interview some of the players.

VAMOS LOS PUMAS!

Pumas Captain PICHOT Returns

Pumas captain and scrum-half Agustin PICHOT, who missed last week's 33-3 win over Georgia, returns from injury just in time for the match against Namibia which will take place in Marseille. His name was included in the in starting 15, named by coach Marcelo LOFFREDA in Lyon.

Felipe CONTEPOMI, who played at centre in the victories over hosts France and Georgia, will play in his usual position at fly half as he does for his club Leinster, due to the absent of injured Juan Martin HERNANDEZ

Also recovered from injury are reserve fly-half Federico TODESCHINI and he will start from the bench. His recovery was crucial in LOFFREDA's decision on whether to decide to send him and call up a squad replacement

Other notable returnees were lock Ignacio Fernandez LOBBE and number eight Gonzalo LONGO. LOBBE, concussed in the 17-12 upset against France, returns to the second row while LONGO start from the bench.

Juan Manuel LEGUIZAMON will resume his duty in the middle of the back row of the starting position.

LOFFREDA has also decided to include Hooker Mario LEDESMA in the bench, though he is still nursing a minor injury from the Georgia match.

Starting 15 :

1-Rodrigo RONCERO
2-Alberto Vernet BASUALDO
3-Omar HASAN
4-Ignacio Fernandez LOBBE
5-Patricio ALBACETE
6-Lucas OSTIGLIA
7-Juan Fernandez LOBBE
8-Juan Manuel LEGUIZAMON
9-Agustin PICHOT (captain)
10-Felipe CONTEPOMI
11-Horacio AGULLA
12-Manuel CONTEPOMI
13-Gonzalo TIESI
14-Hernan SENILLOSA
15-Ignacio CORLETO

Replacements :

16-Mario LEDESMA
17-Martin SCELZO
18-Rimas ALVAREZ
19-Gonzalo LONGO
20-Nicolas Fernandez MIRANDA
21-Federico TODESCHINI
22-Federico SERRA

Champions League News

FC Barcelona vs. Olympique Lyonnais

I have to agree with Johnny (his comments from the previous article) as MESSI was unstoppable that without a doubt he was the man of the match. With him and Gabriel MILITO in the starting line up, Barca cruised through 3-0 win over the French champions.

Sporting Clube de Portugal vs. Manchester United

No Carlos TEVEZ in the starting line up as his place was taken away with the arrival Wayne ROONEY from injury. He was brought in a substitution later in the game. On the opposite side, Leandro ROMAGNOLI was a starter. A 1-0 win for the Red Devils and I wonder is this bad news for TEVEZ?

Fenerbahçe S.K vs. Inter Milan

Despite having the likes of Javier ZANETTI, Esteban CAMBIASSO, Santiago SOLARI and Walter SAMUEL on the starting line up it wasn’t happy night for the Serie A champions as they suffered a shock 1-0 loss against the Turkish side. Hernan CRESPO was on the bench.

Arsenal vs. Sevilla FC

Federico FAZIO played as a center back but the Gunners sensationally won 3-0

Champions League News

FC Porto vs. Liverpool FC

Both Lisandro LOPEZ and Lucho GOZALEZ of FC Porto and Javier MASCHERANO of Liverpool were starters in their Champions League clash. The match ended in 1-1 draw after Dirk KUYT has cancelled out LUCHO eighth minute penalty lead for PORTO.

Olympiakos vs. SS Lazio

Luciano GALLETTI scored for the Greek side and was voted man of the match after some superb display, which also saw teammate Cristian Raúl LEDESMA in starting line up as well. On the opposite side, Cristian Daniel LEDESMA was in the starting line up so please don’t be confused here. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after Luciano ZAURI equalized for the Italians

AC Milan vs. SL Benfica

Angel DI MARIA was a starter for Benfica but it wasn’t happy ending for the Portuguese side as they went down to the defending champion 2-1.

FIFA Women's WC 2007 – Do or Die Mission Against Japan

The stakes are very much for Argentina after getting off to a worse start at China 2007, suffering an 11-0 defeat at the hands of Germany. And if they are to keep their stuttering challenge alive going into the final round of group matches, then nothing less than a win against the Japanese will do. Not that Carlos BORELLO's girls will have things easy. Japan showed their willpower and tenacity by scoring deep into injury time to steal a precious point against England.

Catalina PEREZ is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension, while Celeste BARBITTA's left ankle is BORELLO's sole injury concern.

Team captain, Eva GONZALEZ says " We know Japan well. They are a fast team who play good football but are not as physical as Germany. It will be a totally different game, nothing to do with what happened in our opening match. We need to win if we want to qualify".

Argentina were on the receiving end of a 6-0 scoreline when the two sides met in the first phase at USA 2003, a one-sided contest in which Mio OTANI scored a hat-trick in only eight minutes - the fastest ever in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup. For BORELLO and his ladies, history doesn't look like to be their favourite subject at the moment. After all the 11-0 bashing from Germany is Women's World Cup record.

Good luck Ladies!!!

The match will take place in Shanghai, 14th of September