Argentina vs Ecuador , World Cup 2018 qualifier , last game!

That is what happened, oh happy day, lol.

 

Btw this might be Banega's last call up by Sampaoli after the party incident.

 

Why would I celebrate the U.S.not qualifying? And why would you is a better question.

 

The WC is too soon to experiment. Hopefully after it, Sampaoli will integrate the likes of Paredes, Lanzini, and Valentin Vada into the first 11. Young, hungry midfielders capable of scoring, assisting and creating.

Banega showed a lot of promise circa 2010-2012 and even outplayed Xavi in a game, but he simply hasn't reached the heights his talent could have. He's still a decent player, but not one we should be aiming for. He wouldn't get anywhere near the midfield in Spain or France for instance.

 

Never been happier in my life to make a completely wrong prediction Credit to the team (or just Messi? ) for stepping up after that nightmare start. Not gonna bother about anything else than the win and WC qualification today, at least we now can dream for quite a while yet. That Chile, by their own complaint, managed to screw up makes it even better.

 

I think we have great midfielders compared to the past couple of years. I agree we dont have that great playmaking maestro but we have different kind of midfielders that have their own style of play. Pre-2014 was the time when we really were dry on midfielders but not anymore. Acuna is a heck of a player on the wing but remember up until last night Di Maria was a WB!!! Just because the coaches are not recognizing the talent at their disposal doesnt mean that we lack variations.

Do you realize that Enzo was one of our best players during the WC and he never started a match since? Heck he was left out of 2 CAs!!! Its insane man. The amount of talent Argentina has is a blessing but recognizing the talent has been a dissapointment.

 

With Gago being out a long period of time (likely he'll miss out on the World Cup) and Banega possibly being thrown out of the side, this will give the likes of Enzo Perez and Paredes more of a chance to start. Biglia offers nothing but he wasn't bad these two games. Yes, in a perfect world, I wouldn't start him but he appears to be untouchable for Sampa.

I'd like to see Lanzini get another shot. He has been quite unlucky with injuries. Pity Martinez and Nacho Fernandez will be looked at. I hear Lo Celso is impressing in France when he does play. Lautaro Acosta didn't impress, Papu Gomez can take a lap and we can decide if he returns. Benedetto provided nothing other than being a decoy in the match v Ecuador. Hopefully, Alario and Icardi will fight for that #9 spot. I have a sneaky feeling that Kun was meant to be intended starter before his car accident. I'm sure if he got all those chances Benedetto got, he would've scored at least one of them.

I agree, Masche clearly cannot play in a long tournament. Otamendi did well in these two matches. Mercado was solid, the man just goes in and does his job. I think he has secured himself a starting spot in Russia, I think.

Romero, lol. The luckiest man to have ever played the game. He's about to play in his third World Cup. I mean, he isn't going to get injured since he never plays, so looks like he'll start. Rulli has been pretty bad for the last month. His confidence has gone to hell since being dropped.

There is work to be done.

We will also be seeded as a 1 seed but we can be up against a traditional power like Spain and Italy(If they qualify), or a rival like Uruguay or Colombia, or get lucky and have a minnow like England. It is too early to see what teams we can face in the group stages or the round of 16 but the draw will take place on the first of December.

 

How is Vada doing? I hear some good things about him. Also look out for Colombatto. I think this kid could be something special.

 

Im a fan of Colombatto but playing in Serie B will not do him any favors.

 

He's only 20. He is one for the future. Dybala played in the la B in Argentina and the Serie B with Palermo. He'll get his time.

 

I mean for next year's WC

 

Well, yeah, that is quite obvious. I was just replying to Milan, who was talking about the likes of Valentin Vada and whatnot. I just stated to keep your eye on Colombatto as well. He has a great left foot on him. He was the standout player of the Sub 20's, at least for us that is.

 

I just found a reason actually. Last time USA failed to qualify (1986), Argentina won it all!

 

I hope you guys win. Good Luck next summer.