Different story. They were on a roll from early 2000; much of their 2002 WCQ campaign was taken from a base that Passarella had taken to France '98. Marcelo Bielsa simply improved on that, removing a few players and adding others. They peaked in 2001, and committed grave errors come 2002. We're on the upswing now. We went through very tough times after 2014, even though Dunga led us to many consecutive (friendly) victories. This team has not yet peaked, and the fact we will not play the Confederations Cup is a good thing - we'll be away from the FIFA spotlight this summer, and after the home match vs. Paraguay this coming Tuesday, we won't play a WCQ until August. We do play Argentina in Australia in June - a glorified friendly. Tite is still working on improving this team. Gabriel Jesus was out. We're still likely to see certain players removed and others brought in, with good results quite likely. None of this means that we're guaranteed winners in 2018 - but it does mean that we're finally, at long last, on the right track. The Olympic gold medal was the rebirth we needed. We're capitalizing on it now.
They also fell in the group of death with England and Sweden. England back then, while not brilliant were solid defensively and a PK basically decided the Argentina x England game. I think Argentina were still good in 2002 and could have gotten it going if they got out of that group.
All I can say is wow! Never expected it. I'm like you guys in shock with Paulinho. How can Firmino miss that goal in the beginning. Concerned on the high in the box balls. Was disappointed with Marcelo especially since I love his play. No subs until last 5 minutes - unreal. All in all just phenomenal ! In the Centenario - only our 4th win there in a hundred years.
I wasn't surprised with Firmino and he had Batman(Coutinho)...WITH him up front!! Though I do prefer Marcelo over F. Luis, I felt Luis would've been better in this game, but it doesn't matter now!! And if there was another 30 mins I think Paulinho would've scored 6 and we would've won 7-1!!! OK...Very Bad Joke!!!
I don't know what I love more, goleando Uruguay in the Centenario, or Neymar's golaco. Neymar is really turning into a Balon D'Or candidate.
I don't know what I love more, massacring Uruguay in the Centenario, or Neymar's golaco. And Neymar is turning into a serious Balon D'Or candidate. He was exceptional.
I mentioned this in the general selecao thread. Surely that means Mariano plays right? Argentina called up Alario instead of Icardi for Higuain. Bauza had the excuse ready that he was closer a week or 2 ago.
Yes, I'm quite sure Mariano starts on Tuesday vs Paraguay!! Though I'm not a fan of Fagner, I didn't care for calling up Mariano!! Use the players that you have!!
It's has been speculated that Messi and Mascherano don't want Icardi called if true I can't blame Bauza.