Pastore's performance against Ecuador further makes the claims of "Pastore>>Verratti" even on an international level just a bit more laughable, although I continue to love both players equally since both have managed to contribute in very fundamental ways here in Paris. Comparisons are dumb anyways, I hope they both succeed!
Honestly, they were both our best players last season and they've both underperformed this season (especially Pastore). I think a lot of it is down to the fact that he wasn't able to have a proper pre-season after getting to the Copa America final with Argentina. The problem is that with him being benched 99% of the time, he hasn't able to regain his form. I know I talk about it a lot, but I'm really not happy with the Pastore/Marquinhos situation. Anyway, hopefully he can play well tonight for Argentina. I'll be watching that game and then switching to the Brazil game after it's over.
I'm not talking about his performances for Italy. And he still looks very solid. When I say that he's been underperforming overall, it's because he set such a high standard last season. He has still been playing very well. But I have no interest in turning this into yet another argument about Verratti, so that is my last comment regarding this matter.
Pastore subbed off. Matuidi is suspended against Bastia anyway, so it is good that Pastore isn't playing the full game.
I meant physically solid, my mistake I wasn't clear. Not interested in fighting either the question was about how has he dropped below last years high standards? But if you don't want to answer me, oh well...
Di Maria with a really sweet (right footed) goal yesterday for Argentina, Messi should have been jealous. http://www.livesoccertv.com/news/17933/di-maria-buries-a-missile-into-the-top-corner-of-chiles-net-video/" In other news VDW better not play better than he does for his club today. ;>)
Cavanni with a rocket of a goal against Brazil, you know the kind that often go high or wide for PSG.
David Luiz has a stinker vs Uruguay. Yet he will still continue to be called and probably start when Thiago Silva continues to be omitted. For today's game vs Paraguay, Dunga opted for Gil over Marquinhos to fill in for David Luiz, who is suspended. Look, I've been defending David Luiz for unjustified criticism for years, but his form hasn't been the same for Brazil since the 7-1 game. He's not deserving of starting, especially not over Thiago Silva.
To be fair, Thiago Silva is the best CB in the world (and by far, in my opinion), so that's not saying much! That's disappointing to hear about Luiz though. Thiago Silva won't be called up as long as Dunga is in charge. It's purely personal. As for Marquinhos, does Dunga have a problem with younger players? Or what do you think it is?
I honestly have no idea why he opted for Gil over Marquinhos. Gil is currently playing in China. Dunga seems to have taken affinity to ex-Corinthians player who play in China (like Renato Augusto). I'd say most fans prefer we play Marquinhos.
Wait and see .. as of 6 hours ago: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...care-comes-at-the-worst-possible-time-for-psg "Angel Di Maria's Argentina Injury Scare Comes at the Worst Possible Time for PSG"
Injury was in the +/- 5th minute, it looked like a shin on shin whack, he was shown rubbing it in about the 9th minute but still running and playing, somewhere in there he came off for some 'magic' spray and then he came off for good in the 31st but after Argentina went up 2 - 0. So maybe not playing this weekend, let MC wonder about it, and then full speed ahead (I hope).
It will be interesting if Silva and Luiz get to join Neymar on the Olympic team. ;>) I would guess Di Maria's injury might impact the rest of the Copa America and possibly the PSG North American tour but not anything beyond that?
Oh sorry, I meant to update but I forgot; apparently ADM's injury is nothing serious and he should be back soon. Apparently he might even feature in the knockout stages at some point. TS is too good for Brazil, both in talent and character. They had Marquinhos on the bench FFS.