[[****Official Match-day Thread***]] [[SuperClásico]] Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier Match: Brazil Vs. Argentina Venue: Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto of Belo Horizonte Expected Starting lineup: ----------------------------------Sergio Romero----------------------------------; Mercado-------------Otamendi-----------Fumes Mori------------------Mas; ---------------------Mascherano------------biglia-----------------------------; perez------------------------------Messi------------------------------Di Maria; -------------------------------------Higuain-----------------------------------------;
Relatively balanced lineups if we look at the lineups against Uruguay,Paraguay and Venezuela. another player who can control the middle and distribute balls foreward. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
If Biglia isnt in top form and Pipita in his usual "always miss a sitter " form, then we would lose probably 2-0. Maybe only if Messi pull off his magic Argentina can win this game. I'm saying this based on previous matches form. Midfield control was non existent in last few matches, and defennce has been horrible. We'll see....
I like the line-up, as it should give some solidity defensively. Perez will have to really help Mercado with Neymar and Di Maria the same with Mas on Coutinho. The only issue I see is that there is a danger of Messi and Higuain being completely cut-off from the team, as there is no one who can really link the midfield with attack. Messi will probably start dropping back if that happens, but then there will be no one to link up play up top. Needless to say, all of our team needs to really be on top form, but Mascherano and Messi will have to be really, really on form. Messi and Bauza gave a 20 minute lecture to our guys, stressing how important this game is. Bauza apparently has said that Icardi will be called up for the next round of qualifiers.
http://www.espnfc.us/argentina/stor...vercome-brazil-with-lionel-messi-mario-kempes Argentina legend Mario Kempes is convinced that with Lionel Messi back in the fold, the Albiceleste have enough quality to beat Brazil in Thursday's crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte. Argentina have not won against their arch-rivals in Brazill since Claudio Lopez's goal gave them a 1-0 triumph in an international friendly at the Maracana stadium in April 1998. "This is the best national team that Argentina has had and will ever have," Kempes told Cadena Ser radio. "We have the best player in the world but we have to take advantage of that. "Argentina has never been able to convince itself that it can win in Brazil. For some reason we have always struggled. "We have never beaten them in [a competitive game] on their own soil." Brazil have won their last four qualifiers, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one in the process. Messi missed Argentina's last three qualifiers with a groin injury but will captain the team at the Mineirao stadium with his side desperate to get back in contention for a qualifying spot..... ... "We can't blame coach [Edgardo] Bauza," Kempes said. "Right now we are not heading in the right direction but I think he has the means to pull Argentina out of this situation. "I always say that the South American qualifiers are the most difficult of all. You can't make mistakes because you are out." Kempes, who was top scorer in the 1978 World Cup to help Argentina win the title, says Argentina must change their approach if they are to have a chance of qualifying. 'If Argentina plays the way that they are playing now, depending so much on Messi as they are, we will not qualify for the World Cup," the 62-year-old said. Messi heads into the encounter in impressive form, having scored one goal, his 500th for Barca, and set up another in his club's 2-1 win at Sevilla this last Saturday. "He is the best player but we need to help him by having players around him," Kempes said. Kempes believes that luck has not been on this Argentina generation's side. The nation's defeat on penalties against hosts Chile in the Copa America Centenario this summer marked their third straight final loss at a major competition in a two-year span, with the first coming at the 2014 World Cup against Germany. In those three finals, Argentina did not lose or concede any goals inside 90 minutes. "We can't forget that these players did the hard thing which was to reach three finals," Kempes said. "To reach a final is the most difficult thing and they did that three times. "But we are missing that luck that you need to become champion. We lost twice on penalties and against Germany [2014 World Cup final], we fell 1-0 in extra time."
Confirmed line-up: View image on Twitter Follow Selección Argentina ✔@Argentina #Eliminatorias ¡Confirmado por Edgardo Bauza! Así saldrá @Argentina ante @CBF_Futebol
If Tite is smart he'll make Neymar play on the right instead. I'm fairly confident Zabaleta-Perez can contain him well, Mas-Di Maria not so much.
Well yes, Neymar is Neymar, but Coutinho has been devastating for Liverpool this year as well. Both flanks may probably be severely tested.
It's amazing how much apathy can build & thereafter surface when three finals in three years have been lost, the AFA is in shambles and the coach has seriously disappointed. But that's where I am. Not sure why Banega is not in there Biglia Masche has very limited potential to feed the boys up front, unless -as seems to me - the ball will move forward with Perez & Di Maria on the flanks, at least for the 1st half. Banega and Aguero should be second half subs into the match, regardless of the score, Kun's best outing as of late was his sub into the CAC final, where he had the best chance in the match. Bauza needs to call one of the better games of his career, not wait too long on the subs in the 2nd half. Still having family over, will cook up some meat, provoletas, tortillas de papa, mushroom bruschetta, served with vino Argentino, but certainly feel like this is a certain loss. I realize Argentina haven't won there in 18 years, but I have always historically been hopefully optimistic for this trip. That mentality is impossible given what I've seen from this squad. Admittedly, Pulga in the lineup provides a distinct mindset from the Albiceleste team & coaches, so a repeat of the Uruguay battle is more than welcome. Then again, i thought the same dreaded thoughts in 1990.... VAMOS ARGENTINA
I dont see it as impossible as some of you guys.. I feel Argentina can win However, being an away game and knowing Bauza, I wouldnt be surprised to see him go for the draw from the getgo.
Its Bauza's fault if he keep those players in the team who's shouldnt be there in first place. I hope they lost 0-4 and Bauza would be replaced.
One victory that came from Messi magic moment, this guy technically has collected even worst result than Diego did in 2009-2010.
Still makes no sense how hes starting, specially after Mercado's above average displays throughout the Copa America & WCQ....