Well, at some point anyone could make mistake. As long it doesnt happen when it matter the most like Kahn in WC final
Dybala is quietly having a nice little season for himself. He’s got 7 league goals and 3 in the CL’s. He’s been out injured for quite a bit but he seems to be a bit more motivated this season. I’d like to see get over 20-25 goals for the entire season. Let’s see if this nice pep will transition over during the qualifiers. We’ll need him.
Its WC year and Dybala must have known that Scaloni would pick him as long he could maintain his form. I still think he should be our second choice #9 after Lautaro. The only downside is he's injury prone like Kun, but Im sure Scaloni could manage him like he did with ADM throughout Copa America. I hope he can be tested at least in 2 qualifier games if not all. Although Im afraid it would be Armani again
I know their opposition is nowhere as strong as Italy or Argentina during their unbeaten streak, but I remember they did gave Germany a hard time in WC 2014. Only lost narrowly at extra time like us.
FIFPro Men's World XI Gianluigi Donnarumma; David Alaba, Ruben Dias, Leonardo Bonucci; Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Kevin De Bruyne; Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi
Those rabonas he did since his River Plate's day finally awarded Spurs is the only team to win this award twice in a row Nevertheless, he's the first Argentine player win this award.
Looks like Tagliafico won't have his contract renewed at Ajax, Napoli have made an offer for a loan, but Ajax prefers on a sale. . . looks like Napoli (who is cheap like all Italian clubs) will probably wait until the summer.
Another goal for Dybala. Should’ve had a second. One of them he skied it high and the other, he gave the penalty to Morata.
No Messi (not a surprise), no Cuti Romero (not a surprise he is hurt), no Lanzini (VERY SURPRISED, he is having a good season at West Ham), no Meza (everyone can now calm down), no Icardi (mistake not to call him and finally see him play 90 mins for us), no Gio Simeone (I thought he would play) - these omissions are a bit of surprise I think these two games are to test new formations, and see how some of these players play without Messi - but most important, this could be a HUGE moment for Dybala, this is his shot to "drive the Ferrari"
From that list, it's pretty clear to me that, unless there's an injury or something, Scaloni is not prepared to make any changes from the squad that won the Copa America. In theory, that makes sense, but feel there are other players who can improve the quality of the squad imo. For example: -Medina or Senesi for Pezzella -Why Andrada when we have a better keeper like Ledesma and Benitez -No Lanzini? Some positives: -Glad to see Buendia in the list -No Meza Hopefully, Alvarez is trusted with the role of the backup 9 rather than J. Correa or Ocampos (surprised that Gio Simeone was not selected). If the WC will do a 23-man squad, will be interesting to see who Scaloni does not select.
It is glaring when Cuti is not included. I fear our defense is going to leak in goals. I like Scaloni and he was willing to give a lot players an opportunity when he first came on board. However, he is reverting back to managers of the past who are not willing to try new things. We’ve qualified. It is important to give newer names a shot. With that being said, I’m glad he’s brought back players who are in form, Ocampos, Emi B, Mac Attack. Sure, the likes of Lanzini and Cholito are missing but, we can only have so many players. I do suspect Lanzini will have to continue to fight to return but I do not think it is done and dusted for him. For the likes of Icardi, it is. He is done. Dybala is our most experienced forward here. So, he needs to take the lead. All in all, not a bad list. I worry about the defense without Cuti and this will be a concern for the World Cup, because he will definitely miss a match because of yellows. So, LMQ, Licha or German will need to have the game of their lives. I give Scaloni a B for this squad. Could be better but not overly terrible.
By the way. Non of this “We have nothing to lose” mindset. We need to put our foot on the throats of Chile and Colombia. They would never do us any favors and we shouldn’t ever do one for them either. We need to walk away from both of these matches with at least 4 points. Let’s keep the unbeaten streak going.
Totally agree with stepping on the neck's of our advisories (although, I always have positive feelings towards Colombia, I hope they make it). What I hope for the most in the upcoming matches is that our defensive back-line is finally settled. Scaloni has done a great job making the defense perform, at times with patch-work, sometimes relying on old veterans on their last leg (Otomandi), but its now time to settle on the starters. I AM VERY BULLISH ON LICHA MARTINEZ. I think that an Argentinean dream scenario is Cuti and Licha both developing into the CB we need to make an 8 year run. Acuna seems to have won his position over Tagliafico. But I am still not sure on Monteil v. Molina. I like Molina's pace and speed (which we always lack) but Montiel is such a warrior.
good list thank God for no Meza..I prayed a lot for this one. I would have picked Lanzini over Mac and a striker over J.Correa but really these are minor points I hope A.Correa gets a start or a lot minutes he is too underrated at this point.
By the way, why are we taking four goalkeepers again? Is Scaloni doing some type of training where we need four goalies?
Damn, looks like Tucu suffered a hamstring injury in Inter's match today so very likely that he won't be able to participate in this WCQ. In other news, looks there will be a friendly vs Brazil this summer Argentina could play Brazil in a friendly match this summer. This via Globo.— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) January 19, 2022
Disappointed not to see Lanzini & Simeone. Glad to see Julian, hopefully he'd get more minutes this time around. If Tucu is injured then Simeone needs to replace him. Tucu has been losing spot to Alexis anyway. Glad Meza doesnt make it to the list. I kind of dislike the idea of playing the strong opponent before WC since its only gives them an idea how to beat us. Germany always did better againts us after losing to us in friendlies. As for Brazil, I think we've been playing Brazucas too many times already, yet the one that matter , they chickened out and conmebol helped them to escape second straight defeat at home. I'd rather face team like Croatia , Belgium & Switzerland.
Simeone is the 2nd leading scorer in Serie A (ahead of Lautaro) and we do not include him? It's not like we need to find a backup #9. Also Lanzini has been so hot, I don't know how he is not included. Considering he had a prominent role with the NT before WC2018 and his injury, and now he is back to form, he should be included. Mac Allister was so bad in the Olympics, I guess that's why he gets a call? Not taking this opportunity to look for a better CB than Pezzella or Quarta? Endless frustration. Sigh. And no Walter Benitez whom has been in great form.
Exactly, especially with the main spot already guarenteed for Emi. Its not like we're still unsure about main goalie. Although I suspect it would be 28 players rules for this WC.
I don’t think it is that big of a deal, Crackhead. Licha has been called up again. He could probably be looked at as a CB. Outside of Lanzini, and mayyyybe Simeone, I don’t I have too much of an issue. As I mentioned before, Ocampos who has rediscovered his form from a couple seasons back has earned another chance. Buendia has picked up his play recently and he’s back. Nobody outside of those two players previously mentioned are egregiously omitted. Benitez? We already have two top class goalies in Emi and Musso. He won’t get a look. If he all of a sudden feels French, and will accept a call then it tells you the type of character he has. He won’t be missed.
Joaquin Correa is going to be replaced. After being replaced in the game against Empoli, it was confirmed that he suffered the same injury he had in December; most likely never healed correctly. No way he plays for at least a month. Baby Simeone? Drama Queen Icardi? Alario? (geeze, our choices get dire really quick for a striker after Lautaro & Alvarez)