2014 has surely got to be Argentina's best chance to win the World Cup since the Maradona days. The attack is probably the best it's ever been with Messi, Aguero, Higuain, Lavezzi. The goalkeeper and defence look decent, Mascherano has a lot of experience and is a good holding player. The midfield also has some good creative talent with Di Maria. Plus they have a manager with his head screwed on. The fact that the tournament is being held in Brazil will also help. Their biggest threats will be Spain, Brazil, Italy and they usually struggle against England. What do you think?
I agree. People overlook the fact that those 4 players you just mentioned (plus Di Maria) were still quite young in 2010, even though they already were "household" names. In 2014 they will all be in their prime and that should hopefully offset an average defense. I think they match-up well against Spain. Not so well against Germany (obviously) and Italy. So they need a little luck with the draw too (ideally they would play some important games in south of Brasil to produce a semi home-field advantage).
If only Argentina had a Veron or Riquelme then they would be even stronger. I can't believe Maradona dropped Veron against Germany in 2010, he was the kind of player they needed.
Agreed, the offense is formidable: Messi, Aguero, Higuain, Lavezzi, Tevez, Martinez. The offensive mids/wingers are also top notch: DiMaria, Lamela, Pastore, Salvio, Gaitan. I like the centermid pairing of Gago and Banega, and Yacob is an interesting option. Mascherano can play in center defense, along with an in-form Coloccini or Fernandez who has matured a lot. Not much depth at CM or CB, but at least the starters are all proven. Romero is a strong goalie, he could be the best at the WC, and Andujar is a solid backup. The question is the fullbacks, where Zabaleta and Rojo are not convincing, and no other players have been given a chance other than the old Campagnaro. This is how I would align it: Romero Zabaleta-Mascherano-Coloccini-Monzon Gago-Banega-DiMaria Messi Aguero-Higuain
Already I see Peruzzi as a candidate for full back.Monzon isnt international class but neither is Rojo at least until now.I would right now have Garay at 2 with Pezzela a contender if he avoids further injury.Like wise in goal I think Orion is better than Romero who is inconsistent but hes young.I have serious doubts about Di Maria in big games, I know he gives us much needed speed but his character is a problem.Gago and Banega are high class but head cases can Sabella manage them for a month? Remember the Brasucas will do everything to f..k us up so it will be very dificult.
Agree about Monzon and Rojo, another option is Ansaldi, though Rojo has been improving. I think Fernandez is better than Garay, and Romero much better than Orion. Don't worry too much about DiMaria, he will come through at the WC. I think Brazil would want someone else to eliminate Argentina, as they know chances are they will lose if they play us.
Verón wasn't playing well enough by then, I'd rather blame Diego for some stubborn decisions on the formation rather. I think we have a good shot at 2014, as usual, but let's see what's with the other teams next year the Confeds and the remaining of the qualifiers.
Saying Romero is slightly better than Orion might sneak through, but that statement is just outrageous. Given a choice, I would pick Orion, though it's not such a clear thing to me as to make a fuss about Romero being picked over him. I just don't see how Romero, whom I like more than most, can be seen to be MUCH BETTER than Orion.
[quote The fact that the tournament is being held in Brazil will also help . What do you think?[/quote] Have a look at the treatment handed out to Arsenal in Belo Horizonte and add to Tigre in Sao Paolo and understand the brasucas will do anything to stop Argentina winning on Brazilian soil.
Its nothing new... Remember Corinthians-River in 2006? And even worse, Sao Paulo-River in the semifinals 2005. Los Borrachos del tablon beat the shit out of the sao paulo police, meanwhile 30,000 thousand corinthians fans got overpowered by 10 police. LOL
Head to head from 1980-present 1981 - 2-1 (Win) 1982 - 1-1 1986 - 3-2 (Win) 1987 - 1-0 (Win) 1988 - 1-0 (Lost) 1990 - 1-0 (Lost by late gift penalty) 2005 - 2-2 2006 - 1-1 (Lost on penalty) 2010 - 1-0 (Win) 2010 - 4-0 (Lost) 2012 - 3-1 (Win) Overall head to head : Argentina - 9 Win Germany - 7 Win (counting penalty shootout win) Draw - 5
El Pipita will lead Argentina to Glory, it's a paradox, Higuain will make your dreams come true, he is Napulitan!
I think it depends a lot on how Messi plays. He has been subpar lately, throwing up on the field, seemed unmotivated, and he hasn't been that great for the Argentine national team over the years... He did score some 60 goals for the national team but has also had very pale showings. If Messi is as good as in his club performances, Argentina will be a threat. If he walks on the pitch and doesn't do much, then I don't know.
Sorry but friendlies are a joke to consider.. In the end it's almost 50/50 if two football powers meet each other in the finals.
I was thinking of the 2014 team however it still does not fly for the 2010 either. So 8 black players = 8 Africans?. Just FYI, 6 of them were born in France (some from parents of french Caribbean origin: Anelka, Abidal, Gallas) Only Evra was born in Senegal and Malouda was born in French Guyana (you know...in South America).