I did. Remember that Japan are currently a very very good team. If you saw any of the Asia Cup, you would realise that Argentina losing is truly understandable. Argentina also played a B+/A- team there. The notable feature was the terrible play of Andres D'Allessando, who interestingly was the MOTM when he thrashed the USA in one of his early caps in 2003. D'Allessandro simply got beaten down by Makoto Hasebe, and the Argentines were completely outclassed by Nagatomo, Uchida and Okazaki. (US fans may remember Nagatomo and Uchida from their great play against the US in the Olympics) The current Argentina they are bringing over reminds me of that experimental Japan team. Argentina are testing out less established guys and playing them with their vets, and currently they are looking for a de facto replacement for Riquelme. Since the aforementioned D'Allessandro was a giant bust, I think they are now looking at Javier Pastore and Mario Bolatti, and Argentina fully intend to surround them with the A-Team. So, in a way, this is the new look Argentina A-Team. That said, the question remains how Pastore and Bolatti are going to do against the USA. Like I said, either they are going to rise to occasion or they are going to crap the bed. As we learned in the 2010 World Cup, if Argentina's central midfield breaks down, the whole team shuts off. If we can get under the skin of the number 10 shirt, the USA can pull off a draw (Or a possible win) just like they have done against Argentina in 1999 (1-0 victory) and 2008 (0-0 draw). In both of those results, Argentina were experimenting much the same, 8 or so A-Teamers with 3 or so newcomers. In 1999, Argentina were playing Anders Guglielminpietro and Pablo Aimar in the mid (Only Aimar really broke through) and got shut down by Reyna/Armas. In 2008, Argentina tested Fernando Cavenaghi and Lisandro Lopez. Oh wait..You don't know those guys? Yeah. Because when you crap the bed while wearing the Argentina kit, you don't get to wear it anymore (unless your name is Martin Palermo).
Didnt bolatti just move to Internacional alongside D'alessandro? My money is on Pastore being the new heir. Palermo got a second chance ONLY cause of Diego. But really, he deserved it. He is a legend in Argentina/for boca.
Will this game be played on the artificial surface, or will they put in a temporary grass field? certainly field conditions (and injury worries) might be a factor in this roster's eagerness (or lack there of) to compete in the friendly in NJ.
if that's the case, I hope it's being given enough time to "take" and firm up, and then hold up during the match.
Correct on Bolatti. He just moved to Inter last month and has started to create a buzz. Pastore was a new face bought in by Maradona, and yes, Argentina are clearly aiming to run the midfield through him. Both get the keys to the full strength Argentina side. If they can tear up the USA, they will be in the Copa America squad and hot chicks all over the world will coo over them. If they can't, they end up in the dustbin where Fernando Cavenaghi and Guillermo Schelotto were thrown- quality players not good enough for the full squad, and the quest for the next Riquelme continues. And speaking of Riquelme, any hope of hearing Ray Hudson calling this game? His homoerotic fascination with the way Argentina plays football has always given me a chuckle.
They were 'Spain' before Spain! [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5W6vBI3mGE"]YouTube - Argentina 25 passes goal[/ame] But yea, I think pastore will show the best. ALthough no one will match riquelme when he was at his best for a WHILE.
Old news now, but ... http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/...ls-defeat-venezuela-in-international-friendly
Why do you say that? Copa America is right around the corner and if there's one thing Argentina needs to learn between now and July it is how to get the most out of Messi.
Tiki tiki!, no tiki taka! We been playing pass,pass,pass, then explode, for years, long before the Spanish. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUBXHXY_-9k"]YouTube - Diego Maradona Argentina vs Greece 3-0 First Round World Cup 1994 Dutch commentary[/ame] It should be an interesting game for both sides, I really looked forward to it.
Argentina arrives in NJ http://www.clarin.com/deportes/futbol/NEW-JERSEY-Batista-Seleccion-Telam_5_448805122.html
Wouldn't you think Messi could afford a decent pair of pants. Look at the holes in those things! He needs to sew on some MLS team patches (or something).
Yea, the highest paid footballer (getting paid 30million euro yearly with salary and sponsors) in the world right now can afford better pants then that. SEriously though, those are some cool jeans.
Pretty cool for the Red Bull U-18's. They got to scrimmage Argentina inside the Giants practice building today http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2011/03/red-bulls-u-18s-embrace-chance-train-argentina
You'd think a guy making $40M/Y could afford a skycap. Or maybe that's Leo's money suitcase that no one else can touch.