Team Watch - Argentina
Argentina was the first nation to qualify for the World Cup but all is not rosy within the Argentine camp. There has been in-fighting, the squad doesn't look spirited enough, and a few injuries to key players doesn't help either.
There will be no Veron when the squad is announced later next month, thanks to in-fighting within the squad over the issue of the captaincy. When Jose Pekerman took over as manager of the team, he made Sorin the captain. Some of Argentina's senior players took the view that since the squad had already shown its preference, Sorin should do the honourable thing and hand the armband back to Ayala. However, they were reported to be none too pleased when that didn't happen, which, it seems clear, caused a definitive breakdown in relations between Veron and Sorin.
In the recent Champions League game between Inter and Villareal, Veron and Sorin were repeatedly on the point of tearing strips off each other, and at half-time had to be separated by players from both teams. Pekerman has resisted calls to pick Veron to the World Cup. It seems nothing would change his mind, even Maradona calling for Veron to be picked.
Consequently, all Argentine hopes rest on playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme who has been in exceptional form in the past couple of seasons for Villareal. However, fatigue is a factor that would play a crucial factor on how he plays in the World Cup. for his team is still in the Champions League fighting Arsenal to make it to the finals in Paris in May.
Argentina would rely on Messi and Crespo to score the goals. However, their defence is where their weakness is, especially with defenders Ayala and Heinze yet to prove their fitness after recovering from long-term injuries.
After a horrendous WC in 2002, the players will be looking to do well in Germany although they are unlucky to be in the 'Group of Death' this time around too. Argentina will be lucky enough if it survives the stiff challenge posed by Holland, Serbia & Montenegro, and Ivory Coast.
There will be no Veron when the squad is announced later next month, thanks to in-fighting within the squad over the issue of the captaincy. When Jose Pekerman took over as manager of the team, he made Sorin the captain. Some of Argentina's senior players took the view that since the squad had already shown its preference, Sorin should do the honourable thing and hand the armband back to Ayala. However, they were reported to be none too pleased when that didn't happen, which, it seems clear, caused a definitive breakdown in relations between Veron and Sorin.
Sorin and Veron
In the recent Champions League game between Inter and Villareal, Veron and Sorin were repeatedly on the point of tearing strips off each other, and at half-time had to be separated by players from both teams. Pekerman has resisted calls to pick Veron to the World Cup. It seems nothing would change his mind, even Maradona calling for Veron to be picked.
Consequently, all Argentine hopes rest on playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme who has been in exceptional form in the past couple of seasons for Villareal. However, fatigue is a factor that would play a crucial factor on how he plays in the World Cup. for his team is still in the Champions League fighting Arsenal to make it to the finals in Paris in May.
Argentina would rely on Messi and Crespo to score the goals. However, their defence is where their weakness is, especially with defenders Ayala and Heinze yet to prove their fitness after recovering from long-term injuries.
After a horrendous WC in 2002, the players will be looking to do well in Germany although they are unlucky to be in the 'Group of Death' this time around too. Argentina will be lucky enough if it survives the stiff challenge posed by Holland, Serbia & Montenegro, and Ivory Coast.
posted by Lucas @ 6:44 AM
6 Comments:
In terms of squad on paper, Argentina are the best team.Unfortunately, Football is played on the pitch.I look at them.... Messi,Crespo,Riquelme,Zanetti,Ayala,Collocini,Heinze(Is he fit?),Placente,Gonzales,Mascherano.ANd i am not even talking abt Esteban Cambiasso and Santi Solari...they look awesome.
But,As u rightly point out, there is too much argy bargy in the camp... if they can sort that out they ll give any team a run for their money.
It was said that Holland is being punished for not qualifying for WC 2002 by being drafted in the group of death. On the contrary, Argentina, I feel has been in the receiving end again.
Sweden = Serbia & Montenegro(Steady)
England = Holland(Good mix of attack and defence)
Nigeria(Spent force) < Ivory Coast(Emerging force)
with their chokers tag, It would take a lot of character to progress. If they do, then they might go all the way.
Heinze is fit but yet to regain full match fitness...Ayala is back and scored at the weekend...Aimar is ill and is doubtful for the WC...Messi injured again. Eeven then, the rest of the squad looks good but they have been drawn in the group of death. Any team in the group have a chance to qualify. But did Argentina peak a bit early in the WC qualifiers and can Argentina regain their form?
As far as i am concerned its a toss up between Holland argentina and the ivory coast.
Serbia should not be underestimated. They've a miserly defence. Reminds me of Euro '04 Greece. Ivory Coast has impressed me very much(Drogba not withstanding)
Argentina haven't peaked early. They lost a couple of qualifiers to Uruguay and one more. They're in a jittery state. Aimar will never make it to the main 11. His absence will not be felt.
U forgot Tevez and Saviola. Both are exciting as far as international football goes.They provide good assists. Messi has to come good. Crespo has to do what he does best, bang in goals.
Look at a divers' 11 team.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/sport.html?in_article_id=383008&in_page_id=1867
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