Football News

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 9:35 AM 1 Its actually very hard to find out what Sabellas tactics is He should be knowing this that we r relying too much on Messi. But till now he is not able to remove the Burden from Messis shoulder by putting some one more creative.Some one who can pause and play in Midfield. He should be noticing this. I donnow why he havent noticed it till now. He has been successfull in getting Messi more comfortable thats a Positive.

Whizzard28 (United States)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 8:20 AM 0 @Leandro LUcho, Banega or mino can be those 2 players lined up next to mascherano...canteros off the bench

figo29 (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 4:46 AM 0 I would have voted "good job" but I could not. I am still not sure about some of his tactics and his inability to defend well, although it might be justified by the fact that Argentina has no good world-class defenders at the moment. I am afraid he is becoming more Messi dependent and is focusing on winning and not building a strong team.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/26/2012 at 5:27 PM 0 By the way, looking at the list again, I started to get worried .. we hardly have 17 players that can be capable of doing somethign to the national team in the future. 2GK, 1LB, 1RB, 4CB (considering Campanaro twice CB and RB), 1LRB (Zabaleta), 2DM, 2AM (one is not a choice Pastore), and 5F .. Those numbers looks very bad to me, we need a real work on the flanks and midfield.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/26/2012 at 5:19 PM 0 @ GAB: Exactly, finally someone who understand what am saying. I am not crazy :) @ el prinipe: It is very hard to take those ratings into consideration, because as you can see there is a big difference in game played between players (ex. Kun 2 games, Messi 7 games) and I believe if we don't count one of the Messi's bad games (Peru for ex) Messi's rating would be higher than Kun. .. And so on !!

el principe (United States)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 2:20 PM 0 Here is the statistic of the average of our players rating after the first 7 World Cup Qualifying according to Mundo Albiceleste's real players rating: *I am not counting the friendly games like against Brazil and Germany. GK Sergio ROMERO 6.0 in 5 games GK Mariano ANDUJAR 6.0 in 2 games DR Pablo ZABALETA 5.0 in 5 games DR Hugo CAMPAGNARO 5.5 in 2 games DL Marcos ROJO 4.0 in 4 games DL Clemente RODRIGUEZ 5.33 in 3 games DC Federico FERNANDEZ 5.75 in 4 games DC Ezequiel GARAY 5.67 in 3 games DC Nicolas BURDISSO 4.5 in 4 games DC Nicolas OTAMENDI 5.0 in 2 games DC Martin DEMICHELIS 3.0 in 2 games DC Leandro DESABATO NR (playing 1 game/too few mins) DM Javier MASCHERANO 5.2 in 5 games DM Fernando GAGO 5.8 in 5 games DM Rodrigo BRANA 4.67 in 3 games DM Pablo GUINAZU 4.67 in 3 games DM Ever BANEGA 4.5 in 2 games DM Fabian RINAUDO NR (playing just a few mins) DM Lucas BIGLIA NR AM Angel DI MARIA 5.8 in 5 games AM Jose SOSA 4.6 in 5 games AM Javier PASTORE 5.0 in 2 games AM Ricardo ALVAREZ 4.0 in 1 game AM Maxi RODRIGUEZ NR AM Enzo PEREZ NR AM Eduardo SALVIO NR AM Jonas GUTIERREZ NR F Lionel MESSI 6.29 in 7 games F Gonzalo HIGUAIN 6.14 in 7 games F Sergio AGUERO 7.0 in 2 games F Ezequiel LAVEZZI 5.75 in 4 games F Rodrigo PALACIO 5.0 in 2 games 32 players have played at least a minute so far. Sergio Aguero, not Lionel Messi has the highest rating average. Lionel Messi is second. Higuain is third, just slightly behind Messi. Here is the top five: 1. Sergio AGUERO 7.0 in 2 games 2. Lionel MESSI 6.29 in 7 games 3. Gonzalo HIGUAIN 6.14 in 7 games 4 & 5. (T) Angel DI MARIA and Fernando GAGO 5.8 The top five worst rating: 1. Martin DEMICHELIS 3.0 in 2 games 2. Ricardo ALVAREZ 4.0 in 1 game 2(T). Marcos ROJO 4.0 in 4 games 3. Nicolas BURDISSO 4.5 in 4 games 3(T). Ever BANEGA 4.5 in 2 games How do those numbers look? We are really strict, aren't we? Top Scorer of Argentina: 1. Gonzalo HIGUAIN 6 goals 2. Lionel MESSI 4 goals 3. Sergio AGUERO 2 goals 3(T). Angel DI MARIA 2 goals 4. Ezequiel LAVEZZI 1 goal Top Assist of Argentina: 1. Angel DI MARIA 4 assists 2. Ezequiel LAVEZZI 2 assists 2(T). Lionel MESSI 2 assists 2(T). Gonzalo HIGUAIN 2 assists 3. Jose SOSA 1 assist 3(T). Fernando GAGO 1 assist

Dr.Magdy (Egypt)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 12:16 PM 0 @Leandro , It's Miño or "Min~o" not Min~oz ,I think you you're mixing him up with Palermo defender Muñoz

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 11:24 AM 0 @Kenneth, I think that if you wanted to field such an offensive and 'soft' attack, then you will need to drop Gago as he is a'balanced' #5 in favor of a destroyer type like Guinazu to help balance the lack of muscle in the midfield. Pastore offers about 10% defense and DiMaria when on it offers about 40% but at times less than 15%. You also would want hyper defensive wing backs (Campagnero style, Heinze style). Then maybe that could work, although having both Pastore and DiMaria for me is a liability. Those two should sub in and out for each other at half time, it would be a great way to keep them on their toes via friendly competition. Pastore, Masch, Gago, Di Maria | Messi, Pipita vs Pastore, Masch, Guinazu, Di Maria | Messi, Pipita Personally, as of this morning haven't yet drank my Mate, I would field: - - Campgnero - Fernandez - Masch - - - - Gago - - Guinazu - - Min~oz - - Biglia - - - - - - Messi - - - - - - - Kun - - - - - - - - - - - - Higauin - - - - - - - -

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 10:48 AM 0 If Sabella didn't make serious changes in the next matches, I believe will be in trouble, time is passing and we need to fix some stuffs early !

asjbest (Indonesia)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 10:42 AM 0 Please Sabella call Pastore, Tino Costa for match against uruguay... then i will give you great job... Should leave some old crack that will be too old for world cup 2014 --- desabato, brana, guinazu---

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 10:40 AM 0 Veron : Sabella is intelligent coach ! Source : http://www.diariohoy.net/accion-verNota-id-209140-titulo-Habl%C3%B3_Ver%C3%B3n__%20Sabella_es_inteligente_y_directo_en_el_mensaje%20_

Flaco (United Kingdom)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 10:06 AM 0 @Zizo Good read, thanks for posting the link.

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 6:37 AM 0 @ Abs - Thanks man. Yeah Aussies are more into the EPL than anything else. I'm more into La Liga though (I follow Barca). I find it hard to believe that coaches in big leagues don't have different strategies for different situations, especially given the money involved. Regarding the scenarios you outlined, I know exactly what you're talking about. When coaches make substitutions to have a different impact on a game, this really isn't a Plan B so to speak but rather, a tactical change. What you & I are talking about (I hope) is the ability for a coach to read the game and make changes to his original formation, style of play and players during the game given the situation. The best coach I saw do this was Guus Hiddink. This guy was reknown for having a plan A to Z to suit every situation thinkable. Good luck to your beloved Liverpool this season dude.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 3:57 AM 0 El Principe, i do agree with you that Di Maria is very dynamic and seems to play like a play maker when he's on the wing..however i would not like to see him as a play maker b/c as well all know once power or a bigger role comes about it goes to Di Maria's head. Then he starts to play...like we all know a 'headless chicken' i agree with you that he is very important to the teams offense, and personally as much as i'd love to see pastore i would prefer Di Maria only b/c of the dominance he has on a wing almost with no help..i know i'll get a lot of grief for this, but like most people my dream offense would be, Pastore, Masch, Gago, Di Maria, Higuian Messi,

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 3:27 AM 1 @ elionemilo: Are you drunk bro ? @ el principe: I think you were only in denial, coz most of us in here already knew that Di Maria can't do anything but playing as a winger. Ok, I'll give you a credit for coming up with the new name "wing playmaker" but that's what wingers usually do. @ pablo.d: I guess I already been into this with you, but again, the only two things that BR bring to the table are: - His great personality. - The fact that he gives the youth a chance. But anyway, we have 1 win then UEL which we'll need very bad :p

el principe (United States)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 1:23 AM 0 I watched Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid last night. Di Maria started. Higuain came on as a sub. Di Maria had an assist to Benzema. He had 2 other assists in their last CL game. I notice one thing during the match after watching Madrid games several games in a row . I think I discover a new role for Di Maria for Madrid. Messi invented a famous "false #9" for Barca. Di Maria has a new role, which is "wing playmaker" for Madrid. If Messi has an average of around 4 shooting on goal/game for Barca last season, I guarantee that Di Maria has the highest "assist attempts" in la liga last season and probably this season. In the match against Vallecano alone, Di Maria had 4 attempts of assist where one of them was successfully converted by Benzema. What do I mean by 4 attempts of assist? The definition is the successful pass that Di Maria makes to any of his teammate that resulted in shooting on goal or at least hitting the post. I am not counting the dangerous passes that result "only" in shooting off target. If I do, then Di Maria's assist attempts are like 7-8/game for Madrid. So why it's called "wing playmaker"? Because that's normally a playmaker job (a central attacking midfielder) to give the killer pass, but in Madrid, it is Di Maria's job, a wing player. His main targets usually are CR7 and the #9 (either Higuain or Benzema). He is given a role where he needs to give the final pass by Mourinho. Di Maria has this new role because Mou starts to trust Ozil less and less these days. The new comer, Modric is still adapting. Kaka is out of the rotation. So only 2 players are assigned to hold the ball: CR7 and Di Maria. They are the modern number 9 and number 10 (target man and playmaker), but both attack from both sides of the field, left and right. This is the modern soccer.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/25/2012 at 12:13 AM 0 mr abs great to hear from you and how is mr rodgers going so far for you? 2 wins so far for the great a.v.b :)

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 9:38 PM 0 leandro: a.v.b is the manager at my club the mighty Tottenham Hotspur is only 34 :)

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 9:09 PM 0 @GAB, I would be honored with replacing Sabella, however I think I am too young and too handsome for the position ;)

zizo (Jordan)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 8:33 PM 0 just saw this its the first article that I ve seen in the Argentinian media that really questions sabella choices http://www.clarin.com/deportes/Seleccion-ausentes_0_779922133.html

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 6:22 PM 0 @ GAB: Knowing that you are from Australia, I believe you watch the EPL. Which considered by a lot of people the best league in the world. Now let us go back to your comment about plan A, B & C .. I am 100% with you, and I really hate coaches who doesn't have at least two. But I was surprised that most of the EPL coaches doesn't have a plan B even though they are playing in a league, cups, and even Europe. You might not believe me, but I actually went into an argument with Liverpool fans (which I support). My argument was, why not BR try a different plan other than his FAILED plan A (4-3-3) and I was hit by the number of fans who totally disagree with my say. Believing that BR came to Liverpool with THIS PLAN and he must deploy it to the team. They also opened my eyes to other coaches in the EPL who don't have a solid plan B, but they only have a changing factor in their game: - Mancini uses Yaya as an AM whenever he needs to score late goals. - Fergy depend on Schols and Gigges to change the game. - Wenger sub Walcott in to play wider than playing RCM. and finally, - BR plays Luis Suarez as a striker to score goals (which will never work) Now you might say well that's a plan B, but if you consider those as plan B, then Sabella would also have a plan B when he sub in Kun, Sosa or whoever. To me all of those aren't plan B, but more of a game changes that might work (even if they practice them during training). I still don't like Sabella for not having a plan B, I don't like BR for not having a plan B, and I'll always look for a suitable manager who actually have plan A, B and even C when needed. But is this football ?

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 4:46 PM 0 Hey Leandro, yes I still remember Deigo's fabulous through ball to Caniggia in 1990 WC. The great thing about that goal was hearing the Brazilian hearts break :) Your theory is excellent (as usual) if Messi was to get marked by multiple players HOWEVER, like Pablo.d pointed out, we don't have the skill or creativity in the midfield for other players to read the opportunity. You're were absolutely right in one of your previous comments, you said we're just lacking 1 or 2 creative players in the midfield that will simply solve most of our problems. Leandro, you need to send AFA your contact details so they can consider you for Sabella's assistant coach :)

zizo (Jordan)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 4:04 PM 0 biglia says he is glad boca is interested in him he might welcome a change of scenery poor kid must have given up on playing in the big clubs cause its too early for a return to argentina

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 3:33 PM 0 It was an OFFICIAL game Tino Costa played for Argentina. It's on the FIFA calendar. It is not like Zarate playing, Zarate played against Catalonia.

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 3:28 PM 0 Sabella is talking about Tevez, the article in Spanish, it's new : http://www.taringa.net/posts/humor/15637108/Sabella_-Equot_Voy-a-convocar-a-Tevez-cuando-juege-en-Estudi.html

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 3:11 PM 0 leonadro do you not think this happens now with teams trying to triple mark messi?. the problem is we dont have an attacking midfield quick enougt and intelgent enough to expose this. we look best when the fab 4 are on the field but its not a plan sabella likes to use ofturn. this also frees messi up as teams cant mark messi, di maria, hig and kun without leaving large gaps, all of these playes can take mulitable players out quickly. even btter would be a creative mid fielder, then it would be near imossible for the opposition to mark every one who could destroy you quickly. for sabella attack is the best defence for us as we have an abundence of attackers but not defenders.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 11:50 AM 3 @GAB - There are two sides to every coin. Please, please, please I HOPE teams triple of quadruple mark Messi. Do you realize how much space that would create for our other (talented) players? All Messi has to do is walk away from a play and its an instant 5 us versus 2 of them. Pep taught Messi this tactic (notice how he walks around for many minutes, sometimes purposely stays offside for whole plays, will drop to midfield dragging 3 defenders and then quickly give the ball to his midfielder to swing it back around). Barca does this constantly, Messi will drop receive the ball in the center, then go backwards towards Xavi, dragging the whole defense with him and then Xavi will quickly pop the ball to the wings (Iniesta, Alves, Tello, etc) and those plays almost always punish the oponent as its an isolation of a winger against just one defender and the back post is chaotic as the centerbacks run back to reposition. If Messi gets cancelled out, he would make Kun and Tevez and DiMaria and Higuain etc etc life so much easier. Want proof? Google Maradona's assist to Cannigia in the 1990 WC vs Brasil. One moment of brillance (with a broken ankle no less) took out 4 defenders and made a one one one with the keeper. The key to this working is talented players in either wing and another midfielder that can quickly hit those players. Higuain - - - Aguero - - - - Messi - - - - - - - - Masch - - - - Messi pulls the centerbacks, Gives it to Masch, Masch one times it to the wingmen, they dribble one player and either shoot on goal or hit it back to the box for Messi who is sprinting in full speed. BRAINLESS. Masch needs two side midfielders with good passing and control next to him to cool the play in case there is too much pressure (Busquets, Iniesta, Alves).. thats where we are suffering. Gago is ok there, but DiMaria-Sosa-Rojo-Zabaleta cant do this function. We need other players like Canteros, Mun~oz, Biglia that can and still are solid defensibly. Vamos Argentina! We might not win the cup, but we are eliminating Brasil from it!

zizo (Jordan)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 10:09 AM 0 it was an unofficial game I think they are also talking about zarate might join Italy he is not getting playing time in his club

Flaco (United Kingdom)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 8:17 AM 0 I do not know if it is true, but Tino Costa wants to play for France! He already played for Argentina (during Batista managing)! http://www.rmcsport.fr/editorial/301766/tino-costa-je-veux-jouer-pour-la-france/

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 5:10 AM 0 @ Pablo.d - Thanks muchacho. I too agree with things you say, especially around needing a back up plan for when Messi is injured, and the need for a plan b. Must be an Oceania thing :) All the great coaches have a plan a, b & c for their teams. Given Messi is not only our star player but the best player in the world, other teams we play will obviously focus on getting him out of the game (usually by double or triple teaming him)...then what Sabella??? Pablo.d don't worry man, I saw Sabella's Strategy in a report he did for AFA. It said Year 1, fix defence; Year 2, fix midfield; Year 3, fix Plan of Attack; and Year 4, fix Player selection. The guy does things slowly. I think he'll have everything ready for the 2018 World Cup :)

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 3:47 AM 0 I gave him "Bad Job" because I thought by now we should already see the future team of Argentina, but still haven't .. Am worried !!

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/24/2012 at 3:16 AM 0 Winning the WC is still a long shoat for now we r still on rebuilding phase first lets qualify then we shall see. At WC we may need some luck too along with gud tactics each team may require different tactics. From what i have read about Sabella. He do study his opponents well.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 11:16 PM 0 Thanks @elpipita

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 10:16 PM 0 oh and lionel messi thank you for the article, don't really know how authentic it is but I will translate it for you all: Basically the article starts by saying that pep and sabella met in pep's office for about 45min and they mainly talked about messi, but they also discussed mascherano's role(s) in barca and the NT and how they differ. Pep was very careful with his advice to sabella for 2 reasons, the first is that he didn't was to disrespect a senior coach of a nation like argentina by telling him what to do and more importantly arg and barca differ greatly in almost every aspect. Pep presented the following points to sabella about messi: 1. don't play him with too many strikers (ie what maradona did in the WC where he was playing the enganche) and don't limit his position (basically give him a free role) 2. Messi always makes notes about the game and what went right and what went wrong in the game and it would greatly help if sabella took these points into serious consideration 3. DONT TAKE HIM OFF THE GAME FOR WHAT EVER REASON, EVEN IF ITS FOR THE LAST 2 MIN!!! 4. Always present him with a challenge! (e.g. improve your free kicks or help out more defensively etc.....) Thats the gist of it really, nothing is mentioned about the Mascherano part of the discussion (if it ever happenned)

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 9:55 PM 0 Still decent, the man is getting results and he's getting the best out of messi AND he's trying to fix the back with young defenders with ample potential. still the midfield and the fullback positions need to be sorted. The team is gaining stability and momentum but the creativity and solidarity of the midline still remain elusive. I don't envy sabella's position, as he has the finest fowards in world football and trying to fit all that talent in one team would take away from the midfield so finding that balance will be THE KEY. I remain hopeful though.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 6:05 PM 0 Roncaglia is a name that is known back home, as Johnny said, he played for both Boca and Estudiantes.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 5:41 PM 0 Well, Sabella ought to lock up Roncaglia. Its not as if Argentina is swimming in talent at CB and FB, and Roncaglia can play both. Plus, he was at Estudiantes as well as Boca.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 5:37 PM 0 gab, im liking what you have been saying and i also are struggling to see us winning the world cup with the way sabella is taking us. i know as long as we are in the finals theirs always a chance but im really worried about the lack of any plan b infact im struggling to see real plan a and this could come to haunt us big time. like you all i want is argentina to win it.

zizo (Jordan)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 4:42 PM 0 FACUNDO RONCAGLIA FIORENTINA NAZIONALE / ROMA - Dopo aver realizzato il primo, bellissimo, gol in Serie A, Facundo Roncaglia ha fissato il suo prossimo obiettivo con delle dichiarazioni rilasciate a 'La Gazzetta dello Sport': "Spero in una convocazione nell'Italia di Prandelli". Il difensore argenino ha anche la nazionalità italiana razie alle sue origini di Giugliano in Campania. so what it is happening all the time and after seeing who get called they have all the right to do so

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 4:33 PM 0 @ Kenneth - I'm actually Argentinian so I love anything and everything about Argentina! If it appears I'm sounding negative with some of my comments, I guess that's my frustration (and expectation) coming out because I expect so much from this Messi era of players that I believe they can/should win a world cup...just not with the current selection of players that Sabella insists on. Thanks for your insight though Kenneth. I definitely wasn't having a go at you with my previous comment.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 2:47 PM 0 I dont tust Goal.Com's translations too much. He was probably asked about him playing for their NT and probably said it would be an honor and etc and of course somebody translated improperly.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 1:36 PM 0 Better wait to hear that again from Roncaglia. Maybe the quote was taken out of context, or was incomplete. I hear he scored a screamer of a goal Saturday, but I haven't seen it.

msi2 (France)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 1:17 PM 0 WTF at Roncaglia? Suddenly he wants to play for Italy?

Fred (Hong Kong)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 12:01 PM 0 Roncaglia is an ideal choice for our RB. He plays on the right side in a three-men defence at fiorentina.

Istiaque (Bangladesh)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 11:59 AM 1 recently Facundo Roncaglia said he wants to play for Italy! Is he worthy of a call up in Argentina squad? source : http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2012/09/23/3397580/argentine-born-facundo-roncaglia-hopes-for-future-italy-call

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 9:22 AM 1 About Messi position in the NT, Pep Guardiola advised Alejandro Sabella to put him behind the strikers, Messi likes to play as free player, he should not be choked in one area ! Source : http://barshaloni.com/m/articles/view/2680 (Translated from Arabic to English by using google)

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 7:22 AM 0 Well heres the thing GAB...im an Argentina fan i always think we are gonna win the world cup b/c we have the talent to do so and i will always support them 100% call it dumb or actually being a fan..when i think Argentina one of the greatest national sides historically has a chance to win the world cup, but Primarily it's b/c i believe Messi will go down as the best in history...and obviously for that he needs to win a world cup. i don't rally know why you want to replace Masch with yacob, who is very mediocre, but if you don't think Argentina is a good side and we don't have of a chance at winning then it would be appreciated if you could take your negativity else where. Also look at the last couple of world cup winning teams they never had monster defenses ( i mean in height not talent)

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 6:42 AM 0 @ Kenneth - I'm hoping you can help me see what you see please. How can you possibly think Argentina can win the world cup with this current team? What am i missing here? The midfield is in desperate need of some fresh new talent as I am over the Masch & Gago combo. I would like to see Masch replaced with Claudio Yacob - the dude is 1.82 mtrs tall compared to 1.74 mtrs for Masch. You put in Faurlin in there as well (1.85 mtrs) and that is one tall and intimidating defensive midfield unit. Throw in Lamela for some creativity (1.83 mtrs tall)& Federico Fernandez (1.90 mtrs) at CB and it would be the tallest Argentina team in histroy LOL I seriously believe one of the main reasons Argentina are susceptible to free kicks is our lack of height. We desperately need some tall players in the starting 11. @ hi2Suresh - Thanks mate :)

muthu (India)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 4:48 AM 0 2014 wcp prepairing players seballa plese add new genaration messi ,higuin ,dimaria,aguero,mash, gago, romero ok filled next best players myopinion yuth playrs add lisandro lopez , peruzzi, pastore , lamela,mugni,sanches mino,rojo ........ etc.........

hi2suresh (India)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 3:32 AM 0 @Gab lol on your "smoking stuff" sarcasm. No offense here the one word to describe sabella is "mediocre".Nothing more nothing less. I wish and hope Sabella proves me wrong here. Keeping my fingers crossed to see where will this marriage between world class attackers & ultra conservative coach takes us forward...

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 3:28 AM 0 Sabella is not a Type of manager we didnt had for sometime he is more defencive.But I think its been long time we been playing Beautiful football and till now we havent won that much trophies. So lets see what Sabella can do for us with his Defencive tactics.We wont loss like 4-0 guys but we may have narrow victories. His player selections r suspetious but he already shake up the defence and brought some changes . he does try different formations.So we have to be patient lets see. there is no other choice. We cant change the coach frequently. And i always beleave Tevez or pastore r the few players who can fill in the shoes of messi when he is not around. I mean we cant predit there wont be Injury to Messi or even Suspension what will we do in that case. We r dead some very very dead. Some may not agree but thats one area Sabella havent thought about till now. Fair enough Messi has been playing in all our matches till now for all the 90 minutes. So lets hope he dont get injured or suspended.

Rasikaya (Sri Lanka)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 2:39 AM 1 Sabella knows what he is doing.He is a good tactician.His team play well according to what he wants.He can merge a efficient team. Problem is his attitude.Too defensive&conservative. He also seem to be not having a planb in attacking.He dont want to fall behind&chase say 2goals.If so we will hav no chance.(tight marked messi) That should be the reason that he dont give a chance to youngsters in the MF.Our backline is young.He's afraid that a error-prone youngster can(ruin his system,expose the young backline).Thats the part of story Guinazu&Brana come.Make sure that opponent is held till we score. There could be space for a youngster upfront not in the middle unless sabella change his plan. So Sabella is true to his words.He has a vision&know how to work on it. VAMOS ARGENTINA

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 12:35 AM 0 1st if sabella does win the w.c with this group of players (once i sobered up from celebrating as its been a long time between w.c wins i will be enjoying some delicious humble pie :) jack one must always plan for a "worst case senaro", is messi injured no, and long may that continue but and its a but if the unthinkeable happens what is plan b? as i dont see any thing near one.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/23/2012 at 12:02 AM 1 I wonder what people will say when Sabella wins the world cup with this player selection...Hmmm

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 10:51 PM 1 No disrespect to the 2 people who have indicated Sabella has done a 'Great Job', but I definitely want some of that stuff you're smoking cause it has to be some really good stuff. Come on now, anyone who thinks Sabella has done a great job is seriously trippin. As much as I disagree with Sabella's tactics & player selections, I admit he has done a decent job. HOWEVER, if I'm seeing exactly the same player selections and the same obvious issues (i.e. poor midfield for example) in 1 years time, then he would have done a terrible job overall in my opinion. I admit I've been really harsh on Sabella at times but I'm starting to see that he does things very very slowly. So I will try to reserve judgement once los eliminatorias are over. Thanks to the rational, logical & intelligent people on this great site who provide excellent perspective on things as it is greatly appreciated.

hi2suresh (India)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 9:01 PM 0 @Roy..could you please give "Average" as an option to select from? For me Sabella is between "decent" & "bad"

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 8:49 PM 1 I don't believe Sabella will use another 5-3-2 after we lost to venezuela 1-0, he is just a coach who says "tactically anything is possible we will try to pick the right formation for the right game" he has also said that Argentina's forwards are much better then the defenders so we will at least always see Messi/Higuian/Di Maria, and hopefully El Kun in there soon!

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 7:31 PM 0 5-3-2 will be the domestic sides.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 7:22 PM 0 I don't believe it, he will go with a 4-4-2 when facing "tough competition".

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 6:06 PM 0 According to the articles he is planning to use 5 - 3 -2 when we are facing strong teams in the qualifiers !

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 6:04 PM 0 @ Jack ---> source 1 : http://recsports.net/argentina-could-play.html Source 2 : http://www.kooora.com/default.aspx?n=199010&o=ncar (Use google translation to translate the article from Arabic to English )

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 5:26 PM 0 I agree Johnny, people are always worrying for some reason, and using "what if Messi gets hurt".. Well, what if my aunt had balls, then should be my uncle, :-). Messi is there, and lets jsut deal with it. And where is this 5-3-2, in the next qualifier? Where did you hear that LiONEL Messi of Jordan?

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 4:59 PM 0 @Jack-I agree that Tevez could probably handle some of the ball handling duties, though not as well as someone more used to doing that. Plus, my guess is that Carlitos and the NT are probably better off without each other. At least for now. In a way in seems silly to talk about NT life without Messi, but it isn't. He's been hurt before.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 4:55 PM 0 johnny yes if messi was gone for any reason it would be a disaster as without messi their is little crativity, he is the key to every thing. tavez sorry guys he does not want to play for the n/t and 2 points why do we still go on about him as its not going to happen as neither tevez or sabella talks about it at all. why do some of you want someone who disrespects the n/t jersey, at least maxi (who should not be starting) still WANTS to play, its about passion, honour and gaining respect at the world stage and tavez lacks all of those these days for the blue and white.

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 4:54 PM 0 Sabella is thinking about using 5 defenders when he play outside Argentina in next world cup qualifiers, he wants to use 5 - 3 - 2 formation !

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 4:31 PM 0 I think Carlitos is smart enough to play that Messi role. He has assisted Messi on more then a few goals in his day. Tevez is strong on the ball, would not lose it, and would even relish that role. Sure his vision is not that of Lio's but he still quite creative in his attack getting the others to push along with him.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 4:19 PM 0 Following up on pablo.D's and Jack's posts-I think the loss of Messi would be more of an issue for midfield play rather than as a striker. Messi functions as part of the midfield more than anything else. And arguably, the only creative member of the midfield as Sabella configures it. If Messi wasn't around, you would still have Higuain, Aguero, possibly Tevez, Lavezzi and more. But what of the midfield ? Who has Sabella called who has nearly any creativity as an attacking midfielder ? Only cameo appearances from Pastore and Lamela(?). I don't think Andy D has been called by Sabella or Aimar as well. Hypothetically, if Messi wasn't available, would Sabella stick to his current plan ? No enganche ? Long balls ? The torture of watching Gago and Masche trying to link up with the forwards ? Calling up Aimar or the other possibles, after they have had essentially no pitch time with their teammates ? I don't think I'd want to have to endure that.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 3:59 PM 1 It's funny how many people put decent considering we are on top of our group and Messi is actually performing well for the national team...and scoring free kicks! Haha..this is not due to the players that we are top of the group (obviously please look at the last 3 managers) Sabella deserves a little more recognition.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 3:47 PM 0 And let me add, the best of Carlitos Tevez is when he is the focal point, Kun has the ability to shy away from the spotlight and still deliver. The best Carlitos Tevez was when Messi was not yet around. But this should be a plan B for those that WORRY so MUCH on Sabella relying on Messi and if Messi gets hurt or is suspended.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 3:45 PM 0 You know, if Carlitos agrees to be a sub and may only a few minutes or not play at all(if we are losing) I would not mind him being called up, but only if he can agree to that. Those that worry about we will be missing Messi, I believe the talent of Kun and Carlitos fire, we could still make a strong push for a title. I think Kun has everything in his game to be what Romario was in 94, and Tevez and Pipita together as well? Not that bad of a lineup. Think it about for a second.

shikari (Canada)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 3:42 PM 0 Since this country lacks quality in defense and midfield, I doubt its ability to win any major tournament any time soon. Hence, considering what he’s got to work with, I rate Sabella’s work so far – good.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 3:36 PM 1 i went for decent but only on the fact we are top of our group but i believe it because of messi not sabella we are top. the problems hes had time to fix and we seem to be no closer to fixing most of them in-fact their is no plan b and we are 100% reliant on messi. if he is missing for any reason we are in depp trouble.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 2:26 PM 0 Shouldn't these polls be dubbed as "How did Sabella do vs so and so? :-0... Majority of the people last time had good over decent.

Sherwan (United States)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 1:46 PM 0 @Johnny, I agree with you the DF and midfieled needs work. Hope it will get improve by the time we get to the world cup.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 12:37 PM 0 I think I put "good" last time but I'm downgrading to "decent" due to the fact that his Estudiantes call ups aren't simply not good enough for the NT but that they're literally costing Argentina goals (Braña and Desabato).

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/22/2012 at 12:00 PM 0 Still "decent" in my opinion. I don't think I'll upgrade the score unless the midfield gets sorted out. I'm not saying I disagree completely with Sabella's plan of attack, but some of the personnel decisions are a little baffling.