Football News

Francito (United States)

Posted on 10/8/2012 at 1:10 AM 0 Once again, Coach Sabella calls up the most random people for our important matches. In this months 2 qualifiers, Sabella called upJuan Manuel Martinez and Hernan Barcos! WTF?!?! WHOOOO?!? I dont understand his motives when we could of called up Tevez, who is playing great with ManCity, and Javier Pastore who is doing decently fine with PSG. Instead, he goes with 1st time callups to Martinez, and Barcos.. who both have never been called up for any Argentina team, nor any at the youth level. I have bashed Sabella in the past for calling up Brana, Guinaz, and all his former Estudiantes players. But he seriously needs someone to stand up and tell him this isnt working. We have so many great players all over the world, playing at the highest level of futbol from Spain, England, Italia, France, Germany. But instead, he calls up players playing in Liga de Brasil, Chinese Superliga, Ukraine League, etc. I have watched every Argentina game in past 17 years and I can tell you that this coach will not get it done for us. Yes he has helped our defense shape up alittle better with Garay, Fernandez, Colocinni, Campagnaro, and Zabaleta. But his decisions with the midfield is horrible. Mascherano, Gago, Banega, Di Maria, should be our 4 main mids! The only thing helping us out is our forwards (Messi, Aguero, Higuain, Lavezzi) other than that.. we are screwed unless he(Sabella) changes! We will get by our group and qualify, but once we get in the WorldCup… god be with us!

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/3/2012 at 3:03 AM 0 @ abisolo, it's not a left out but Argentina has too many option n abundants of good players; Sabella only can bring 18 players. Pastore and Lamela is a attack m/f which can't compete with Messi,Maria,Perez,Guinazu and Sosa beside needed a defence m/f which he had in Gago and Mascherano.Otherwise Tango will play only with the forwarder players without defensive. But i agre with the idea of dropping Zabaletta and bringing Ansaldi. Vamos Argentina

abisolo (Ghana)

Posted on 10/2/2012 at 7:21 AM 0 why did sabella left out players like coloccini,ansaldi,monzon,christian rodriguez,lamela.pastore.

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/30/2012 at 10:55 AM 0 I agree with @Abs and @ Soumya We nowadays lacks gud Fullbacks ofcourse there r some players but most of them r untested, Firstly some players need to be tested then only can findout wheather they r gud or bad. Unfortunately somany options till now havent tested like Anzaldi, Monzon,Pillud. etc etc. hope Sabella do test some in place of Zabaleta etc etc

soumya (India)

Posted on 9/30/2012 at 4:43 AM 0 good one...@Ninan...

Ninan (India)

Posted on 9/30/2012 at 4:12 AM 2 If Rojo and Zabaleta are our best full back options. Then i guess Ansaldi deserves a few chances to show his stuff. Watch the link below http://vimeo.com/12139730

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/30/2012 at 2:47 AM 0 @ Dante Pastrana and @ Jack! If you guys can guarantee that Sabella will start working on a plan B after reaching 23 points, or at least a week before the world cup then I would agree with everything you said. All we are saying in here is, we are worried that with Sabella's plan Argentina equal nothing without Messi, and that's very wrong !!

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/30/2012 at 2:45 AM 0 @ Kenneth: Since the first (and believe the only) game Rinauda played for the national team, I saw something special on him. It is very hard to find another Mascherano these days but that kid could and should be our future Mascherano. I hope he gets the chance !!

soumya (India)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 11:54 PM 0 I m sure that sabella will start with 4-4-2 ...and if you want to play with this formation ...you have to play with a fast overlapping fullback....bayarn munich manchester utd , tottenham are ideal example of 4-4-2...and they have one of the best fullback in team....lahm ,evra,walker are very fast ...they also have good skills....they can beat any player in 1:1 position....In argentina zabaleta and rojo both dont have these quality....and thats why i think he should try atleast 1 fast overlapping skillfull (experienced/inexperienced) player...germany ,brazil(marcelo) ,spain(jordi alba),france,england,holland each and every team have this type of fullbacks....only Italy never used this....thats why they are playing with 3 CM and 1 ATT MID...

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 10:55 PM 0 Well @Tucho its a gud one Bcoz It almost resembles what Players Sabella selects. If he adds Mino instead of Sosa and Peruzzi at RB and some better LB instead of Rojo. Then Our Lineup looks Good. And 4-4-2 is always a tight decent formation.Its a Simple Formation to lineup to. So as 4-3-3 unlike 3-5-2 etc is really hard to adapt to with limited practicing time at International Football.

tucho (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 6:54 PM 1 my starting 11 (4-4-2) romero rojo fernandez garay peruzzi sanchez-mino gago masherano dimaria messi aguero

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 4:17 PM 1 Well I think if every one have the same opinions then there is no point, Every one cant be expected to Praise or Critizise Sabella. there will be differences. Some here likes Trusts Sabella, Some Dont both sections have their reasons too and in their own points they both r true too. Some critizes but that dont mean they r not ARGENTINA NT Fan nor they r not Supporting too. We all Like our team to Win The WC 2014.We all Supports our Team too. Frankly speaking No coach is perfect every one will have their Weakness and soft corners towards some players. Sabellas is Estudiantes. Well one thing he is trying to bring is making a team filled with players who r familiar with each other. Its happening , On a closer look we can see that almost 20 of the 23 players have been continiuosly playing for sometime now, Say almost an Year. The players selected obviously is not slashy or great some r bad too. But we can say Its TEAM. (And reliant on Messi - Have to say That) Lets See how Sabella gonna complete this Year.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 12:36 PM 0 Wow.. I leave for a few days and come back to a mundo rumble, love it. Que es mejor, Pajaro en mano o 100 volando? (Whats better? 1 bird in hand or 100 flying?) Sabella obviously subscribes to the first half of that questions.. as long as he is getting results and our core players (Messi, Masch, Romero, Aguero, Higuain, Gago) are performing well and happy.. I am happy. Yes, I do get angry when players like Zanetti, Biglia, Licha, Aimar get shubbed and I a also get pissed when I see the 'glorious' Argentina playing 'catenaccio' style futbol, but if we look at the big picture, we are in good standing in the tables and the team is moving forward to some capacity. A lot of people here are acting like Sabella is not starting Messi, or Masch, etc. He has the good things right, its the gray edges that we mostly disagree with and we have to respect that as the coach, with his feet on the ground and more experience than any one here, he knows best even if its ugly. Vamos Argentina!

muthu (India)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 11:16 AM 0 Domestic players add perruzzi,lisandro lopez, sanches mino, mugni, requlme

el principe (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 7:05 AM 0 No matter what we say, currently, there is no team in the world scarier than Argentina but Spain. It's not that we're that good, but we've improved slightly, but the others (Germany, Brazil, Italy, England, Portugal, Holland, Uruguay, or France) have declined or just stay the same since the last WC.

Whizzard28 (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 5:40 AM 0 @trini pupi U made a great point..i totally agree wit u

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 5:01 AM 0 @ Dante Well, as i've previously stated i truly believe that Argentina will win every tournament that they enter..and yes i have had to deal with a lot of heart break but truthfully although i always feel like we can win, I'm never disappointed to the point that i turn my back on them, and i ALWAYS give 100% support i mean hell, I've called in sick to work, I've skipped school to watch the game...hell i've even denied a few dates just to watch my beloved Albiceleste!

Dante Pastrana (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 2:37 AM 0 @trini pupi. It's beyond criticism at this point. Broken record sounds about right here! And to read" I've had enough of Argentina " "if this "if that"" I'm not watching any more games " those comments are a load of crap. There are many intelligent individuals in these forums much like yourself that prove valid arguments and this is indeed what this site is about. I'm just talking about the "bashers" who have nothing but negative comments and bad reality lets say. Our numbers don't lie and we are doing great. Do you think it's possible we can all try and be just a little optimistic ?

Dante Pastrana (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 2:23 AM 1 Realistically speaking we might not win this world cup 2014. I'm ready for that outcome but are you ? I'm heavily annoyed with just beating a dead horse theory of the same negativity. You won't find in any of my prior posts what I just stated. You won't catch me saying it again. It's called being positive. Its about having a positive and even hopeful outlook on theArgentina NT. Everyone changes their mind after every single game. It's frustrating to see how many people are quick to bash Messi when he doesn't score a goal. It's frustrating to see how most people "fans " that rated Sabella good on the poll is now bad after Peru.? We can all speak our minds here. This isn't directed to you trini pupi but quite a number of the negative fans have no clue about football to begin with.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 2:13 AM 0 Heard about him kenneth, infact sabella called him up for one of the earlier friendlies if Im not mistaken, but he didn't play nor was he ever selected again. Although speaking of number 5s I've been following Yacob at westbrom and he's quite good (I've also seen him play in U21 world cup 2007) and I think he'd be a great backup for Masch or Gago, infact if he keeps this up I could see him as a starter down the line.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 1:17 AM 0 Has anyone seen Rinaudo play lately? He's a classic number 5 who plays for Sporting lisbon (where E Insua plays) i haven't seen him for a bit but if he transcends into more of a bull doggish player like masch, he would be a good back up..as he is only 26 i believe.

Trini Pupi (Trinidad And Tobago)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 1:02 AM 0 Sorry for typos in my posts i really hate using my phone to type up posts in a hurry lol

Trini Pupi (Trinidad And Tobago)

Posted on 9/29/2012 at 1:01 AM 1 I really don't think critisizing argentina means you are any less than a fan than anyone else. To me it just shows that people love the team. Its like this...having a friend who tells you what you want to hear rather than you should hear.I see nothing wrong with people calling as they see it. The fact is no one is every going to 100% agree with each other. As long as its done in respectfull manner i see nothing wrong with cricisims. Saying people who critisize argentina are negative or not real fans is sending a very bad message. It is bascially saying that hey....if you have an opinion that is not in agreement with others that you are not a argentinian fan. I agree and disagree with alot of people in this forum but i dont think it makes anyone less of a fan. I say again i see nothing wrong with people disagreeing once its done in respectfull manner. I think people should be allowed to express their opinions without the fear be being attacked for it. I personally think argentina are getting results..but are not in good shape as a team. I am sure alot of people will disagree and thats fine. I am happy that we are getting the results etc but ia am NOT going to ignore the very obvious flaws. Alot of people seem to use Maradona as a reference point when defending Sabella, but that isn;t saying much. Any coach is better than Maradona, So by comparison any coach afterwards looks great. I personally think Sabella is not the answer AT ALL. Does that mean i love Argentina less or i am negative no...i watch every game and i have no PROBLEM what so ever if he goes on to win the world cup admitting hey...i was wrong. Its not being postive or negative its just being a realist. I think everyone needs to understand that we are all not going to agree but we are all here for one reason we all love argentina. I don't know about you guys but it really bugs me when i see argentina fans attacking each other. This is a discussion group and to discuss people are allowed to say what they like or dislike. I think sometimes people forget that.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 10:44 PM 0 Well everybody, I see valid points in almost all of the posts that I have read so far. We tend to criticize the ablicelestes quite often and while criticism is an integral part of any sport (derived from the deep investment and passion that we have for the game I suppose) I do sense that most of us (me first and foremost) have gotten carried away with the negativity here. Sabella has done some good work (messi exploding, top of the qualifiers, winning big friendlies, team haaving an established core etc...) but I have to admit that his continued refusal to employ a proper engache (an argentine true and pride tradition) is alarming, but the road to the WC is still long and the team continues to change and take shape. At the end of the day, this site is there for us to discuss our adopted (for me atleast since im not argentine) NT and to blow some steam when need be, but we shouldn't forget that right now, the NT is in a good place, they are not there yet, but hey there is a reason why its called the ROAD to the WC, its a journey not a light switch and I honestly believe that with some tinkering (ie a creative addition to the midfield and other options at the fullback positions), this NT will be roaring to go and break brasil's hearts in 2 yrs time.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 10:21 PM 0 dante im pleased im not the only one remembering the 74 disaster and 2010 was either going to be heven or hell, the 2 that got away were 98 and 06, sadly those 20 mins of madness (the wrong tactics and subs) by peckerman will be what he will be remembered for rather then all the good work he had done, im sure he wakes at night wishing he had attacked and not tried to go defencive-i believe had he done differant we would have won it as we were the best their. 98 another one that got away, the wonder goal in the last min vs holland and the little donkeys crazyness, i also believe we could have won that. any i always support the team no matter what, i dont have to agree with the coach but we are all entilted to say our piece either good or bad. reality it makes no differance what we say on here or any other site as we have no say or inpurt into the running of the team or a voice to sabella ear.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 7:57 PM 0 No probs Gab, ever need questions answered ask a way. As for Tupac, being born in Argentina but growing up nearly my entire life in SoCal, listen to Pac is a stable.

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 6:44 PM 1 @ Dante (and Jack earlier) - Well said hombres. I must admit, I have been quite negative at times with my comments but it's purely stemming from frustration and wanting to see the best for Argentina. Its a classic case of hearts being in the right place but the words articulating the opposite. @ Jack - I admire your football knowledge dude and its people like you (and el Principe & Leandro, Kenneth - actually Los Americanos) and that make this site interesting because you provide insight into certain players that people like me don't have the time to follow - Gracias muchachos! As for the comment "Ride or Die" Jack - I love it man. Famous 2Pac saying

miskan (Indonesia)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 5:58 PM 0 sabella: "We have to find balance, which is one of my favorite words."... you got that mean ?..old + young..quick + slow..champ+chump...heigt+short..and the rest up you

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 5:57 PM 0 Sabella : 95% of the players who went to Brazil will be called back for the match against Brazil ! Source : http://playfutbol.infobae.com/notas/673093-Sabella-No-menos-del-95-por-ciento-de-los-citados-seran-los-que-fueron-a-Brasil.html (Spanish)

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 5:41 PM 2 I have faith in Sabella and our NT, I will support Argentina till my last breath !!! Vamos Argentina Lets be patient !

Dante Pastrana (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 5:34 PM 1 Yes I remember 74 as well as all the times that we flopped when it counted. I still haven't forgotten 2010 disaster and 2006. The point I'm trying to make is that we're not getting anywhere by crying about how shitty our team is. In turn your negativity creates more hatred to our coach and players. Especially since you are Argentinian like myself. What type of example ate u setting by stating that? We have a bunch of foreign albiceleste fans that read these posts and i can see this site has become more and more full of the negative crap. I know Argentina isn't it hasn't win anything major in such a long time. Heart break after heartbreak I've endured this. At the end of the day I'm a proud Nt supporter even if we dont win anything else ever again. I'm used to it. We have bigger problems stemming from the top (grondona) til he dies and someone better takes over and does the right thing with our youth and such we will never really be a force to be reckoned with. Yes we have all the talent in the world but at this time we can only hope we win the world cup and that's it. Support it or go. Adding fuel to the fire was never a good option.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 5:12 PM 0 Well, I love Licha Lopez and think he would be great for the team but Sabella pulled a rabbit out of his hat with Barcos, and I like his game. Have watched him for sometime and is he better than those players? No, but I think Sabella is looking for a natural 9. Diego Milito is passed it, and never liked him for us. Licha Lopez should be looked at, I agree but I got no issues with Barcos. And yes, those Estudiantes I do not like very much, but Sosa has grown on me. Brana, no, Celemente? No. Desabato, HELL to the NO. But as I said I think in due time we will see changes to those players who make mistakes. We started the qualifiers with Nico and Demi. They are no longer here, maybe Nico is gone because of injuries, but Sabella brought in a couple young CB's that give size. Garay is hot and cold, and Fede is promising. I think the addition of Campo but will he be match fit for 2 years? I don't know, but he is doing the job now. Rojo, is Rojo and needs to be changed. The MF duo of Gago and Masche, no issues, and if it's Sosa there, I said earlier he has won me over. Guinazu a bit too old, but doing work, can't fault him. You know he will always give you 100%. I am just going to sit back and wait for another year. I would hope we can get 9 out of 12 points in our next 4 qualifiers, that will give us right around 23 points, which should be enough to qualify. We qualified with 28 IN 2010, but had 2 more games via Brasil. When we get our ticket, I believe there will be a movement with different players. Yeah, I know that is used for "friendlies" and yet Sabella is not using different players. The reason being is that he is using the same players in friendlies for qualifiers because he does not want to throw off a balance. I'd love to have us clinch before we play at Ecuador then we could see the changes in players.This will be right around June of 13, which is 1 year before the WC.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:54 PM 0 @Jack-I agree with some of your points. It doesn't make sense to have an overly attacking strategy/formation given Argentina's defensive liabilities. I think many of the posters on Mundo lose sight of that. On the other hand I don't have your faith that Sabella is going to eventually expand his attacking strategy and personnel. I hope you are right, but he has shown only a slight glimmer of being flexible. Also, I can't help but feel that the Estudiantes "selections" are an indication of a lack of curiosity about other player options, or God forbid, laziness about options. Barcos, as an example, is an "interesting" choice, but better than D. Milito ? Better than L. Lopez ? Better, even, than Saviola ? All I can say is that his player choices are baffling and damn close to strange. Not Ariel Garce strange, but strange.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:32 PM 1 Johnny-If people see it then and yet they are upset by the choices. As I said earlier, I would love to have certain players join the squad and others to never come back. Biggest factor is the defense, then we could look at the rest. I am convinced by our GK and our attack. The MF and defense are still the weak points. We can say we have no MF, and our style is to hit teams on the counter. There is still time for improvement, I do not want to hit our stride till we get to the WC.There needs to be balance found before anything else. This is what Sabella is looking for. I refuse to see him call up 100 players like Diego did. Can't try out a million things. Players need to grow in stature for them to get a call up. I don't understand how SO MANY people rely on Pastore or Lamela to be that player that can open up defenses. You can not alter 4-5 players at once. It's clear that certain players will be used for the time being till players get better at their positions. People want to see Banega-Pastore-Di Maria,Messi-Kun and Pipita on the pitch at the same time. Is this even possible? Or even, Banega-Pastore-Di Maria,Messi and Higuain? Is this rational?. Not until the defense gets settled can we use this type of attack, and even then, it's a bit worrisome.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:26 PM 0 johnny x 2

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:18 PM 3 @Jack-like Pablo says we see the pattern. You'd have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to see it. Its just that many posters are uncomfortable with the pattern. I find myself getting frustrated like you with people who keep bringing up the same names, but I'm also frustrated with some of Sabella's choices, and his reliance on Messi to be damn near the only worthwhile attacking "midfielder" on the squad. I understand his strategy, but it seems short sighted, doesn't utilize some of Argentina's strengths, and I don't think he can win a WC with his plan.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:18 PM 0 since when is age a factor?, if you are good enough you should get a chance. i dont have a problem with a 17 year old or a 34 year old but you have gotta do the business when called apon.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:18 PM 0 Well Pablo, it's not you being convinced, it's more about what Sabella is convinced. He's a good coach, and I am willing to give him time. I am not one who panics or worries too much. Under Diego I was worried, under Batista I was worried, neither have had the resumé of Sabella. He may not play the most beautiful game, he plays that grind it out game that people will hate us for, but we will manage to get results.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:15 PM 1 dante: "go cheer for Germany or Spain and get lost". im argentine so its not an option for me and never will be. "To me this team is a lifestyle and would love it if we were at the bottom of the tables you dont remember the 74 world cup do you dante? it was humilating as was 02. we are argentina and it is not acceptiable to be bottom, we live and breath football with a team worth over 300 million so not bottom is not acceptable-ever.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:14 PM 0 Ladies and gentlemen, stand and applaud Dante Pastrana.

Dante Pastrana (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:13 PM 1 @all the unrealistic wanna be managers? Since when did u all become NT advisors. Since when do u think your selections would benefit our squad. Sabella would have to change his whole plan to include Pastore, Lamela or others. I think you all need to start thinking baby steps if not start ranting elsewhere. This site has no longer become a support for the albiceleste but a winery. Take that ish with your wives or girlfriends. Let's support our squad!

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:08 PM 0 jack: i do see sabella pattern and im not at the moment convinced of it.

Dante Pastrana (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:04 PM 3 It's funny how all you guys keep asking for the same players over and over again. Some of them are either too young or just not NT material. How can you expect Sabella to make such drastic changes overnight? This isn't FIFA 13 people. He's already done enough for us after Batista shattered us along with the likes of Maradona. He's changed our back line, he's gotten us lots of positives results, unleashed the best Messi we have seen in NT, and it is still a working progress. There might be creative midfielders in due time. I wouldn't expect any crazy or new changes til at least the next year realistically speaking. Maybe by mid next year. We already have a core of players that have been playing together for some time and honestly we shouldn't mess that up. I was never a fan of Sosa but he is getting better and better with the NT. As of now he'd do better than any newbie that comes in. Even with great skill it takes a few games to start meshing with the team. Games and time we can't afford to lose. Only changes that will be made prior to the wc2014 will only probably be Clemente , Brana or Sosa. Rojo and Zabaleta are still young enough to keep learning and adapting themselves to the team. Guinazu is someone that should be included in our squad for the dirty games. He's a hardass. This site is full of complaining about the same ish over and over again. Bottom line: we are doing better now. More wins than losses. Top of the table. Sabella can't please everyone so either enjoy the results or go cheer for Germany or Spain and get lost. To me this team is a lifestyle and would love it if we were at the bottom of the tables

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 3:53 PM 0 Pablo, by now you should see Sabella's pattern. There is still time, so who knows what lays ahead. I take it a game at a time, I hope for the best and expect the best.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 3:33 PM 0 jack its called "we love our team" and we all want what we think is best for our n/t but im really struggling to see what sabella is offering at the moment. yes we are top but its not sabela doing its really messi doing and we have seen what heppens when messi gets closed down/has an off day. we have had friendlies to try other players and the best some get is a call up to not actually get their chance-crazy. im fustrated and failing to see the differance between sab and the previous 2 managers at the moment as some of the problems the n/t has are ovious to every one but the sabella and the sabella seems to have his blinkers on. at the moment i dont believe we will win the world cup and that brings me a lot of pain as winning this one in the home of our eternal rivals would be beyond any thing we could ask for. im not being negative, its reality of where we are at the moment. come world cup time i will always support the team, players and hope for the ultimate prize to be delivered, i will never give up hope as im argentine and football is in our blood.

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 2:35 PM 0 @ fanfan, I understand your points, lets hope some changes in the coming matches ! and 4-3-1-2 is my favorite formation :) I hope from AFA to arrange more friendly matches for our NT to test more players, as I said before, we have a match on November with Saudi Arabia, I think Sabella should call new names like Lamela and Pastore, it will be an easy game for us, lets consider it like a training session, so Sabella give the guys an opportunity to play !

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 2:35 PM 0 I think it will be 4-4-2 with Sosa in Left and Dimaria at Right its better becose even though Dimaria plays more attacking still there will be Sosa-Gago-Mascerano at the Middle so it almost becomes a 4-3-3. 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with Sosa or Enzo is better than say a 4-2-4 with only 2 proper Midfileders r not enough against Uruguay. either Sosa or Enzo at Left and Guinazu as Substitute. And banega hope he recovers soon and start to play for valencia then hope he gets his form back. its going to be a tuff long way back to the Nt for him.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 2:34 PM 0 By now we should all know about Sabella's pattern. It is what it is. Would I like certain players to be playing? Sure. Would I like certain players to be excluded? Sure. But I go with what we have and just deal with it game by game. That is all I can do.

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 2:20 PM 0 Obviously with all the guds or bads we all do support our team . Its not like we all shout for Sabella to be removed it wont happen. But everyone just says their opinions Some may be gud some wrong. End of the day we all want to see we winning who is playing dont matter. still we r not confident enough to say Sabellas approach is right or wrong. Any way the judgement day will soon come. Against Saudi Arabia :P Kidding. Hey any one heard of Leandro Paredes an 18 year old from Boca. In an Article i saw RIQUELME saying gud things of that guy. Mugni from Colon seems to be another new talent circulating here along with Lanzini and Cirgliano ofcourse.

vik (United Kingdom)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 2:18 PM 0 any news on banega's return??? i have tried the valencia official website, espn soccernet or goal.com and there's no latest news on his comeback. i have a sneaky feeling as soon as he is match fit asbella will have him as a starter over gago. i would be happy with that! providing he doesnt hit the tiles again! or decides to quit altogether. before his injury he had started the game v chile and venezuela. so i think sabella is relying on banega to be half as good as spain's xavi! which is some going!

vik (United Kingdom)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 2:13 PM 0 i see a 4-2-3-1 formation. midfield will be: mascherano - gago di maria - messi - sosa higuain messi will look on paper as starting but he will be dropping deep as usual. sosa will be tracking back more and helping our RB rather than being less effective going forward. Sabella being as conservative as he is will introduce Aguero and Guinazu towards the end of the game go 4-3-3 and play the counter game regardless of the situation we are in. i say that! as what i mean is if we were chasing the game (a goal down) sabella isnt the type of guy who go's gung-ho. so he will use the 4-3-3 as he has done before (brasil game) and play off the counter. if we are winning then the 4-3-3 is more devastating. Guinazu-gago-mascherano will provide a wall for the defence while aguero-messi-higuain will wreck havoc. expect to see lavezzi on for higuain. my predicted subs: guinazu for Sosa Aguero for Di Maria Lavezzi for Higuain. 3-0 win! but it wont be messi on the score sheet. i see an Higuain having a dream night! who cares who scores as long as its the albiceleste sitting pretty with three more points!

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 2:00 PM 1 Banega and Perotti as FB's? Mugni starting(good job msi2, had to bring up his name, now people who have never seen him play will want him to play). One is a holding MF the other is an attacking, on plays on the wings most of the time. I don't get why people are so shocked by this choice. You knew it was coming, and yet the waterworks start up again. And yet, from all the complaining that I see here, you still watch the game. When there is a victory, ahhh "we rely on Messi too much". When we lose *Sabella, Sabella is an idiot". It is what it is. You ride or die with you team. The pessimism is unreal. Look at the track record in the qualifiers, atop of the table, scored the most, allowed the least. Our biggest challenge is ahead, so instead of bashing players and our coach, let show an ounce of support. Yeah, yeah, I know you want the magic and the right players, yada yada yada but support your team. Every player and manager will have his day. Judgement day will come for all.

fanfan (France)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 12:54 PM 0 @lionel Messi.The best line-up for Argentina Banega----Coloccini--Fernandez Diego Perotti Di Maria---Mascheran-----Lucas Mugni Leo Messi Higuain----------Kun Aguero. I know Banega and Perotti are Midfilders,but you need laterals with overlapping runs to open up spaces for your forwards. since they are midfilders they can play as laterals as well.for now we can't rely on Zabaleta and Rojo(which should not be in Th NT)because they just don't have the creativity and ball retention skills.This line-up would beat any team.100% sure.

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 11:45 AM 0 in your opinion, who are the top players that can a revolution in our midfield?! and what is the best formation for Argentina with current line-up?!

muthu (India)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 11:37 AM 0 seballa selected bad players guinzu , barcos, enzoperez, sosa,

fanfan (France)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 11:36 AM 0 @msi2(france)you seem to know soccer well.This team will be qualified in a hard way and when they get to World cup,they will play four games and ooosp go back home. Sabella is a killer of creativity ,exactely What Messi,Aguero And Di Maria all need to destroy the adversary.Can we gathered togheter to send a petition To AFA so they destitute Sabella before he destroys Our team.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 9:35 AM 0 @aka Mr.D-"Los Handballs Hermanos"-good one. I'm thinking we'll see both of them again as well. I don't know how many decent "5's" there are in the domestic league. Somoza from Boca gets called to the "B" team, but I don't see him as a huge upgrade from Brana (plus Somoza can't freakin' pass the ball). I think there are some better CB's than Desabato, Lisandro Lopez as one off the top of my head. With time going by and all of our carping here at Mundo, the Estudiantes connection remains very strong. Sosa, Rojo, Federico Fernandez, Enzo Perez, Clemente Rodriguez, Brana, Desabato. Honest to God, it ought to be embarrassing to Sabella, but it obviously isn't. If this was Maradona calling up this many Boca and ex-Boca players, Mundo would be crazy. But because Sabella seems an intelligent, quiet, introspective, grandfatherly sort, it seems he is getting a free ride regarding these Estudiantes call ups. I'm trying to like and support the guy, but the Estudiantes thing and the absolute refusal to bring any creativity to the midfield makes it super hard.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 8:45 AM 2 eh... the real question is the local call ups. If Los Handballs Hermanos (Braña and Desabato) get a call up I'm going to lose my mind. Though the fact that there's only 5 defenders and no true back up to Mascherano listed means I fear this will happen.

miskan (Indonesia)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 7:21 AM 0 few hour ago i just saw celta vs getafe..i think augusto play quit skilfull,tough one, good passer..too bad sabella ignore him

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 7:00 AM 1 I agree with @Pablo D I too dont see that much changes in this set of players choosen by Sabella he is stubbon coach.He beleaves in his set of players till it is horribly backfired or the players have injured. May be these r the players for the WC too OMG. But i m surprised to see that we know that Sabella used to select ANZALDI,PASTORE,ALVAREZ,LUCHO GONZALEZ,GAITAN,OTAMENDI,LAMELA, AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ, MONZON etc etc for his First few matches look at these names guys But another closer look will give an idea that almost all those players have not even started and then dropped and if some have started thats only for one match. But some of the names he now uses like SOSA,BRANA,MAXI,ZABALETA etc etc r really not playing that well but still they r in the team continously. One explanation we can assume is all the first stated players r not willing to sit in bench and play roles which Sabella wants and the second set of players r happy to play as Sub. But i seriously dont think so we can say that PASTORE is egoistic which we dont have any proof but how can all those players be like that. Why did they been dropped is it on the basis of Form? to see whether one can fit in a team he need to be played for atleast some matches then only we can say they r in form or not which havent happened with some of those first set of players which is really Unfair.

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 6:51 AM 0 As I remember Alejandro Sabella called Erik Lamela in Switzerland match, but he didn't give him a chance to play ! there must be a reason why he didn't call him back again, maybe Sabella's plan is "Don't try new faces in the important matches like the world cup qualifiers", but maybe we will see some new face on November when Argentina will play against Saudi Arabia, this game will be easy for our NT, so he can try many options ! and I want Sabella to play with 4-3-1-2 and let Messi play behind the strikers !

vik (United Kingdom)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 5:02 AM 0 the midfield list is exactly the right mould against teams like uruguay. they will be relying heavily on the counter with bullish players in their midfield. its only right then to copy there midfield with dynamic players of our own. it will be a straight fight between who has the best attack. i dont think the creative players we have AWAY from this list woudl do any damage to the urguayan outfit.

el principe (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:49 AM 3 @Mohd First of all, read what I said, I never said that Zanetti at his prime was an attacking full back, but I said he was and is a lot more attacking minded than Burdisso who is a central defender. You criticize Pekerman because his decision of not calling up Zanetti, well I defend his decision because of the tactical reasons. If you really follow Pekerman, he had 2 main tactics when he coached the u-20 that resulted in 3 or 4 WCY trophies or something: 4-4-2 (or 4-3-1-2) and 3-5-2. And these were the reasons: 1. Let alone the 4-4-2, let's talk about 3-5-2. In order to play 3-5-2, he needed to have 3 central back. Zanetti was good defensively but not as good as the defender centers like Burdisso or Coloccini. The third right back, the pure right back Scaloni was preferred because he was Pekerman's player back in youth and was easier to put in the bench without destroying the harmony of the team/without getting any pressure from the fans if not starting. 2. Pekerman had a history of loving the players of his ex WCY teams better than the players that he coached for the first time. That's why the likes of Saviola who was at the time without doubt the third best second striker was preferred than Messi (the world best talent) and Tevez (fans favorite). And again, that's why Burdisso (WCY 2001), Coloccini (WCY 2001), and Scaloni (WCY 1997) were ahead of Zanetti on his list. Even Cufre (WCY 1997) who could also play right back was chosen instead.

Mohd (Lebanon)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 4:20 AM 2 same old stupidity. the retard coach is at it again. let him play whatever plan A he wants (which is basically give the ball to Messi), but he refuses to have a plan B. His mind cannot comprehend a second plan. Costa, Pastore, Banega (if healthy), Gaitain on the bench would just give options in case the Messi-plan is not working...but not for Argentina coaches who seem all to share the same genes. @Abs, el principe: are you serious even analyzing and finding excuses for excluding Zanetti from 2006 WC!!! i have read a lot of weird stuff in this site, but this has to be the extreme. So Zanetti was excluded because he is offensive minded and would imbalance the team? the same Zanetti that plays for the ultimate defensive team in Italy? the same Zanetti that was never known for his assists and goals but for his defensive skills? the one that blocked Barca's midfield for 90 minutes? No, the only reason he was excluded from the 2006 WC was the same reason Riquleme was subbed and Messi kept rotting on the bench: the retarded Argentina coaching, at that time represented by Peckerman.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 1:29 AM 1 i not seeing the difference between sabella and other coaches and by this i mean the stubbornness, failure to learn from mistakes and correct them either during a match or later. i said this list will be telling to see if sabella has learnt some lessons from peru, bra and ger matches and the answer is no. the only way to get dropped form the n/t is to get injured as we would still have demi and bud if they had not got injured and sab talks about both still as he is still watching them and wants them back. we have 1/3 of the team who simply are not good enough, wrong players and make the team too unbalanced. we have seen what a messi off day/closed out of a game does to the team and how does sab respond to this possibility happening again? he does nothing. we see the lack of creativity from the mid and again nothing is done to solve this. teams who attack us with and aggression and pace kill our mid and def. we do have the players available, some are ready now and some need the chance but i really don't believe sabella is going to change a lot between now and the w/c. the team we see now will be very close to his w/c 2014 team with few changes...gulp....

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 1:15 AM 0 Well, just bringing up the youth team together is not always an automatic victory. Pekerman used Scaloni instead of Zanetti. You need to have a blend of everything, youth and experience. See, using that youth team theory is basically what Sabella is doing but that team is Estudiantes. DT's always feel comfortable with certain players no matter how bad they are.

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 1:06 AM 0 Thanks Jack & Abs, The theory of applying the successful players of 05 & 07 into the NT must be too complex for Sabella to recognise.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 12:57 AM 0 @ el principe: Finally someone beside me understood Pekerman's choice. I got tired explaining why he didn't pick Zanetti, but it just didn't make sense to them for some stup!d reasons. @ GAB: I am dying to have those players from 2005, 2007 and 2008 (Olympics) as our national team for WC2014, but Sabella can't see that !! About Sosa, then yes, I WAS a fan of him when he was a target for Munich and Napoli, but he failed to secure his place with them. And I guess it just went bad from there. Now he is old and have no place in the national team. The kids should get the chance even if they aren't starters with their teams .. look at Fernandez !!!

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 12:46 AM 0 Lamela is the future, having Zeman as his coach will sharpen and explore his talents; learn from Totti. I rated him higher than Pastore in the future

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 12:45 AM 0 Lamela is not yet ready to join the NT. But he is future material, you can see the talent it's just not there. Reminds me of Di Maria years ago around 07-09. He will be in the future though. And GAB our backbone in 2011 was our defense, very solid in the back. And Zarate to come to the team? Zarate can't even make the Euro B team. Ocampos did not make in the 2011 team because he just played in the U17's, was too young really. He still only 18 as we speak. He is only 18 as we speak, we will see him next year. As for Mugni, was never a big name but he gradually is growing in stature, kind of like Sanchez-Mino.

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 12:35 AM 0 @ Msi2, thanks for pointing out Garay. My bad. When you say Lamela is not NT material, are you saying right now cause surely this kid is future NT material?

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/28/2012 at 12:32 AM 0 I was just having a look at the Argentina U20 world cup winning teams of 2005 & 2007 - WOW the talent in both those teams were simply amazing. In 2005 we had Messi, Gago, Biglia, Garay. In 2007, there was Romero, Insua, Banega, Yacob, Di Maria, Aguero & Zarate. In 2011, we had Lamela, Cirigliano, & Iturbe. Wouldn't it make sense to pick your main list of players from such quality under 20 world cup campaigns given how successful they were in 2005 & 2007? I know the forwards have been but what about the midfield. On this though (and I have to bite my tongue as I say this), did everyone know that Sosa played in the 2003 Under 20 world cup team for Argentina. Furthermore, he has recently been appointed captain of his club FC Metalist Kharkiv. And in 2007 - 2009, he had clubs of the like of Bayern Munich & Napoli sign him up, only to end up as part of a loan deal to other clubs. The reason I'm saying all this is obviously, Sosa has (or had) some talent which I was never aware of. I want to know why Sabella is not including guys like Lamela, Biglia, Colocinni, Yacob, Zarate, & Iturbe in the list given our bench is very very weak. One more thing, how is it that Mugni (or even Ocampos) did not make the 2011 under 20 World Cup team? Ay carrajo!!

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 11:58 PM 2 I think the role model of playmaker that Tango used to have in Veron,Aimar and Riquelme is now change into Messi central role and the whole team is build around him. With Gago and Masche take control on defensive and Messi on offensive. The list shows how typical Sabella is : Fixed Up everything in one pattern, no more creative player are needed; Build a good friendly chemistry among all players Evaluate players on their attitude rather than contribution; no controversial Messi creativeness is more than enough for the team The result... time will tell. All the best

msi2 (France)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 11:52 PM 0 GAB> Garay is already there... Lamela & iturbe arnet NT material. Does Iturbe even play?

Mik (United Arab Emirates)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 11:30 PM 0 I agree with @msi at Estudiantes there was an ageing but am effective Veron in the centre of all things, where with us Sabella seems to be completely taken that position out(May be the MESSI Factor). we dont have a player like veron now but still there have to be someone who can pause the game. There will be players in Argentina its full of talents, someone. otherwise take someone young.Cirgliano, lanzini, Leandro Paredes(Whome Riquelme rates very Higher) otherwise try Biglia, or someone else.For now the Role of Veron is occupied by Gago with all due respect Gago is not creatively that gud nor hes like Veron. And regarding this player selection this one was always coming and as i said before Poor Biglia is Dropped what did he do hmm nothing i guess and now the remaining 5 we all know right? BRANA,CLEMENTE,MAXI, atleast take Mino(never mind even if he is there he will not be played). Frankly speaking all the players whome we discuss wont be making the list anytime soon. Sabella is such and adamant coach he is not ready to change he dont want to change,Wish His beleaf in his selected players save him(Till now it have been working) so lets see.Our complaints r irrelevant Sabella is the coach. DICTO : Now on we dont have to be remebered of the Rumoured list we all have already known the 23 players which Sabella will select.Hehe

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 11:24 PM 0 @ Msi2 Mugni looks fantastic! A classic playmaker...although it is only a highlight reel still looks very promising. Imagine him in the N/T teal with the spacing of Di maria and Kun and the finishing of Higuian and Messi...brings a tear to my eye to think that Argentina won't call up such a player.

el principe (United States)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 10:36 PM 2 I think the reason why there is no creative midfielder but Di Maria is that Sabella relies heavily on Di Maria as the wing playmaker. Not exactly a playmaker like Riquelme or Aimar, but a versatile winger with total free role whose job is just like the playmaker. IF there is a creative midfielder, that role wouldn't work. Di Maria would be just a sole winger. That's why Di Maria's partner on the other side is a defensive minded player in Jose Sosa (if Sabella plays 4-4-2). This is the same situation as the world cup 2006. At the time there was a huge difference between the two full backs. The right one was the very defensive minded Nico Burdisso (and sometimes the defensive minded Coloccini), the left one was the very attacking minded Juan Pablo Sorin. At the time people wanted Zanetti (not in the WC squad) who was at his prime, but Pekerman chose Nico and Sorin. Why? Sorin was given free role to attack as often as he wanted because on the other side, Nico Burdisso would just concentrate mainly on defense, so although we played 4-3-1-2 at the time, but in reality it looked like 3-4-1-2. Had there been Zanetti on the right side (a lot more offensive minded than Nico Burdisso), Sorin's role would have been not effective. The result was good, Sorin had a good world cup. At times, he even looked like the second striker by being often in the box.

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 10:29 PM 0 La concha de tu madre Sabella....well someone had to say it. Yes definitely no surprises but what did people expect. I know hope gets in the way sometimes but its Sabella people. The bad thing about this is that Sabella has become way too predictable now with his player selections and style of play and as a consequence, good teams will so easily be able to develop strategies & tactics to beat Argentina's one dimensional syle. The only way Argentina can win games these days is to rely on Messi's genius & Kun's excellence.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 9:48 PM 0 So much for variety being the spice of life. Looks like our spice is Hernan Barcos. On the bright side, Romero was tremendous against Roma the other day. Gave up one goal and was under tons of pressure.

msi2 (France)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 9:39 PM 1 A bit off-topic, but Lucas Mugni is bound to be the next big star coming from Argentina. Old-fashioned playmaker born in 1992, exactly something Sabella seems to avoid? Just go to youtube and watch. Let's hope he will choose a good club in Europe where he will be able to develop.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 9:32 PM 2 To be honest i don't mind barcos as a back up ( i would prefer Licha but i don't mind Barcos) Guinazu as a player is not bad but he is to old...he's 36 id prefer somebody younger like Yacob or biglia, and obviously its a shame to see Sosa there, although he did have a great game against Germany (the last time he started) id much rather see a gaitan or Pastore, but hey we can't always get we want..we just must have faith.

msi2 (France)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 9:31 PM 2 There's something disturbing in this line-up. There's simply no creative midfielder... Only dynamic players with very little goal scoring capability (aside Di Maria), barely any quality of ball retention or creativity... In Estudiantes, he used to rely on Veron but here, there's noone capable to assume that role. Which means the majority of the goal scoring will weight on the forwards exclusively and also the creativity (and actually when i say forwards, i should say Messi, mainly). Last but not least, we dont have any width (meaning laterals making overlapping runs). This is fundamental to help Mascherano and Gago to move the ball forward and avoid the Peru fiasco. Another coah who believe adding CB on the sides improve the defense. Foolish concept and unfortunately way too typical nowadays in argie coaching mentality.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 9:14 PM 0 Sabella you seem to be are slow learner? Is their a reason u cant see what we are seeing?

hi2suresh (India)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 8:31 PM 0 That means Lucas Biglia dropped??

Shinigami (Canada)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 8:27 PM 0 *Yawn* booooring

Abs (United States)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 7:48 PM 0 Yes here is a big surprise .. NO CHANGES AT ALL !!!!! Ps. Kun for Palacio doesn't count !

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 9/27/2012 at 6:59 PM 0 5 Remaining players will be(just a guess), Clemente,Ustari,Desabato,Brana, and throw in a wildcard with Lisandro Lopez de Arsenal.