Football News

Abs (United States)

Posted on 10/21/2012 at 10:06 PM 0 Ukhh.. too bad i missed that debate :( Even though I hate defensive tactic, and don't consider it fair play. I am not 100% sure about the four forward playing, it is too much of a risk, and we need to balance things.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/19/2012 at 7:56 PM 0 STARTING: Kun Higuain ROTATION: DiMaria SUB: Lavezzi STARTING: Messi ROTATION: None SUB: DiMaria / Pastore / Lamela STARTING: Mascherano + Gago + Jonas SUB: Guinazu, Biglia, Yacob(?), Mun~o, Sosa, Banega(fit), Canteros(fit) No comment on the back 4..

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 10/19/2012 at 2:55 PM 1 Leandro I agree, if only Banega would get his head out of his proverbial butt and start performing to his potential, since he'd be exactly what the team needs, someone who much like JRR before him provides defensive cover and sets the pace for the midfield with his great ball control, while at the same time providing creativity with his passing. Jonas might fit even better with Sabella's 4-4-2 system as unlike Sosa he's very skilled with the ball and works equally as hard. Yacob is another man whose stock is rapidly rising, I've been watching west Brom's games recently because of him and I have to say the kid possesses an incredible mix of footballing IQ (think cambiasso) with bulldog aggression (think Mascherano or simone) and creativity (think Gago or Banega). Definitely one to look out for. Tino would be great against teams that park the bus as his outside the box shots are second to none, but I'd rate him lower than the above. Still not a bad option. Lucas Biglia is also someone I could see being the 3rd man, as he's creative but at the same time stays in his own have thus providing the team with much needed defensive cover. As for the front 3, while like you said kun, pipita and di-maria can rotate for the 2 spots (or even play all 3 if messi is injured or when Sabella wants to try a messi-less plan B).

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/19/2012 at 10:27 AM 0 @elPipita, Yup.. I think a mid of: - - Gago - - Masch - (Jonas / Biglia / Banega / Costa, etc) Would work so much better.. We can swap DiMaria / Kun / Higuain / Lavezzi depending on the nature of the game. Messi ofcourse is always there as the enganche. Higuain against teams that attack us, Kun against the parked bus, DiMaria in counter attack games (the Pipita connection).

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 10/19/2012 at 2:31 AM 0 lol no need for hugs leandro, neither of us wants a repeat performance of the 2010 debacle. People keep talking about the albiceleste's weakness in the midfield but in reality, gago and Masch have done wonders considering the fact that they're 2 midfielders doing the job of 3 or 4. The only time that Diego got it right was when he fielded the 4-3-3 formation against Germany (friendly) and Uruguay (the last and most crucial of the WCQ qualifying match, the one that got Arg through) where the midfield consisted of Masch, jonas and veron (the former 2 being amazing defensive work horses) while the latter providing creativity and a decent amount of defensive cover despite his aging legs. The front 3 were messi, pipita and di-maria and while the team wasn't the most exciting, it was balanced and stable. I don't envy sabella because he has a very tough decision to make regarding the fantastic 4 and whether they're a viable long term option or simply a meteor (beautiful and luminous initially but eventually burns out into nothing).

CERNESTO (Panama)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 8:37 PM 0 I agree with most of the comments stating that Argentina's defense is its the weakest link... And we have to start facing the truth: Argentina is not going to be as strong defensively as it is attacking... I think both Garay and Fernandez are starting to settle down in the Center... Rojo has shown signs of improvement (He is even starting to go to the attack now!)... Zabaleta, unfortunately, he cannot do both attack and defend... He usually has to pick

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 4:50 PM 1 Priceless from Laos ! (I got this from HEGS) http://www.ole.com.ar/fuera-de-juego/Nacionalidad-Messi_0_794320823.html

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 2:09 PM 0 As Sabella has pointed out, defense is Argentina's weakest link. It remains so despite his best efforts. Its not his fault as there is clearly a lack of grade A Argentine defenders. Thank God Romero saves his best efforts for the NT. I'd be hard pressed to think of any keeper out there who could have been much better. As many have pointed out, one of Sabella's major pluses has been personnel consistency and team cohesiveness. I'm hoping that he loosens that a little over the next year. Only a little, and I would hope he isn't completely wedded to any CB or FB. I am far from sold on F. Fernandez, and only slightly more so on Garay. I thought Fernandez had a very shaky match versus Chile. Garay has looked more impressive to me over the last two matches. And the current CB backups don't offer much inspiration also. Hey, just offering an opinion. I hope the "no opinion if it doesn't agree with our opinion" population out there in MundoLand can tolerate it.:)

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 1:55 PM 2 1. @El Principe, my numbers say Fantastic 4 on the pitch have scored 15 and allowed 1 (going back to the World Cup)...and can we stay away from childish idiocy like calling a football formation "gay." 2. Spain's game is possession. You defeat them by taking that away. I would suggest anyone who hasn't to watch the 2nd half of the Spain/France game where France held their own in Madrid and got a much deserved point. Unless some worldclass defender emerges for Argentina in the next year-and-a-half, the best way to bolster the defense is to hold onto the ball as much as possible so the backlit isn't tested as much. 3. If you're going to make the argument that Argentina should've given up more goals but Romero was great, well you could make the same argument with Casillas and Spain...but nobody does because Spain has scored more than their opponents and that's all that's required to win.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 9:25 AM 0 @elpipita - I would hug you if I could.. I am really nervous about the f4 in a 4-3-3. I almost think its better to play a 3-4-3 by dropping Zabaleta and keeping Guinazu/Yacob/Biglia/Jonas/Costa in mid full time.. Masch and Gago are monsters.. but its just two of them. Spain and Germany will pass circles around them if exposed like Maradona did.

dinhnt87vt (Vietnam)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 5:29 AM 0 it'not easy to win but lately we got it. Congrats to Messi and teammates! my point of view arg were in poor situation in first 20m, but we got better after messi's goal. Messi still was as excellent as he did,it would be missing if we didnt refer to Higuain's performance.i could say" the killer backed". Did u see his goal.It was so amazing! It showed that all of his strength.Other side, it would be greater if Aguero scored after his perfect treatment. I did expect to watch F4 and i didnt apology. hope them will be basis to help arg reach the tittle in wc2014.i think we have to improve the defense skill to get the balance between defense and attack.Trust in Sabella!One more time, congrats to ARG for this winning!

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 4:57 AM 1 I must say, while I love the fantastic 4, Im still apprehensive about all 4 of them playing at the same time, maybe it brings back all the bad memories from that WC game against Germany with Maradona's manic 4-1-5 formation; granted its more of a 4-2-4 now with Gago helping to anchor the midfield along with Mascherano but the whole set up rests on Di-maria pulling double duty up front and in the midfield and while I appreciate di-maria's improving defensive work rate I don't think he has the mindset/stamina to provide the midfield withe stability that it needs. Sabella thus far has resisted using the fantastic 4 against the big teams like Germany and Brazil, but Maradona also resisted that urge when he played a very balanced 4-3-3 against Germany in the friendly in Munich and dominated them throughout the game only to lose his head and opt for the panic button after the team conceded early in the WC match against the same team. Against the big team I would opt for a more conservative 4-3-3 formation with the likes of Jonas, Banega (when and if he starts performing on a more consistent basis for the NT) Yacob (amazing passing rate and defensive solidarity at West Brom) or even Sanchez mino (the jury still out on him, but he deserves a chance) being the 3rd man in the midfield along with Gago and Mascherano. Di-maria or Higuain could start and sub for each other as one tires (Kun should ALWAYS be a starter with Messi).

Trini Pupi (Trinidad And Tobago)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 1:26 AM 0 I was not surpised at all how the game went. Chile is playing the way Bielsa set them up to play and Borgi is just continuing. That tactical set up is based on relentless pressure high up when not in possesion and as a result argentina was pinned back(not suprised at all) I would have been happy with a draw but Pipita and messi showed their magic. Along with Romero..my goodness he impresses me with some of thoses saves he makes. He has saved argentina some dodgy momments so many times. Barring injury he is definitely the undistputed no 1. The way the game played out was no suprised to me i expected chile to attack the way they did. Lets all admit Even though Messi and Pipita scored magic goals we have to thank Romero and the defence despite being under relentless pressure held on for those minutes. Romero to me was the man of the match. I am sure ppl disagree. Another positive is that argentina seemed calmer unlike the peru game. When we were under pressure from Peru we seemed to just kick the ball away. Argentina despite the pressure and shakey momments always looked like they had a plan. That set up 3-4-3 "bielsa" set up is VERY tough to deal with. I admittedly grinned a bit because it reminded of Argentina under bielsa the way how they pressure the back 4 to the point we had to resort to long balls. I am happy with the result. I agree with Leandro in addition to these qualifiers we need to CONTINUE playing high profile friendlies. Admittedly MY MAIN concern was lack of friendlies but its clear the AFA has addressed that issue. The 2 legs against brazil is also a plus for Argentina. I have my faults with Sabella...my only hope is that he is being rigid to secure qualification and then he will start to tinker with variatons....i HOPE!

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/18/2012 at 12:21 AM 0 And he left Zabaleta exposed with 2 v 1's countless of times. Ok, I am done with the 'we need a real midfielder in a 3 man mid'.. dont want to whine. If our defense holds against real top shelf opponents (lets be honest here, we are top dog at the Qualifiers without Brasil in there) then I will learn to relax.. Spain, Germany, France, Brasil, Holland.. those are the teams we need to have friendlies with.. we need a team to challenge us with top class players, and strong wingers.. I am not so hopeful we will go unscathed with the 4-3-3.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 9:07 PM 1 I don't know Leandro, Di Maria saved us from a goal yesterday.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 9:03 PM 0 And DiMaria has very questionable defensive awareness @BarrileteCosmico..

BarrileteCosmico (Argentina)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 8:22 PM 0 I keep reading that Di Maria was poor against Chile, but it was simply that Chile pressed more so he had more defensive duties and couldn't push forward as much.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 7:39 PM 0 If we are going to keep DiMaria, then I think if we get a new wing back, he needs to be FAST! The problem Zabaleta is encountering (and to a lesser extent Campg, Rojo, Cleme) is that with all that empty space on the flanks (from DiMaria and a forward not being there) AND because we play a quick counter game, the slower players are getting over ran. This is why Barca plays Dani Alves (lighting quick), etc. They are so fast that they can make up the space when caught out of position, dribbled past, etc and make a second attempt tackle. Right now if Zabaleta gets beat.. he is done for.

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 7:21 PM 0 true el principe , even playing to peru with no aguero made us draw maybe.However , plz REAL albiceleste fans stop nagging abt midfield , Gago was worldclass tih his assist .xavi hasnt assisted messi since 2010 and go read the facts.All real madrid fans are nagging how dimaria and higuain playing better for argentina than madrid.The defence was perfect except for zabaleta but hes even much better than b4.So stop calling up for players u like.Pastore have been trieddd cloconni got the call , maybe gaitan deserves a spot for the bench.This arg is far the best ive seen since 2006 and blve this teams defence is better in air balls with tall defenders.Remember the goal in 2006 from klose was all becuz sorin was short.

fanfrom78 (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 6:20 PM 0 el principe (United States) Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:28 PM 2 First of all, I think some of us saw the match from just a view. Yes if we watched the match, the negative thing when the fantastic four starting was at times only 6 of them defending (Campagnaro, Fernandez, Garay, Zabaleta, Masche, and Gago). The fantastic four didn't really help the defense that much in the FIRST half. The left sided also was not well covered. However, please please please.... see it from ANOTHER point of view: 1. When one of the fantastic four was replaced: Higuain with a defensive minded Pablo Guinazu. Yes I agree we did look better defensively, but that enabled Chile to dominate the possession. It was as if we were using the famous ENGLAND/GREECE tactic (playing defense after winning by 1-0 or 2-0). With the fantastic four on the pitch, Chile couldn't really dominate the match in the second half as the high possibility of the counter attack by the fantastic four scared them. Without the fantastic four, Chile would let every one of his player to attack us because they were sure that we were not dangerous in counter attack. Do you understand this??? Have you thought this way? With fantastic four, we were playing like Barca. We kept trying to add more goals instead of just playing like England with that gay tactic. We were playing with a mindset "our best defense is offense". 2. The result matters. When 3 of the fantastic four was replaced, Chile scored a goal. Was that a coincidence? No I don't think so. We did look good defensively, but we were stupid enough to let Chile attack us by taking 3 players who could hold the ball and did damage to them one by one. Some were happy seeing Di Maria got replaced. I watched closely the man who replaced him, Jose Sosa. All he did was this: he made 2 SUCCESSFUL BACK PASSES in 2 situations where we could have added more goals had Di Maria not been replaced! Jose Sosa with his specialty back pass as we know ruined everything. He could not see Messi's hunger to add more goals. He was just playing safe. Was Sosa better than Di Maria defensively? Yes no doubt. Was he making the team better overall? NO AT ALL! Stop underestimate the fantastic four. They have scored 11 goals in 5 games and have conceded only 2. Remember, it was NOT the fantastic four that conceded a goal against Chile. IM A HUGE FAN OF COMMONSENSE AND FACTUAL THINKING WELCOME TO MY WORLD AND SHOCKINGLY THIS INSIGHT COMES FROM THE USA I SALUTE YOU

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 6:18 PM 0 Fanfrom78.... Hmmm, what? LOL.

fanfrom78 (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 6:09 PM 0 maxi lopez of argentina wc blog has entered a NEW LOW this guy has MENTAL HEATH ISSUES PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS GUYS LATEST PILE OF CRAP ARTICLE AT argentina world cup blog im in shock at how stupid this guy is

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 4:10 PM 0 my 2 cents: a very good win and i agree with el p the fan 4 need to be on the field as goals win matches and not trying to defend defend defend, we are blessed with some of the world best attacking talent-let them destroy teams like they have been doing. my big concern is the fullbacks, zab is not the answer as we know, time to try some one else. the bench is very important in any team and this is still some thing sabella need to address as a bench can win you a match just ask peckerman about making a bad bench selection, at the moment our bench is simply not good enough and their no excuse for that as we have the players to be their who can change a match. sabella congrats the team is look 100x better then we were a year ago, their is still work to do but after the latest 2 matches i give you the thumbs up.

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 4:06 PM 0 @ El principe - Excellent points man and I agree with you totally regarding our Fab 4. They're integral to our success. Sabella said it perfectly in the Uruguay game when he said "Our forwards were our first defenders". I interpret this in 2 ways: 1) That our forwards need to pressure their defensive opponents to prevent a fast transition to attack and hopefully they make mistakes resulting from the pressure(which they did perfectly against Uruguay); 2) Secondly & more importantly (which Sabella cannot go on record saying to the media) is that the Fab 4 by being on the pitch together instil absolute fear to their opponents because they know it will make opponents think twice or even thrice before they come and attack Argentina for the risk of being caught on the counter and having a goal or two scored against them just like that. The biggest competitive advantedge we have is our Fab 4 so I think they need to be part of the starting 11 for sure, because it makes it hard for other teams to just double team certain players as it leaves space and opportunities for the other 3. What was interesting in the game against Chile was that Di Maria had a poor game and in recognising that, Gago stepped up as provider/Playmaker (the ball he fed Messi for the first goal was superb). There are a number of reasons for Argentina's marked improvement but I think the number one reason (other than the improved defence) would have to be that Sabella has listened to Messi (and Pep Guardiola) and structured a forward attack to suit Messi, which is why the Fab 4 is here to stay. What will be very interesting now is that Sabella has over 5 months to the next WC qualifying match. Hopefully in this time he will sort out the bench.

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:57 PM 0 Sabella is a fox, the only coach who unleashed the hidden power of Messi ! I have faith in him, he is doing good job with the NT, but with more matches and some modifications, our team will be fine ! Vamos Argentina !

Notoraj (Finland)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:57 PM 0 @sulav u right but last night he was often alone handling 2/3 Chileans..Isla gave him lots of trouble!! I don't like zaba either..can garay ..or Fernand start as full back maybe Colochini cud take their place!!

Notoraj (Finland)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:54 PM 0 1:48 Maria could score our first goal!!4:24 ball was out..still ref let Chilean to go on.. isla isla isla and all about Isla till now! 37 min handball appeal by Chileans! 37:30 Epic fall of garay.. Chileans sout for a penalty same occasion Isla missed golden chance!! 41:32 Medal missed ..or may say Di maria rescued us..45th min Maria misses big time! anyway after seeing the game second time I take back some criticism of our Defenders.. they did a good job but still some other option shud be tested...regarding our defense!!

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:53 PM 0 @Notraj i think the only change we need in our defence is zabaleta out and somebody in... i dont know who... we should only use zabaleta against weaker teams where we look to attack attack and attack...but when it comes to strong european teams then zabaleta is not good...

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:50 PM 0 Give Sabella his props people. I know HATERS ARE GONNA HATE, but give the man his due. This probably has been our best year since 2007. Give the man his props.

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:19 PM 0 @barrolete cosmico i know spain's tiki taka is head ache for every team.. but france put a break on spain's winning spree... and sweden had amazing comeback against gemany.. but still spain and germany are the biggest threat for us... brazil does not look to be that dangerous but one should never underestimate brazil especilaly if ure argentina

BarrileteCosmico (Argentina)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:08 PM 0 If Chile could have easily put 3 past us with their pressing imagine what Spain, who press infinitely better on all fronts, could do. Offensive Argentina is a risk that Sabella doesn't really seem quite comfortable with, today he claimed that "playing hit for hit is not my preferred style, but one must adapt to the players he has". I imagine the players want to play like this.

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 2:51 PM 0 @ el principe, good points I like you analysis of the game ! About Campagnaro, I didn't like him yesterday, Rojo is better in my opinion, in the last with Uruguay he did a great job, specially when he was sneaking from the back to forward and provide to players the ball !

el principe (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 2:49 PM 0 One other thing. Why did we act as if we were losing 1-2 to Chile, not winning. It was an away tough game to Chile, man. Not many teams could win there. I can't remember when the last time we won an away game there. Plus, we could have easily scored at least 5 more goals by Aguero, Messi, Di Maria (2 times), and Barcos. The team deserves a praise for that not critiques. But we're like get rid of Di Maria! Get rid of Zabaleta! bla bla bla... It is not going to happen anyway. Sabella knows that it is a nice victory and his current unchanged squad has won 7 in their last 8: 1. Beating Switzerland in an away game 3-1 2. Beating Ecuador in WCQ 4-0 3. Beating Brazil in a friendly 4-3 4. Beating Germany in an away game 3-1 5. Beating Paraguay in WCQ 3-1 6. Beating Uruguay in WCQ 3-0 7. Beating Chile in an away game 2-1 The only draw was against Peru 1-1. Don't they deserve more credit?

el principe (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 2:28 PM 2 First of all, I think some of us saw the match from just a view. Yes if we watched the match, the negative thing when the fantastic four starting was at times only 6 of them defending (Campagnaro, Fernandez, Garay, Zabaleta, Masche, and Gago). The fantastic four didn't really help the defense that much in the FIRST half. The left sided also was not well covered. However, please please please.... see it from ANOTHER point of view: 1. When one of the fantastic four was replaced: Higuain with a defensive minded Pablo Guinazu. Yes I agree we did look better defensively, but that enabled Chile to dominate the possession. It was as if we were using the famous ENGLAND/GREECE tactic (playing defense after winning by 1-0 or 2-0). With the fantastic four on the pitch, Chile couldn't really dominate the match in the second half as the high possibility of the counter attack by the fantastic four scared them. Without the fantastic four, Chile would let every one of his player to attack us because they were sure that we were not dangerous in counter attack. Do you understand this??? Have you thought this way? With fantastic four, we were playing like Barca. We kept trying to add more goals instead of just playing like England with that gay tactic. We were playing with a mindset "our best defense is offense". 2. The result matters. When 3 of the fantastic four was replaced, Chile scored a goal. Was that a coincidence? No I don't think so. We did look good defensively, but we were stupid enough to let Chile attack us by taking 3 players who could hold the ball and did damage to them one by one. Some were happy seeing Di Maria got replaced. I watched closely the man who replaced him, Jose Sosa. All he did was this: he made 2 SUCCESSFUL BACK PASSES in 2 situations where we could have added more goals had Di Maria not been replaced! Jose Sosa with his specialty back pass as we know ruined everything. He could not see Messi's hunger to add more goals. He was just playing safe. Was Sosa better than Di Maria defensively? Yes no doubt. Was he making the team better overall? NO AT ALL! Stop underestimate the fantastic four. They have scored 11 goals in 5 games and have conceded only 2. Remember, it was NOT the fantastic four that conceded a goal against Chile.

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 2:09 PM 1 our defence was totally tested by chile.. fernandez wasnt as good as he usually is... our defenders can only get better... but we were exposed like anything.. when sosa entered they scored cause they always had a man left behind to check dimaria.. but nobody is scared of sosa.. that is why we need good strong player like jonas... and if aguero pipita or dimaria have a off day then mr sabella has nobody on the bench to speed up the tempo.... brana gunazu or sosa.. imagine we ,re 1-0 down and our 2 of our fav 4 are having off day and enter sosa!! its good that lavezi is there but i want pastore gaitan lamela jonas on the bench as a PLAN B and banega plzz get back to fitness..

Lionel Messi (Jordan)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:41 PM 0 I am glad that Chile pressed so hard on our defense, it was necessary to test the defense, Sabella must sit down and find the problems and try to fix them soon !!

Pino (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:18 PM 0 Under Sabella, Argentina is improving. This is only our 9th WCQ game together and our 3rd or 4th game with the fab 4. Chile played a great game against us and we were poised and calm on defence. I still think we need a better bench (Tevez, Pastore, Costa, Guitan, Biglia, etc). Our backs did o.k but need to be a lot faster especially agaist (Germany, England, Holland, France. etc). Sabella should consider a hard look and evaluate our backs. Our forwards should of help more on defence, especially if they want to play fastbreak soccer with 3 stikers. And I agree with Leandro, Di Maria left Zabaletta alone several times on the left. Argentina also needs to improve on teams that pressure us (Bielsa style deffence), we lost alot of balls with a pressing Chile (Imaging Spain). Overral, We are getting better but have alot to improve, especially our BENCH.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:12 PM 0 @Mr. D, we are playing with fire there.. hope we dont get burned. We where very lucky not to be 1 or 2 goals behind in the first 25min. Against a more talented team that could spell trouble. As for us getting lame when Sosa and Guinazu came in.. yeah.. we had 4 defensive mids there. I am as cautious about being too defensive as of being too attacking minded.. thats why I push for Jonas type players as they are balanced on both ends.

Amlan (Bangladesh)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 12:00 PM 0 Argentina played well defensively that's all I can say. Some players seemed tired at the second half, which could be because they were cautious to not get injured (some are going to play important matches with their clubs in respective leagues and UCL) or the satisfaction with a 2-0 result. But I do think Sabella should think about the handball situations inside the penalty box. The team is improving as a unit and I hope this process will not cease. The attacking 4 are fantastic. All Sabella can do is to think of their replacement (I think he is gradually choosing the replacements ex: Barcos, Martinez). Sabella has still a lot to think about the Midfield to keep more possession to feed on the attacking 4. I think the "fullback problem" will gradually disappear in the matches to come. Vamos Argentina. Can't wait for the next match (like always).

fotobirajesh (India)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 11:44 AM 0 I feel much relieved after this match. All credit to Chile for the way they attacked. But that attack just help us realise that our defence is not as poor as many thought. We did not panic and we really managed well. Sure with a different referee, we might have conceded a penalty, but it was a good excellent performance from the defence. Also liked it how we slowed down the tempo, a bit of Barca way, and attacked back. We still deserve a better central midfield player, I am afraid. And if De Maria could be bit more creative or intelligent or whatever, our attack would be even more fearsome. Vamos Argentina.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 11:10 AM 2 @Leandro, under Sabella, when Messi, Agüero, Higuaín and di María have been on the pitch together Argentina has conceded exactly zero goals. It's when Sabella brings on more defensive midfield players like Guiñazu and Sosa that Argentina concedes its goals.

KUN-KUN (Jordan)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 11:06 AM 0 @Leonardo its true but in the last minutes playing a 4-4-2 was shit as hell our offence was LAME,, i know sabella was satisfied with 2-0, so 4-3-3 without di maria with some one like guinazu or even a banega later on / biglia would be perfect especially in the world cup. then if we were behing at 60 mins u plat diMaira/F4.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 10:17 AM 1 An observation-lately on Mundo there has been a lot more talk/criticism about how posters "rate" players following the match. Personally, I wish that wouldn't happen. Its a form of intimidation to some degree. Posters should feel free to rate any player any way they see fit. If people don't agree, then they don't agree. That's part of the fun of it. My 2 cents.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 10:11 AM 0 I want to add, that most teams usually have the wonder 2, the attaking ones have the wonder 3, we are using 4! Putting DiMaria (433) on the bench of Kun (442) would not be a crazy thing. Let us not get overan like Diegos WC team vs Germany.. this team is pretty similar right now with the exception of an organized and younger backline. I feel we are in thin ice.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 10:08 AM 0 @KUN-KUN - Marcelo did switch wings a bit that game from what I remember.. maybe I am wrong. In any case, you can see this effect in the Chile game. As soon as Sosa came in for DiMaria that side gut shut down. My concern with Sabella and the team overall (again this is not a 'I hate DiMaria' rant, its just a 'he dont work in that position' rant) is that he is either playing an ultra offensive midfielder or swapping back to a hyper defensive one (Sosa, Guinazu), that position is screaming for someone balanced that wont hurt us at either end (pluggin up the flank) and also be capable of giving balls to our forwards and once in a while get a goal when we need them to step up. My personal picks would be: Jonas Guiterrez, T.Costa, S.Min~o, Biglia, Lucho, etc, etc.. these players are a whole different breed, and we need one of them.

Maradonna BD (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 9:00 AM 0 I cannot believe some of the comments. people give Chilli the credits the deserve. its their coach's last chance and they through everything at us to get a point at least. Defence stood firm in the early matches. they were doubling up in the flanks all matches, zabaleta couldnot do anymore. As for dimaria, he saved a certain goal by covering all the grounds. the man is getting used to his position slowly. For me amount of chances we had including the one at the end from Barcos, we should have been at least 3 up by the time they scored. No question about it. Thanks to Higuan's class act we had breathing space. It was tough and away. Our passing football was joy to watch when it clicked in the match. even i was watching in sony six channel of asia. the commentator praised that passing again and again.

KUN-KUN (Jordan)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 7:56 AM 0 Leonardo i liked what you said, But what with marcelo's stuff?? neither clemente or sosa plays on his side!!

fesa (Singapore)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 7:53 AM 0 Good away win/performance! The amount of argentina bodies behind the ball,when chile attack is Good but reckon Campagnaro is the worse player?normally,he's Better than that,position/tackles all out,worse case scenario,he Does not look that interested!!the defense 've move up a notch But the full back is always a problem,can't sabella get some domestic one,if he fancy,I always like Clemence Rodriquez But I think he 've lost some form,lately but should always be in the Squad.how about some back up for the centre back position ,Fernandez & garrey is good but need some back up,in case they 're not Available,very solid performance,good job guys.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 6:39 AM 0 "Our Porous Left Flank" > Back in Sabella 1.0 when we played with Clemente and Sosa on the left flank it was very difficult for players to penetrate. Marcelo, who is one of the current best offensive wing backs did not get a single clear opportunity in that friendly. This held true for the most part in our other games. Our big weakness was creativity in attack as we had just two attacking players fielded (Messi/Higuain) and yet.. we scored 4 goals in that friendly. Now under Sabella 2.0, we are playing DiMaria as our left midfielder. While I will give credit where its due, he had a great assist to Pipita and he did track back to save our ass on one shot on goal early in the first half.. for the most part, his defensive positioning was AWFULL!! He is clearly not a defensibly aware player. He is very good at pressuring high up the pitch with his pace and stamina, but his head (headless if you want.. I dont like to name call) is not cut out for midfield play where you MUST defend ALWAYS and where if you are following/marking a player you must continue to do so through out the whole play. I counted at least 7 occasions where DiMaria left Zabaleta completely alone against 2 - 3 other players. While I am not a big fan of Zabaleta, he did play decent today and stayed conservative in defense.. he was however constantly outnumbered. The amount of crosses that came in from that flank is TOTALLY unacceptable.. we will get burned in the World Cup! If DiMaria is going to play, we cant do 3 midfielders. We have to look at Madrid and play a 4-4-2. I feel like I am sounding like a broken record, but I cant understand how other fans here dont see this and continue to give DiMaria praise. It happened against Peru, it happened tonight. 4-3-3 we need Jonas. 4-4-2 we drop either Kun or Pipita. Its the only sensible option unless we are going to play all out kamakazi style and are confident we can bury in more goals than the opposition. I think its very risky. In the World Cup, if we concede an early goal and the opponent (a tough physical team like Germany, Nigeria, etc) park the bus on us we could get eliminated in a very frustrating manner. As for the 25min hell we see every game, this is exactly what we used to do to other teams in the early 2000's. We would absolutely dominate for the first 25min then tire and loose. I am glad its the other way around.. just need to make sure we dont have leaks. Barca has these moments too, and through patience and control as the other team tires they always turn it around. Chile had a lot to loose tonight, we didnt, so considering we did well. It happened against Peru

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 6:21 AM 3 As for the Higuain haters.. eat it. Pipita shines when he has space to run, not in parked bus scenarios like against Uruguay. He made a great run today, took on 4 players and scored with his weaker foot. Pure Class. Also note, it took him just two opportunities to find the net. And also note that he tracked back to midfield to help out Gago and Masch on several occassion. Pipita is gold!

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 6:18 AM 0 These are my 2cents. The Player ratings > Mundo, the number system I dont think works as people vote as if it where a popularity contest and its very difficult to set a number for a sub that played just 10 minutes. I think it would work much better if we picked from descriptions instead, for example: 'Awfull', 'bad', 'average', 'good', 'very good', 'excellent', 'not sure'. I think that way having things like 'not sure', or 'not enough time to judge' could help..

niklucky02 (India)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 5:08 AM 0 @GAB : I completely agree with you ... our bench needs to be improved. Is there any way all this players can come once during a break between their tight schedules and start training somewhere in Europe ? I hope Sabella trains them in Europe as most of them are from European based clubs. @ Keneth : What I observed from yesterday's match was Argentina is not succumbing to the attacks and keeping their nerve.I saw good tackles yesterday ... really good ones which destroyed several attacks before reaching the box ... nice to see that with Albiceleste :)

Chainsaw (Iran)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 5:06 AM 0 I am giving Sosa a 1, just to unbalance things out again. Back at ya Jack! lol

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 5:02 AM 0 Kenneth I think it is more on the tactics. Against Brazil and Chile we're playing at their home so they are ready for pressing and keeps us under pressure; today game, we are fortunate that our defense can block and Romero outstanding save us; Indeed we are not so shine today, that's why the players rating are average for today compare to what they got on last Friday. We are lucky to got a momentum with 2 goals from Higuain and Messi and the best thing is our defense got a good test today and they succeed.Overall to get the 6 points from 2 games is the maximum achievement and wonderful, Right :)

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 4:37 AM 0 Something i noticed about Argentina in the "big games" Minus Uruguay..Against Brazil we struggled in first 25 minutes they absolutely pounded us then scored an offsides goal. We won 4-3, after the goal and after the 25 minute hump we started to finally settle in. Against Germany again we got pounded for the first 25 minutes, then we finally settled and took over the game (we won 3-1 in berlin, but the goalie had a red card etc.) Again tonight...absolutely worked for the first 25 minutes then we scored 2 amazing goals. I really don't know what to make of this, but it is something i noticed.

Messay (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:27 AM 0 zabaleta a 5? really?

Francito (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 3:09 AM 0 1) first 25 minutes we played horribly and our defense and goalie had to come up BIGGG time for the score to remain 0-0.. great for Romero! 2) Fernandez Fernandez, FERNANDEZ! I think this wasnt his best game overrall. He shoulda been called for 2 handballs if i am not mistaken. Its ashamed cause he had great game vs URU, and not so much on this game. 3) Mascherano and Gago!!! Beautiful from the two CDM's today! Loved their passing and skills today. Gago did have a couple slipups but would recover beautifully. 4) Messi, Kun, and Pipita had such great games! Loved their mindsets today! Attacked furiously! Good goals by both Messi and Higuian! 5) Di Maria didnt have that great game like he did few days before and now cause of the dumb reaction, hes missed for next game. Overrall, i liked how Argentina started to calm the game down by their passes but could and should of been way better than that! Too many chances Chile could of won this game or atleast tie! I'd rate Argentinas play today at a B-

GAB (Australia)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 2:38 AM 4 I'm starting to question whether I saw the same game that others saw because I totally do not understand some of the comments about Argentina today. Firstly, let me say they did a great job defensively in my opinion, with the exception of the last 2 minutes. The way they absorbed the pressure in the first 20 min and did not panic when Chile went crazy on them was very impressive. And then to slow the game down and keep possession and dictate play the way they did shows how far they have come as a team - They did a fantastic job...and then to score the goals they did and the way they scored - Faaarrrrrkkkk!!! To see Higuain socre his amazing goal was awesome, and to see him fired up when push cam to shove in an incident was great to see. Hopefully this performance will boost his confidence and I hope his injury isn't too serious. The guy is pure class. Hopefully the haters are eating their humble pie right now. People are dissin Federico but I thought he played one of his best games for Argentina. He was really good with a lot of his tackles and blocked passess. And the 2-3 handballs were all accidental so the ref got it right. Sabella did a great job...until he brought on friggin Sosa. I thought we'd seen the last of him. Sabella has improved outta sight but the one critcism remains, being player selection on the bench. A lot of work required still. Guys like Jonas, Yacoub, Coloccini should at least be on the bench so we have quality coming on for the quality coming off. It's a shame that the next WCQ is not until March 2013 now...just when Argentina have been playing beautiful football again. I hope they don't forget how to play as well as they have LOL :) VAMOS ARGENTINA - well done indeed muchachos!!!

niklucky02 (India)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:45 AM 0 I am bewildered ... this same players played under Batshitsta how come all of a sudden players were able to pass each other for fun. I remember a certain duration from 35:12 -- 36:17 mins in the match, we were passing like Argentina of 2006. Really need to appreciate Sloth for the improvement, and people who can't see this must be really blind! Vamos Argentina !

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:07 AM 0 I am giving Sosa a 10, just to balance out things here. So take that.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:04 AM 0 Well if another Sabella poll is done, I would give the man a solid "good job" and if he fixes the fullbacks (try out ansaldi, Matias or peruzzi) and gets some decent back up players (Yacob, Moralez/gaitan, possibly give Mino a try) then he'd be in the company of excellence.

Thang (Vietnam)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 1:00 AM 1 I think Sabella want to have two tactic points in this match: 1. Offence: like other matchs. 2. Defense system: Good chance to keep defense system under pressure to find out the weakness. And he acquired both with 3 points, good game.

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 12:55 AM 0 Tonight the Fantastic four performed when they needed to. Most importantly, defense really impressed.Albiceleste on the top with 20 points; one leg in WC Brazil 2014. Ready to GO !

Abs (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 12:52 AM 0 Wow guys, I think I'll come here and be the toughest guy on the rating, but I was surprised by the rating tat I felt bad not to just give everyone 6s except an 8 to Romero for saving our ass !! I have to be honest though, great work Albiceleste, you are improving very fast. We need that mentality and we'll be back to what we are.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 12:20 AM 0 How can Sosa be getting a 4 when he only played for 13 minutes? LOL.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/17/2012 at 12:18 AM 0 Time for a new "How has Sabella done as Manager" poll. I am interested in seeing this poll!

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/16/2012 at 11:48 PM 1 Messi have scored 14 goal in his last 14th appearance in N/T.Un-describeable words

Gaucho (Canada)

Posted on 10/16/2012 at 11:35 PM 0 This was a very important test for our defense and we did a pretty good job tonight. Romero was also excellent, finally we posses a decent keeper. Messi and Higuain were absolutely world class!

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/16/2012 at 11:35 PM 0 Chile was good for the first 20 minutes, Higuain and Messi strick makes it and all thumbs Up; Dimaria save a Gary Medel's goalkick that almost past the line. Awesome goal productivity goals by F4; And now it is a suit time for Sabella to do some review and brings new players to join in.

niklucky02 (India)

Posted on 10/16/2012 at 10:45 PM 1 @Chris : C'mmon man no doubt Chile played good and Chile attacked because I can see Sabella's intention was to keep the 2 goal deficit and defend. I think our defence was very good until the last few seconds or else it would be a clean sheet in a row. Lessons learnt from this match: 1) Our fantastic four is always as awesome ... it was like they were bored today but just the sheer number of chances they create.. it seems that they can score for fun. 2) Defence improved drastically and every one had a good game including dimaria. Kudos to mourinho for his overall development ... I hope mourinho can inject some intelligence with discipline. 3) Romero is our no 1 keeper. 4) I am becoming a Hernan Barcos Fan boy lately. just wished he sore today :(. Hope Higuain recovers quickly and have a good season @ madrid and Barca still gets Laliga and Champions League LOL ;)

Chris (United States)

Posted on 10/16/2012 at 10:24 PM 0 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Keepin it simple... Argentina went to santiago EXTREMELY/OVERLY CONFIDENT ... Chile played great... Argentina did ok in the back with what we have.. Zabaleta so comio todas las jugadas de chile... Romero...again, saved our asses, so happy hes our #1 goalie !!!