Football News

Abs (United States)

Posted on 11/8/2012 at 8:54 PM 0 1. It is stup!d to see Andujar in the list but not Welly ! 2. I was calling for Coloccini couple of times last year, but up until now Colo didn't manage to impress, and the game against Liverpool was a disaster ! 3. Happy to see Perez, and Alvarez there, but I know they aren't there to stay. But I am excited to see Rinaudo and Costa there and wish they can break in. 4. There is no point of adding Di Santo, and Salvio. They are good talent, but we have GREAT players who should get the call and especially with Pipita's injury then it is a must to call Licha now, and maybe Lamela too ! After all, I am happy to see new faces, but they aren't the one we are looking for. So, they'll come and go, while players like Pastore, Lamela, Licha .. etc if they make it then they'll force them selves to the team and maybe that's what Sabella doesn't want !!

Abs (United States)

Posted on 11/8/2012 at 8:53 PM 0 To management: ** Maybe this isn't the best place to post this comment, but it would be nice to inform the users who are going to attend the match about these information: - The players will fly in to Saudi - Riyadh through 2 different flights. However, both flights will land at the private airport. So, don't waste your time and wait for the players at the airport. - The players will then stay at The Ritz Carleton Hotel in Riyadh the hotel prices starts from around $200. I don't know how the security would be like, but if you aren't staying at the hotel then it'll be very difficult to just go visit. - I am not sure about the trainings, but I am sure it'll be the day before the game at the Stadium. And again, it is difficult to attend to the training unless you know people. - I don't have information about the tickets for the game, but am assuming the good seats are about to sell out, if not already. >> I'll post more information once I get them, good luck to anyone going to the game, and I feel so bad for not being there coz it would've been a golden chance !!

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 11/7/2012 at 1:00 AM 0 Higuain is struggling with harmstring injury; maybe Sabella will call Lavezzi or used Salvio or Di Santo as his replacement. Anyone who knows Licha Lopez's number can passed it to Mr.Sabella so he will get the call.Thanks

Flaco (United Kingdom)

Posted on 11/5/2012 at 5:48 AM 0 @Greg Pastore is AM, what the problem with no place for him in Arg? He can be also back-up in midfield too. Sabella prefers him as second striker.

Greg (United States)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 8:45 PM 0 Sabella has not convince me until now. I think that he actually does know the players that everyone wants but hes has to give a chance to new players rarely for i dont know why. These are the pla yers that i want Goalkeepers: Romero: Obviously, altough he has a lot to improve just like all argentina goalkeepers. Caballero: He has been playing great at Malaga, he deserves it. C.Alvarez: im glad he got a call for the NT. He could show his talent. I think he will make it as a GK for 2014. Others: Carrizo and Andujar had their chances. Ustari never a clear chance but always on the bench. Orion not enough. Defenfers: Campagnaro: he is 32 i think, he played great with napoli on the champions league. I like him right now but i think that he would not be a choice for 2014 he will be 34 or 33. Coloccini: Same thing as campagnaro his age worries me. He has played well at his club. Fernandez: Well he has already a almost safe spot for argentina thanks to his height. He needs improvement at defending. Otamendi: I dislike how Otamendi plays. Thanks to him in the 2010 WC germany trashed argentina 4-0. No joke i watched the game already many times. The only reason why i put him here was because of his age, his young and he has been improving. If i was the couch i wouldnt pick him. Pareja: Since 2008 olimpics i liked him as player along with zabaleta, and monzon. He is better than fernandez at defending but not in headers.Good defender. Paletta: Good defender. He will be better by 2014. He is 26 or 27. Munoz: He is young and defends just as fernandez or bit better i would like to see him with argentina, he could become a world class defender if he gets lots of chances at palermo. Samuel: Well keeps playing well, great argentine defender. Insua: As a left back he is not the best choice but could become that first choice. Rojo: He is not going to be ready for potential teams in the 2014 WC. He needs a lot maybe 2-3 years. Monzon: He made 11 goals last season with a team on france. Thats why LYON bought him.To be a defender he plays really good at offensive. He defends descent, nothing bad i could say about him. Zabaleta, and Garay are a must. Ansaldi should be starter on the left. The other central defender should be either one of those all that i put on top. Midfielders: Mascherano: Well Sabella is not going to move mascherano as a central defender so he is a must on midfield. Gago: Things are turning on great for gago with argentina. He lost game for not playing at madrid but his getting back. Di Maria: simply another must. Tino Costa: could replace gago or mascherano to give them a break on a game. Nice passes and good long shots. Something that argentina needs is the surprise, long shots. Banega: the equal of gago. Hopefully he recovers fast from his injury. Lamela: He showed he deserves a call. That kid is GOOD. Pastore: great player but he argentina doesnt need a player like pastore because they dont have his position on the formation. Gaitan: He could sub di maria. Moralez: he always has played great. I like him since argentina sub 20. Fast, great definitions, penetration, he could play also where di maria plays.A great sub indeed. Rinaudo: great defensive midfielder, he has tough competition. Biglia: the same as Rinaudo. Alvarez: He will be a great player in the future.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 7:17 PM 0 @Slicer, I agree.. I feel Licha and Milito should atleast make training. Palacio.. not so much, he is competing with Kun and Messi.. thats covered.

Slicer (Lebanon)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 6:25 PM 0 @kenneth Diego was never really given a proper chance with the first team. He was only given cameo appearances once in a while. If he had been given a long run in the national team, he would thrive well in his position. Even if he is only going to play as back up for Pipita, The training sessions in the albiceleste camp will be very useful for him and he will still score goals from the bench, granted only if Sabella calls him up.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 6:04 PM 0 Now that Argentina's playing with a very specific set up it'll be interesting to see where Sabella sees Alvarerz slotting in (assuming he gets some minutes). Left side of the midfield?

Flaco (United Kingdom)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 5:51 PM 0 @Francito I do agree, I just hope Ricky get more playing time at Inter. I really hope Pastore will be called in the upcoming friendlies as Sabella is monitoring him as he said last September, the two have similar style.

Francito (United States)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 1:43 PM 1 Ricky Alvarez and Javier Pastore are the fututre midfields for us! Coach needs them to play together on NT soon! Aside from Pipita, we dont have an BIG Tall guys, Their size is needed for this squad!

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 11:44 AM 0 @el principe exactly...

el principe (United States)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 7:16 AM 0 For me there are two players that would improve our team without destroying the harmony of the team. They are: Diego Milito and Walter Samuel. Maybe we can add the name of Cambiasso there as well, but I prefer the first two. The first two would be great additions to our team ONLY IF: 1. They maintain their form for the next 18-19 months. 2. They agree to be just back ups. So far both of them still look like one of the best in their positions. So let's see.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 6:49 AM 0 @ slicer have you watched Diego Millito play for Argentina? Granted he has great off the ball movements for them but the guy never seemed to be able to finish properly for the N/T Inter plays more of a pure counter attacking style where he is the focal point of it, and boy does he shine in that..but for Argentina where we play possession and quick counter attacks (very similar to Real Madrid) he would need to many games where as Barcos in the handful of minutes he has played has done very well.

Slicer (Lebanon)

Posted on 11/4/2012 at 5:47 AM 0 http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2012/11/04/3500967/magical-milito-continues-sensational-2012-by-blasting-inter-back- what a brilliant player this guy still is. Shame he's still not getting a proper chance for the N.T. I hope though he makes it to WC 2014, as Higuain's Back up 9.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 5:22 PM 1 @aka Mrs. D - You are right, you win! ;)

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 4:31 PM 0 ANYWAYYYYYYYYYYYYS. Inter and juve is turning into a hell of a game.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 4:19 PM 0 Dear Patrice Evra, Anton Ferdinand, Danny Rose, and so many others, Lighten Up! Signed, Leandro *** @Jack, I hope you're smart enough to realize "hey, most of the people on here are guys, so what does it matter if I'm sexist?" is a pretty weak excuse.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 3:51 PM 0 Thanks Jack-they look like prime candidates.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 3:20 PM 0 I found this article for you Johnny. Hopefully it can help. http://voices.yahoo.com/best-sports-bars-bangkok-thailand-football-rugby-8351195.html

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 3:10 PM 0 Cristiana=Ronaldo CFK=President. Lets clear that up. As for calling him Cristina.... Geez, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. And sexist, about 95% of the posters here are males, and if those that read and post find it sexist my apologizes. Watch crackovia, and see how badly they depict Cristina-NO!(Sorry had to do it), it's quite amusing but I guess they must be juvenile as well. :-0 That's enough of that.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 3:10 PM 0 And, way off topic, I'm leaving Buenos Aires soon and relocating to Bangkok. I don't know how long I'll be there. If anybody knows the best place to watch football there, let me know.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 1:53 PM 1 Plus, living in Buenos Aires, I immediately think they are talking about the President. Confusing in the morning before I've had my coffee.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 1:23 PM 1 Cristina = summary of his criticisms. Do we really need to restate them every time? Stupid = when is passing judgments / name-calling acceptable? Stupid is as stupid does. Juvenile = Thats the point. Sexist = You got a point there, for that reason alone I will try and control myself from using it again. Lighten up.. ;p

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 12:42 PM 1 Can we cut this crap of referring to CR7 as Cristina? It's not a clever or a stinging criticism, it's just stupid, juvenile and sexist. If you want to criticize him, criticize him for what's he actually does (of which there's ample material).

soumya (India)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 8:41 AM 0 off topic:WILFREDO CABALLERO have nominated Goalkeeper(6 gk) of the month in sports journal...Earlier in the season, the Argentine broke the club record by going 480 minutes without conceding a goal.... http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/11/03/goalkeeper-of-the-month-the-nominees/

Shinobushinobu (Singapore)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 6:19 AM 0 Congrats Messi! The kid will play for Argentina if he has the talent of his dad. But no worry bout it right now, it's such a heavy burden on a newborn boy!

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 11/3/2012 at 4:01 AM 0 Compilation of Messi's Free kicks...to be honest i had no idea he had so many off the post..truly amazing this kid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOzhWAsmgS4

hi2suresh (India)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 10:36 PM 0 @Leandro: Messi def must be good on the field as he is dad now :)

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 8:24 PM 0 I hope Christina never gets hurt and has a long career.. cause when he falls from grace or retires.. I dont see a happy outcome.. He is going to end up like Pele denying Messi's accomplishments into his senile years. Congrats Messi! Hope your success as a dad is as good as on the field.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 7:45 PM 0 At least Messi had a child the old fashion way. Cristina, had a child through a surrogate... :-0

Albo (United States)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 7:05 PM 0 Felicidades familia Messi, por la llegada de Thiago !

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 4:35 PM 0 Grondona is FedEx-ing over a passport for Thiago as we speak.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 4:14 PM 2 The future: Thiago Messi grows up playing with Kun Agueros kid as best friends, while an old Maradona godfather looks over them. Fathers Lionel and Kun, both recently retired from long carreers and two world cup trophies, watch on from a distance keeping an eye on noth the kids and from crazy Diego.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 3:53 PM 0 Messi's girlfriend gave birth today. Thiago Messi! The future superstar!

ddr1123 (United States)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 2:08 PM 0 @Leandro Good to know you are back on track. I am in Boston, we did not get affected much!

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 11:07 AM 1 Just got power back and internet (slow).. hardest part about being blacked out the last few days was not reading mundo! Ha! You guys miss me? :) all is good, saying hi fom apocalypse new jersey.

Mataco (Italy)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 7:31 AM 0 About Roncaglia, he played another tremendous game yesterday, he is a wall. It is important that Sabella call him for the next games, because he has an italian grandfather, and Prandelli can call him soon. Another one that is playing very well in italy now is Lamela, Alvarez does not seem to me a player so good to deserve to wear the Albiceleste shirt...

Mataco (Italy)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 7:18 AM 0 Kenneth, for what I see here in italy, Gonzalo Rodriguez is not a "red card searcher" at all, now. He's tough but loyal, and he commits few faults. Yesterday, in Genoa-Fiorentina, he made a 70 mt. throw for the scorer Pasqual that reminded me of Ruud Krol...

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 2:29 AM 0 @T-Ben The selected names are perfect and ideal but I am afraid we can't bring them all in one ship. In my opinion, Sabella ensure that his team are in perfect balance in and off the pitch,side by side working and bond together, he avoid high competition and put in harmony among the players and the staff.That's why he brings all the surprised names subs/reserve players? We could not expect high ego skillful and selfish player in his selection.As it should be and works well in the N/T. The mission is to brings the team to compete in a long tournament not in just few games so the approach and players selection have to be adjust accordingly. I do see the chance of Mr.Tevez and Licha will be included in the list not because of their lack technical skill but more on their attitude and readiness to be a part of one superior team. Anyway, I like your other good options especially young players-just missing one two names. Hope it will come true

T-Ben (Haiti)

Posted on 11/2/2012 at 1:07 AM 0 Hi guys, from my point of vue, the NT should like this: Please let me know what you think S. Romeo W. Caballero C. Alvarez G. Peruzzi E. Garay F. Coloccini F. Monzon M. Rojo H. Campagnaro P. Zabaleta G. Rodriguez J. Mascherano E. Lamela F. Gago E. Banega A. DiMaria J. Pastore L. Biglia L. Messi S. Aguero G. Higuain L. Lopez C. Tevez other good options: (Lavezzi,Gaitan,F.Fernandez,Perez,Guinazu,Barcos,Yacob, Sanchez Mino,Tino Costa)

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 7:24 PM 1 I don't understand the fascination with putting Masch at CB..that would not help our defense it would hurt it. Right now we have two towers at CB then Masch who is essentially a CB playing at CDM, it would gravely hurt our defense if Masch was put at CB and the inconsistency of Banega was allowed to roam free, our setup is almost perfect, they just need time to meld and become a TEAM. Personally the way Colo has been playing i would like to see him instead of Garay, but i understand Sabella is trying to build chemistry to the two young CB's. Also...i literally do not care if somebody like Romero or Garay has constant blunders for their club team as long as they play well for the N/T i will be fine. Look at Robinho during that time when he went from RM to Man City to Santos he played poorly for all those clubs during the transition well except for Santos. But he played well for Brazil really thats all i look for in a player for the N/T not how they play for their club but how they play wearing the National Shirt.

Gunner (Canada)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 6:31 PM 0 It is nice to see Sabella calling up a few new faces for a friendly against a very weak opponent but some of these guys have no business being here. DEFENSE It is great to see Monzon called as an option at LB. I'd really like to see the return of Otamendi. Is he injured and I just don't know about it or does Sabella just have no plans on using him? I'd like to see Sabella go with: Zabaleta-Garay-Coloccini-Monzon for this match. MIDFIELD How nice is it to see a squad list without Sosa & Guinazu? Such a relief, although I have a feeling they will return for the next round of qualifiers. Why not try Mascherano as a CB (he doesn't even play the holding role at Barca at all anymore) and use a Banega-Gago pairing in the middle? I've heard good things about Rinaudo but have yet to see him play, and I have never heard of Augusto Fernandez. It bothers me that Banega continues to be ignored. As for our attacking midfielders. Alvarez? Really? I am a die hard Inter Milan fan and he has done nothing to deserve a national team call up this season in my opinion. Look what Lamela is doing with Roma.... use him! FORWARDS I assume we'll see the same old trio of Aguero, Higuian & Messi which is fine by me but if Sabella plans on switching it up a but why does he bother calling players like Di Santo? He has no business being on the national team. At least give Palacio some minutes. He is on a hot streak and could be a good substitute as the qualifiers carry on. As far as Tevez goes, I have mixed emotions. I was such a big big fam of his until he went sour at Man City and put down the national team. He would obviously be a super sub that any national team in the world would love to have on their bench but I am afraid he will ruin the chemistry that Di Maria, Aguero, higuian and Messi have created. Anyhow, it'll be interesting to see what starting 11 Sabella opts to go with. He is doing well with the team, just isn't quit getting his selections proper.

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 4:22 PM 0 if tevez doesnt want to play for NT then so be it.. milito is gonna be 35 yrs in 2014 and having an expericed forward on the bench is always bonus.. plus we dont need 5 forwards if clubs can play a whole season with 4 strikers then why do we need 5? bring biglia banega ansaldi Roncaglia milito and pastore or lamela then the team is complete..

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 4:08 PM 0 its time to replace fernandez with coloccini.. napoli has more trust in campagnaro than fernandez and play tino instead of aguero or dimaria if 35 yrs old guinazu can be in the team then diego milito should be brought back instead of Di santo.. he is the perfect back up for higuain.. and he is 33yrs and still has that killer instinct..

River Plate (United States)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 3:34 PM 0 @ sandy the link says that Rojo broke a bottle on his neighbor's head, and that he might be facing trial and if found guilty he could go to jail for 1-6 months.

los matadores (Argentina)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 10:46 AM 0 Monzon is a greet call up. He's our best FB at club level and Rojo is still shaky though I'd like to see Rojo continue to start as he's looking better and better and now plays in Portugal which is a step up. Tino Costa is good too. An all around midfielder who is surely better than the muertos we've been using as our 3rd and backup midfielders (sosa, ginazu, etc.) He could be an important player for us when we want to have 3 or even 4 midfielders or need to sub one. Biglia and Yacob are a bit better IMO but also more defensive. Tino Costa is solid and could be a permanent cog in the wheel. Banega still needs to prove him self. I doubt many of you know anything about Di Santo. We can look up his stats which are not impressive, but it's hard to score for a bottom-feeder team in the EPL. We do know that he's held his starting spot for 2 full years so he must be demonstrating something during training, etc. to his club managers. He's probably a decent player who can give us a plan B.

hi2suresh (India)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 9:43 AM 0 Off topic: An article on Leo saying that he is yet to peak :) http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1390879-lionel-messi-3-reasons-to-think-the-modern-legend-has-yet-to-reach-his-peak

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 6:27 AM 0 Rojo has been playing great for the N/T as of late...sure he had a few bad games some time ago but he is playing well most importantly is big strong and fast, although i would prefer to see Ansaldi I do say that statement a tad ignorant though as i have not seen Ansaldi play for a little over a year so i do not know how he is doing.

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 5:16 AM 0 Namaskar Sandy For me Rojo is Albiceleste future,young age and cover the defense well as left back.And, he's former Estudiantes which Sabella have an emotional link, Anyway, he is doing well as a subs and would be great in the future.Worth included.My prediction he will be moving into big clubs next season as markets are searching desperately for a good defensive players at this moment.

sandy (India)

Posted on 11/1/2012 at 4:48 AM 0 I am extremely glad to see that Sosa is not in the list. Also I was waiting to see how Tino plays in the NT. His free kicks are dangerous. Apart from Messi, there are no good free kick takers in our NT. So his inclusion is a good one. It would have been better if Sabella had included Canterose, Banega, Lamela, Iturbe, etc. I don't know why Rojo is included. Still this is the best team i have seen after Sabella took up the charge. @ Il Capitano. What is the issue with Rojo. I cannot read the link since it is not in English.

AllyShaw (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 9:03 PM 0 http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/10/15/argentina-3-0-uruguay-messi-the-main-man/ I noticed it a while before reading that. Its a very fluid diamond. Messi alternates between a 10 and a cf, gago sits just infront of mash, and di maria attacks with width but defends on line with gago on the left.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 8:18 PM 0 Looks more like a 4-3-3.

AllyShaw (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 8:13 PM 0 @Jack - argentina play a 442 diamond or 41212 in recent matches.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 7:50 PM 0 Gonzalo Rodriguez is a solid defender, but if there is one defender that I would love to see in the NT (aside from ansaldi) is Mateo Musacchio, man that kid has the stuff. He was a true revelation for villareal 2 seasons ago and he was so good that he benched Gonzalo Rodriguez. Musacchio isn't tall (only 180cm) but he read the game like a seasoned center back and while he was prone to the occasional errors (after all he's barely 22) the kid has the making of a world class center back. I really hope that villareal climb back to the liga A next season so we get to see the kid at the top stage again.

Flaco (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 7:24 PM 0 Tonight, I watched the French classico PSG vs Marseille ( Coupe de la Ligue), finally the real Pastore appeared, defensive, aggressive, made a beautiful pass. Fight as street dog!

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 6:47 PM 0 Watched Roma-Parma today and Lamela scored again. Kid is finding his form. Good to see it. Roma lost again. On the flip side, Paletta for Parma was solid in defense.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 4:54 PM 0 @ Mataco G Rodiriguez is a great defender he is everything that a "classic" Argentine defender signifies he is very tough and has that "your just not gonna pass me mentality" which personally i love (as mascherano has that too!) However, ever since i used to watch tho guy play for San Lorenzo to Villareal, he has a been a hazard not because of his leadership or skills, but he is to reckless, it feels as if the guy looks for red cards and collects them like little boys did in the 20's with Stamps. One of the biggest things a defense needs to be great is time with each other, Sabella has given them that and has made the inclusion of Colo- Which i think is great, he is incredibly smart coming from the back and is constantly praised by the English press. His coach Alan Pardew, recently described him as if he was as good as Sir Bobby Robson.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 4:45 PM 0 msi2@ Yes i prefer the Pirate! That chip he scored that was offsides was superb and he has been playing great for his club...yes i meant with the way Barcos has been playing i prefer Barcos over Di Santo!

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 4:18 PM 0 Those that worry about Facundo, I would not say not to worry about him joining Italy. The interview he said he wants a call up from Italy... Was totally twisted, basically said he would be happy(i.e honor and what not). He was just playing for Boca a few months back and I believe he would have to be in Italy for at least 2 years(right?). So not sure how this naturalization thing works in Italy but just my take. Plus he was just playing for Boca in the Libertadores a few months back. He will get his chance. Plays for a bigger club, left Boca not long ago, will get his name mentioned in the papers plenty of times back home. That is my take.

River Plate (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 4:02 PM 0 Sabella should look for a replacement for Rojo since he might be going to jail. http://www.bolavip.com/65600/marcos-rojo-fue-procesado-y-podria-ir-a-la-carcel/

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 3:57 PM 1 Mr. D If you haven't noticed Sabella started his tenure will players he was comfortable with hence the reason players like Desabato and those from Estudiantes. As for going with the best out there; every manager skips on the best player out there. You go with what you are comfortable with until you clearly start to make shift in the team. Pekerman left out Zanetti for Scaloni, I guess he never got comfortable with Pupi. All the players get left out, and talent just talent alone does not win you anything. You need a cohesive unit that will fit into a managers system. Sure, should the best players out there get called up just to be looked at and see if they do fit yeah probably; but no matter what people it's never going to be perfect or close to perfect. There are a million players that should get looked at, like Diego's system who called up over a 100 players(that worked so great, right?). There are plenty of players from the Primera I would like to see game in and game out but it just does not work in that manner. Sabella is not a dumb man, he clearly seeks cracks in the system and is trying to fix them. I still believe players like Roncaglia will get their chance. And his omission isn't as bad. I think unlike somebody like Ansaldi who was called up and got hurt, he will get called up again. All these players get tabs put on them and are reported back to management. Just wondering, I'd like to see your perfect team out there. It's clear that we are going to play a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2. So I just want to see where your brain is looking at right now.

aloushi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 3:52 PM 0 @ddr1123 by the way lamela is actually left footed

Whizzard28 (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:51 PM 0 @mataco im glad u noticed Gonzalo rodriguez, ive been a big fan of his since 2004-2005 where he was one of the best CB in the game but injuries slow him down.

ddr1123 (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:42 PM 0 Good call I think. As I have said before, Sosa is getting marginalized till Sabella feels comfortable with others. He can still come back, but slowly he is not a sure starter like Messi. Franco, is a more in the box #9, not sure he is the best at that. He is good in the air. That is one type of goal we are missing - plain jump up and head home. Strikers, you never know. Some just do well for the NT. Miroslav Klose, Javier Saviola comes to mind. We did excellent for NT, not so at club level. And Diego Milito otherwise. Ricky Alvarez gets in for his left foot I think. If Lamela was lefty he would get it. On that argument, why not Gaitan. But I think Gaitan is too erratic. A little unpredictable too. He needs to be more consistent. Colo, good at defense. I have never been a fan of Colo because of his speed. But way we are playing now, he can be good. He will have people (read Masche, Gago, etc.) in front of him and he will be close to the goal. So he is worth a shot. Like many would have liked to see Biglia.

Mataco (Italy)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:35 PM 0 Fernandez never impressed me when I saw him playing for Napoli. I am a Fiorentina supporter, and I assure you that Gonzalo Rodriguez is way better as central defender...I hope Sabella will call Roncaglia, too, because if he doesn't, Facundo will be called by Prandelli, just a shame. I agree about Yacob, he's a very solid volante, ever well positioned, strong and good player.

niklucky02 (India)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:27 PM 0 @msi2: Exactly ... from what I understand Kenneth mean't the same that he would prefer Barcos as a backup to Higuain or Aguero than Franco. Correct me Kenneth if it was otherwise..

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:21 PM 0 @msi he warms their bench most of the time.. gets to play in some useless games thats all

msi2 (France)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:04 PM 0 One thing i would like to know, does Federico Fernandez play at Napoli?

HIRA (Bangladesh)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 12:51 PM 0 actually salvio is playing better now in benfica than perez. still looking forward to seeing biglia & ansaldi. lets hope

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 10:28 AM 3 @jack so any player not called up by Sabella, Batista or Maradiona is morally suspect? and people haven't been clamoring for "new faces," they've been wanting to see very specific faces. It's not a question of new blood it's question of calling up the best available players for each position and giving them a shot. Is Pareja world-class? No, but he's a superior CB to Desabato and is more worthy of a spot on the bench. Some of those will work out, some won't but the best available players should be called and tried out unless they've demonstrated previously that their presence will negatively affect the team (i.e., Tevez).

Flaco (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 9:11 AM 0 @Chris I agree, Yacob is very good N.5.

Chris (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 8:52 AM 0 what do you think about Claudio Yacob? i personally would love to see this guy get called up. since his transfer to England the guy has started EVERY match, and is a stud, he's been titled man of the match a couple of times.. this is a guy who def deserves a call up.

Flaco (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 8:20 AM 0 I am glad for Tino Costa and both Alvareze's. Ricky used to play as AM, but in Inter usually plays as winger, and it worked very well. He was the second choice for Roma, after Pastore, as they couldn't offer more than 25€ for him.

msi2 (France)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 7:17 AM 0 niklucky> So...? I dont see that a bad thing.

niklucky02 (India)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 7:08 AM 0 @Kenneth: I agree with you ... Roncaglia and Lamela's inclusion would have made it better but overall selection looks good. @msi2: Barcos with those 2-3 mins playing time found 3-4 chances to score for NT.

haman (Bahrain)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 6:26 AM 0 This is the best midfield Sabella picked so far!

msi2 (France)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 6:03 AM 0 Kenneth> What do you mean by "the way Barcos has been playing with the NT"? He played a couple of minutes against Uruguay and Chile and did decently.

ilyas (Nigeria)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 5:33 AM 0 I am very happy for given Tino Costa a Chance and I hope Sabella will use this friendly as an evenue to test some of the new players called into the National team. though Colocini is not new let him try him in defence. Romero HUgo Colocini federico Mozon Gago Maschrano Tino costa Messi Di Maria Aguero

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 4:58 AM 0 Another reason why Facundo should've been called.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFHFbZTwqZs

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 4:00 AM 0 The way Barcos has been playing for the N/T id rather see him as a backup over Di Santo.. Howver Disanto is 6 feet 4 inches, he's strong and is a classic a number 9 plus he has been able to produce a couple of goals this season while playing for...WIGAN FC also he's what 22? Defense looks great, although i would've rather seen Willy Cabellero of Malaga over Christian Alvarez, but in the end Romero is going to start so it does not matter. Also Ansaldi instead of Monzon but i'm fine with Rojo and Monzon As they are both tall and somewhat strong. Also Monzon's left foot rivals that of hulks...(exaggeration of course but you get the jist of it) To be honest i never liked Salvio that much, i thought he was an exciting prospect till i saw the likes of Gaitan, Lamela, and Pastore, and would much rather see a Lamela or Iturbe in there instead of him. In the end we have the fantastic 4 and i'm happy with that so i don't mind the call up of salvio.

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 2:07 AM 0 At least for this year the door is closed for Licha Lopez,Lamela,Pastore,Gaitan,Roncaglia,Ansaldi and Claudio Yacob. I just anxious and question Sabella choices in organizing a strong back up in the subs. All the best players need time to adapt the playing style and scheme in order to build a unit teamwork;too many choices sometimes brings dilemma.But I have trust in Sabella's selections.He knows better than us.

soumya (India)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:32 AM 0 first i want to say...i am suprised...bcoz sosa is not in the list....good defensive line up...nothing to say more about that ...good to see monzon in the list...tino costa:one of the best CM in recent times(best replecement of gago)....but i dont know why DI SANTO and SALVIO both in the team ...both have the same quality and same style...two defensive MFs are ...RINAUDO and mascherano....tino and gago are only two CMs...so i am sure that tino will get a chance....4-4-2 will be the best formation to check new players....:GK:ROMERO ,DF:(zabaleta/CAMPAGNARO),(fernandez/coloccini),garay,(monzon/rojo),MF:(di maria/ALVAREZ),macherano,(gago/tino),(PEREZ /FERNANDEZ/SALVIO)FW:messi,(HIGUAIN/aguero/di santo)......

River Plate (United States)

Posted on 10/31/2012 at 1:26 AM 0 It's a good list, it's just a shame Biglia and lopez weren't called.I know Samuel from Inter and Diaz from Atletico Madrid are a little on the old side but they are still world class defenders and they might fix our defence problem. I also want to see Ansaldi get called but since hes playing in Russia no ones gonna call him. He should demand a transfer to Estudiantes Because thats the only way Sabella's gonna look at him.

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 11:48 PM 0 The local domestic players will got a chance to show their skill against the Super Copa vs Brazil next game;it's a must win game.

hi2suresh (India)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 11:43 PM 0 No Sosa Hurray!! I am ok with the list. But as @Jack said Rocanglia & Ansaldi is what I wanted to see :( Also not sure if local players will be called for this..if yes, then looking forward to Peruzzi & Mino.

Shinobushinobu (Singapore)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 11:41 PM 0 @messi, I've never taken any personal photo with a famous football player, but I doubt you can do it in the stadium, unless you are a referee or a linesman, like the Mr. Bean in the last match LOL. Your option is to take your picture with Messi and co in the background. But most reasonable option is to try meeting them in their hotel, although I should say that the chance is also very slim. But good luck to you, I hope you get what you want :)

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 11:40 PM 0 The expectation for the new faces in Sabella's list have comes true although with mix feeling and little agony as certain players are still not being called up. Maybe it's because Albiceleste will played against below rank team. So Sabella is quite confidence and try new formation.I just hope that Tino, Monzon,Colocinni, Ricardo and Salvio will play not just sit down in the bench.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 11:09 PM 1 Not a very surprising list (apart from Disanto) if one thinks about it, after all Ricky, Rinaudo and Salvio have all had call ups by sabella at some point in time. Banega is still recovering so costa is a very logical choice, although I'm sad to see Biglia omitted cos he's got the skills to benefit the team. I Am abit surprised that Ricky got called up but not lamela, they're actually quite similar (although Alvarez does track back and defend in inter while coco is playing and scoring like a foward in Roma). The exclusion of Licha is baffling, it can't be about football cos he's right up there with pipita in terms of killer instincts and skills.

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 11:06 PM 0 guyz, i am actually traveling to watch this match in Riyadh , does anyone know what i can do if i wanna get a picture alongside messi aguero or i just cant? cuz its the first time i actually watch a live football match from the stadium. i might never see them again.

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 10:58 PM 0 @ sulav, i agree with u.

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 10:43 PM 0 @messi banega wont be called to replace gago .. gago is playing superb.. he is in very good form right now.. Banega wil replace one of the fav4.. we cant rely on counter attack while our defence is constantly bombarded.. we need more possession .. for that we need midfielders.. picking tino is a move in right direction

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 10:42 PM 0 Well Mr. D... Lets first start off talk about these "strange call ups". Ricky Alvarez is a player that needs to continue to be looked at. I believe has a higher IQ for the game then somebody like Pastore. Plus he is left footed, and can be a replacement for Di Maria. A different player than Angel, but can do well in a role. Plus I believe he will back back track. But you say you do not have a problem with either. As for "making excuses" no excuse, just a theory of mine, you are welcome to disagree as you clearly did, I welcome that. Licha Lopez has now been ignored by 3 managers even though he puts up numbers. What is the reason behind it? My take, there might be a issue with him and players. As for for Enzo Perez being similar and having a falling out, lets not compare having playing time with the NT to Benfica shall we? Enzo should feel honored to be called up, while at Benfica he felt that he deserved to play. I just don't see why Licha would be ignored, and I am not going to cry over spilled milk about Licha. I can live without him. As for Tino Costa, I believe he is a player other than Gago that can play that role. He is clearly a replacement. As I said, I got no issues with him being called up or missing a call. As for Di Santo. You want me to explain that? Sure... Would you rather see Rodrigo Palacio instead who we have seen plenty of times before? Sabella is clearly looking for a forward who is tall and can do work in front of goals. Sure his stats do not look so groundbreaking but he is another player that can be looked at. Again, no problems with it, because this game is a throw away friendly. I mean people wanted new faces and they are there, only 11 people are going to be playing at a time at the most. I hope to see 5 subs(5 subs are allowed for friendlies right?) and would not mind seeing all 5 changing and I doubt Messi will step off the pitch.

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 10:37 PM 0 @sulav 787 i know hes not starting but what i mean , hope he gets the call in the future.very good substitute, i dunno if he deserve a starting position over gago , but also gago is doing quite well this season specially in champions league.

el principe (United States)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 9:58 PM 4 The Fantastic Four is called! Sosa is out! It's time for Christian Alvarez to prove if he's better than Ustari/Orion Augusto Fernandez if he's better than Guinazu Tino Costa if he's better than Sosa Fabian Rinaudo if he's better than Brana Ricky Alvarez if he's better than Maxi Franco Di Santo if he's better than Barcos Sabella has his squad already. He's just calling up players who have basically slim chance for this friendly.

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 9:55 PM 0 @messi banega has played couple games after his injury and hasnt started any of them.. but if he plays to his potential valencia gonna benifit a lot from it.. but he is already looking sharp... i think he will get called eventually.. but i still shocked from biglia's omission!!

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 9:49 PM 0 @ pablo d cuz banega is a very good passer and somehow better defender than tino costa , i watched quite some number of his matches in valencia , plus we havent seen him under sabella, sabella had made a good influence on many of the players, Banega is a number 10 at valencia.I admire aimar so much and hes a great player but people having and advanced midfielder alongside messi doest work , it is his role, in barcelona fabregas flunked last year becuz he was playing that advanced midfielder, for people who thinks iniesta and advanced midfielder he is not, he plays more close to the wing.

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 9:45 PM 0 No biglia !! this guy hardly got any chance... if argentina is to win the wc they have to play seven games and i dont fancy macherano to play all 7.. twice booked and we lose him .. he could have easily tried biglia for macherano for this friendly.... good decision to pick costa... he has good defensive and creative skills... he can help to keep possession.. sabella should play him and bench one of the fav 4... may be aguero or dimaria... this time he has to start will coloccini.. he is having fabulous time in EPl.. and i think he should replace fernandez .. i dont think fernandez is the soultion for our defensive worries.. sabella always comes up with something to shock everyone.. this time its Di santo.. di santo !!! really!!! when we have lopez .. palacio is having great time at inter.. but we dont need to worry about attack.. looks like sosa is finally out of NT.. nice :)

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 9:44 PM 0 guyz, i am actually traveling to watch this match in Riyadh , does anyone know what i can do if i wanna get a picture alongside messi aguero or i just cant? cuz its the first time i actually watch a live football match from the stadium

miskan (Indonesia)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 8:25 PM 0 the forward one should be lamela than salvio

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 8:19 PM 0 people ben has done what in the n/t in 14 games? and he only just back from a bad injury, so why are so many hawking him as a saviour to the midfield, the key and missing link for the n/t. aimar is twice the player ben is and aimar should be way ahead of ben in the pecking order as it stands today.

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 7:47 PM 0 banega peruzzi and roncaglia are the ones i was waiting for. maybe theyll get the chance later on.I was never excited to see someone knew in attack.

Mataco (Italy)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 7:43 PM 0 Monzon is a good idea, but Facundo Roncaglia out again...

zizo (Jordan)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 7:23 PM 0 random picks 4 a random game dont expect to see them play

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 7:16 PM 1 @Jack no S. American players are going to be called up, there's already 23 players. I say there are some strange picks because some of these players are people Sabella called up at the beginning of his tenure (i.e., Alvarez and Rinaudo) who haven't been called up since and haven't exactly been on form of late though I don't have anything against picking either Alvarez or Rinaudo. As for theories about Lopez, let's not invent excuses for Sabella. Perez had a falling out with Benfica last year because he wasn't getting any minutes and went back to Argentina. Is that the sort of person that builds locker room chemistry? Lopez has never done anything like that. Personally, I like Perez's game but let's not pretend that he's not benefitting from playing at Estudiantes. Salvio has been getting the call ups. And even though I was one of the one's calling for Tino Costa I'm not sure how he fits into the current Argentina set up. In the event that Sabella wants a four-man midfield I'd think he's want someone who'd better defensively. Also Di Santo? Really? Let's hear you defend that pick Jack.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 7:10 PM 0 Pity then.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 6:59 PM 0 I do wonder about Tino Costa though. He was meant to be our FK/CK specialist and Messi has been on fire. His defense is not the greatest and his passing could be better, but I am willing to give him a try. What is up with Lavezzi, still injured? Salvio is a interesting call up. Its kind of clear to see what players are meant to be for Sabella. As for Licha... I think there is more to it, he did call up Monzon from Lyon and no Lisandro. I wonder if Licha is a problem in the locker room. Remember Diego called up once and that was that, there was talk about him complaining about why he is not playing. He probably rubbed the players the wrong way, and might have been brought up by the players. If that is the case, then fine, it's better to have team unity then a trouble maker in the locker room.

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 6:48 PM 0 LOL, Mr D, you should go to the other thread, I posted I was waiting for somebody to ask why no players from the primera and Brasil. THey will be called in due time as they are always called up. I think it's a good list, I don't think it is overly strange. Remember people wanted to see new faces and there yah go. People wanted Tino Costa, check People wanted Salvio, check. People wanted Colo-Check If Roncaglia AND Ansaldi were called up, I doubt anybody would complain about anything. Or if Licha Lopez were as well, which I am sure I will see later in the day. I know people still want to Gaitan,Pastore,Lamela but as Johnny has pointed out, he does not look like they are players that he can use. Bravo Mr Sabella! You showed a mix balance of players.

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 6:41 PM 0 No South American call ups but I assume that's down to geography. No Sosa though so that's good news. Otherwise, some strange picks.

AllyShaw (United Kingdom)

Posted on 10/30/2012 at 6:38 PM 0 No idea why Di Santo is in there..... but the defence looks solid and glad to see costa in there. when banega is would look a very good squad Romero Andujar Fernandez Camp Garay Rojo Zab Monzon Col Masch Guinazu Gago Banega Costa Di maria Pastore Cirigliano RIQUELME ;) Messi Higuain Aguero Lavezzi That or something similar would be my squad...