Football News

shOvwar (United States)

Posted on 1/28/2013 at 2:40 PM 0 Hi i just joined this site. Its a great squad but I think it is time to Get Eric Lamela in the squad. What happened to Sosa? I would like to see how Banega performs. Maybe Pastore in the future? Sabella should keep an eye on Icardi, Peruzzi and Pezella. I hope we dont lose Icardi to Italy, he could be gold. Does anyone know the progression of Juan Iturbe? I thought he is a nice prospect for future. And so is Hernan Barcos.

haman (Bahrain)

Posted on 1/25/2013 at 5:57 AM 0 I'd replace Rinaudo with Tino Costa. He's a type of a player that Sabella needs. Never seen Sabella going so offensively!!

Abs (United States)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 8:16 PM 0 @Alam: I can't say I totally agree with you, but yes, we need the like of Jonas in the national team. I didn't watch Jonas play lately, but last in 2012 Jonas was a beast !

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 4:10 PM 0 Best list so far, close to the best selection possible right now that anybody could've picked and people are still calling for others? Licha and Tevez won't be in the N/T team they missed their chance..although i loved Jonas when he played under Maradona he's been out form for like a year it seems like, The only really subs that i would make would maybe be a Yacob for Augusto, and a Lamela over gaitan, neither would start so it doesn't matter that much in the end for a single game against Sweden.

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 3:55 PM 1 Gago is a great player and if it wasn't for the fact that he and Mascherano play their hearts out and perform the job of 3 midfielders Argentina wouldn't be winning like they are right now. I still think that the team needs a third midfielder (di-maria is a forward as far as Im concerned) rather than the fantastic four in the long term but the problem is who? banega would be ideal if he was more consistent, lamela and di-maria think and play like forwards and their defensive contribution (although Angel's improving in that regard) is minimal. Jonas is a pragmatic approach choice and might fit sabella's 4-4-2 much better than say sosa, however I still feel (and hope) that someone like Mino (who is a complete midfielder) will step up and take the team to its next level.

msi2 (France)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 11:17 AM 1 People asking for Jonas are absolutely out of their mind. Mediocre player.

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 10:55 AM 0 i dont think with the form Jonas is in he will be picked!!

soumya (India)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 5:12 AM 0 exactly.. @ alam we need atleast one or two physical players...with messi and di maria....bcoz gago is creative ...but not physically strong.....guitterez is strong, fast,creative,skillfull,tall(can be used to defend set pieces),experienced ......i think gago,mascherano,gutierrez,di maria with messi would be very effective ....atleast he can used last 20 -30 min(when team is winning)...no doubt he is better than sosa....

Alam (India)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 4:43 AM 0 We need strong midfield. To win world cup we need players like guitterez,sanchez mino and gino perruzi type players who always win individual battles in the matches they plays. Players like zabaleta,gago,banega is never going to play well for our national team and its truth.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 1/24/2013 at 12:12 AM 0 @Jack!: Almost, I would keep Gaitan, and I hope you were talking about Augusto Fernandez. @Dinucci: Yes, Man Utd were interested in Gaitan last year, but nothing happened, and now the rumor is going around Garay for months, but still nothing !!

Dinucci (Argentina)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 11:18 PM 0 wasnt United looking at Gaitan as well?

soumya (India)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 11:17 PM 0 this selection is good for friendly match and also to select players for next WC qualifiers....but some how i think we need one or two mid field players who can play in wing and also defend well ....(like :jonas gutiarrez) Angel DI MARIA Walter MONTILLO Augusto FERNANDEZ Enzo PEREZ Gonzalo HIGUAIN Franco DI SANTO Sergio AGUERO Ezequiel LAVEZZI Nicolas GAITAN Lionel MESSI...... 9 attacking players for friendly...messi, di maria would be common starter ....from other 7 players only 2 players will start...so most of the players just call up to fill reserves....but ansaldi have a real chance to play in this match... sweden is very strong in set pieces ...they have too many tall players..... i like to see good is argentine defence to resist their set pieces....spacially garay and fernandez...

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 6:40 PM 0 I would pick Demichels and Roncaglia to create a more competitive pressure among the defense and would give a change to Lamela and Diego Buonanotte to show their talent for N/T. Sorry for time being forget about Tevez,Pastore,Aimar and Licha Lopez

argentine (Ghana)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 5:14 PM 0 I dont really like the inclusion of Franco DI Santo in the team.

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 3:45 PM 1 guys enough of the tevez as its a no goer at all as he does not want to play for the n/t and if we are honest in 65 caps has not set the world alight to add to the bad karma he always seems to bring, we are winning, messi is happy and why possibility ruin that?

elpipita (Iraq)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 3:30 PM 0 Love the fact that ansaldi and montillo have been called although I'm almost certain that montillo won't get any playing time since he's a classic argentine enganche and that spot belongs to the one and only messi. I really hope to see ansaldi get a shot at the left (or the right as he can play both ends) of the field but something tells me it will be zabaleta and campagnero at both ends. I really would've likes to see gino peruzzi (a great prospective RB) claudio yacob (a great sub for mascherano or gago) and lamela (the kid is the future and he can play at practically any attacking position).

Dinucci (Argentina)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 1:10 PM 0 @ Johnny I know i watch every manchester city game even though he said that i still think he deserves it atleast as a sub. I even see tevez as a creative player he makes some great key passes. maybe he could be put in when more creativity is needed depending on the game. Plus i think gaitan should be a left mid if they go 4-4-2 not a striker we have plenty of those.

msi2 (France)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 12:03 PM 0 With one friendly, some of the players called there will serve as sparring partners.

some supporter (Argentina)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 11:56 AM 0 Banega can't play, he loses the ball every single time he gets it. He's got no personality to play that position and is too clumsy when playing for the NT. I don't care how good he is wherever it is he's playing right now: everytime he played for the NT, he sucked, plain and simple. Di María gets the bench, lately he's been too clumsy as well. I never liked Lavezzi, but Gaitán is just a joke on that list. I know most people disagree with me, but I liked last year's Braña. I take it, however, that our coach didn't call local players (many would say that Sanchez Miño deserves a good chance) since it's just one match in Sweden, so such a long trip makes no sense. Still, Lamela should have made the list. By the way, Sabella - the most important WC in over a decade is one year away, what about trying some other defenders, man? Calling Rinaudo up won't make a difference, he won't make it to the final team and we need to improve defense first!!!

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 11:29 AM 0 who would you pick coloccini or demichelis?? hmmm

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 11:27 AM 0 no SOSA!!!!!!! bench dimaria and play banega.. he is better off as a sub specially when we re trailing ... cant bench higuian coz he is tall and he plays good with NT.. sabella you surprised me again by picking Disanto, PErez,.. why didnt he pick Bilgia?? he is a back up for macherano! al in all i am surprised by the team selection... :)

sulav787 (Canada)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 11:10 AM 0 that defence looks solid.. nice

Caniggia (Hong Kong)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 11:05 AM 0 I really hope Sab makes progress with the midfield in this friendly. It seems to be the most unconvincing part of our team. Wonder if they can cut the supply and counter attack of Ibrahimovic? Not sure if Banega is ready for the NT yet. He only started playing. Hopefully the other new guys for MF will create a strong enough competition for places.

Nicky B (Jamaica)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 10:04 AM 0 Lovely list but I'm wondering the formation that is best for us. Can Gago, Mash and Banega play in a 4-4-2 system with Dimaria completing the 4 man midfield Messi and Aguero. Or seeing that our defense has improve somewhat with Ansaldi in can we play the fantastic 4 with Mash Gago/Banega anchoring the middle with Messi a bit behind the front men. How will things pan out? Any ideas guys???

Tony Montana (United States)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 9:06 AM 0 Best list as of yet...still would have like Lamela to be there but the defense is looking strong with coloccini, Fernandez and garay at the CM positions and ansaldi/ zabaleta on the sides...banega back is huge and will be a sub for gago in the 65-70th minute... Lavezzi is back who will sub for higuain late in the game... 4-3-3: Romero- zabaleta- Fernandez-garay-ansaldi- Gago-Mascherano -dimaria-aguero-Messi-higuain

Rune (Norway)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 8:05 AM 0 Happy to see Banega back. Also very happy that Ansaldi finally got called. Fernandez, Rinaudi, Perez and Di Santo should be nowhere near our NT.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 6:31 AM 1 If Garay replaces Rio Ferdinand that would be huge. One of those I'll believe it when I see it things though. If Garay does end up at United I hope he's ready for the "hairdryer".

Torrente (Serbia and Montenegro)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 5:42 AM 0 This is good list,but I think the coach should find a place for Ignacio Scocco.He was scored two goals against Brasil and he is a good replacement for Higuain.

chandran! (India)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 5:39 AM 0 What about the starting 11 and formation?? My tactics is 4-4-2 romero zaba-ferndz-garay-ansaldi gago-mache-banega-dimaria messi kun do u think starting fantastic 4 with 4-3-3 against sweden is better???reply with ur opinions....

el principe (United States)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 5:38 AM 0 Off topic: Garay to be Ferdinand's replacement The former Real Madrid center back will sign with the Red Devils next June. He seems to be the reliable defender Sir Alex Ferguson was looking for. The amount of the signing is still unknown. Source: Marca Wednesday, January 23, 2013 3:38 AM

el principe (United States)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 4:43 AM 0 As I predicted, no more Tino Costa. Sabella had a habit of stop calling new players who performed badly in the previous matches with the exception of Di Santo. Good to see Banega back. He'll give a good competition for Gago as Masche's partner. Ansaldi is finally on the list! Hope he starts, although Sabella is more likely starting Campagnaro and Zabaleta (left). Gaitan and Montillo are nice too. What makes it more beautiful is Sosa is not on the list! :) Finally, the return of fantastic four! They should continue to start.

Istiaque (Bangladesh)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 4:13 AM 0 Just read that ricardo centurion is gonna zoin Anzhi next summer. so sad to hear that! not to disrespect the russian league or anything but just don't like the idea of him playing in russia! would have been much better had he joined in porto or any club in Italy :( just thinking about the move D'alesandro made (in wolfsberg) and never got the attention he deserved...sad!

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 3:17 AM 0 Abs, Guessing you would drop Di Santo for Licha, Lamela, for Gaitan, Pastore for Enzo Perez? Fazio for Fernandez? And Willy for Andujar? I don't think Pastore has much of a shot anymore, his bulb has dimmed quite a bit.

Alam (India)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 2:59 AM 0 I am happy for ansaldi,gaitan and true playmaker like montillo.my biggest concerned is our midfield.sabella must select tinocosta and biglia.we need top midfielders from european clubs like these two have. Sabella continue favours ec-estiudens players like rinoudo and some extent augusto. I think santo is going to play a big part in these european friendlies,sabella see him perfect sub for higuain.i want licha and pastore for our future squad selection . As for defence its our bad luck our central pair dont get playing time with napoli and benfica. Malaga caballero must be our no.1 keeper. Why sabella dont choose rancoglia of fiorentina?? He is playing gud in defence nd also gud in set pieces.

Abs (United States)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 2:50 AM 0 Anyway, I hope these players get the chance, and I am sure the training will show some of their worth as well. If this is the list for the world cup then I would be satisfied, and adding Licha, Lamela, Pastore, Fazio, Willy, another full back, and ................. Tevez (maybe) !! But as I said, by far the best list I've seen by Sabella :)

Amlan (Bangladesh)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 2:24 AM 0 I do not know much about Montillo. Is he an attacking midfielder?

Jack! (United States)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 1:52 AM 0 Lets hope Ansaldi does not pick up an injury! But guys, I would say do not get your hopes up that Cristian plays, not because he is not good enough or whatnot, but match fitness. The Russian PL is on their break(due to the brutal winter in Russia) so he has not had a proper game since December 10th. So match fitness is not on his side. I believe they are playing friendlies but still 2 months off and asking to come and play right away is not the best idea to see what he can do. But I am sure Sabella knows all of this, and will test him out anyways in training.

Kenneth (United States)

Posted on 1/23/2013 at 12:43 AM 1 Best list so far, i like how he keeps the core group of players the same that way it is truly a TEAM and not just a selection!

Pino (United States)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 10:58 PM 0 Wow, the list keeps on getting better and better under Sabella.Love the new call ups (Ansaldi,Gaitan and Montillo).I love the fact that his trying to improve the team with new players.

Chainsaw (Iran)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 10:53 PM 0 Wish Lamela was there too. Good to see Ansaldi and Gaitan in there.

Rupok (Bangladesh)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 10:29 PM 0 still no Tevez :/

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 10:27 PM 0 @Dinucci-I recently read some quotes from Tevez in which he showed absolutely no interest in playing for the NT. In fact, he said there were other players available to the NT that were in better form. I watch all the Man City matches. IMHO while Tevez is not in bad shape, I have seen him more fit in the past. He did look to be be in better shape in the last match, but still not the super sharp Carlitos of two years ago.

Shinobushinobu (Singapore)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 10:16 PM 0 I'm ok with the list although I hope Lamela can at least get a chance..

Dinucci (Argentina)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 10:15 PM 0 I like this list a lot! i just wish it was tevez instead of di santo i think hes been playing great at city lately i really hope he comes back

hi2suresh (India)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 10:11 PM 0 I am happy with the list. As its a friendly I think Sabella is right to give Di Santo second chance (though I would rather prefer Lopez or Lamela to be there in the first place). Overall good squad!! Looking forward for Yacob , Lamela & one messi backup in the squad.

Johnny (Thailand)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 9:48 PM 0 Nice to see Banega back. I was afraid he faced a long absence from the NT. Di Santo has been playing pretty well lately. He had a tremendous strike for a goal recently. And, I know I'm somewhat of a jerk for "telling you so", but Sabella has no interest in number 10 types other than Messi. There ain't gonna be no Aimar's, and certainly no Andy D's. I think he sees them as excess baggage. He'd rather have another hard nosed defensive midfielder. The case of Lamela though is a little strange. There must be something about his game that Sabella doesn't think will work well with the NT. Juan Manuel "Burrito" Martinez has been lured away from Corinthians by Boca Juniors. Officially announced today. Riquelme remains without a club...as of right now.

soumya (India)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 9:42 PM 0 dream team for argentina....but only two fullback is very risky...

aka Mr. D (Peru)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 9:32 PM 0 Pretty good squad. Di Santo is a bit puzzling, was poor in Saudi Arbaia and has only scored once since then for his club. No Lopez or Lamela. I'm getting used to the former but I was expecting a call up for latter. I'd rather have seen Yacob get the call than Rinaudo. Caballero is worthy of a call up too. Mostly though I'm just excited about the recalls of Banega, Ansaldi and Gaitán.

cleanball (Indonesia)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 8:59 PM 0 This will be great enough to start with. Bringing new faces like Ansaldi,Montillo, Fito and Gaitan denote that Sabella is open minded. Although I feel Di Santo is not yet deserved to be call prefer Lamela or Diego Buonanotte

messi (Lebanon)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 8:54 PM 0 When is the match?

pablo.d (New Zealand)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 8:32 PM 0 i to would like to see aimar and lamera to be given their chance. im concerned at the argies at val who got torn apart by real esp gago who is a big part of our team. im still not seeing strength and depth yet as sabella sticks to the same players no matter what or what the game relevance is.

Leandro (United States)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 7:59 PM 0 Pretty solid list! Although, I am nervous there is no creative back up in the middle. If Messi gets hurt, I would like to have someone like Aimar/Lamela/Pastore in the bench as an alternative.. even if they never see a minute of play at the qualifiers or World Cup.

miskan (Indonesia)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 7:49 PM 0 zabaleta got injurd?

Whizzard28 (United States)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 7:17 PM 0 i MUST ADMIT I LIKE THIS SQUAD

Akash (Suriname)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 6:37 PM 0 You forgot Zabaleta

AllyShaw (United Kingdom)

Posted on 1/22/2013 at 6:35 PM 0 ANSALDI, BANEGA and GAITAN! amazing.