Well, it's the final CONMEBOL and everybody outside of Uruguay and Mexico wanted to see - the foremost international rivalry playing it out for the continental title.
I feel bad for Uruguay. I have a soft-spot for the Charruas and I have a sneaking suspicion that they got screwed - Doni was at least 3 feet off the line when Lugano hit his penalty, and there is no way that the referees missed it... but, of course, somebody got on the mic and said "hey, Brazil's in the final... don't worry about it."
Mexico, meanwhile, lost justifiably, but nevertheless can feel proud about their performance. I usually say that a 3-0 scoreline, regardless of what actually happens, means that one team got played off the park. And, at the end of the day, Mexico let in three goals and couldn't score any. So they deserved to lose. But what goals! Two of the most amazing goals you will ever see! If Uruguay is cursed in penalties, than Mexico is cursed against Argentina - invariably they win with an amazing goal. Maxi's volley, Heinze's kung-fu kick, Messi's uber-loft... wow.
I'll admit, I was rooting for Argentina, in both games. I can't wait to see the final, and I am absolutely sure that Argentina is going to win. Mark it down.
As for the third place game - I think... umm.... Uruguay takes it. Maybe in penalties.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
More Tomorrow
Full report and comment tomorrow, I promise... need a night to get over the shoot out and Heinze's golazo.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
OK, I was wrong
I thought the final was going to be Mexico-Argentina. Turns out it's the semi-final that is going to be Mexico-Argentina. Meanwhile, in the other semi, Uruguay is going to face Brazil.
I will say right now that I think Argentina is going to beat Mexico. I won't be rooting for either team to win, but I just feel that Argentina is better than Mexico right now. But hey, I could be wrong. I see it going to penalties. Especially given that their is no extra time, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it goes to penalties.
I think Uruguay is a team to watch out for. They may not be the glamorous side Brazil is, but they are going to be much harder to breakdown defensively than Chile was, and they have the forwards to do damage if Brazil isn't careful...
So, my prediction for the final is Uruguay-Argentina... yikes. Not sure about that, though.
This has got to be one of the strangest tournaments ever - a generally great group stage, followed by four absolute blowouts. Go figure. Would it really surprise anyone if the semi-finals go to penalties?
I will say right now that I think Argentina is going to beat Mexico. I won't be rooting for either team to win, but I just feel that Argentina is better than Mexico right now. But hey, I could be wrong. I see it going to penalties. Especially given that their is no extra time, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it goes to penalties.
I think Uruguay is a team to watch out for. They may not be the glamorous side Brazil is, but they are going to be much harder to breakdown defensively than Chile was, and they have the forwards to do damage if Brazil isn't careful...
So, my prediction for the final is Uruguay-Argentina... yikes. Not sure about that, though.
This has got to be one of the strangest tournaments ever - a generally great group stage, followed by four absolute blowouts. Go figure. Would it really surprise anyone if the semi-finals go to penalties?
Friday, July 06, 2007
Fede Higuain: El Pipita's Unwanted Brother
According to this article, el Tecla Farias is on his way out of River and heading to Mexico, where he'll play for Pekerman at Toluca. Also, el Pipita Higuain's older brother, Fede Higuain, is back at River after his loan period with Nueva Chicago ended. Passarella is not totally sure he wants to keep Fede, however, and is shopping him to other clubs. Regardless, Fede will go on River's tour of South Korea and said he "hopes to play while on the tour and stay with" the club he's been at since he was 9.
Fede Higuain is currently one of the more controversial figures at River for the moment, because he was shown celebrating wildly after scoring against Los Millonarios in the penultimate game of last season, despite his registration being owned by the Nunez-based club. As can be seen here (scroll down a bit), some fans were far from pleased with that gesture, and even less humored by images showing Fede crying when River were awarded a late, controversial penalty that wound up being the equalizer and consigned Chicago to the promotion-playoff spots.
I think that calling him a "traitor and crybaby" is totally unfair and downright foolish. Fede had just scored what was at the time the goal that was keeping Nueva Chicago in the Primera and he was excited. I am sure he did not mean any offense, he was simply excited. Additionally, Nueva Chicago wanted him where Passarella didn't.
In the Clausura 2007, the River player who scored most goals was Fede Higuain, playing on loan at Chicago. Anybody who watched River play last season knows that they need somebody to consistently put the ball in the back of the net. Let's give Fede a chance.
Fede Higuain is currently one of the more controversial figures at River for the moment, because he was shown celebrating wildly after scoring against Los Millonarios in the penultimate game of last season, despite his registration being owned by the Nunez-based club. As can be seen here (scroll down a bit), some fans were far from pleased with that gesture, and even less humored by images showing Fede crying when River were awarded a late, controversial penalty that wound up being the equalizer and consigned Chicago to the promotion-playoff spots.
I think that calling him a "traitor and crybaby" is totally unfair and downright foolish. Fede had just scored what was at the time the goal that was keeping Nueva Chicago in the Primera and he was excited. I am sure he did not mean any offense, he was simply excited. Additionally, Nueva Chicago wanted him where Passarella didn't.
In the Clausura 2007, the River player who scored most goals was Fede Higuain, playing on loan at Chicago. Anybody who watched River play last season knows that they need somebody to consistently put the ball in the back of the net. Let's give Fede a chance.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Crespo out, Uruguay in
Bad news for Argentina, as the Argentinean medical team confirmed what Hernan Crespo had assumed yesterday: a torn quadriceps means he's going to miss the rest of the tournament.
This is terrible news for both Argentina and Crespo himself, who was participating in his first Copa America and had already scored 3 in 2. Argentina loses their most experienced striker and one of the leaders of the team. The onus now falls on either Carlitos Tevez or, more likely, Diego 'el Principito' Milito to pick up the slack.
Crespo tore his muscle while taking a penalty against Colombia that tied the match and brought his goal total with the National Team to 35, second behind Gabriel Batitusta, who has 56.
The U-20s, meanwhile, blasted Panama 6-0, after drawing 0-0 against the Czech Republic in their first match.
Meanwhile, back in Venezuela, Uruguay and the hosts drew their final group match 0-0, after Peru and Bolivia drew 2-2 earlier in the day. The results mean Bolivia is officially going home, while Uruguay qualifies as one of the best-third-place teams. Venezuela wins the group and Peru finishes second.
This is terrible news for both Argentina and Crespo himself, who was participating in his first Copa America and had already scored 3 in 2. Argentina loses their most experienced striker and one of the leaders of the team. The onus now falls on either Carlitos Tevez or, more likely, Diego 'el Principito' Milito to pick up the slack.
Crespo tore his muscle while taking a penalty against Colombia that tied the match and brought his goal total with the National Team to 35, second behind Gabriel Batitusta, who has 56.
The U-20s, meanwhile, blasted Panama 6-0, after drawing 0-0 against the Czech Republic in their first match.
Meanwhile, back in Venezuela, Uruguay and the hosts drew their final group match 0-0, after Peru and Bolivia drew 2-2 earlier in the day. The results mean Bolivia is officially going home, while Uruguay qualifies as one of the best-third-place teams. Venezuela wins the group and Peru finishes second.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Argentina: through to QF, but the hard way
It may not carry the socio-political implications of an Argentina-Brazil or Mexico-United States, but the rivalry that has developed between Argentina and Colombia can definitely be qualified as one of the best in this part of the world.
Today's match was a chance for both teams to exact some revenge: it was Alfio Basile's first time facing Colombia since Los Cafeteros dropped 5 on his squad in Buenos Aires during World Cup qualifying for USA 1994. For Colombia, it was a chance to show that, even if Argentina had showed up at Copa America 2001 (Argentina pulled out at the last minute due to security concerns), they still would have won. On top of that, Colombia needed to win to stay alive in this tournament, and Argentina needed a victory to assure themselves of classifying for the quarters.
The match itself was a cracking affair, with Colombia not at all shy to get stuck in. The kicking did little to dissuade Argentina, however, and Riquelme seemed to thrive in the violent, slow pace that the constant fouling created. Colombia was definitely up for the match, though, and how different things could have been if Arizala's shot from long range had gone in with three minutes left to play.
Losing Crespo will hurt, especially if he's out for the rest of the tournament. Diego Milito is certainly a fine striker, but Crespo has shown time and again that he can perform at the highest level, and that's always useful when you get to knock-out stages.
Argentina is looking very vulnerable - they were lucky to win this game, and the 4-2 scoreline does no justice to just how hard Colombia pushed el albiceleste. Nevertheless, with 2 defeats from 2, and 9 goals against, Colombia is almost certainly out.
With two rounds of games played, it is looking like the two third-placed teams will come from groups A and B, with everything to play for in Group A, Mexico already through in Group B, and both Paraguay and Argentina already through in Group C.
Today's match was a chance for both teams to exact some revenge: it was Alfio Basile's first time facing Colombia since Los Cafeteros dropped 5 on his squad in Buenos Aires during World Cup qualifying for USA 1994. For Colombia, it was a chance to show that, even if Argentina had showed up at Copa America 2001 (Argentina pulled out at the last minute due to security concerns), they still would have won. On top of that, Colombia needed to win to stay alive in this tournament, and Argentina needed a victory to assure themselves of classifying for the quarters.
The match itself was a cracking affair, with Colombia not at all shy to get stuck in. The kicking did little to dissuade Argentina, however, and Riquelme seemed to thrive in the violent, slow pace that the constant fouling created. Colombia was definitely up for the match, though, and how different things could have been if Arizala's shot from long range had gone in with three minutes left to play.
Losing Crespo will hurt, especially if he's out for the rest of the tournament. Diego Milito is certainly a fine striker, but Crespo has shown time and again that he can perform at the highest level, and that's always useful when you get to knock-out stages.
Argentina is looking very vulnerable - they were lucky to win this game, and the 4-2 scoreline does no justice to just how hard Colombia pushed el albiceleste. Nevertheless, with 2 defeats from 2, and 9 goals against, Colombia is almost certainly out.
With two rounds of games played, it is looking like the two third-placed teams will come from groups A and B, with everything to play for in Group A, Mexico already through in Group B, and both Paraguay and Argentina already through in Group C.
River Plate: one goes, one stays... for now
Ex-River Plate keeper German Lux has signed a 4-year deal with Mallorca after his contract with Buenos Aires-based club came to an end on June 30th. Amazingly, Lux went from being on the verge of signing a 10-year contract with River before last year's World Cup to relegated to the bench and, finally, allowed to leave on a Bosman in the space of about a year, through no real fault of his own.
Inexplicably left off Argentina's World Cup team in favor of Independiente's Ustari, even Diego Maradona felt that there had been a conspiracy against the then-24 year old GK. By December of 2006, River manager Daniel Passarella had relegated Lux to the bench and told him to find a new club. At that point, a move to Mallorca was rumored, but it took until the summer to come to fruition.
Another River keeper, current starter Juan Pablo Carrizo, was also in the news, thanks to the fact that River rejected a 5 million euro bid from Lazio for his services. River wants at least double that amount.
There is no denying that Carrizo is a great goalkeeper, and he was almost certainly River's best player throughout most of the just finished Clausura 2007. But the real story here is Lux, River's forgotten man. Considered a lock for the World Cup before Pekerman announced the line-up, he was ignored for reasons nobody has really been able to figure out.
Passarella then decided that Carrizo was a better option for the Apertura 2006, and Lux hasn't played since. River has now gone 3 years with no titles to speak of, and to add insult to injury, we have a manager who has done nothing but alienate our best players and anger the vast majority of supporters.
Lux deserved better from Passarella, he deserved better from River Plate, and I can only hope that he goes on to become one of La Liga's best keepers, which he certainly has the ability to do.
A situation such as Lux's should never happen at a club with the history and tradition of River Plate. Daniel Passarella is not solely responsible for the rot that has gripped the club, but he certainly must shoulder a large part of the blame. The sooner he goes, the better.
Inexplicably left off Argentina's World Cup team in favor of Independiente's Ustari, even Diego Maradona felt that there had been a conspiracy against the then-24 year old GK. By December of 2006, River manager Daniel Passarella had relegated Lux to the bench and told him to find a new club. At that point, a move to Mallorca was rumored, but it took until the summer to come to fruition.
Another River keeper, current starter Juan Pablo Carrizo, was also in the news, thanks to the fact that River rejected a 5 million euro bid from Lazio for his services. River wants at least double that amount.
There is no denying that Carrizo is a great goalkeeper, and he was almost certainly River's best player throughout most of the just finished Clausura 2007. But the real story here is Lux, River's forgotten man. Considered a lock for the World Cup before Pekerman announced the line-up, he was ignored for reasons nobody has really been able to figure out.
Passarella then decided that Carrizo was a better option for the Apertura 2006, and Lux hasn't played since. River has now gone 3 years with no titles to speak of, and to add insult to injury, we have a manager who has done nothing but alienate our best players and anger the vast majority of supporters.
Lux deserved better from Passarella, he deserved better from River Plate, and I can only hope that he goes on to become one of La Liga's best keepers, which he certainly has the ability to do.
A situation such as Lux's should never happen at a club with the history and tradition of River Plate. Daniel Passarella is not solely responsible for the rot that has gripped the club, but he certainly must shoulder a large part of the blame. The sooner he goes, the better.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Mexico: QF-bound
With a performance that was at times brilliant and at times nail-biting, El Tri qualified for the Quarterfinals of the Copa America today, defeating a strong Ecuador side 2-1. Nery Castillo continued his run of good form by scoring the opener in the 22nd minute and Omar Bravo made a welcomed substitute appearance, scoring his first goal of the tournament in the 80th minute. Although Ecuador threatened several times and will be cursing Mexican keeper Oswaldo Sanchez, Edison Mendez did manage to score in the 85th, thanks mainly to a terrible deflection off Johnny Magallon.
The primary thing I took from the game was just how important Nery Castillo has quickly become for the National Team. For all the criticism that rained on him from all sides when he finally declared to play for Mexico, the Olympiakos man appears to have taken everything in stride, and is thriving under the pressure. He was Mexico's best player in the Copa Oro final and is now 2-2 in this tournament.
Amazingly, there was a large portion of the media in Mexico who were criticizing Castillo before the Copa Oro started, and then again after his ill-informed comments after he was not even on the bench for the Copa Oro Semifinal. Eligible to play for three different nations on three different continents, Castillo finally decided to play for Mexico last fall. When he pulled out of the Mexico squad just days before he was scheduled to make his debut in Phoenix against the USA, it was widely reported that he had had a change of heart and was going to accept Greece's offer of 1 million euros to play for them.
I agree that it was stupid of him to threaten with returning to Greece after Sanchez left him in the stands for the Guadalupe game in the Copa Oro, but whatever Hugo said to him after those comments were aired has seemed to work, for he has come back with a vengeance. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a big-money move to one of the major European leagues happens this summer or in the January transfer window.
The other main thing that stuck out from this game was Mexico's inability to maintain the attacking impulse with which they opened. It happened against Brazil, too, but was less nerve-wracking because they already had a two-goal advantage. Mexico started both games really well, attacking and controlling the ball, and managed to score relatively early in both games. However, in the second half they seem to take their foot off the gas: Ochoa had a number of amazing saves against Brazil, and tonight Oswaldo definitely showed why he's nicknamed San Oswaldo in Mexico. With a lesser keeper in goal tonight, Mexico would have lost this game by some margin. They will need to work on maintaining their intensity if they really plan on achieving things.
Lastly, I must admit that El Jorobado Blanco's pass to Omar Bravo was one of the more amazing pieces of skill I've ever seen on a soccer field. I've never been a huge Cuau fan, but he absolutely showed tonight why there are those in Mexico who consider him Mexico's best player right now, and one of the best Mexico has ever produced. Remember, that was Temoc's first touch of the ball...
The primary thing I took from the game was just how important Nery Castillo has quickly become for the National Team. For all the criticism that rained on him from all sides when he finally declared to play for Mexico, the Olympiakos man appears to have taken everything in stride, and is thriving under the pressure. He was Mexico's best player in the Copa Oro final and is now 2-2 in this tournament.
Amazingly, there was a large portion of the media in Mexico who were criticizing Castillo before the Copa Oro started, and then again after his ill-informed comments after he was not even on the bench for the Copa Oro Semifinal. Eligible to play for three different nations on three different continents, Castillo finally decided to play for Mexico last fall. When he pulled out of the Mexico squad just days before he was scheduled to make his debut in Phoenix against the USA, it was widely reported that he had had a change of heart and was going to accept Greece's offer of 1 million euros to play for them.
I agree that it was stupid of him to threaten with returning to Greece after Sanchez left him in the stands for the Guadalupe game in the Copa Oro, but whatever Hugo said to him after those comments were aired has seemed to work, for he has come back with a vengeance. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a big-money move to one of the major European leagues happens this summer or in the January transfer window.
The other main thing that stuck out from this game was Mexico's inability to maintain the attacking impulse with which they opened. It happened against Brazil, too, but was less nerve-wracking because they already had a two-goal advantage. Mexico started both games really well, attacking and controlling the ball, and managed to score relatively early in both games. However, in the second half they seem to take their foot off the gas: Ochoa had a number of amazing saves against Brazil, and tonight Oswaldo definitely showed why he's nicknamed San Oswaldo in Mexico. With a lesser keeper in goal tonight, Mexico would have lost this game by some margin. They will need to work on maintaining their intensity if they really plan on achieving things.
Lastly, I must admit that El Jorobado Blanco's pass to Omar Bravo was one of the more amazing pieces of skill I've ever seen on a soccer field. I've never been a huge Cuau fan, but he absolutely showed tonight why there are those in Mexico who consider him Mexico's best player right now, and one of the best Mexico has ever produced. Remember, that was Temoc's first touch of the ball...
Friday, June 29, 2007
Mario Mendez: staying in Argentina
ESPNdeportes.com managed to get a hold of defender Mario Mendez, currently plying his trade under Ricardo LaVolpe at Velez Sarsfield in Argentina, after it was rumored that he was on his way back to Mexican soccer with Cruz Azul.
Mendez denied the reports: "Yeah, it's come up - before the end of the [Clausura 2007], they told me that Cruz Azul was interested in what I was planning on doing, although they didn't speak with me directly. But this Sunday I'm heading back to Argentina - I want to stay there, at Velez they've treated me really well and I want to see out my contract."
Mendez, who is on loan at Velez from Toluca, repeated several times that he is only interested about finishing out the 6 months he has left with Velez, even though it appears that the move away from Mexican soccer may have cost him his spot in the National Team: "Hugo hasn't contacted me whatsoever. But I'm fine with that, that doesn't distract me at all. Right now everyone's talking about how Mexico won an important game and they're all talking about the new people. Honestly, I wish the team the best, and I'm excited about continuing to learn in a foreign country. If they give me a call, great, if not, no problem; I'm going to keep working."
Seems to me that Hugo views Mendez as a dyed-in-the-wool Lavolpista, and he's probably right, considering that Mendez became a fixture in El Tri during LaVolpe's time at the helm, and one of LaVolpe's first moves after taking over at Velez was to convince Mendez to come down.
Cruz Azul could definitely use a player of his caliber, especially considering El Chava Carmona's lifetime ban. The business side of Mexican soccer can, at times, be more convoluted than a Guy Ritchie film, but I wouldn't completely discount the possibility that Mendez is wearing the celeste of Cruz Azul in January 2008.
Mendez denied the reports: "Yeah, it's come up - before the end of the [Clausura 2007], they told me that Cruz Azul was interested in what I was planning on doing, although they didn't speak with me directly. But this Sunday I'm heading back to Argentina - I want to stay there, at Velez they've treated me really well and I want to see out my contract."
Mendez, who is on loan at Velez from Toluca, repeated several times that he is only interested about finishing out the 6 months he has left with Velez, even though it appears that the move away from Mexican soccer may have cost him his spot in the National Team: "Hugo hasn't contacted me whatsoever. But I'm fine with that, that doesn't distract me at all. Right now everyone's talking about how Mexico won an important game and they're all talking about the new people. Honestly, I wish the team the best, and I'm excited about continuing to learn in a foreign country. If they give me a call, great, if not, no problem; I'm going to keep working."
Seems to me that Hugo views Mendez as a dyed-in-the-wool Lavolpista, and he's probably right, considering that Mendez became a fixture in El Tri during LaVolpe's time at the helm, and one of LaVolpe's first moves after taking over at Velez was to convince Mendez to come down.
Cruz Azul could definitely use a player of his caliber, especially considering El Chava Carmona's lifetime ban. The business side of Mexican soccer can, at times, be more convoluted than a Guy Ritchie film, but I wouldn't completely discount the possibility that Mendez is wearing the celeste of Cruz Azul in January 2008.
Hugo Sanchez 1-on-1
Today's edition of Esto contains a one-on-one interview with Hugo Sanchez, which you can find here.
Commenting on the victory he was able to achieve despite the doubts about his tactical awareness, Hugo said, "Really, I'm not worried about wasting time on things like that. I need to think about what's the best way to win games, and you know that winning those games gives you a winning mentality, and what you're trying to do is win everything."
He went on to say, "We are trying to give the National Team a style and an identity... We're trying to be compact in defense, and then go forward with verticality and agressiveness in order to do damage up front."
Referring to the European-based players such as Pardo and Osorio that the Mexican press has labeled "deserters", Hugo felt that the players had been unfairly targeted - "In the case of Pardo and Osorio, it was something decided upon ever since we talked with them in Germany. I knew they were going to bust their asses in the Gold Cup and that they wouldn't be at the Copa America, due to the demands of German football."
The absence of Carlos Salcido, however, was unexpected. "Salcido was a surprise, since he told us at the last minute. He'd already had 20 days of vacation, and so those personal reasons were, indeed, a surprise."
Finally, Hugo expressed his disappointment with the way in which the Mexican press, and some parts of the Mexican fan-base, are innately anti-Hugo: "I think we're going to achieve great things, despite the fact that our own people have become our worst enemy. It's disappointing... Every country loves their National Team to death, but with us it seems like, in Mexico, the honeymoon ended with the loss to Paraguay... The important thing, though, is to carry on with a winning mentality... and try to achieve things... despite the complexes and envy that's always existed in humanity."
So, pretty deep stuff from the pentapichichi. I'll be honest, I always thought that Hugo was all talk and no substance, especially as he was criticizing LaVolpe while Mexico was kicking ass in the 2005 Confederations' Cup. And I think LaVolpe definitely justified his methods with Mexico's showing at the World Cup. Yeah, they lost in the second round, but they played Argentina off the pitch for large parts of the game and didn't deserve to lose.
Hugo desperately needed to get a good result against the US in the Gold Cup final, and despite losing the team played well, which quieted a few critics. The Brazil game was probably a must-win for him, and the fact that he was able to concoct a winning formula speaks volumes about his ability to motivate his players. But he's certainly not in the clear yet, and his relationship with his Euro-based players will be of key importance in the future.
Commenting on the victory he was able to achieve despite the doubts about his tactical awareness, Hugo said, "Really, I'm not worried about wasting time on things like that. I need to think about what's the best way to win games, and you know that winning those games gives you a winning mentality, and what you're trying to do is win everything."
He went on to say, "We are trying to give the National Team a style and an identity... We're trying to be compact in defense, and then go forward with verticality and agressiveness in order to do damage up front."
Referring to the European-based players such as Pardo and Osorio that the Mexican press has labeled "deserters", Hugo felt that the players had been unfairly targeted - "In the case of Pardo and Osorio, it was something decided upon ever since we talked with them in Germany. I knew they were going to bust their asses in the Gold Cup and that they wouldn't be at the Copa America, due to the demands of German football."
The absence of Carlos Salcido, however, was unexpected. "Salcido was a surprise, since he told us at the last minute. He'd already had 20 days of vacation, and so those personal reasons were, indeed, a surprise."
Finally, Hugo expressed his disappointment with the way in which the Mexican press, and some parts of the Mexican fan-base, are innately anti-Hugo: "I think we're going to achieve great things, despite the fact that our own people have become our worst enemy. It's disappointing... Every country loves their National Team to death, but with us it seems like, in Mexico, the honeymoon ended with the loss to Paraguay... The important thing, though, is to carry on with a winning mentality... and try to achieve things... despite the complexes and envy that's always existed in humanity."
So, pretty deep stuff from the pentapichichi. I'll be honest, I always thought that Hugo was all talk and no substance, especially as he was criticizing LaVolpe while Mexico was kicking ass in the 2005 Confederations' Cup. And I think LaVolpe definitely justified his methods with Mexico's showing at the World Cup. Yeah, they lost in the second round, but they played Argentina off the pitch for large parts of the game and didn't deserve to lose.
Hugo desperately needed to get a good result against the US in the Gold Cup final, and despite losing the team played well, which quieted a few critics. The Brazil game was probably a must-win for him, and the fact that he was able to concoct a winning formula speaks volumes about his ability to motivate his players. But he's certainly not in the clear yet, and his relationship with his Euro-based players will be of key importance in the future.
Argentina: Unconvincing
I just finished watching the Argentina-USA game, and I have to say, I was unconvinced by Argentina.
Yeah, they won 4-1. Yeah, the US had no more than two shots on goal the whole game (one of them the penalty), but still... Argentina is going to need to do better if they are going to harbor realistic expectations of winning this tournament; especially after watching Paraguay destroy Colombia 5-0. Paraguay! 5-0! This from the team that qualifies for the World Cup with their defense!
Buenos Aires sports daily Ole's headline read: "Oh my gol!"and then led with "My god, what force! The National Team started poorly, tied quickly, and didn't fail: they woke up in the second half with a Crespo golazo and the entries of Aimar and Tevez."
ESPNdeportes' Mariano Hamilton had removed his albiceleste-colored glasses, however: "Lots of goals but little shine: Argentina won easily but didn't show the luxury that was expected."
Hamilton has it right - Argentina did win easily, but the US gave them a fight for 75 minutes. The substitution of el Cuchu Cambiasso with Pablo Aimar was a brilliant move by Basile, and was really what allowed Argentina to break out of the rythm the United States had managed to maintain for most of the game.
In soccer, it's always easier to defend than it is to attack. That's why Greece can win the European Championships. That's why a C- level US squad can keep an A+ level Argentina on their heels for 75 minutes.
But Argentina had too much class, and logic prevailed. They'll need to watch out for Paraguay, though.
Yeah, they won 4-1. Yeah, the US had no more than two shots on goal the whole game (one of them the penalty), but still... Argentina is going to need to do better if they are going to harbor realistic expectations of winning this tournament; especially after watching Paraguay destroy Colombia 5-0. Paraguay! 5-0! This from the team that qualifies for the World Cup with their defense!
Buenos Aires sports daily Ole's headline read: "Oh my gol!"and then led with "My god, what force! The National Team started poorly, tied quickly, and didn't fail: they woke up in the second half with a Crespo golazo and the entries of Aimar and Tevez."
ESPNdeportes' Mariano Hamilton had removed his albiceleste-colored glasses, however: "Lots of goals but little shine: Argentina won easily but didn't show the luxury that was expected."
Hamilton has it right - Argentina did win easily, but the US gave them a fight for 75 minutes. The substitution of el Cuchu Cambiasso with Pablo Aimar was a brilliant move by Basile, and was really what allowed Argentina to break out of the rythm the United States had managed to maintain for most of the game.
In soccer, it's always easier to defend than it is to attack. That's why Greece can win the European Championships. That's why a C- level US squad can keep an A+ level Argentina on their heels for 75 minutes.
But Argentina had too much class, and logic prevailed. They'll need to watch out for Paraguay, though.
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