For some time now, Argentina has lost credibility & respect because of poor performances, dating back from last year. We went from #1 in the world down to #6, & from securely commanding qualifying to being on the edge of elimination. The results have been all over the place w/ big wins & big losses. Now, all of you know where I stand concerning the national team. I continue to defend the Copa 07 squad & believe if it had been implemented in qualifying we would have been very successful. Even with the Olympic triumph, we were still miss-firing & the loss to Chile caused Basiles exit & Maradona's arrival.
Now we just beat Russia at their home. What does this mean? Without Tevez, Messi, & Veron, & to an extent Riquelme, we won. To me Maradona's biggest problem is his selections. There's continuity & stability. But with this win, confidence has been rocketed skyward. Is Argentina on the rise. Have we laid to rest the fear of losing, & trading it in w/ a bullish determination needed to defeat our eternal rivals? I believe the Albicelestes will conquer the Brazilians, not just because I believe we are really the better team, but like a mother bear defending her cubs, we will unleash an unknown fury upon the number one ranked team & rekindle our world cup hopes!
So again, what's your take on the future of the Argentine National Team. Are we on the rise, or was this just another lucky performance?
You might be reading to much into a friendly game. I say might, because I haven't seen the game or the highlights. So I really don't know what went on.
I really doubt the underlying problems are solved with Maradona's management. If AFA is serious about World Cup, they must sack Maradona right now and appoint a real manager.
I'm with FeriAts on this one - exit Maradona, stage left.
Argentina can have George Burley if they like - he'll be free soon enough.
:-D
The celebration after the third goal tells a lot about why Maradona will not make it big in management.
The reason why I say this is Maradona in reality has only lost 2 games, both at altitude. Sure it shouldn't be an excuse, but when the games were on "regular" ground, we have won. Our midfield & offense looked sharp, it's our defense that was a disaster, until Cata Diaz arrived in the second half. If we can qualify, Maradona & his staff can turn it around for the "big games".
A world cup without Argentina would look incomplete to me. I really hope Maradona can turn the tide around.
Well, we'll get a good indication where this team is after the Brazil match. Should be exciting :)
Does anybody now which channel(in the UK) will Argentina-Brazil game be on this weekend?
