For those following the FIFA Football World Cup Closely, they would know that Argentina is through the group stages and due to the results in Group A, we are in for a mouthwatering clash against Mexico.
One could easily recall what happened in Germany four years back, at the very same stage of the world cup, these two sided produced the game of the world cup which was decided by arguably the goal of the world cup, an amazing volley by none other than Maxi Rodriguez.
Before the tournament, Argentina coach Diego Maradona took a lot of stick for leaving out the ageless Javier Zanetti and Estaban Cambiasso, both important members of FC Internazionale that defeated FC Barcelona and won the UEFA Champions League this year. I would agree with Maradona’s decision to leave them out because they had their share of chances in the qualification regime and we all saw atleast Zanetti did not have the legs. Cambiasso’s exclusion although is a hard pill to swallow as the Skipper Javier Mascherano has a habit of making reckless tackles and is already on a yellow card. I have my own doubts if Mario Bollati can replace him if needed.
As for the attack, they have probably the best one in the world cup, even though I was shocked to see Pablo Aimar left out of the side after his consistent display for Benefica and also in the qualifiers.
Here is my opinion on the starting line-up of Argentina against Mexico:
Goalkeeper - Sergio Romero: Well this was not really a doubt, he has not been tested much in this world cup but was a steady performer in the qualifiers.
Centre Back - Walter Samuel : He is one of the strongest defenders around, has been in amazing form for FC Internazionale and is the heart of Argentine Defence.
Centre Back - Nicolas Burdisso : I would go for this guy in the centre of defence any day over Martin Demichelis, because for the Bayern Munchen defender is unsteady at the back, in simpler words, a time bomb waiting to go off.
Right Back - Nicolas Otamendi : The young defender was amazing against Greece and provides as much attacking options as Jonas Gutirrez, more importantly better defensive options. Gutirrez was tormented at the position and with the knockout stages, it is just going to get worse for him.
Centre Defensive Midfield - Javier Mascherano : The skipper has played a pivotal role in Argentine team. He plays an important role in setting up attacks from the midfield and also keep a check on the weak defense by controlling the game.
Right Centre Midfield - Juan Sebastian Veron : the little witch has been struggling with injury but will be expected to start against Mexico. The Captain without the arm band plays an important role by linking up with Mascherano to dictate the pace of the game.
Left Centre Midfield - Jonas Gutirrez : This might come as a surprise but i would go for him over Angel Di Maria because of his experience. THat is his natural position and he looks much better there.
Centre Forward - Lionel Messi : Before this tournament even began, everyone was questioning this little genius’ ability to deliver in the blue and white jersey. But the displays in the past three games have shut all the critics up. Its an honor to watch the best player on this planet play for this team.
Right Striker - Carlos Tevez : No really doubts about this man, whenever he comes on to the field, he is like a dog and the ball is a bone that belongs to him for the next 90 minutes. Brings a bit of steel to the silky Argentine attack.
Left Striker - Diego Milito : This might again come as a surprise to many but I prefer him over Gonzalo Higuain because of his ability to deliver in big matches and his positioning.
FORMATION : I am going for a 4-1-2-1-2 formation as I believe it will bring the best out of them.
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ROMERO
BURDISSO SAMUEL
OTAMENDI C.RODRIGUEZ
J.MASCHERANO
VERON GUTIRREZ
MESSI
TEVEZ MILITO
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This by no means is a special team, but they have one special player and a very special coach, what left to be seen is if it makes a difference to what happened in Germany 4 years back.
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