Spain |
2 - 1
This match has ended. Upcoming related matches:
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Argentina |
| Country | Channels |
|---|---|
| United States | ESPN Deportes |
| *Don't see your country or favourite channel listed? Let us know and we will include it. | |
| Country | Date/Time (US/Eastern) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Sun, Nov 15 15:00pm | Telemundo |
| *Don't see your country or favourite channel listed? Let us know and we will include it. | ||
Different paths leading to the same tournament
After a rather shaky World Cup qualification for South American giants Argentina, coach Diego Maradona looks to improve his team by keeping the pressure high against current European champions Spain.
The Albiceleste come from two wins that were crucial for getting them the last direct qualification to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. They beat Peru 2-1 at home and managed another close win away at Uruguay, 0-1.
Spain qualified for the tournament much earlier with a perfect 10-0 record in European qualification. Their recent wins include a 3-0 game against Estonia and a road victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2-5.
Home field advantage for the European favorites
Spain have high expectations for next year’s world cup as they are one of the strongest teams to have never won the trophy.
To keep their playing level at a maximum level, this game will be crucial for them to get more experience against South American style soccer.
With Fernando Torres out due to injury, expect Spain to pull other strings to get an attack going against a shaky Argentine defense.
Familiar names will line the Spanish sides with the likes of Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal), David Villa (Valencia), and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), but a much deserved call-up includes first timer Jesús Navas (Sevilla).
Looking to prove their worth
Even after two wins securing their place at South Africa 2010, many believe Argentina do not have what it takes to win under coach Diego Maradona.
Numerous player changes have filled his lineups and will not be the exception for this game. Diego’s toughest choices for this match will be his midfield, as he has not had the greatest success in this area recently.
One certainty is that Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) will need to control the pace of the game by thwarting the Spanish offensive.
Interestingly enough, a newcomer to the Argentine lineup includes Diego Perotti, a fellow teammate of Spanish first timer Jesús Navas at Sevilla. If the two play, they will most likely play in the same part of the field.