Is there a logic behind Argentina Football Federation's president Julio Grondona's belief that "Messi never plays badly"? Never underestimate the power of denial.
Shouldn't Argentina's coach introduce a few modifications in his scheme to face Group A leader Colombia on Wednesday night? What about Mano Menezes, and Oscar Tabarez?
It's true we're set to witness a much more aggressive football this week, as Argentina cannot waste a golden opportunity to claim the top position of the group, while Colombia knows a victory (or even a draw, depending on the result of Costa Rica vs Bolivia) could seal Los Cafeteros' qualification for the knockouts.
The same applies for Group B, as Brazil locks horns with Paraguay this Saturday. Unlike Venezuela, Paraguayan coach Gerardo Martino confessed the Guarani squad "will be aggressive, determined to attack and play the ball whenever possible". He might need the combined strength of Nelson Haedo Valdez, Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz to break the Brazilian defense.
Lionel Messi shone against Bolivia, his partnership with experienced international players like Carlos Tevez and Javier Zanetti bared fruits, but he lacked a clear offensive referent to harmonize the attack.
In fact, Messi often withdrew to the midfield to start the attack. This changed when Sergio Aguero joined the battlefield last Friday, for Atletico's striker forced Bolivian defenders to split their strengths, giving Lio Messi more room to do what he does best.
Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore would be my top choices to aid Lio Messi find himself on the pitch. Both players have the finesse and depth of view Argentina is lacking in the midfield. Will Batista even consider them for Wednesday's clash?
Argentina's coach confirmed Aguero won't be part of the starting eleven. He wants Tevez's finesse and ferocity and Lavezzi's speed over Aguero's efficiency. I don't think this is what Argentina needs right now, what's your opinion on this?
Something similar happened to Colombia. The Cafeteros' main playmaker Dayro Moreno could never find his place on the pitch, and Colombia's attackers drifted away endlessly.
I don't think Hugo Rodallega is the man Colombia needs to sharpen their attack (unlike Hernan Gomez, who had Abel Aguilar make room for Wigan's striker early on the first half). To be perfectly blunt, I believe Colombia needs yet another driver to exploit their natural advantage on the wings.
Carlos Sanchez, Freddy Guarin and Abel Aguilar can give Colombia the needed boost to defy Copa America hosts Argentina on Wednesday night.
Brazil played a beautiful game but lacked the finishing. I believe Brazil needs time to adapt to Mano Menezes' new strategy. The confidence of the Brazilians will build up as the games go by, and the rest of the contenders are more likely to fall under the pressure of the competition.
Brazil's coach shouldn't modify his scheme for this clash, as the uncanny powers of their attackers is likely to be simply overwhelming.
South American powerhouses have little time to recover their form and take a decisive step towards qualification. Are they ready to take it?
It's true we're set to witness a much more aggressive football this week, as Argentina cannot waste a golden opportunity to claim the top position of the group, while Colombia knows a victory (or even a draw, depending on the result of Costa Rica vs Bolivia) could seal Los Cafeteros' qualification for the knockouts.
The same applies for Group B, as Brazil locks horns with Paraguay this Saturday. Unlike Venezuela, Paraguayan coach Gerardo Martino confessed the Guarani squad "will be aggressive, determined to attack and play the ball whenever possible". He might need the combined strength of Nelson Haedo Valdez, Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz to break the Brazilian defense.
Lionel Messi shone against Bolivia, his partnership with experienced international players like Carlos Tevez and Javier Zanetti bared fruits, but he lacked a clear offensive referent to harmonize the attack.
In fact, Messi often withdrew to the midfield to start the attack. This changed when Sergio Aguero joined the battlefield last Friday, for Atletico's striker forced Bolivian defenders to split their strengths, giving Lio Messi more room to do what he does best.
Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore would be my top choices to aid Lio Messi find himself on the pitch. Both players have the finesse and depth of view Argentina is lacking in the midfield. Will Batista even consider them for Wednesday's clash?
Argentina's coach confirmed Aguero won't be part of the starting eleven. He wants Tevez's finesse and ferocity and Lavezzi's speed over Aguero's efficiency. I don't think this is what Argentina needs right now, what's your opinion on this?
Something similar happened to Colombia. The Cafeteros' main playmaker Dayro Moreno could never find his place on the pitch, and Colombia's attackers drifted away endlessly.
I don't think Hugo Rodallega is the man Colombia needs to sharpen their attack (unlike Hernan Gomez, who had Abel Aguilar make room for Wigan's striker early on the first half). To be perfectly blunt, I believe Colombia needs yet another driver to exploit their natural advantage on the wings.
Carlos Sanchez, Freddy Guarin and Abel Aguilar can give Colombia the needed boost to defy Copa America hosts Argentina on Wednesday night.
Brazil played a beautiful game but lacked the finishing. I believe Brazil needs time to adapt to Mano Menezes' new strategy. The confidence of the Brazilians will build up as the games go by, and the rest of the contenders are more likely to fall under the pressure of the competition.
Brazil's coach shouldn't modify his scheme for this clash, as the uncanny powers of their attackers is likely to be simply overwhelming.
South American powerhouses have little time to recover their form and take a decisive step towards qualification. Are they ready to take it?
