Time zone: US/Eastern | Register | Login
Search:

Keeping up with South America - Argentina News

Matias Vulej, June 10 2010,
Diego Maradona will have to lead Argentina to the title, but this time from the bench. Will Lionel Messi lift the only title he misses?

Many European giants are fighting for Argentina's stars, as the unlimited number of fast, witty, offensive players the country has given during the last years are unmatched in the whole globe. Nevertheless the team had to suffer till the last match of the qualifying stages before securing their ticket for South Africa. Argentina has an unlimited number of deadly strikers, but is clearly lacking solid wingers and with Juan Roman Riquelme's absence, Juan Sebastian Veron has to face the solitude of the midfield being responsible for taking the ball where it hurts the most.

 



Three players were recognized by Maradona es cornerstones of his strategy: Javier Mascherano, Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi. Mascherano and Jonas Gutierrez offer versatility to the defensive line, for both players have the speed and creativity to create counter attacks out of nowhere. Lionel Messi has not yet found its place wearing the Albiceleste, and for that reason many have criticized La Pulga, declaring he's lacking the patriotism needed to become a hero. This has been a heavy burden both for Leo but as well for Maradona, who tried to place La Pulga deep into the opponent's area as well as positioning him in a more creative role, but Argentina's lack of a solid man in the area (absence that Diego Milito might vanish) usually render Messi's attempts from the bands useless.

 This team could hardly cope with another dissappointmentThe last few matches have given roots to Angel Di Maria as Veron's partner in the midfield, for his left foot provides Maradona another variation in the offensive. The presence of two gunners behind the striking line turn Argentina's offensive into an unstoppable machine. The only problem is that Argentina's physical disadvantage (Most of the players are well behind the 1.80 mts barrier) over their rivals (Especially Greece, with eight man over 1.90 mts in their squad) makes aerial's play a real challenge for Maradona's boys.

Concentration in South Africa brought two variations from the regular formation Maradona used to display during the last years. Jonas Gutierrez has been given absolute control over Argentina's right band, filling a dual position as winger / offensive midfielder, as Galgo's stamina pool appears to be endless. This allows Diego Maradona to liberate an additional slot in the last meters, making Carlos Tevez join Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi in the offensive. It's strange not to see Diego Milito within the starting squad, even though it's clear Il Principe will be given an opportunity as soon as any of the last three do not makes it towards the net, as well as Sergio Aguero, another European giant waiting in the bench.

Argentina's offensive tridentHaving tried over 100 players players during the last two years, Maradona has found in Juan Sebastian Veron a distinctive trademark of his strategy. La Bruja has led Estudiantes to conquer the Copa Libertadores last year, having shown his finesse remains intact after 15 years of professional football. His role is that of a tuner, for his specialty with the ball permits allows Argentina to harmonically combine the strengths of most Europe's top strikers (Messi was La Liga's pichichi and Champion League's while Gonzalo Higuain and Diego Milito jealously sought after the first position, Carlos Tevez has been the brightest star in Manchester City, and as always he has won the respect of the crowds. 

Argentina's squad will face Nigeria with two different kind of players on the field: Those eager to finally reach the peak and the honor after a long search and those determined to lead those dreamers towards their goal. But some historic figures (as Javier Zanetti or Esteban Cambiasso) will be missing this competition, showing Diego Maradona is ready to give new blood an opportunity to change the course of history. After 24 years, the Argentineans are hungry for glory, and the figures of Messi and Maradona can reach the category of idols if they manage to return home with Argentina's third world title.

 

Related Articles

Member Sign In »

Username Password
Forgot Password | Remember
Not a Member Yet? Register Now