Milito form boosts Argentina hopes

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Another new photo eh Tim?

Excellent blog as always, thought the way Milito took both his goal on Saturday were real class, as you say the man is very confident at the minute and if he carries that form into the World Cup might be a good outside bet for the golden boot.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Hi Tim,

Could it be that Milito is simply a good club player but not cut out for the national team?

Unlike club football, where players can have off-days during a long season, playing for a national team in a short tournament adds the extra pressure of having to perform from the start in every single game.

So far, we've seen this extra responsibility has proven too much for players like Milito, Messi, C Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and others who have been unable to rise to the occasion when it comes to playing for their country. Some may have even performed well at Youth or Olympic level but of course the demands of international senior football are completely different.

Argentina taking 3 number 9s... I bet they wished they could swap all those guys for another Batistuta, now that was a lethal striker who could perform for club and country.

In any case, Maradona has been bagged so much that I'm sure his team will want to go out and prove everyone wrong at the world cup.

Never mind Milito, what about Canada's number 9 Rob Friend? The Canadian Tower, legend.

I guess Cambiasso will have to watch the WC by telly and be happy enjoying the memories of having scored the best team goal ever in that demolition of Serbia in the previous world cup.

Diego Milito's performance is another tribute to the master that is Jose Mourinho.

Frank Lampard, John Terry, Joe Cole, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, E.Cambiasso, Lucio, Walter Samuel, Maicon, D. Milito and W. Sneidjer have all gone from being very good players to World Class under his stewardship

@6 according to wiki, the Canadian Tower has scored twice in 24 internationals with Canada, what are the chances he'll go on a scoring spree against Argentina?... hmmm... don't fancy his chances!

@4 Pray how is that a show off? Do you suppose he should say he did not cover the whole continent or lie that it was somewhere other than Rio just to satisfy your sense of inferiority?

Milito is in great form and full of confidence going into the World Cup, meaning Diego will probably leave him on the bench for most of the tournament.

Is Maradona giving Palermo so much game time in an attempt to annoy Riquelme?

https://footballfutbolfitba.wordpress.com/

I have always been a big fan of Diego Milito. Let's not forget that even before he moved to Genoa he had a very good scoring record in Spain with Real Zaragoza for a few seasons.

He has undoubted finishing quality but having watched him even closer this season (being an Inter fan) I have to say that his all round game has been superb. Not only in scoring all the goals he does his team ethic and work rate is very high indeed. I guess that says a lot about the way Mourinho manages to get the very best out of his players.

Will Milito play at the World Cup? Probably not but that will be more to do with the fact that Maradona still does not know who his best team is!!

ALso like to reiterate Zackerious' comments regarding Javier Zanetti. He has consistently been one of Inter's best players over the past 15 seasons and to lift the European Cup in his 700th appearance for the same club is testamant to both his ability and dedication.

Bring on the WOrld Cup!!!

#4 i don't think so, it just explains Tim is living there and has better access to South American footy than a blogger who is based in London.

But whats with the photo!?!? The last one was funny, but this looks like you are lying down in some weird pose! C'mon Tim, your first photo was the best! How about a photo of you at the Maracana or something?

In Maradona's defence, he probably has the most lethal bench in World football to call upon, should Argentina need to snatch a goal somewhere down the line!

# 8

sorry but completely disagree with a fair bit of that list.. John Terry and Joe Cole are not world class.. Essien, Sneijder and Lucio all played for big teams and showed there ability well before Jose was anywhere near them.. Walter Samuel anywhere near that list is frankly amusing..

On the article I agree that Milito has came on a fair bit.. remember him in Spain and thought he looked decent.. nothing more.. didnt really see his time at Genoa but he has impressed me at Inter.. He still wouldnt start before Higuain at the World Cup for me though.. Higuain is lethal anywhere near the box but can provide sound link up play at times too.. I think he is also a more intelligent player than Milito which is priceless up front on your own.

Hi Tim, new to this blog. An England-themed world cup question:

What do the South Americans (media and generally) think of the England team? How do they rate their chances? It would be nice to hear a view that is not so much influenced by the English media.

I remember the 2002 World Cup when we played them in the quarter finals, and the Brazillians' apparent fear of us...

Don't bet against Argentina having a great tournament. Whilst it looks as if Diego Maradona doesn't know what he's doing, Argentina have got such talent at their disposal that with a bit of luck they could still go a long way in spite of their manager.

If they win their group, their likely route to the semis would be Uruguay and Germany, two teams they have already beaten recently.

Likewise for Milito. The history of the World Cup is littered with unexpected stellar displays from less heralded strikers (think Schillaci for example). With the form he's in at the moment there's no reason why it couldn't all fall nicely into place for him in South Africa.

https://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/

A football writer's opinions turning out to be completely wrong?!!!! Who'd have ever thought it?! lol

Good blog Tim, but I think many a missing "IT" factor that Argentina have. Despite their imbalanced squad, absolutely hopeless manager & doubts about key areas, they still possess players that can produce a bit of magic to win a game, no matter how the team as a whole is functioning.

Don't under estimate the difference having exceptional players can make to an average team - Man Utd won 3 titles on the bounce with a horribly imbalanced midfield, but they loaded their team up with the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Nani to add to Scholes & Giggs - Players that even when they're playing badly can produce one moment to make the difference. It was that lack of exceptional ability after the losses of Ronaldo & Tevez that ultimately made the difference in their campaigns this season.

There's no reason why Argentina can't go through the tournament with each of the likes of Messi, Tevez, Di Maria, Aguero & even Higuain or Milito just making the difference to see them through. Many people don't seem to appreciate that in football you don't necessarily need to have the best team to win if you have two or three players of truely exceptional ability.

I'm not saying they're anything like favourites, but with that sort of attacking quality they've got to be worth a tenner of any gambler's money surely?

Well, nice blog as usual. I love Argentina's football style and I always wondered how they couldn't compete with the best on the previous occasions?

I think it is a shame that a great player like Maradona is a very bad coach with no common sense. I say this because he has at his disposal a group of the best players in the world and very influential players in Europe.

For Example look the treble winners Inter Milan, They had Milito , Samuel , Javier Zanetti and Cambiasso in their squad !!

Ever Banega of Valencia had a great season and proved himself as a holding / center midfielder !!

Could it be that Maradona is choosing Martin Palermo because he is a boca Juniors player ?? if that is true, it means that he loves Boca more than his own country ??

for me the ideal formation for them is 3-4-3 and that is because they lack quality full-backs. In center defense they have few options, so I don't think Maradona has the chance to be erratic here.

In midfield I think Maradona has made a big mistake by leaving Banega , Cambiasso and Zanetti out !! he needs them , all three , well in my opinion at least.

Veron is a stater but like it was indicated earlier he is too old to play a lot of games and here comes Banega or Cambiasso.

the three strikers that should start are obviously Messi , Milito and Higuain , why obviously is because they scored a crazy amount of goals this season and I can't see any reason why can't the three of them play together !!

The current Argentina squad is the best since a long time , a shame if they couldn't at least reach the semi-finals.

#5

That's very good point you make that people overlook time and time again. Some players over the duration of a season are quality, but ask for top-level performances in 3/4 out of 6/7 games and they will fail to deliver.

I would also be inclined to add Henry to that list of players you mentioned.

You look like a Bond villain lounging on his yacht in that latest photo Tim!

"Welcome Mr Bond, I've been expecting you. Care to take a swim in my piranha-infested pool?"

Anyway, back to the topic, it just seems crazy to leave out Zanetti and Cambiasso, and take 6 strikers but this is Diego Armando we're talking about...

Tim, your articles about Argentina and Brazil all seem to overlook the significance of the Olympic semi-final two years ago.

The national status of the home nations mean that British football fans tend to ignore the Olympic tournament, but its status two years out from a World Cup as a "23 and under plus three older players" competition means that in many ways it is a dress rehearsal for the next World Cup.

You often write of Dunga's good record while ignoring Argentina's 3-0 demolition of Brazil in the semi-final at Beijing two years ago. Dunga, as we all know, was so disappointed in the pickled state of Ronaldinho that he soon dropped him altogether, leaving Brazil now totally dependent upon Kaka and the full-backs for creative input.

This Argentina team remains superior to Brazil in my opinion. If anything happens to Kaka and Fabiano then Brazil will struggle.

17. At 1:49pm on 24 May 2010, Roberto_Mexicano wrote:
Don't under estimate the difference having exceptional players can make to an average team - Man Utd won 3 titles on the bounce with a horribly imbalanced midfield, but they loaded their team up with the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Nani to add to Scholes & Giggs - Players that even when they're playing badly can produce one moment to make the difference.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm sorry but I don't think that comment is accurate. I think that in the past few years when Man Utd won 3 league titles in a row and reached 2 CL finals, the likes of Carrick, Park, Fletcher and even Anderson have produced important performances in Man Utd's midfield. In his first season before injury, Hargreaves was also important. OK, none of them is Xavi or Pirlo but when you mention those particular names you're talking about the very best in the world.

It's stretching it to say that Man Utd's midfield is 'horribly imbalanced' (bear in mind, they lost the title by one point this season after a season when their squad was injury-plagued and Carrick had a poor season) and also somehow compare Man Utd to this current Argentina team.

Did Maradona not vastly improve results though? With a bit more time on his hands with the players who knows what he might be capable of as a coach. Everyone seems very quick to dismiss him as flamboyant and outrageous but they have great players and if he can motivate them well enough then they are a real contender.

Milito is a quality striker, not a great technically gifted player but he makes intelligent runs and is incredibly composed in front of goal, calmness personified if you will. His little through ball onto Sneijder's run was weighted perfectly - perhaps his all round game is improving too?

#20, on the Bond theme, surely only a baddy would refer to their home as their base?

I don't think it was Milito's fault at all that he failed to gel with the Argentinean NT, chalk it up to the Messi obsession everyone seems to have (Basile, Maradona and the World Media)--- While Messi is good and could be that difference-maker, so far he's underachieved on the NT (whether the coach was Pekerman, Basile or Maradona). No National Team coach ever considered playing with Milito as the lone-forward. In my opinion he's just as good as Batistuta was circa 1998 and 2000 thru 2001. The problem with Argentina and this you can't blame on Maradona is that you could build the NT around 3 very different strikers (Messi, Tevez or Milito) and you would get different results. While Milito is more in line with the modern day striker, think Luis Fabiano or Filipo Inzaghi... the world still goes crazy over the dribble-happy strikers like Messi, Robinho & CR7.

The other night I was watching the football program "Hablemos de Fútbol" on ESPN Deportes and a former argentinian football player (Sergio Vázquez) said that with Milito´s form Maradona should now consider playing a forward line consisting of Messi, Milito, Tevez and Higuain, all together. I thought that comment was so ridiculous.

Anyway, Maradona will have a lot of work to do in order to get the best out of his players. Milito definitively plays better as the lone striker, so it would be very interesting to see how will he adapt to the NT.

@10: Perhaps you should think twice before speaking of inferiority, for it might apply to your capability of interpreting online posts. For your information: It wasn't meant in a negative way. Hence the choice of "greatest".

Next time I'll put a bloody smiley to every single comment :rolleyes:

@21 - Its actually 18 players that are chosen for the Olympic games not 23. Batista probably managed a far more balanced Argentinian side in Beijing plus he also got more out of Messi than Basile and Maradona have done. He also had far more creative midfielders as well as the element of Riquelme to build the side around. Dunga attempted to play probably a far more creative side in China with the inclusions of Hernanes, Diego and Thiago Neves etc. Given the fact that the Brazil side struggled for any type of consistency in attack and bombed out to a greater attacking side in Argentina he went back to the tried and trusted method of a more minimalistic defensive counter-attacking football. I personally think that the Beijing Olympics was a water-shed for Dunga in cementing his tactical framework for the following two years. Since then Ronaldinho, Diego, Hernanes, Pato, Anderson etc are all outside the main squad as they hideously failed in Beijing and now don't fit into the Dunga plan.

I agree though if Kaka gets injured they are pretty much screwed. Although the same could be said for Argentina with Veron.

I pity Argentina for having Maradona in charge, such a wealth of talent and this puppet 'master' has all he strings tangled up. If they had a half-decent manager they would be favourites for the world cup.

To #5.

Sorry but I think you are wrong about it being a pressure issue.

Remember that good club sides are put together to work as a unit, players brought in to fit with what the coach wants tactically. Milito is a prime example of that, he performs a specific key role in the Inter side, no more no less. The other jobs that need doing are done by other players in that team. The team trains together 6 days a week, nearly every week of the year so each player knows their role and their team mates intrinsically.

Other players like Gerrard, Messi, Ronaldo and the like also perform roles at their club that are designed to work with the team as a whole. Take a bunch of top players and throw them together and you get a team who do not play well together, a team like this seasons Man City or Real Madrid, who can play well sometimes but badly on others because of the lack of cohension.

This is what International football is like with almost every side, simply putting the best players in one team is not enough. Argentina struggles more than most as the weighting towards their attacking players is greater than most. Messi may play in a front three at Barca but he has a big centre forward who can hold up the ball and three solid and creative midfielders behind him and all of them know exactly how to play to get the best out of each other. At international level he does not have that.

People expect Messi to change a game on his own and totally underappreciate what goes on around him in the Barca team to allow him to do that (as well as what he does in return for Ibra, Pedro, Xavi and Iniesta). Same thing for Milito, you cant just throw him into Higuin's position and expet it to work without tweaking everything tactically.

Diego Milito's performance is another tribute to the master that is Jose Mourinho.

Frank Lampard, John Terry, Joe Cole, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, E.Cambiasso, Lucio, Walter Samuel, Maicon, D. Milito and W. Sneidjer have all gone from being very good players to World Class under his stewardship

----------------

Seriously? Lampard, Terry, Essien and Drogba were already there or thereabouts before Mourinho, it's their added matuirity which has pushed them to the next level. Samuel was world class before going to Real. Sneider, Cambiasso and Maicon are still only very good. Cole is not even that.

Great words as always Tim. On reading this piece, I find my hopes for the Argentines become slightly deflated. They looked like the best team on Earth after that goal in the 2006 World Cup Finals, yet Pellegrinoi could not bring them to the final. Maradona may be a football icon, but already I feel he will let the country down again. Eccentric selection choices, questionable tactics and we haven't even gotten to the competition proper yet. I fear for them. I would love to see the Argentines lift the Trophy again, I believe they will, but maybe not for another 4 years when the talents of Agueuro and Messi have flourished even more. Maradona has something of the Roy Keanes about him. An inspiration on the pitch, but not at all gifted at orchestrating from the touchline.

Re 15, I think that views vary from country to country - as well as within countries - and Tim can probably give you the broader picture. However, I can tell you that in Brazil, while they love to take the mickey, saying England invented the game but they took it to a whole new level (not entirely incorrect), when they have to face England in the World Cup they are usually seriously concerned, often seeing England as one of, if not the principal rival (1970, 1982, 1990, 2002). The Premier League has been shown on ESPN for the last few seasons, and that has made those who can afford cable-TV much more familiar with the top players and clubs. As a British resident here, I can tell you that England's win here in 1984 is a treasured moment, not only for the result but for the style in which it was achieved, with Barnes and Chamberlain astonishing the locals, who tended to think of English football as compensating in force what it lacked in skill (again not entirely untrue in the 70s).

I think it was easy to see why Milíto would perhaps not have enjoyed the success that he's ended up having: you look at his previous record in European club football, and nothing about him particularly grabs your attention. Then again, José Mourinho seems to have this gift of changing the fortunes of players with lesser reputations; he has great judgement of a player's ability and attitude.

Personally, I'd start with Higuaín, Messi and Agüero, although I think di Maria is certain to get the nod over "Kun". Interesting that Maradona hasn't thought of sufficient cover for the playmaker role; if only he hadn't rubbed Riquelme up the wrong way...

One final thing about the Argentina squad: while many are outraged that Cambiasso is missing, I find it even more so that Javier Zanetti isn't there, particularly considering the problems at full-back. Sure, he's 36, but he's played loads of games for Inter this season, and didn't look any worse for it in the CL final last weekend.

der verlorene Sohn wrote:
#5

That's very good point you make that people overlook time and time again. Some players over the duration of a season are quality, but ask for top-level performances in 3/4 out of 6/7 games and they will fail to deliver.

I would also be inclined to add Henry to that list of players you mentioned.
-----------------------------------------
He's Frances all time top scorer, I'd say he's done pretty good on the international level

#31 - would you only class Maicon as "very good"? I think he's one of the best footballers in the world; I'd have in my team before anyone else at RB.

You simply dont win the world cup with a drug addict. Period!
Argentina have the squad but wont go past the Round of 16

Milito is world class. He should definetly be in the Argetine squad. A shame he is 30 he will start getting past it, this could be his only other chance to get to the world cup. Maradona should take Messi,Aguero,Tevez,Higuan and Milito.No Zanetti or Cambiasso in his squad too?!

https://goonviewblogspot.blogspot.com/

@32 ... Perkerman was manager, not "Pellegrinoi".

#31, that is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. No doubt you're a Chelsea fanboy. Terry was and never will be 'world-class', he's a very average defender prone to frequent mistakes. The 4-1 in Croatia during qualifying should have been 4-0, were it not for a classic Terry mistake. He's also been terrible in the PL this season. Lampard again for me isn't 'world-class', many of his goals are penalties or take horrible defelctions, I would never call either of them world-class. But saying Sniejder and Maicon are only good? Do you watch any football outside of the PL? Sneijder has been fantastic since his Ajax days, he struggled in Madrid because they had a horriby imbalanced team and played him out of position. And calling Maicon merely good is just plain daft, he's arguably the best non-forward in the world at the moment. Fantastic going forward, very sound defensively, lightning speed, and built like a tank. There's not a right-back that comes close to him.

Tim, you have made the point of reminding us in your posts that Maradona took over a team in crisis. To me, it looks like the AFA were setting up someone as a fall guy since Maradona's status would allow many to consider him an acceptable choice. Maradona now seems to have cottoned on to the strategy. The most reported statements of his in recent weeks are all about how good Messi is, how this is going to be Messi's Cup, he is going to lead the team, he is better than Maradona himself was at the same stage, etc... Messi himself seems to be feeling the added pressure and has come out with statements to the effect that there is more to the team than himself. Having chosen his cohorts for the squad dont you think Maradona is now setting Messi up to take the blame for their eventual failure?

Also, I have read a few mentions regarding a disagreement between Veron and Zanetti which lead to Veron leaving Inter and Maradona having backed Veron therefore left out Zanetti. Do you know anything more about this (I had actually read an article by you from 2006 in which it was indicated that Zanetti backed Veron in the Veron-Sorin fued)?

Perhaps by picking six strikers in his squad, Maradona is going to throw a massive curveball and play a galaxy of them all at once? He's certainly unstable/maverick (delete as appropriate!) enough to try something like that.

He's been accused, justifiably, of seemingly having no plan B other than the line-up/formation that won the friendly in Germany; perhaps his plan B is throw on forwards till you get a goal. Usually works for Fergie to be fair!

37 - Didn't Argentina win it in '86? lol

Everybody seems to forget that great football starts with the holding midfielder. Without that cat, everything else is scattered. Argentina have Mascherano, and Maradona is at least smart enough to know he is the first name on the team sheet. This is going to help Argentina quite a bit. None of it will matter, though, if Spain play Alonso in the holding role from the start. That side will have to come across a virus to stop them.

Tim

I like you was unconvinced of Diego Milito as a forward at international and top level club football. Yet like you he has proved me wrong. I know that Gonzalo Higuain is the first choice striker , yet i think it should be Milito. I have a number of reasons as to why i think Milito should start ahead of Higuain. First of all , i always thought of Milito as just an out and out goal poacher , yet he is far more mobile than i gave him credit for. I first became aware of Milito when he was at Real Zaragoza , where he finished the ' pichichi ' ( La Liga's top scorer ) on two occasions. At Zaragoza he didn't show alot of pace or even accelaration , yet he still scored alot of goals. As you said Tim , Milito works if you base the tactics around him. Where Mourinho used Eto'o as a deeper lying striker , at Zaragoza he had the Brazillian striker Ewerthon , who was lightning quick and did all of Milito's running for him. Yet Ewerthon didn't get many goals , much like Eto'o this season , who finished on 12 , compared to 31 last season at Barca, albeit in a more attacking team. Despite this however Milito has imroved massivley since the days at Zaragoza , his hold up play on saturday was superb , as was the way he ran the channels , he came short on many occasions , which dragged the Bayern defence out ehich allowed Inter to use that quick ball over the top where Pandev or Sneijder got onto the ball and by the time they had lifted there head , Milito had spun and left the defenders in his wake , this was shown in the first goal where he knocked a header down to Sneijder and spun into the space. It could be the same in South Africa , except it would be Messi instead of Sneijder.

So , Tim , what are the chances of Maradona puting his trust in Milito just weeks before the tournament ?. And who would you have as Argentina's number 9 ?.

Nice blog Tim. What do you make of Inter's style of play? Bayern controlled possession as a lot of teams have against Inter this season, yet Inter were deadly on the counter. Do you see this as a similar style to what Dunga will do with Brazil? The teams line up in a similar fashion, and i think this solidity could see them through to the final. A lot of people have complained about Mourinho's style, but it's effective. Plus, they have actually scored a ton of goals.

Milito is just CLASS I just wish we could have him at Arsenal I would say better than Drogba,

Milito as prove this season why he should be in mardonnas squad or at least be in the starting 11 for argentina, 30 goals this season thats more than tevez and aguereo has scored this season. However i do see madronna prefering the likes of tevez,higuain and agureo all before him however i say this because in the qualifiers these players had be used more than him.

However him and forming a striker partnership with the likes of tevez,agureo,higuan should be a mouth watering taste at the world cup.

"lacks the pace" or "last the race", maybe.
But "last the pace" ?

you were right sir.Argentina are not going to win any. prove me wrong ...........

@47 -- While I think Brazil and Inter are similar in their styles, Brazil still do manage to maintain a lot more possession. It's tough to judge how the team will play against teams with stronger midfields -- like France and Spain -- simply because we haven't played against teams like that. Presumably, the England friendly was supposed to be a good indicator, and while Brazil won the game and dominated possession, England's team was riddled with injuries. In the decisive qualifying match against Argentina, Brazil did concede the possession to Argentina, but even that I think is somewhat misleading because Dunga probably knew at the time that Argentina's team wouldn't be able to create anything with the team that Maradona was fielding then. I wonder how Brazil would've done with Argentina's current team, which at least from recent friendlies, looks to be much better than the team we saw a year ago.

@30
interesting points, however you're comparing apples and oranges. Sure, club football allows players plenty of time to adjust, refine, acclimatise, etc. whereas international football does not. But we must remember all national teams have to face that same issue.

So here's where the added pressure factor comes in, as players have to adjust quickly to not being pampered as they are in their clubs, but rather they need to step up and take extra responsibility for their team's performance.

Most players do that successfully while others who may be outstanding players in their clubs cannot shoulder the responsibility and fail to deliver (once again, eg. Messi, C Ronaldo, just to name a couple)

Of course, this is more noticeable with those players considered to be "special" and so it should be, if they are to be considered greats of the game, unless, of course we're so desperately in need of a new Maradona that we just assign that tag to anybody.

"People expect Messi to change a game on his own and totally underappreciate what goes on around him in the Barca team to allow him to do that (as well as what he does in return for Ibra, Pedro, Xavi and Iniesta)"

Couldn't agree more. He's not the new Maradona. Maradona was an attacking midfielder, Messi is a striker, he needs somebody else to set the play up for him. We should be comparing Messi to Ronaldo (the real one) perhaps.

I love Argentina and it is my favourite team in every World Cup editions. Yesterday they beat Canada 5:0 and the attacking players really seem to be working very well with each other. They are fast, work very hard and actually seem to enjoy each other's company.

It is amazing to think they won 5:0 and yet Messi and Milito have not played. Before you say Canada is nobody in world football, take a look at this result: Portugal 0:0 Cape Verde (FIFA ranked 117th). Ronaldo, Deco and Nani were on the field.

Messi has won World Youth Cup (05) and Olympics Gold (08), Clemente Rodrguez, Heinze, Mascherano and Tevez have won the Olympics (04), Di Maria and Aguero have won World Youth Cup (07) and Olympics Gold (08), Nicolas Burdisso and Maxi Rodriguez has won World Youth Cup (01), there is plenty of tournament football experience in the team. Okay these are not senior titles, but the physical demands are the same.

For me the outstanding player in this tournament is going to be Angel Di Maria. He was outstanding in the Beijing Olympics and could do the same in South Africa. Argentina plays much better when he is on the field.

Great article Tim - I think most people will find it amazing that Milito might not get much of a look-in at the finals.

I was reading an interview with Maradona in World Soccer magazine's excellent World Cup preview issue (I noticed your contribution), and he seems rather insistent on sticking to 4-4-2.

With the options in attack, surely he'd be better off playing a 4-3-1-2, with Messi floating behind Higuain/Milito/Aguero/Tevez?

However, his self-inflicted lack of options in the middle of midfield (Cambiasso/Gago/Lucho Gonzalez anyone?!?) and the fact that he's intent on playing centre halves at full back seem to limit that possibility.

Very baffling selections from Maradona. Not much room for tactical flexibility. What do you think Tim?

https://twoyellowcards.co.uk/

I saw some of the Argentine qualification games. I don't think diego has a clue what he is doing. I don't seem them going far at all, perhaps not even getting out the group.... They are that bad in my honest opinion. Now if they had a real manager it might be better!

Ive often wondered about the surplus of great strikers that Argentina have. if there is one name on the team sheet (and i mean 1st X1) then for me, it has to be Sergio Aguero. I think hes better than Milito or Higuain.

No doubt Argentina have a great squad with fantastic strikers and great players all over the field with an eccentric coach but i have doubts in their defence as there are no world famous defenders like the world famous forwards or playmakers they are having.I am not sure how much effective is Martin Demichellis.

There must be some reason why Maradona has selected the squad in such a way and hope it is true. Certainly, i would be delighted if Argentina go all the way and win it this time. It will be a vindication for Maradona and some great players who are approaching the end of their carreers like Veron,Palermo etc.It is very dissapointing that Cambiasso and Zanetti are not in the squad for this worldcup as it is defnitely their last i think.

All the BEST ARGENTINA . . . .

What exactly is the story with Riquelme.
He remains a contender for best midfielder out there. why is he out of the limelight ?

@59

When Diego was appointed manager , Riquelme said he wasn't making himself available for selection while Maradona was in charge.

Tim, great blog by the way.

Was wondering whether you think Adriano will ever be back in Europe? He obviousely has the talent and perhaps this confidence boost with Flamengo will help. Maybe its the other way with teams in Europe reluctant to take a gamble on him... what do you think?
Separately, how do you think the Fluminese-Flamengo game will pan out?

thanks
Joel.

52. At 01:40am on 25 May 2010, Victor wrote:

"It's tough to judge how the team will play against teams with stronger midfields -- like France and Spain -- simply because we haven't played against teams like that. Presumably, the England friendly was supposed to be a good indicator, and while Brazil won the game and dominated possession, England's team was riddled with injuries."

I appreciate that a 1st choice England XI has some superb midfielders - Gerrard, Lampard et al, but even then retaining possesion a la Spain really isn't what they're good at. Late runs into the box, shooting from distance, scoring goals, long diagonals - yes. But patiently rolling the ball around and probing for an opening - no. Many of England's defenders too are not comfortable enough with a ball at their feet to facilitate this.

Hi Tim,

I work for Sony's digital agency and was looking to send you an email but can't find an address :)

Give me a shout - harriet.pulford@daredigital.com

Thanks!

I do not think the Argentines going anywhere because they have no organization. After two or three games people will figure out how to play them. Since they have no organization nor discipline they will collapse in the eights of finals in spite of the talent they have on their team.

ROFLMAO!!!

The current picture of Tim looks like he's posing for a porno film!

VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION TIM:
Who will you be working for during the World Cup?
Listening to you on 5Live and reading your blogs shows us that you have so much more to say on the South American game than anyone we're likely to be offered on TV and radio in the UK. Will you be doing a regular blog, will you be guesting on 606?
I can't bare to think of witnessing another World Cup on the BBC accompanied by their experts who in fact know less than I do. Assuming you're not involved in some evil plot to take over the World, might you be available to share some of your views?

Hold on Tim...did you say that photo was taken by the Thames???
You must have come over on our annual day of summer. All it needs is a hint of chest hair and medallion, and I mean that without any whiff of post-modern irony.
Could Milito be one of those players who never quite makes the 'step-up' to international level?
I'd also be interested to know why you think Maradona left out Lavezzi.
Great stuff as always-cheers.

@61
Brazilian Press has noticed that Adriano has signed with Roma.

Tim, who do you think is going to win the Copa Santander Libertadores?

TKS!

Another good piece Tim.

Whatever basis Maradona is using to pick his squad for South Africa, Milito in this kind of form deserves to be part of it. Although this isn’t the strongest generation of Argentina players defensively, it has attacking talent to die for. Although I'd love to see Veron pulling the strings and Messi marauding through opposition boxes all the way to the final I just can't see them getting past the quarter finals this time (and even then only because of their weak group). Too many of their players are over the hill, as soon as Heinze comes up against genuine pace and quality, they're in trouble, and I don't trust Diego to keep his head under pressure. They're still fancied by some, but can you honestly make a case for them making a challenge for the trophy?

There was a good interview with Milito today in Olé, where he insists he can play with Higuaín. It is translated for the delectation of non-Spanish speakers here: https://pegamequemegusta.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/militonian-ellipses-diego-milito-comes-of-age/

I dont think with Tevez and Higuain, Milito will have much of a role in the World Cup. He's had chances with Argentina in the past but was never able to step up esp after Crespo's era.

The biggest question for Argentian is Is Maradona going to keep his cool throughout the tournament? If things get tough, he might lost lose it and make weird desicions. The other important things how will the combo of Veron and Messi perform? Will Messi shine in the World Cup 2010?

Also Goalazo.com for Latest football news, discussions and match highlights

Diego Milito has had a wonderful season with Inter. Milito and Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic have a few traits in common. They are very accurate and effective strikers. They turn, twist and release the ball in ways that are less fashionable. Rival defenders have difficulties, football watchers too have to get used to their style of making things happen. Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal brought out the best from these rare and supremely gifted strikers. Nice blog Tim. Thanks.


Dr. Cajetan Coelho

not fully porno film conversant with Penarol's rich erotik history in Uruguyan football but, a player I do remember seeing a fair bit of them mid nineties as a bleary indir eyed teenager watching full indir South American football in porno seyret the early hours and Pablo Bengoechea was a fantastic midfielder if I recall, yeşilçam porno I would have loved to see him in Europe. I just son bölümü izle wondered what role if any he has in ligtv izle football right n

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

So far, we've seen this extra responsibility has proven too much for players like Milito, Messi, C Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and others who have been unable to rise to the occasion when it comes to playing for their country. Some may have even performed well at Youth or Olympic level but of course the demands of international senior football are completely different. work onlinemake money from homepayday loansbest payday loans..

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

I high appreciate this post. It’s hard to find the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it! would you mind updating your blog with more information?
Deal or no Deal

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

He didn't do that well did he? I don't think Milito scored at all during 2010 for Argentina. Perhaps he is destined to be one of those decent entertaining club players, but not so good in internationals.

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

Argentina have the squad but wont go past the Round of 16 comprar generico sin receta

I don't seem them going far at all, perhaps not even getting out the group canadian online

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

Wow! I enjoyed reading your post. Great information, please keep it up, Tim. Have a good day! information Systems Essays

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

Milito is an elite player. He should be a sure-in be in the Argetina squad. A waste he is 30 he will start getting past it, this could be his only other chance to get to the world cup. piperlime coupon code | yoox discount code

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Best forward of the season. Of that there is no doubt. проститутки He scored in all of the important matches, and played one of the most thankless roles in a football team at the same time. Sneijder was the maestro but Milito was the grand piano, without him you have no show.

On the post I agree that Milito has came on a fair bit.. don't forget him in Spain and thought he looked decent.. nothing much more.. didnt truly see his time at Genoa but he has impressed me at Inter.. He still wouldnt commence before Higuain at the World Cup for me although.. Higuain is lethal anywhere near the box but can supply sound link up play at times too.. I think he is also a far more intelligent player than Milito which is priceless up front on your own. autoanything coupon | macmall coupon

Hey guys thanks for sharing the information, it was a nice content to read thanks again for sharing, keep up the good work.
patio umbrellas

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?

A perfect info source for souvenirs from Vienna Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. Dubai Hotel
Bedspreads

It's a bit of a reality check to remember that Eto'o will be playing! I just hope that we're able to enjoy ourselves and entertain anyone savvy enough to watch Spurs in the CL. Both of our games so far have been more open and entertaining than anything I've seen for a long while in Europe's main competition and it's why we'll come away from this experience with more admirers, not less in my opinion. As for the haters, you can try but this is a fabulous experience for the club and it's fans. Nothing will bring us down and it's more fool you for hoping to see us out. To dare is to do!
MyBlog

Really what I needed. Thanks I have been looking for this sort of info for a while. I have bookmarked your blog to enable me to read more on the topic.Sterling Silver Jewelry

GDP means 'gross domestic product', it is how much stuff is being produced in our nations economy. There are two types of increases in GDP. First, increase in nominal GDP due to higher price level. Second, increase in nominal GDP due to higher output. This also means increase in real GDP due to higher output (more goods/services are being produced). Cheap Hotels and Apartments
San Diego Real Estate

Do you guys have a page on facebook or something like that? I tried to find it but couldn't find any, I would really like to become a fan! I like most of your topics.Bangkok Condo Rentals

I came to your article from another article and am really interested in this learning about this. , I feel strongly about information and love learning more on this. If possible, as you gain expertise, It is extremely helpful for me. would you mind updating your blog with more information? bakery