Adressing the fans directly via his blog (http://www.cappadt.blogspot.com/) Angel Cappa of Hurcán is now the ex-coach of Huracán. In the early hours of Tuesday morning he announced his resignation in a post titled 'Hasta Pronto'. His frustration has been building throughout the Apertura; the team, a mere shadow of the one which passed and thrilled it's way to runners-up spot in the last campaign has struggled to find any form and have managed just 2 victories.
Cappa offered his resignation a few weeks ago but was persuaded to stay on until December. Last Saturday's clasico defeat at home to San Lorenzo (0-2) and the die was cast. 'I can't say goodbye to Huracán' he begins 'It's been a privilege to be involved in and with the development of a team that will surely take it's place in the club's history and possibly occupy an important place in Argentine football'. Proud of his reputation as a coach who demands football to be played the right way he believes his crusade also has implications for the game as a whole - 'Argentine football found hope' {in Huracán}. It's easy to accuse him of having an over-inflated sense of his own self-worth, pretentious too; but those who witnessed them destroy River Plate and Racing with their tiki tiki quick passing game can understand why such claims are made.
What now? He'll be cheering on Huracán from the stands and hopefully the blog will continue. As for the team's star midfielder and Maradona saviour Mario Bolatti has already intimated that he'll be moving on, he told La Nacion 'It'll be very difficult for me to continue after December..........many things have happened since July but now is not the time to talk about them'.
Jesús Martínez - reserve team coach will take over in the interim, as for long term solutions president Carlos Babbington has alluded to Miguel Brindisi who's now out of work after coaching in Mexico - his salary demands may well exceed what el Globo can offer a fact already acknowledged by Babbington. Also in the frame is Diego Cocca ex of Godoy Cruz.
Huracán 4 - 0 River Plate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZYAsCt_xzA&feature=related
Racing 1 - 4 Huracán
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZezMUZnFbQk&feature=related
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Copa Qualifiers
Bulletin No 4174 slipped out of AFA headquarters on the 17th July 2008, setting out amongst other things match schedules, relegation procedures and the colour of corner flags........ Hidden away in Section 7 of the document can be found the qualification criteria for the 2010 Copa Libertadores. Argentine clubs have 5 places available, one each for the winners of the Clasura and Apertura with the remaining places assigned to the three teams with the highest accumulated points totals throughout the previous two campaigns. Estudiantes qualified automatically as reigning Copa Libertadores champions. At time of writing Vélez have secured their place as Clasura champions, which leaves 4 places up for grabs, and a myriad of possibilities and combinations.
Eyes are inevitably drawn firstly to Boca (42 pts) and River (40 pts) both are virtually out of the running and will not be appearing in South America's lucrative club tournament. This will be the first time since 1992 that the competition has been without these two at the same time - expect tears from TV execs, CONMEBOL administrators and fans a like. Poised to take advantage of this situation are Corinthians of Brazil who are actively courting Boca's Juan Roman Riquelme, unlike his current club they can entice him with the prospect of Copa Libertadores football. The club may be forced to let him go (or force him to go) given fiscal constraints. River Plate have played more Copa Libertadores matches than any other Argentine club - outgoing president Aguilar's legacy will see them unable to add to their tally in 2010.
Of the teams that have a good chance of qualifying we find this campaign's leading scorers Colón of Santa Fe (62 pts) who've only ever appeared in one previous tournament in 1998. Lanús - currently 12th in the table but with an accumulated total of 55 points. Tight-fisted Apertura leaders Banfield (55 pts) who've only conceded 6 goals so far are also well placed. In what is a refreshing change two more teams from the provinces are challenging for places - Newell's (53 pts) and Rosario Central (49 pts) with the small matter of this weekends Rosario derby to come, Perversely Rosario Central were involved in the relegation play-offs only months ago. Huracán (48 pts) are paying for a poor Apertura and despite being runners-up to Vélez are now looking doubtful to secure a place amidst continued inconsistent form. El Globo take on Diego Simeone's San Lorenzo (47 pts) this weekend who themselves haven't won in three - the loser can kiss any dreams of intercontinental football goodbye for 2010. Finally rejuvenated and re-housed Independiente (47 pts) are still in with chance.
Roll on January.
Eyes are inevitably drawn firstly to Boca (42 pts) and River (40 pts) both are virtually out of the running and will not be appearing in South America's lucrative club tournament. This will be the first time since 1992 that the competition has been without these two at the same time - expect tears from TV execs, CONMEBOL administrators and fans a like. Poised to take advantage of this situation are Corinthians of Brazil who are actively courting Boca's Juan Roman Riquelme, unlike his current club they can entice him with the prospect of Copa Libertadores football. The club may be forced to let him go (or force him to go) given fiscal constraints. River Plate have played more Copa Libertadores matches than any other Argentine club - outgoing president Aguilar's legacy will see them unable to add to their tally in 2010.
Of the teams that have a good chance of qualifying we find this campaign's leading scorers Colón of Santa Fe (62 pts) who've only ever appeared in one previous tournament in 1998. Lanús - currently 12th in the table but with an accumulated total of 55 points. Tight-fisted Apertura leaders Banfield (55 pts) who've only conceded 6 goals so far are also well placed. In what is a refreshing change two more teams from the provinces are challenging for places - Newell's (53 pts) and Rosario Central (49 pts) with the small matter of this weekends Rosario derby to come, Perversely Rosario Central were involved in the relegation play-offs only months ago. Huracán (48 pts) are paying for a poor Apertura and despite being runners-up to Vélez are now looking doubtful to secure a place amidst continued inconsistent form. El Globo take on Diego Simeone's San Lorenzo (47 pts) this weekend who themselves haven't won in three - the loser can kiss any dreams of intercontinental football goodbye for 2010. Finally rejuvenated and re-housed Independiente (47 pts) are still in with chance.
Roll on January.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Ortega Watch - Part VI
Ariel Ortega is travelling with the squad to Rosario to face Newell's in this evening's game. He wont be playing - coach Leo Astrada has decided that given his current personal problems and state of mind playing for River today would be of little benefit to the club or the player. Ortega's lengthy battle with alcoholism has taken many twists and turns over the years and last year saw him loaned out to Nacional B side Independiente Rivadavia of Mendoza - whilst receiving treatment in Chile. He returned to River in May and the demons recently returned, prior to last weekend's defeat at home to Lanús he requested that he didn't play and even made reference to hanging-up his boots for good.
Both Leo Astrada and club president José Maria Aguilar have met with the 35 year old this week which has resulted in yet another plan of treatment being devised. This will involve daily sessions as an 'out-patient' as opposed to a stay in a residential clinic. How times and approaches to problems like this have changed. I've recently read 'Blessed' George Best's autobiography - he documents the highs and deep despair of a sublimely talented alcoholic footballer. His problems were seen as a lack of self-discipline and treated as such -a fine here, a suspension there - they were never recognised as symptoms of his addiction. His periods not playing merely gave him more time and opportunity to indulge in the booze - a cry for help which was never answered by Manchester United. ' I think at the end of the day, if a player is doing the business for the club, then the club should make an effort when things go wrong. But no one ever did come' (Blessed - George Best). On this occasion River can't be accused of abandoning Ortega, on the contrary they're working to find a solution to it. The time is fast approaching when the club's duty of care towards Ortega is matched by the player's own sense of personal responsibility and his desire dry out.
RFA loves you El Burrito, get well and get fit.
Both Leo Astrada and club president José Maria Aguilar have met with the 35 year old this week which has resulted in yet another plan of treatment being devised. This will involve daily sessions as an 'out-patient' as opposed to a stay in a residential clinic. How times and approaches to problems like this have changed. I've recently read 'Blessed' George Best's autobiography - he documents the highs and deep despair of a sublimely talented alcoholic footballer. His problems were seen as a lack of self-discipline and treated as such -a fine here, a suspension there - they were never recognised as symptoms of his addiction. His periods not playing merely gave him more time and opportunity to indulge in the booze - a cry for help which was never answered by Manchester United. ' I think at the end of the day, if a player is doing the business for the club, then the club should make an effort when things go wrong. But no one ever did come' (Blessed - George Best). On this occasion River can't be accused of abandoning Ortega, on the contrary they're working to find a solution to it. The time is fast approaching when the club's duty of care towards Ortega is matched by the player's own sense of personal responsibility and his desire dry out.
RFA loves you El Burrito, get well and get fit.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Welcome Home
The wanderers return at long last - tomorrow evening Independiente will host Colón Santa Fe in their newly revamped stadium, the Libertadores de América. As is customary for large construction projects the world over it's over budget and behind schedule. Initial estimates put the work at around $10m, 2 years later and that figure has risen to approx $35m - the economic crisis has been blamed for much of this, although critics of club President Comparada's regime point to shared business interests between himself and the architects. Sales of players such as Kun Aguero have helped to fund the construction.
Independiente were the first Argentine side to win the Copa Libertadores in 1964. Under the stewardship of Manuel Giúdice they adopted a more European style of play - catenaccio - crowds averaged 47,000 during this period. Their revamped stadium has also looked to the old continent for inspiration and is based on a European model, with four distinct stands and the crowd close to the pitch, similarities with grounds such as Ibrox or Sampdoria/Genoa's stadium are easy to see. Anticipation ahead of the return is building and last week fans queued for tickets, perhaps a disclaimer should be included - the stadium is a far from complete and barely resembles the website's promo material: http://www.caindependiente.com/estadio/. Capacity will be limited to around 30,000 for the game, it will eventually increase to 45,000. Financial constraints ensure that the stadium roof will for the time being be an unnecessary luxury.
Independiente are in a desperate financial state and have been losing money on two fronts, the closure of their own stadium and 'renting' other grounds for their home games (including Racing's). Half built or not they need to return home. Many new stadiums in the UK remove the club from it's community and it's roots, supporters are forced to change matchday rituals. A pre-match pint in a pub is now an overpriced lager in a plastic glass from the stadium's snack bar. The newly revamped Libertadores de América ensures that the club is back where it belongs and the fans can once again be surrounded by past glories and legends. It should be fantastic once it's finished.
Independiente were the first Argentine side to win the Copa Libertadores in 1964. Under the stewardship of Manuel Giúdice they adopted a more European style of play - catenaccio - crowds averaged 47,000 during this period. Their revamped stadium has also looked to the old continent for inspiration and is based on a European model, with four distinct stands and the crowd close to the pitch, similarities with grounds such as Ibrox or Sampdoria/Genoa's stadium are easy to see. Anticipation ahead of the return is building and last week fans queued for tickets, perhaps a disclaimer should be included - the stadium is a far from complete and barely resembles the website's promo material: http://www.caindependiente.com/estadio/. Capacity will be limited to around 30,000 for the game, it will eventually increase to 45,000. Financial constraints ensure that the stadium roof will for the time being be an unnecessary luxury.
Independiente are in a desperate financial state and have been losing money on two fronts, the closure of their own stadium and 'renting' other grounds for their home games (including Racing's). Half built or not they need to return home. Many new stadiums in the UK remove the club from it's community and it's roots, supporters are forced to change matchday rituals. A pre-match pint in a pub is now an overpriced lager in a plastic glass from the stadium's snack bar. The newly revamped Libertadores de América ensures that the club is back where it belongs and the fans can once again be surrounded by past glories and legends. It should be fantastic once it's finished.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
The World Watches
It's that time of year again, when the world realises there's more to Argentine football than Maradona and violence - it's Superclásico Sunday. A few weeks ago both River Plate and Boca Juniors were in such abysmal form it would have been difficult to pick a favourite, with managerial changes in the air and recriminations in the dressing room. Boca Juniors coach Alfio 'Coco' Basile tried to resign but the board wouldn't let him leave, River Plate coach Nestor Gorosito offered his resignation and the outgoing regime accepted without hesitation.
Three back to back wins, including one over title contenders Velez and Boca Juniors are moving up a congested table they are now only 5 points off top spot. A self-imposed press silence from coach Coco only ended this week in the run up to the game. An air of quiet confidence is emanating from Casa Amarilla and freak training ground injury aside they should start with the same team which defeated Tigre last weekend. Riquelme has sat out some training this week but these are merely precautionary measures we're assured.
Both coaches are no strangers to the intensity of this game and the associated hype that accompanies it. At River Plate where things are in a constant state of turmoil new/old coach Leonardo Astrada is still searching for his first win since taking over and the team's first victory in a month and a half. A veteran of over 20 league meetings as a player, 2 red cards and numerous Summer Tournament 'friendlies'. As coach he won the 2004 Clasura. The same year River met Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores semi-final, after drawing 2-2 over the two legs they eventually lost 5-4 on penalties at the Monumental. Astrada, River to the core admitted indulging in some schadenfreude of his own during the final in which Boca surprisingly lost to Once Caldas of Colombia 'When Boca lost the final of the Libertadores it made me very happy. I was at home with some friends, it would be a lie to say there was not any celebrations'. The coach's last squad included talent such as Marcelo Salas, Maxi Lopez, Javier Mascherano, Marcelo Gallardo and the prolific Fernando Cavenaghi - how times have changed.
Comments from various sources coming out of the Monumental in the run-up to Sunday's game are saying that a win in the Superclásico wont make up for the dross that's been on show over the previous 2 campaigns, but a first triumph since 2007 would be a massive confidence boost and buy Astrada some valuable time. Time may not be on the coach's side with River's presidential elections looming on 5th December his days could already be numbered regardless of form. Presidential candidate Rodolfo D'Onofrio has received the backing of idol Enzo Francescoli, who knows what the mandate of the next president will be. Another candidate Daniel Passarella has publicly backed Astrada, more than he's done for Cristian Fabbiani - when asked why El Ogro wouldn't be in his team he referred to him being 'out of form, overweight and constantly on the cover of gossip magazines' (he's recently tied the knot with model and ex-tennis player Victoria Vanucci - proof if ever it were needed that true love is blind). Fabbiani though should have more immediate concerns on his mind - making the starting eleven on Sunday, his inclusion is far from assured and it'll be two from Gallardo, Ortega and Fabbiani helping out Buonanotte.
For the Brits who've been tempted to swap the sterile Premier League for this game as a result of British Airways recent ad campaign we can only hope it's an improvement on the previous two. At the very least there'll be an atmosphere, we used to have that at English games too.
See who's distracting Fabbiani: http://www.politeapplause.com/polite_applause/victoria-vanucci-is-the-hottest-ex-tennis-player-in-the-world/#
Three back to back wins, including one over title contenders Velez and Boca Juniors are moving up a congested table they are now only 5 points off top spot. A self-imposed press silence from coach Coco only ended this week in the run up to the game. An air of quiet confidence is emanating from Casa Amarilla and freak training ground injury aside they should start with the same team which defeated Tigre last weekend. Riquelme has sat out some training this week but these are merely precautionary measures we're assured.
Both coaches are no strangers to the intensity of this game and the associated hype that accompanies it. At River Plate where things are in a constant state of turmoil new/old coach Leonardo Astrada is still searching for his first win since taking over and the team's first victory in a month and a half. A veteran of over 20 league meetings as a player, 2 red cards and numerous Summer Tournament 'friendlies'. As coach he won the 2004 Clasura. The same year River met Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores semi-final, after drawing 2-2 over the two legs they eventually lost 5-4 on penalties at the Monumental. Astrada, River to the core admitted indulging in some schadenfreude of his own during the final in which Boca surprisingly lost to Once Caldas of Colombia 'When Boca lost the final of the Libertadores it made me very happy. I was at home with some friends, it would be a lie to say there was not any celebrations'. The coach's last squad included talent such as Marcelo Salas, Maxi Lopez, Javier Mascherano, Marcelo Gallardo and the prolific Fernando Cavenaghi - how times have changed.
Comments from various sources coming out of the Monumental in the run-up to Sunday's game are saying that a win in the Superclásico wont make up for the dross that's been on show over the previous 2 campaigns, but a first triumph since 2007 would be a massive confidence boost and buy Astrada some valuable time. Time may not be on the coach's side with River's presidential elections looming on 5th December his days could already be numbered regardless of form. Presidential candidate Rodolfo D'Onofrio has received the backing of idol Enzo Francescoli, who knows what the mandate of the next president will be. Another candidate Daniel Passarella has publicly backed Astrada, more than he's done for Cristian Fabbiani - when asked why El Ogro wouldn't be in his team he referred to him being 'out of form, overweight and constantly on the cover of gossip magazines' (he's recently tied the knot with model and ex-tennis player Victoria Vanucci - proof if ever it were needed that true love is blind). Fabbiani though should have more immediate concerns on his mind - making the starting eleven on Sunday, his inclusion is far from assured and it'll be two from Gallardo, Ortega and Fabbiani helping out Buonanotte.
For the Brits who've been tempted to swap the sterile Premier League for this game as a result of British Airways recent ad campaign we can only hope it's an improvement on the previous two. At the very least there'll be an atmosphere, we used to have that at English games too.
See who's distracting Fabbiani: http://www.politeapplause.com/polite_applause/victoria-vanucci-is-the-hottest-ex-tennis-player-in-the-world/#
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Destination South Africa
The shots of Carlos Bilardo embracing an emotional Maradona at the end of last night's deserved victory in Uruguay highlighted the schizophrenic nature of the qualifying campaign for Argentina. If reports are to be believed (all rubbish says Diego) their relationship has become increasingly strained in recent months - but now the love is back? How can a nation with such a mine of top class footballing talent struggle to make even the final qualifying position? How can the world's finest player consistently produce such ineffective performances for the national side whilst continuing to shine for Barcelona? Why was Real Madrid's leading goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain ignored for so long? And the big one - how could a country with the international pedigree of Argentina entrust World Cup qualification to the unproven, untested and unpredictable Diego Maradona?
The win in Montevideo surprised those of us who were expecting more strange substitutions, erratic formation changes and a start for Martin Palermo - quite the opposite as sensible changes at the right times along with a starring midfield role for the returning Veron helped secure the win. Uruguay offered little in front of the expectant home crowd and the game as a whole was far from the classic that was anticipated. For periods in the second half Argentina went back to the future and began to look like Argentina again. AFA boss Julio Grondona wants Bilardo to be more involved in team affairs - this win may well have his influence all over it. Could Maradona finally have reneged and let Carlos Bilardo have more say in the team?
You can imagine the gentlemen of the press rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Maradona's post-match press conference, biros and dictaphones poised to record every juicy detail - payback time. Never one to hold back Diego let rip - details of his tirade can be found all over the web, tellingly his main target was the media, dedicating the win to 'all Argentines, minus the journalists'. The journalists wont be too disappointed at being excluded - it's a win-win for them, Argentina are at the World Cup and constant source of copy Maradona is still in charge. The pantomime continues.
The win in Montevideo surprised those of us who were expecting more strange substitutions, erratic formation changes and a start for Martin Palermo - quite the opposite as sensible changes at the right times along with a starring midfield role for the returning Veron helped secure the win. Uruguay offered little in front of the expectant home crowd and the game as a whole was far from the classic that was anticipated. For periods in the second half Argentina went back to the future and began to look like Argentina again. AFA boss Julio Grondona wants Bilardo to be more involved in team affairs - this win may well have his influence all over it. Could Maradona finally have reneged and let Carlos Bilardo have more say in the team?
You can imagine the gentlemen of the press rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Maradona's post-match press conference, biros and dictaphones poised to record every juicy detail - payback time. Never one to hold back Diego let rip - details of his tirade can be found all over the web, tellingly his main target was the media, dedicating the win to 'all Argentines, minus the journalists'. The journalists wont be too disappointed at being excluded - it's a win-win for them, Argentina are at the World Cup and constant source of copy Maradona is still in charge. The pantomime continues.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Argentina 2 - 1 Peru
The record books will show Argentina 2-1 Peru, those delving a little deeper in years to come may even draw some conclusions about the game from the order in which the goals were scored - the home side take the lead, in an attempt to secure victory they push forward only to be frustrated by the 'bus' parked in front of them, Peru on a rare counter equalise and Argentina throw everyone into the opposition half to secure victory in the 93rd minute. The reality was somewhat different - in typical Diego style there were numerous changes from the previous team which started against Paraguay - Pablo Aimar was recalled, Enzo Perez and Emiliano Insua made competitive debuts and perhaps most significantly of all Gonzalo Higuain was capped for the first time at senior level for la seleccion. In a less than full Monumental the first half saw Argentina dominate possession without taking the lead - Higuain came closest of all when he failed to score from a Di Maria centre, not a great start for Pipita with what can only be described as a bad miss.
The beauty of live football is that you never know quite what to expect - just as you're thinking one thing the opposite happens, chuck a team managed by Diego Maradona into the equation and all predictions are useless. Thanks to numerous factors the second half was probably the craziest 45 minutes of football I've ever seen. Martin Palermo comes on for Enzo Perez. Almost immediately into the second half Peru realise they're allowed into Argentina's half and Juan Vargas hits the bar with a thumping 30 yard volley from a corner. Stung into action Gonzalo Higuain beats the offside and finishes confidently from an expertly weighted Aimar through ball - 1-0 - Maradona celebrates like he's been fighting Pipita's corner for months! Anyone expecting Peru to collapse was in for a shock, inspired by prospect of rubbing Argentina's nose in it they grew in confidence. Like a cheap pair of jeans Argentina rapidly lost all shape. The first spots of rain began to fall and within minutes a storm of Biblical proportions engulfed the stadium. Watching from 8000 miles away I could hardly see a thing as the rain fell onto the camera lens and the wind shook the TV gantry. The same excuse maybe used by the Argentine defence as Peruvian sub Rengifo was left all alone and headed an equaliser in the last minute, South Africa seemed an awful long way away. Playing for their World Cup lives Argentina attacked and Palermo who's had one hell of a week completes his international reincarnation by tapping in a deflected cross and promptly ripping his shirt off in celebration. Ninety-three minutes and counting - Peru's Torres shoots Pele-like straight from the kick-off and hits the bar.
On this showing it's difficult to see Argentina getting a result in Montevideo - an 'epic' encounter, they need a draw to make the play-offs. If both Ecuador and Uruguay win Argentina will be on the beach next summer. Plenty of plaudits for Martin Palermo - Ole's headline today simply says 'Palermo - Immortal' (there's a free poster tomorrow............) or in La Nacion 'Martin Palermo saves la seleccion from the abyss', yes and well done Diego for picking him. Hopefully Higuain is now firmly in Maradona's thoughts for Wednesday's game. Messi once again flattered to deceive, lots of tricks and runs - none of which amounted to anything substantial.
Finally - to those of us watching on TV, given the millions recently handed out to the AFA surely they could have paid somebody (or something) to wipe the camera lens........or perhaps they didn't want us to see?
Hasta luego!
View the goals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03bSFwHeMag
The beauty of live football is that you never know quite what to expect - just as you're thinking one thing the opposite happens, chuck a team managed by Diego Maradona into the equation and all predictions are useless. Thanks to numerous factors the second half was probably the craziest 45 minutes of football I've ever seen. Martin Palermo comes on for Enzo Perez. Almost immediately into the second half Peru realise they're allowed into Argentina's half and Juan Vargas hits the bar with a thumping 30 yard volley from a corner. Stung into action Gonzalo Higuain beats the offside and finishes confidently from an expertly weighted Aimar through ball - 1-0 - Maradona celebrates like he's been fighting Pipita's corner for months! Anyone expecting Peru to collapse was in for a shock, inspired by prospect of rubbing Argentina's nose in it they grew in confidence. Like a cheap pair of jeans Argentina rapidly lost all shape. The first spots of rain began to fall and within minutes a storm of Biblical proportions engulfed the stadium. Watching from 8000 miles away I could hardly see a thing as the rain fell onto the camera lens and the wind shook the TV gantry. The same excuse maybe used by the Argentine defence as Peruvian sub Rengifo was left all alone and headed an equaliser in the last minute, South Africa seemed an awful long way away. Playing for their World Cup lives Argentina attacked and Palermo who's had one hell of a week completes his international reincarnation by tapping in a deflected cross and promptly ripping his shirt off in celebration. Ninety-three minutes and counting - Peru's Torres shoots Pele-like straight from the kick-off and hits the bar.
On this showing it's difficult to see Argentina getting a result in Montevideo - an 'epic' encounter, they need a draw to make the play-offs. If both Ecuador and Uruguay win Argentina will be on the beach next summer. Plenty of plaudits for Martin Palermo - Ole's headline today simply says 'Palermo - Immortal' (there's a free poster tomorrow............) or in La Nacion 'Martin Palermo saves la seleccion from the abyss', yes and well done Diego for picking him. Hopefully Higuain is now firmly in Maradona's thoughts for Wednesday's game. Messi once again flattered to deceive, lots of tricks and runs - none of which amounted to anything substantial.
Finally - to those of us watching on TV, given the millions recently handed out to the AFA surely they could have paid somebody (or something) to wipe the camera lens........or perhaps they didn't want us to see?
Hasta luego!
View the goals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03bSFwHeMag
Posts
