Angel Di María returned to Portugal and is training with Benfica. On August 26, 2008:
"Hopefully I can play more than last season. I want to show what I'm capable of."
About transfer talk: "My mind is with Benfica. What happens outside is not important."
In an interview with Argentinean radio Radio Mitre:
"I'm very good in Benfica and I'm comfortable there. Anyway, the offers that can appear for my transfer it's something I leave in the hands of my agent. For my part I only need to be calm and concentrate on playing soccer. If something convenient for me does appear, I might leave."
About being in Alfio Basile's list for ARgentina's next two WC 2010 qualifyers: "I'm very happy with the call up for the games against Paraguay and Peru, because it was an objective that I always fought for and finally was able to achieve."
Your thoughts on Di Maria staying after so much transfer talk?
Pablo Aimar's Benfica not off to a brilliant start. The first game of the Portuguese league, they drew 1-1. They were losing at home until Nuno Gomes scored the equalizer in the second-half.
After the first week, Benfica is already in 10th PLACE!!! Both FC Porto and Sporting won their first game.
Spanish: El Benfica de Pablo Aimar no pudo ganar su primer partido en casa. Empezo perdiendo por 1-0. El atacante Nuno Gomes empato en el segundo tiempo. Los otros 2 grandes ganaron sus partidos. FC Porto - Belenenses, y Sporting 3-1 Trofense.
Your thoughts on Pablo Aimar's first game with Benfica?
Angel Di Maria. I follow the Portuguese League and some Benfica fans are crazy about him before the Olympics started, I was curious to see how he did.
He started the first game as a substitute. Finished as one of the starting 11. Judging by the final, he took Ezequiel Lavezzi's place on the left side.
He was the best player in the first half. Unmarking himself, having some great runs down the middle, on the left side. Since Messi and El Kun were marked with two or three men, the final pass wouldn't always work. you had the impression he was the only one running. Except for Pablo Zabaleta as a right-back.
Gracias Angel Di Maria! Your goal got us the gold medal. Here are some pictures of Angel di Maria in Nigeria 0-1 Argentina, final, men's soccer 2008 BEijing Olympics.
August 23, 2008- Nigeria goalkeeper and Di Maria after he scored, celebrating. See the Argentina fans.
He would have played all 90 minutes I assume. When he laid down for what looked like heat exhaustion, he had to be replaced.
Why did the Olympics make the final at noon when the previous four games were in the evening? Might have been a different game if it wasn't for the heat.
August 23, 2008- Angel Di Maria holding the gold medal, 2008 Beijing Olympics, men's soccer.
Your thoughts on Di Maria on the final Nigeria 0-1 Argentina? Which photo did you like?
Ready for Argentina's next 2 games? 2010 world cup qualifyers. Alfio Basile announced a 19-man list for Argentina's next 2 games. No 'Lucho' Gonzalez. Angel Di Maria in the list!! The other surprise was D'Alessandro!
Abbondanzieri (Getafe),
Carrizo,(Lazio),
Sergio Romero (AZ Alkaar)
9pm USA Pacific Time LIVE on CNBC
11pm on Delay in Spanish, on Telemundo
Finally at a decent time 9pm. The other games at 3am were difficult to follow. I'm sacrificing my Friday night to see it live on CNBC then I want to watch it in Spanish. I hoped Telemundo would air it live too. Andres Cantor, Argentinean TV narrator, and Messi, Riquelme- the best combination on TV.
Was going to go to a local Argentinean restaurant. I just called and they said they were booked. I would have gone to chant with other fans!
-- 1st half All Nigeria. Nigeria knows exactly what to do. Put 3 or 4 guys around Messi. Close the middle. Riquelme hasn't even seen the ball. The only player who's been creating chances unmarking himself, running down the middle. Angel Di Maria. I wouldn't replace him with Lavezzi at all. I would replace El Kun with ACosta.
-- 2nd half- what a disappointment. By minute 70, Argentinean players started 'wasting time.' Sergio Romero got a yellow card, Riquelme didn't take a free kick quickly - yellow card. In Injury time, Riquelme also. Naturally the referee extended the game 50 more seconds. A bit lazy. At least 2 goals and ont just one. Why Monzon would allow so much space on the left side to Nigerians? Zabatela excellent going forward, outrun and beaten when he's defending on the left-side.
Changes- Lavezzi in the 91st minute? Why didn't Batista put him instead of Sosa? Another midfielder. I wanted another goal
Your thoughts? Final score? 3 key players for Argentina to win it? What did you think of the game?
Friday, August 21, 2008- Diego Armando Maradona visited the last training session of the Argentina team before the final. It was open to the media for 15 minutes. Maradona talked with the team players, and a long talk with coach Batista who was a teammate of him in México '86 and Italia '90.
It's not the first time Maradona visited the Argentina team but the first time he went to a training session.
Photo: Aug 21, 2008- Maradona, Pareja, Monzon, Angel Di Maria. Photo: EFE
"Hopefully the boys can win the gold medal. Nigeria is a good team, we have to respect them, but I believe a lot in the team. They deserve the gold for all their effort and the energy they're putting in."
Source: Diario Ole
August 21, 2008- Leo Messi signing autographs at the hotel after the training session. Photo: EFE
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I love the first photo because Maradona looks like "one of the guys." Maradona such an idol for Argentinean athletes. A morale booster for these players.
I love foreign languages and already speak four. This video is so interesting because it shows Messi's spectacular goal against Mexico narrated in 4 different languages.
01:00 - English- "Simply magnificent, that is perfection"
01:55 - Portuguese from Portugal (RTP) "Spetacolar o golo,"
Preview: Argentina - Nigeria FINAL 2008 Beijing Olympics
On Saturday all eyes will see if Argentina can win the gold for the 2nd CONSECUTIVE time. I want them to win it. It would be unbelievable if they can't beat Nigeria but can Brazil. Here's what captain Juan Roman Riquelme said in Spanish, August 21, 2008, on Diario Ole.
"I want to win to give happiness to the country and because it's my last opportunity. I wanted to be here. I was never in the Olympic games. I don't think I can be in another one"
About Brazil's victory:
"About Brazil, it was nice but it already passed. It won't be worth anything if we don't beat Nigeria and we stay with the gold medal. Just like when it wasn't worth anything the beautiful we played in the América, because then we lost the final with Brasil and everything fell apart."
"For me it's very important to arrive to the final, but we have to win it. Beating Brazil was very special for many reasons, but nobody will remember it if we lose the final."
Angel di María is having a great 2008 Beijing Olympics. Excellent pass to Sergio El Kun Aguero for the 1st goal in the semi-final.
Di Maria's future is uncertain. he plays for Benfica int he Portugeuse League, Liga Sagres. Quique is not too sure he wants to keep Di Maria in his team. Here are the transfer rumors:
On August 21, 2008, About Real Madrid's interest in him
“It's an extraordinary club, a magnificent one. Therefore, it's great that they say they are interested in me. They have to talk with Benfica. To play in Spain would be a dream! There, in that league, are the best in the world and I would be delighted to be part of them."
Source: record.pt
Your thoughts? Will Di Maria leave Benfica this season?
See the presentation of Pablo Aimar as a Benfica player in July 2008.
Has become a fan favorite. Played in the Eusebio Cup on August 15, 2008. Considered one of the big-name signings this season. Rui Costa personally travelled to Spain 3 times to persuade Aimar to sign for Benfica. AImar mentions this in this video.
Your thoughts on Pablo Aimar at Benfica for 2008-2009?
Luis Acosta plays for Sevilla in La Liga. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, scored the 2nd goal in Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast. He was a substitute in the famous semi-final Argentina 3-0 Brazil.
Acosta wears the #21 jersey.
* Name:Lautaro Germán Acosta "Acosta"
* Birth. :14-03-1988
* age :20 años
* Birthplace . :Glew, Buenos Aires (Arg)
* Weight/Height :68/1.68
* Position :Medio
* Previous club:CA Lanús (08)
Are you a fan of Acosta? Your thoughts on Acosta in Sevilla for 2008-2009?
Di Maria has had a very consistent perforamnce in all 4 Argentina games in the Beijing Olympics. He plays for Benfica, in the Portuguese League, Liga Sagres.
Now Benfica is not too sure they want to keep him. They signed Jose Antonio Reyes, plays on the left side, similar to Di Maria.
According to O Jogo, Portuguese paper,
August 20, 2008
Benfica is listening to the offer of Real Madrid, that in the past has offered 15 million euros.
DI MARIA CAN LEAVE FOR 20 MILLION EUROS
Your thoughts? Do you think Di Maria needs to leave Benfica this season?
I respect the Brazil fans. We saw how El Kun Aguero was on the cover of the Argentina papers.
See the cover of a Brazilian paper. The pressure is on and they want Dunga out. I don't blame them. Pretty drastic things!
'National team of Dunga
2006-2008'
Brasilian soccer, 5-time world champion, communicates the death of the national team of coach Dunga, occured yesterday, in Beijing, China. The mass of the 7th day will be on Monday, 8am, at Estadio do Shanghai.
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Here are some more covers of the sports section of some Brazilian papers the day after the Argentina 3-0 Brazil. Blaming Dunga.
In the friendly Argentina - Bielorussia, (August 20, 2008) the forward next to Tevez was Denis. Who is he? Referred to as "El Tanque" in Argentina, he plays for Napoli in the Serie A.
To know more about him, see this video:
El tanque Denis scored 18 goals, was the top goalscorer in the Argentina league and only 2 goals short to break the record of Martin Palermo of 1998.
Leo Messi was extraordinary in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Scored the first goal against Ivory Coast. Messi plays for Barcelona, wears #10 Barcelona jersey.
Name: Lionel 'Leo' Andrés Messi
Position: forward
Place of birth: Santa Fe (Argentina)
Date: 24-06-1987
Height: 1'69
Weight: 67
His breakthrough as a player came in the 2005-06 season, starting with an amazing performance in the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Juventus. He was also outstanding at the Santiago Bernabéu, in Barcelona's unforgettable 3-0 win, and also at Stamford Bridge, in the Champions League match against Chelsea. (Remember how Jose Mourinho accused Messi of doing "theater" when he suffered a foul by ?)Injury kept him sidelined for much of the latter stage of the season. Messi played a total of 17 league games, 6 in the Champions League and 2 in the Copa del Rey. Messi scored eight goals.
2007-2008-- Messi moved up a gear and astounded the world with goals such as the one he scored against Getafe in the King’s Cup. In the 2006/07 season, and even though the team didn’t win any titles, the Argentine was second in the FIFA World Player awards and third in the Golden Ball. He continued to develop in the 2007/08 campaign, when he scored 16 goals and gave 10 assists in the 40 games he played in.
CHARACTERISTICS
Messi is an unusual player. He is highly creative, and has the skills to take on defenders with ease. He is a versatile left-footed player who can play either in the middle or on either wing, or even as a centre forward.
Although he is quite short, he is so fast and physically strong that he can cope with larger opponents. He is incredibly powerful, and a specialist in such dead ball situations as corners, free kicks and penalties.
Titles with Barcelona: 2006/07 Spanish Supercup
2005/06 Champions League
2005/06 League
2005/06 Spanish Supercup
2004/05 League
Argentina National Team 2004/05 World Cup Under-20
2008 Beijing Olympics- Played first 2 matches, was rested int he 3rd match, played in the semi-final Argentina 3-0 Brazil overshadowing Ronaldinho.
Argentina 0-0 Bielorussia friendly August 20, 2008 Minsk
Video of highlights in Spanish from Argentinean TVC Sports English translation:
00:38 Denis sees the ball. He looks surprised. Denis is one of the 'player #9' that one wants. He had a good chance. Carrizo appears there. Well, a goalkeeper of a big team has to appear.
00:43 63rd minute- Another goal opportunity for Belarussia. This was the worst moment for Argentina. When Basile's team was most disorganized. Belarussia was dangerous on both sides, the left and right.
00:50 65th minute- Cavenaghi, the first time he touched the ball in the game.
01:00- 83rd minute- after the moment of disarray. Organized better and started creating clear goal opportunities. Like this one for instance, Cavenaghi and Licha Lopez.
91st minute- One more, A free kick for Mariano Gonzalez, the last chance for Argentina. Headed by Collocini but saved by the goalkeeper.
A friendly before the 2010 "Eliminatorias", world cup qualifyers. Argentina coach Alfio 'El Coco' Basile doesn't have those key players like Mascherano, Riquelme, Messi because they're in the Olympics. He's testing 'new' players like Denis from Napoli.
Where can I watch the game Argentina v. Bielorussia? Online. It's not broadcast on TV. I'm following it on El Clarin and Diario Ole, both Argentinean sites. According Diario Ole, "Argentina and Bielorussia are boring in Minsk. A slow game without goal chances. Jonas on the left side is creating spaces but lacks precision."
2nd half: According to Diario Ole "El Tanque (Denis) was alone in front of goal and his shot hit the bar. Tevez also wasted a goal opportunity in the end of the first half.
Surprises in the lineup: Forwards: Denis and Tevez up front. Denis, the player from Napoli, also known as "El Tanque." No Crespo because he wasn't in the call-up list.
Basile announed the starting Lineup:
Carrizo
Zanetti -- Burdisso -- Coloccini -- Heinze
Pablo Ledesma (place of injured Maxi Rodríguez) -- Lucho González -- Jonás Gutiérrez -- Cambiasso
Germán Denis -- Carlitos Tevez.
Monica_Kun's predictions: Carrizo in goal
final score: Argentina win again by 3-0. It looks difficult because in the 33rd minute it is still a goalless draw 0-0. GoalscorersDenis, Tevez, Lucho Gonzalez Favorite player in this lineupCambiasso and Tevez
Wasn't Gago great in stealing the ball in the midfield in Argentina 3-0 Brazil? He plays for Real Madrid, and wears the #8 jersey.
Fernando Rubén GAGO, nickname "Pintita"
Birthplace: Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Birth: 14/04/1986
Position: Centrocampista
Weight: 69 kg
Height: 178 cms
Nationality: Argentina
Previous clubs: Boca Juniors (04-06)
Debut in 1st División: January 7 -2007
Debut game: Deportivo 2 - 0 Real Madrid
Argentina national team: 2008 Beijing Olympics- In the starting lineup of coach Sergio "Checho" Batista. Excellent game in the Semi-final Argentina 3-0 Brazil.
Your thoughts on Gago at Real Madrid for the 2008-2009 season?
Cover Ole, Argentina sports paper, the day after Argentina 3-0 Brazil in the 2008 Beijing Olyumpics semi-final. The photo is of El Kun dedicating the goals to his girlfriend who's pregnant.
This time El Kun Aguero conquered the whole cover of El Clarin. The photo of El Kun Aguero scoring the 1st goal in Argentina 3-0 Brazil, 2008 Beijing Olympics semi-final.
Cover of El Clarin, August 21, 2008
Argentina beat Brazil and arrived to the Olympic final
The triumph that is enjoyed the most
With moments of good soccer, the finishing of Aguero, and the appearances of Messi, the national team thrashed the Brazilians in its best performance in the Olympics. Saturday early in the morning, defines the title against Nigeria, that yesterday thrashed Belgium by 4-1.
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What a game! As seen by Anderson and Lucas, how they expressed dissent to the referee each side wanted to win this game.
The Argentina team left the Workers Stadium jubilant and making noise in the team bus. The players were tapping the windows.
"We're partying in the team bus and we're going to party some more when we get to the hotel. We have to celebrate. A victory over Brazil always is worth double,"
Said Juan Roman Riquelme after the game.
See the video: Argentina players partying in the team bus after thrashing Brazil by 3-0.
Hard to recognize the player's faces at first. All wearing black polos and celebrating in the middle of the bus, facing each other not looking out the window. The only ones sitting next to the window while everyone else is jumping are Lavezzi and Di Maria.
28th second: Lavezzi, Garay,
34th second: Di Maria next to the window.
38th second: Buonanotte tapping the window
I went on El Clarin to see how the team was looking for tomorrow's friendly against Bielorrussia. Of course the big story is how Argentina humiliated Brazil with a 3-0 result. Some headlines:
"Celebrations at the bar, after the "thrashing" of the Brazil national team" Cargadas y festejos en el bar, tras la "paliza" de la Selección a Brasil,
"Like some portenos usually do, many Brazilian tourists chose a known place in Recoleta to see the semi-final. For Brasil, sadness "has no end" ("nao tem fim")in Buenos Aires either.
Como suelen hacerlo algunos porteños, muchos turistas brasileños eligieron un conocido local de Recoleta para ver la semifinal. Allí cruzaron expectativas, bromas y broncas con los simpatizantes locales. Para Brasil, la tristeza "nao tem fim" tampoco en Buenos Aires. ------ El Clarin .com August 19, 2008
"Has no end" refers to the lyrics "Tristeza nao tem fim, felicidade sim," of the the popular Brazilian bossa nova song called "Felicidade" music: Tom Jobim, lyrics Vinicius de Moraes.
"The national team humilitated Brazil and arrived to the final of the Olympic games" La Selección humilló a Brasil y llegó a la final de los Juegos Olímpicos ----- El Clarin .com August 19, 2008
Barcelona: Lionel 'Leo' Messi August 26, 2008 Champions League
Wisla v. FC Barcelona, August 26, 2008 20:45, Wisla Stadium
Leo Messi Not in call-up list. Absent, international duty with the Argentina national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Their final Argentina v. Nigeria on August 29, 2008.
Numancia - Barcelona
Real Madrid: 3 players. Fernando Rubén GAGO, Gabriel Heinze, GARAY, Ezequiel
Deportivo - Real Madrid
Getafe: 2 goalkeepers. Roberto Abbondanzieri, Oscar "Osky" Ustari
Oscar "Osky" Ustari ruled out for 8 months due to injury.
Sporting - Getafe
Sevilla: 2 players Lautaro Germán ACOSTA, Federico Julián FAZIO,
Lautaro Germán ACOSTA and Federico Julián FAZIO: In international duty in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Racing - Sevilla
Valencia: Ever Maximiliano David BANEGA
Ever Maximiliano David BANEGA: In international duty in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Valencia - Mallorca
Villarreal: Gonzalo Rodríguez
Villarreal -Deportivo
Atlético Madrid: 2 players. Sergio Leonel "El Kun" AGÜERO, Maxi Rodríguez
Sergio Leonel "El Kun" AGÜERO: In international duty in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Atlético Madrid - Málaga, Aug 31
Espanyol: ZABALETA, Pablo Javier In international duty in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
What did you think of Ronaldinho's performance in Argentina 3-0 Brazil? The Messi v. Ronaldinho show turned out to be the Messi show. Even Globoesporte acknowledges that Ronaldinho didn't shine as much as Messi.
Here's the english translation of the article:
Messi had a superb performance in the semifinal
A kiss after the execution of the national anthems marked the beginning of the face-off between Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Messi in the Beijing Olympics. Former teammates at Barcelona, both were facing each other for the first time in an official game in today's semi-final. Messi shined when in control of the ball. His style not just overshadowed the Brazilian [Ronaldinho] but also took away Brazil's chances of winning the gold.
Ronaldinho was only able to stand out when he was received in the Workers stadium with an ovation. But not much time had passed that the Chinese public didn't last long in changing its preference. It then started to applaud the "craque" (superstar) of Argentina, that commanded his teammates to the Olympic final. It will be against Nigeria next Saturday, one day before Brazil and Belgium play for the Bronze.
Friends since their Barcelona days, Ronaldinho and Messi gave each other a kiss before the semi-final in Beijing. Both teams respected each other a lot in the first half. Like expected, Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Messi were the most active. However, the Argentine was better and more effective. Not just for positioning himself the best in the soccer pitch but because he dared more than the Brazilian [Ronaldinho].
Proof of that was when Messi had two shots on goal in the first half and Ronaldinho, none. The first goal chance for the "craque do Barcelona" [Messi] was in the free kick in the 19th minute. Renan defended. In the 40th minute, he took adavantage of Rafinha's mistake in the box, stole the ball, dribbled and shot. The goalkeeper Renan saved it again.
As opposed to Brazil, that stayed behind the midfield line, Argentina went with full-force in the second half. Commanded by Messi, it opened the score to 2-0, 2 goals by Aguero. In the first goal, in the 7th minute, he scored after Di Maria's pass. In the 2nd goal in the 12th minute, Messi did a brilliant individual play, passed it to defender Monzon, who crossed it to Aguero and scored.
The sovereignty of Messi compared to Ronaldinho Gaúcho was the reflexion of the different phases they are in. One is at his best in Barcelona, taking over the #10 jersey that was the Brazilian's. The other looking to return to his old soccer ways, now at a new home: the Milan of Kaká.
In a rare good moment by Brazil, Ronaldinho appeared and hit the bar when he was in charge of a free kick. In the rebound, Pato tried to score. But later, Messi the protagonist was again decisive. In another great play in the middle, he touched the ball in the area for Aguero who suffered a foul, creating a penalty. Riquelme converted the penalty: Brasil: 3 a 0.
Then what entered in the soccer field was nervousness. Without conditions to make tactical things, Brazil started committing fouls. So many fouls that Lucas and Thiago Neves were sent-off, both for fouls committed on former Corintians player Mascherano.
Source: globoesporte .com
Wasn't this pro-Messi? It looks like it was in the Argentinean media. It looks like Ronaldinho and not just Dunga is under fire by Brazil.
Naturally I went on the Brazilian media to see their reaction to the 3-0 defeat by their greatest rivals, the "Hermanos." Here are headlines of Globoesporte .com
"Dunga's team says goodbye to the dream of the gold"
"Time de Dunga leva chocolate da Argentina e dá adeus ao sonho do ouro," Globoesporte .com, August 19, 2008
"Messi had a superb performance in the semi-final"
"Com direito a beijo em Ronaldinho, Messi tem atuação soberana na semifinal" Globoesporte .com, August 19, 2008
I'm so happy that Argentina won. Among the best players for the Argentina team were the central defenders Pareja and Garay. Thanks to them we couldn't see Pato score or free to move in the 30 minutes he was on the soccer field. Here's an article in Spanish on El Clarin. Let me know your thoughts.
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El Clarin .com August 19, 2008
La Selección humilló a Brasil y llegó a la final de los Juegos Por: Juan Lagares
En su mejor partido del torneo, goleó en Beijing al clásico rival por 3 a 0 con tantos de Agüero (2) y Riquelme de penal, todos en el segundo tiempo. El equipo de Batista impuso su contundencia en un encuentro que se presentaba muy cerrado hasta el primer gol. Buscará el sábado a la 1 ante Nigeria repetir el oro conseguido hace cuatro años en
El fútbol siempre da revancha. Y aunque digan que la venganza es un plato que se sirve frío, Brasil quedó bien calentito. Derrota en la final de la Copa América de Perú en 2004, derrota en la final de la Copa Confederaciones en 2005 y derrota en la final de la Copa América de Venezuela, el año pasado. Tres golpes durísimos para Argentina, un país y una Selección que respira fútbol.
Todo llega. La semifinal en los Juegos Olímpicos se presentaba como una oportunidad única para el equipo que conduce Sergio Batista, y no la iba a desaprovechar. Argentina aplastó, humilló, vapuleó a Brasil por 3-0 en Shanghai y se clasificó para disputar el oro ante Nigeria, el sábado (desde la 1 en nuestro país), en el Nido de Pájaro. Pero sobre todo, ganó como quiere la gente: con coraje y buen juego.
La primera etapa sirvió de estudio. Especulaciones, dudas, miedos... De ambos. La dupla Riquelme-Messi no pesaba. Porque Dunga otra vez designó una marca personal para Román. Lucas se pegó al diez de la camiseta del enganche argentino. Anderson y Marcelo se encargaban de rodear a la Pulga cada vez que el crack se tiró a la derecha. Por el lado de Brasil, Ronaldinho, muy estacionado en la banda izquierda, intentaba poner su talento a disposición de Sobis, que quedó muy solo arriba. Entre Mascherano, Zabaleta y Gago se lo comieron.
Algunas alarmas que se encendieron. Las escaladas de Rafinha por la derecha ante la impotente marca de Di María y de Monzón. Y Sobis, que a pesar de su soledad, complicó al fondo argentino. Un desborde del lateral terminó con un centro atrás que el delantero de Betis no pudo definir de taco. Quedaba muy lejos Agüero en ese primer tiempo, aunque el Kun se las ingenió para generarse su propio espacio y rematar de zurda desviado, a los 10. La más clara en el primer tiempo.
No claudicó nunca Riquelme en su intención de pisar la pelota y organizar el juego de Argentina. A pesar del molesto Lucas, la intención de atacar del equipo siempre pasó por el cerebro de Román. Pero el marcador se abrió por otros motivos. La presión de Gago y Mascherano dio resultado. Brasil perdía la pelota cerca de su arco. A los 7, el volante central del Real Madrid abrió para Di María. El zurdo sacó un zurdazo violento al área, mitad tiro al arco, mitad centro. Y ahí apareció el Kun Agüero para ponerle el pecho al balazo, para empujarla a la red y establecer el 1-0.
Después del gol argentino, Dunga decidió reemplazar a Hernanes y a Sobis, en lugar de Alexandre Pato y Thiago Neves. Dos nombres que asustan. Pero más asustaron Pareja y Garay, que marcaron siempre con firmeza. También metieron miedo los dos volantes centrales argentinos, para recuperar y distribuir. Aniquilaron las pretensiones de Brasil a pesar de un tiro en el palo de Sobis y de un desborde de Rafinha.
Siempre intentó jugar Argentina y Riquelme. Román jugó rápido un tiro libre sobre la izquierda con Messi. Quedó para Di María que se la devolvió a Messi. La Pulga encaró, juntó rivales y abrió hacia la derecha para Garay, que se quedó en el área. El central le dio fuerte y cruzado. Otra vez Agüero, bien ubicado, llegó al corazón del área y anta la mirada estéril del arquero Renán, la empujó al gol para el 2-0.
La desesperación de Brasil lo hizo salir del fondo en busca del descuento. Ronaldinho estrelló un tiro libre en el palo derecho de Romero (lo único que hizo el nuevo jugador del Milan), en el rebote Marcelo le dio al arco y Pato la desvió al gol. Pero la jugada fue anulada por el árbitro uruguayo Martín Vázquez. A partir de ahí, la pelota siempre se movió bajo la suela de Riquelme. El enganche no tuvo demasiado peso en ofensiva. Pero manejó los tiempos, bancó con aplomo las patadas y el asedio desesperado de Brasil por recuperar rápido la pelota e ir por el milagro. Ordena, acomoda, le dio aire al equipo... Y como en el último Superclásico y su recordado tiro libre, ahora de lateral generó su gol. Defendió la pelota sobre la derecha, ganó el saque de banda. Mientras charlaba con el asistente, armaba la ofensiva. Hizo el saque para Messi que encaró hacia el medio y tocó para Agüero en el área. Breno lo bajó y fue penal. Riquelme se hizo cargo y puso el 3-0 con autoridad.
Después, Brasil se descontroló. Lucas primero y Thiago Neves después, castigaron a Mascherano y vieron la roja para que el equipo de Dunga demostrara aún más la superioridad Argentina. Un triunfo impecable de Argentina. Para tomarse revancha, para gozar al clásico rival, para disfrutar. Ahora se viene otra parada brava y otra oportunidad de borrar con el codo la tristeza del pasado. Nigeria será el rival en la final del sábado, ese mismo equipo africano que en Atlanta 96' le robó el oro a Argentina. Es hora de recuperar y de defender lo propio.
Source: El Clarin .com
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Me encanto el articulo. Para mi que manera de empezar a terminar con el dominio de Brasil. El hombre del partido es Messi. Hizo las jugadas de gol. Ronaldinho- una decepcion. Me imaginaba que se iba a poner el equipo en la espalda y por lo menos hacer varias individualidades para por lo menos marcar el gol de el honor. Pato, tenia 30 minutos en la cancha y no se vio mucho.
-------------------------53' Sergio Aguero
-------------------------57' Sergio Aguero
------------------------76' Juan Roman Riquelme (pen)
------------Substitutions:-----------------91' Riquelme out, Sosa in -----------------------61' Rafael Sobis out, Pato in
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------61' Hernanes out, Thiago Neves in
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------71' Diego out, Jo in
Video of 3 goals in Argentina 3-0 Brazil Semi-final.
Goal 1: 53' Messi down the middle, pass it to Angel Di Maria on the left side. Di MAria crosses it to El Kun and he scores
Goal 2: 57' Goal by El Kun
Goal 3: 76' Penalty scored by captain Juan Roman Riquelme.
See the video, post your comment on which goal you liked the best?
Brazildangerous on the right side with Rafinha. Monzon can't stop him.
Overall, in the 1st half, Brazil played better. I was disappointed to see many Brazilian players shoing nervousness. Especially #7 Anderson, getting away committing fouls, expressing dissent to the referee. I wonder why Dunga didn't take him out and replace him with another forward in the 2nd half.
To stop Argentina from scoring, Brazil needed to stop these attacking players from going forward. It's not just Messi. He has the vision to read the game a few seconds before anyone else. There are other players who help create chances too:
Left-back Pablo Zabaleta: creates goal chances by going forward on the left-side, and crossing it to Argentina players int he middle.
Messi- from getting into the box and in the Brazil midfield, not let him use the right side, not much space in the middle so he can use his vision and create the goal chances. The second Argentina goal was thanks to Messi's vision.
Di Maria on the left: More effective in finishing a pass to Aguero and Messi when on the left side. Late in the 2nd half, Brazil didn't give him much space to go forward on the left, Di Maria was constrained to go forward in the middle. He would lose the ball or make imprecise passes. At this time, Lavezzi with fresh legs would have been an alternative.
Also needed to closely mark Di Maria and Aguero in the penalty area. Brazil did this well by marking Sergio Aguero closely. The one time Brazil didn't mark Aguero AND Di Maria Aguero scored the 2nd Argentina goal in the 73rd minute. Both of them were alone without any Brazil players around him. They were hoping for an offside. The goal really came from the mistake of the Brazil defense.
Best 3 players: Rafinha, Lucas, Breno.
disappointing 3 players: Pato, Ronaldinho, Anderson
Pato had 30 minutes in the game and only had 2 great goal chances. Didn't see much close opportunities from him. Ronaldinho. He just stood there. Rarely touched the ball or would lose it. Rarely ran compared to Messi and other Brazilian players. I thought at any moment he would carry the team on his shoulders, use his individual ability and start shooting. This was the match of his life. Makes me wonder if he would do the same at AC Milan in an important game.
Argentina-Messi very active for the team, on the left, right, middle. Kun Aguero 2 chances off-target. So slow. Much better second half.
Best 3 players: Mascherano, Gago, Messi
Argentina 3-0 Brazil- Brazil starting lineup
(GK) RENAN 12
RAFINHA 2
ALEX SILVA 3
(-61') HERNANES 5
MARCELO 6
ANDERSON 7
LUCAS 8
(C) RONALDINHO 10
BRENO 14
(-71') DIEGO 15
(-61') RAFAEL SOBIS 17
Substitutes: DIEGO ALVES 1
THIAGO SILVA 4
(+61') ALEXANDRE PATO 9
RAMIRES 11
ILSINHO 13
(+61') THIAGO NEVES 16
(+71') JO 18
Argentina 3-0 Brazil- Argentina starting lineup No Lavezzi, Di Maria in starting 11. Underperforming El Kun Aguero also in starting 11.
18 Sergio ROMERO (GK)
2 Ezequiel GARAY
3 Luciano MONZON
4 Pablo ZABALETA
5 Fernando GAGO
10 Juan RIQUELME (C) (-91')
11 Angel DI MARIA
12 Nicolas PAREJA
14 Javier MASCHERANO
15 Lionel MESSI
16 Sergio AGUERO
Substitutes:
6 Federico FAZIO
7 Jose SOSA (+91')
8 Ever BANEGA
9 Ezequiel LAVEZZI
13 Lautaro ACOSTA
17 Diego BUONANOTTE
22 Nicolas NAVARRO
Enjoy photos of the Argentina 3-0 Brazil match: Argentina's 1st goal by Sergio Aguero:
August 19, 2008- Argentina scores 1st goal by Sergio Aguero, wearing the #16 jersey. Brazil goalkeeper Renan, and Brazil defender Marcelo, wearing the #6 jersey. Photo: foto-net
August 19, 2008- Argentina's Sergio 'El Kun' Aguero, wearing the #16 jersey celebrating after scoring the goal. Photo: foto-net
Photo during the Argentina 3-0 Brazil match:
August 19, 2008- Argentina's Fernando Gago in Argentina 3-0 Brazil. Photo: foto-net
August 19, 2008- Argentina's 'leo' Messi and Brazil's Ronaldinho in Argentina 3-0 Brazil. Photo: foto-net
August 19, 2008- Argentina's 'leo' Messi and Brazil's Anderson, wearing the #7 jersey in Argentina 3-0 Brazil. Photo: foto-net
After the Argentina 3-0 Brazil match:
August 19, 2008- Argentina's 'leo' Messi and captain Juan Roman Riquelme after the final whistle in Argentina 3-0 Brazil. Photo: foto-net
Your thoughts of the game?
Best 3 players?
Disappointing 3 players?
I can't wait for the great Argentina v. Brazil, 2008 Beijing Olympics semi-final. Ready with the cheer in this nice video. It's at 3am USA Pacific time, wouldn't miss it for anything so I'm watching it live.
It has photos of the Argentina players in the 2006 world cup with his Argentina cheer as background music:
vamos, vamos a ganar,
que esta barra quilombera,
no te deja, no te deja de alentar.
English translation:
Let's go, let's go Argentina,
let's go, let's go to win,
for these raucous supporters,
won't stop, won't stop cheering for you.
Typical chant Argentina supporters sing at the games, soccer stadiums.
Portuguese League hasn't started yet. Last Saturday, the big game, the Supercup between the league champions and the cup winners, FC Porto v. Sporting.
FC Porto 0-2 Sporting , August 16, 2008
Forward Lisandro Lopez- played 90 minutes. Prefers to play in the middle of the attack and not on the sides. Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira put him in the starting lineup to play on the sides. In the first half, he wasn't effective on the sides. Ferreira after the halftime, let Lisandro play in the middle like he prefers and improved his performance.
Next game:
Called up for the next Argentina game, August 20, 2008, Argentina v. Bielorussia.
