Ezequiel GARAY: “I never gave up on Argentina”

March 29, 2018

A figure in Alejandro SABELLA’s 2014 World Cup back line, Ezequiel GARAY took to the media to discuss his Argentina National Team situation.

Lots has been said regarding GARAY’s lack of call-ups to the National Team. In fact, his last match for Argentina came in the first match of 2018 World Cup Qualifying when the team lost 2-0 at home to Ecuador. Rumors were circulating that GARAY had refused call-ups in the past but he has set the record straight.

Speaking with El Desmarque of Spain, here’s what the Valencia man had to say:

Ezequiel GARAY

“It’s a question for the Argentina coach. I intend to do things well at my club and after that it depends on the coach. It doesn’t depend on me to decide who goes and who doesn’t.

“A lot of things were said. Did you hear anything coming out of my mouth? No. Listen… I never gave up. I always believe it’s a dream to be able to play for you country.”

Cesar Luis MENOTTI: “Poor BUSTOS…”

Roy Nemer

March 29, 2018

The legend that is Cesar Luis MENOTTI came out and spoke about Argentina’s recent 6-1 catastrophic loss against Spain.

World Cup winner with Argentina in 1978 as a coach, MENOTTI has always been a stand out figure in Argentinian football. Here’s what he had to say about the loss on Tuesday:

Cesar Luis MENOTTI on the match:

“The decision to play against Spain was not SAMPAOLI’s decision nor that of the current AFA members. It’s a problem for SAMPAOLI but it’a his responsibility.

“This is where the coach has to make decisions and take responsinility. Argentina can put together a strong team because they have the best and all the National Teams fear MESSI. I have faith that Argentina can have a good World Cup, I see them among the 8 best teams.

Cesar Luis MENOTTI on Fabricio BUSTOS:

“Fabricio BUSTOS, poor guy, he must be crying… they left him all alone. This result can be resolved with ideas and short term planning. It’s the time that worries me.”

Jorge SAMPAOLI press conference, VALDANO, others weigh in

Roy Nemer

March 27, 2018

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In what was Argentina’s most embarrassing loss since that infamous 6-1 against Bolivia in a World Cup Qualifier, Jorge SAMPAOLI took to the media to deliver his press conference while World Cup winner Jorge VALDANO along with a few others weighed in.

If Jorge SAMPAOLI thought he had 60% or even 80% of his World Cup roster sorted out, you can likely divide those numbers by two or even three after tonight. An unfit captain, an unfit number 9 in Sergio AGUERO, an injured player like Manuel LANZINI and an injured Angel DI MARIA (although many would say that is a blessing) meant heavy rotations for the match against Spain.

Speaking to the media after the match, here’s what coach SAMPAOLI had to say:

Argentina coach Jorge SAMPAOLI:

“With the ball, Argentina looked to play against Spain. Our objective was to defend using the ball. Spain had some favorable moments that did not see them deserving of a 2-0 advantage. In the scond half, they caught us on the attack. Both teams equally dominated but Spain was much more effective.

“We played an incredible first half. I think we played well against Spain for 60 minutes but that is not enough against Spain.

“I have to take responsibility. The players left their hearts out there against a team that was well oiled. This type of atypical result could change a coach’s optic if they don’t look at what happened in depth. The players tried to find the opponent’s goal. When we had the chance we didn’t take advantage of it and they were very effective.

“We have to keep working so that these things don’t happen at the World Cup. We have to learn from our mistakes. We didn’t expect them to dominate us so forcefully.

“MEZA, LO CELSO and TAGLIAFICO, who practically debuted on this trip, did well.

“MESSI accompanied us at every moment. MESSI had a very good week of training but the annoyance in his leg persisted. MESSI was in the locker room supporting his team mates.”

Pedro PASCULLI, a World Cup winner in 1986 had this to say:

“Argentina today depend on MESSI 10 times more than we depended on MARADONA in 1986. MESSI won’t come in and fix everything. From midfield to attack, at best, yes but at the back, who’s going to fix that? This result is another problem for MESSI because now all the responsibilities will be on him when he plays.

“I didn’t understand the midfield that SAMPAOLI put out. He put BIGLIA, MASCHERANO and BANEGA to take the ball from the Spaniards and after that, what, to who do they give it to?

“When HIGUAIN puts on the blue and white, he doesn’t see the goal… I don’t know, there’s a lot of doubts. This isn’t only a friendly match, this is an international fixture. If you see that HIGUAIN isn’t giving you anything, you have to have the personality to take him out.

“Diego MARADONA solved our problems but he wasn’t alone: We were by his side.

“AGUERO and DI MARIA still haven’t shown with the National Team what they are with their clubs.

“DYBALA I would take to the World Cup. It’s true he plays in the same position as MESSI but he’s a young player that could fix a few problems. He’s not MESSI but he can make the difference.

“I don’t think CABALLERO is at fault for the goals. You have to see it from the back, the defense… They went in however and whenever they wanted.

“With all the respect, we are Argentina, we are not Peru. We have the best player in the world. We have to put our balls out there, go out and win. You have to have the personality to put on the sky blue and white shirt, to play a World Cup, to go out on the pitch and say “I want to win”.

“I saw SAMPAOLI calm in the press conference but that’s alarming. Tomorrow, the 6-1 will be all around the world.

“I would have put Lautaro MARTINEZ from minute 0 for him to go up against PIQUE and Sergio RAMOS, world class defenders. Enough. PEROTTI is very good. Lautaro MARTINEZ is wanted by Inter and Borussia and he doesn’t get a chance.

“With all of my heart I wish Argentina wins the World Cup.”

Jorge VALDANO, a World Cup winner in 1986 with Argentina:

“With this loss, Argentina will have to go through the cavalry until the World Cup. The result is terrible for Argentina, what happened today was a catastrophe.

“MESSI is the only reason for anyone to give Argentina even a small chance of winning the World Cup. HIGUAIN is haunted with Argentina. If MEZA’s level is that of today’s, then Argentina has a real footballer in him. I see him ready to make the jump to Europe.

“I wouldn’t like to be in SAMPAOLI’s situation.”

Mario KEMPES, a World Cup winner in 1978 with Argentina:

“Argentina’s first half made me enthusiastic. They didn’t play bad. Now the second half was a catastrophe. In the second half Argentina were 11 friends that got together to play football and they didn’t know anyone.

“You can play in the best teams in the world but defending Argentina’s shirt is another thing.

“The chance that HIGUAIN got today, had he gotten that with Juventus, 51 times out of 50, he scores it. I don’t know what happens to him with Argentina.

“MESSI can revolutionize a team by his presence but he can’t play as a goalkeeper, defender, winger, assist and score goals. There’s only one MESSI and football is played with 11 players.

“ICARDI is a player that can serve you and I don’t know why SAMPAOLI left him out. Against Uruguay, he didn’t play bad.

“This National Team needs new blood. This World Cup is the last one for many of these guys and we need players for the change. In the first half, I liked MEZA a lot.

“For a lot of these players that are starters, they need a light hit for them not to sleep.”

Roberto AYALA:

“The 6-1 hurts but these matches define nothing. They are made for the coach to draw conclusions and to keep working on an idea. We risked a lot of the ball for nothing. Argentina wants to resemble Spain but they have had the same playing style for years. We’ve changed a lot of coaches who have had different ideas.

“Today was a big warning to know where we are and where we want to go. It hurts to let in a lot of goals but these things will be a warning.

“SAMPAOLI is a coach that constantly looks at the opponents’ goal but Argentina doesn’t have the players for that. His players have other characteristics.

“If the defenders are attentive at every moment, you can play next to the goalkeeper. But you have to know how to manage space.”

Diego COSTA of Spain:

“In Argentina, they criticize MESSI a lot but look at what happened today, you can see how it is when MESSI isn’t there. Without MESSI, it’s another thing. You don’t criticize someone like MESSI. What people should do is give thanks for him. When MESSI is not playing, Argentina transform into another team. Our style is different if we face MESSI.”

Sergio RAMOS of Spain:

“MESSI is a unique player and it’s clear that Argentina is more powerful with him.”

Don’t forget to check out the player ratings posted by Mundo’s own Matias and give us your thoughts!

Player Ratings for Argentina’s Friendlies vs. Italy and Spain

Matias Wodner

March 27, 2018

Outside of a couple of individual performances, there aren’t too many positives to talk about for Argentina. Jorge SAMPAOLI’s team has shown nothing to provide confidence going forward, and his player selections were hit-or-miss in this round of friendlies. Let’s see how his squad selections fared against Italy and Spain.

Willy CABALLERO, GK

CABALLERO was arguably the man of the match against Italy, making various acrobatic stops in order to keep a clean sheet. His great work was relatively undone against Spain, when he came on as an injury substitute and proceeded to give up five goals, though a few of them weren’t really his fault.
Rating: 7/10

Sergio ROMERO, GK

Was subbed off due to injury after 22 minutes against Spain, following a collision with Diego Costa on a save attempt. Hopefully he’s okay, because Argentina will need him to come up big at the World Cup with the defense looking all out of sorts.
Rating: N/A

Nicolas TAGLIAFICO, LB

In addition to being an absolute tank in defense, TAGLIAFICO consistently got forward dangerously and helped in attack, either with crosses or overlapping runs. Argentina has found their left back for the next five-plus years.
Rating: 9/10

Nicolas OTAMENDI, CB

The only Argentina player who actually seemed to care when he was on the field, Argentina would’ve given up 15 goals against Spain without OTAMENDI. Consistently snuffed out attacks in both matches.
Rating: 8.5/10

Federico FAZIO, CB

Despite many knocking FAZIO due to his lack of speed, he continually puts in solid performances in defense, and we saw how the back line can discombobulate without him against Spain. He and OTAMENDI need to be the starting center back duo going forward.
Rating: 8/10

Marcos ROJO, CB

Being part of a defense that gives up six goals is one thing, but being directly at fault for about half of them is something else. Did absolutely nothing to lay claim to a spot in Russia, let alone a starting spot.
Rating: 2/10

Fabricio BUSTOS, RB

Was given a tough task against Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Asensio. Had a few poor touches and was in poor position at times, but that is expected of a 21-year-old against two of the best teams in the world. Much faster and better going forward than MERCADO, but it’s a legit competition for right back.
Rating: 6.5/10

Gabriel MERCADO, RB

Only played around 30 minutes in total, and didn’t contribute much. His versatility as a right back or center back will be needed in Russia.
Rating: N/A

Giovani LO CELSO, MID

Had a few careless passes lead to counters, but was one of Argentina’s best players in both friendlies. Grew increasingly comfortable in both games and created two fantastic scoring chances with through passes (BANEGA goal and MEZA), in addition to constantly looking to jolt forward with the ball.
Rating: 8/10

Ever BANEGA, MID

Provided a serious offensive spark in the Italy match even before his goal, but was nowhere to be found against Spain’s ridiculous midfield. That is the Jekyll and Hyde nature of Ever BANEGA.
Rating: 7/10

Lucas BIGLIA, MID

Supposedly a “defensive” midfielder by trade, Biglia was too slow to provide any cover for the back line. It’s a wonder he continues to play 90 minutes in every match for La Albiceleste. I guess his short passing in tight spaces is pretty good.
Rating: 5/10

Leandro PAREDES, MID

His back pass into the path of Ciro Immobile that nearly led to a goal was nerve-wracking, but PAREDES showed his midfield abilities by winning the ball back at times and springing the team forward with good short and long passes. A shoulder injury kept him out of the match against Spain, where they really could’ve used him.
Rating: 7.5/10

Javier MASCHERANO, MID

Can’t start anymore, and probably shouldn’t even come on as a substitute going forward. Played positionless against Spain and didn’t cover for the back line when Spain broke, which was consistently. Cleaned up a few counter-attacks, but that was it.
Rating: 4.5/10

Manuel LANZINI, MID

Perhaps the man of the match against Italy, LANZINI capped off a great performance with a stellar finish for the second goal. His ability to take on defenders and track back in defense makes him an invaluable asset. He earned a spot for the World Cup.
Rating: 8.5/10

Pablo PEREZ, MID

Didn’t get much playing time, but made a few erroneous passes in his 30 minutes. If he goes to Russia at the expense of Paulo DYBALA or Mauro ICARDI, the world will riot.
Rating: N/A

Maximiliano MEZA, Winger

Was Argentina’s best player throughout the Spain match, constantly out-dribbling defenders and embarking on dangerous runs with the ball. Needs to trust his left foot more when shooting.
Rating: 8.5/10

Angel DI MARIA, Winger

Was wasteful with every other possession, but DI MARIA was as active as ever and provided fantastic offensive relief down the left flank. Created a few scoring chances, to boot. Would’ve been nice to see him link up with TAGLIAFICO more often.
Rating: 7/10

Diego PEROTTI, Winger

Came on for an injured DI MARIA and was dangerous on the left wing, either cutting in and crossing or making things happen on the outside. PEROTTI is experienced and has technical ability that other younger players don’t. He should be on the plane to Russia as DI MARIA insurance.
Rating: N/A

Christian PAVON, Winger

PAVON is active, but it’s surprising to see him continue to get playing time ahead of Angel CORREA on the right wing. PAVON’s only contribution outside of a few successful take-ons was a dirty tackle in the waning moments of the match against Spain.
Rating: 6/10

Marcos ACUNA, Winger

Only played six minutes, surprisingly. He’s a known commodity and can play on the left wing or at left back, so he will be at the World Cup.
Rating: N/A

Gonzalo HIGUAIN, Striker

Was nothing short of awful in both matches. His run and assist to LANZINI was very good, but missed way too many chances and carelessly lost the ball when trying to dribble. Sergio AGUERO needs to be healthy for the World Cup.
Rating: 4/10

Lautaro MARTINEZ, Striker

Didn’t get enough playing time or service to make an impact. His future is blindingly bright, but Mauro ICARDI or Paulo DYBALA must take his spot in Russia.
Rating: N/A

Argentina suffer 6-1 loss to Spain ahead of World Cup

Roy Nemer

March 27, 2018

Nicolas Otamendi Argentina 6-1 loss Spain

Argentina suffered a humiliating 6-1 loss to Spain as Lionel MESSI sat in attendance.

When Jorge SAMPAOLI’s men took to the pitch on Tuesday night in Madrid, no one expected them to lose by five goals. The match started off with Gonzalo HIGUAIN missing a goal scoring opportunity early in the first half. Moments later (in the 11th minute to be precise), Spain opened the scoring through a Diego COSTA goal. Goalkeeper Sergio ROMERO was injured on the goal and had to be substituted off just minutes later as Willy CABALLERO received his second cap. In many ways, he may wished he never got that opportunity.

ISCO scored Spain’s second of the night, despite Argentina actually performing well. Nicolas OTAMENDI scored Argentina’s only goal of the match, a header right before half time to bring the Albiceleste back in the game. The second half was all downhill for Jorge SAMPAOLI and the team as one of the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy in Russia scored four more goals.

Captain Lionel MESSI was in attendance with the injured Manuel LANZINI next to him as the two sat to watch the match. MESSI appeared to leave after Spain scored their sixth goal of the match.

Here were the substitutes which were made for Argentina during the match:

Cristian PAVON for Javier MASCHERANO
Lautaro MARTINEZ for Gonzalo HIGUAIN
Pablo PEREZ for Ever BANEGA
Gabriel MERCADO for Fabricio BUSTOS
Marcos ACUNA for Giovani LO CELSO

Argentina’s 6-1 loss vs. Spain – Match Highlights

Many, if not all, were excited to see Racing Club man Lautaro MARTINEZ make his Argentina debut and while it was a memorable one for him, it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. The loss comes as the last match for Argentina before May where they are expected to play a game in Argentina prior to play Israel in June before the World Cup.

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