The news never stops and this time it involves Angel DI MARIA.
TyC are reporting that there is a possibility which could see Angel DI MARIA being relegated to the bench on Tuesday. The coaching staff are reportedly evaluating to see what they will do with Angel as they noticed him falling down after the match against Peru at La Bombonera.
At the moment, the report hints at possibly having Federico FAZIO start at the back with Javier MASCHERANO pushed forward playing in midfield. This would be in addition to the changes made where Enzo PEREZ would come in for Ever BANEGA and Eduardo SALVIO for Papu GOMEZ.
Apparently, the Argentina shirt for the 2018 World Cup has been leaked.
With Argentina playing their final World Cup Qualifying match on Tuesday, the leaked shirt for the National Team has made its way onto the internet. Whether or not Argentina will be at the 2018 World Cup to wear it is another question but the shirt is now circulating online, as well as most Adidas sponsored kits (Germany and Colombia) who will be at the World Cup. Here it is:
Argentina shirt
Argentina shirt 2018 World Cup, photo via Marca de Gol
Will the team be wearing it at the 2018 World Cup or only in friendly matches? Let’s hope they wear it at the 2018 World Cup.
World Cup hero Mario KEMPES was on a radio show and spoke about Argentina’s current situation and replied to Paulo DYBALA’s comments.
Mario KEMPES, World Cup winner and hero for Argentina in 1978, has come out and commented on Argentina’s current situation and problems. Speaking to Super Deportivo Radio ahead of Argentina’s final World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador, KEMPES had this to say in regards to Paulo DYBALA’s comments about playing with MESSI (DYBALA’s comments are below). Here’s what he had to say:
Paulo DYBALA’s comments about playing with MESSI:
“What I’m going to say will be very weird: It’s a little difficult to play with MESSI in Argentina because we play the same position. It should be me who should adapt more and make him feel good on the pitch.”
Mario KEMPES on Argentina:
“There’s 90 minutes for SAMPAOLI to show that he’s the real savior because everyone said that he was the savior for Argentina. For me, what DYBALA said was great. IIt is very difficult to play beside MESSI and he who understood what he said is a fool.
“If there’s a player that has a psychological problem, it’s better he stays home with his family, that he trains with his club and he does himself a favor and his National Team.
“No one wants to step up and they give it to MESSI. A World Cup without Argentina and without Messi would be a catastrophe. The only ones who would be happy if MESSI doesn’t go to the World Cup would be MARADONA fans because that way they can keep saying that he’s the best.
“It appears as though the weight of the Argentina shirt is heavier than the club shirts.”
Some strong words from KEMPES regarding his comments about Argentina possibly not going to the 2018 World Cup.
The first rumored Argentina line-up is out and Eduardo SALVIO is in it.
This is it. Argentina’s final match of these South American World Cup Qualifiers as they play away in Ecuador. It’s very, very simple. Win and you’re guaranteed at the very least a playoff match against New Zealand (with a chance to go as high as third place in the standings). Anything else and you’re pretty much not going to the 2018 World Cup (unless the stars align and every other result in South America goes your way). With about 48 hours until kick off, we have our first rumored line-up.
Not too many changes from the 0-0 draw against Peru but Enzo PEREZ starts in place of Ever BANEGA and Eduardo SALVIO in for Papu GOMEZ. According to reports, Mauro ICARDI is still carrying a knock, hence why he is not starting. As for Paulo DYBALA, it appears that because he is still not in sync with MESSI (the two get in the way of each other), he will not be starting.
I’m not a fan of this line-up but if it gets us to Russia, I’m all in. A little side comment, I have a feeling (and this is just a gut feeling) that should Argentina not qualify for the 2018 World Cup, this could possibly be the last time we see Javier MASCHERANO and Lionel MESSI in an Argentina shirt. No concrete evidence, just a feeling.
For a third consecutive match, it’s another draw and Argentina are in trouble.
No Mauro ICARDI, no Paulo DYBALA, no Sergio AGUERO as it was Dario BENEDETTO up front with Lionel MESSI. The talk of La Bombonera hosting the match took center stage and while the atmosphere was there and the fans were (for the most part) into it, the goals still lacked.
Argentina created several chances, most of which came through Lionel MESSI. The number 10 set up BENENEDETTO (after the former received a pass from his Barcelona team mate Javier MASCHERANO) right before half time but the Boca man’s header went over the bar. Seconds into the second half, MASCHERANO knifed a ball in to MESSI who found BENEDETTO but his shoved was saved by the goalkeeper. MESSI pounced on the rebound but the ball hit the post.
Second half brought more mysery. After RIGONI came in for Angel DI MARIA at half time, Fernando GAGO was substituted on for Ever BANEGA. GAGO has to be up there as the most unluckiest of players when it comes to injuries because minutes after coming on, Fernando was substituted off due to injury. The ultimate substitute was Enzo PEREZ coming on for him.
The team huffed and puffed but no goals. Peru had their first chance and it was a dangerous one in the 91st minute as they had a free kick which was saved by Sergio ROMERO, who had nothing to do all match.
The current table leaves Argentina in 6th place, outside of a playoff spot. Here’s the table:
The current CONMEBOL South American World Cup Qualifiers (Photo via Bleacher Report)
Here are the possible scenarios for Argentina, heading into their final World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador on Tuesday if they want to qualify:
An Argentina win against Ecuador would automatically guarantee them at the very least a playoff spot.
An Argentina draw would mean Paraguar would have to lose and there would have to be a winner between Peru and Colombia.
An Argentina loss would mean Peru has to lose by at least 2 goals and Paraguay would have to lose.
Those are the three scenarios. Should Argentina win, they guarantee at least a playoff match against New Zealand in November. Here are the matches for Tuesday:
Matches for Round 18 of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers (Photo via Data Factory).
It’s now do or die for Jorge SAMPAOLI and Argentina.
