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Argentina coach Edgardo BAUZA: “We are still alive”

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March 29, 2017

Argentina coach Edgardo BAUZA: “We are still alive”

Argentina National Team coach Edgardo BAUZA held a press conference following Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup Qualifying loss to Bolivia.

With the Argentina National Team players not speaking to the media, it was the coach who held a press conference. Argentina were without Lionel MESSI and lost once more when their captain wasn’t there but the coach affirms that the team is still alive. Here’s what he had to say:

The match:

“We tried to be the protagonists against Bolivia, we were a slightly better in the second half. Bolivia won well. We have to think about what is coming. We are alive and dream about qualifying for the World Cup.”

“We’re very firm with the players. We are worried about the injury to FUNES MORI. Hopefully it’s not serious.”

“We know that this is going to be a fight and we will continue fighting.”

The players:

“In the first half, the team wasn’t able to control the ball like in the second half. The ones who had to play, played. We went with who we thought were the best at the moment.”

Argentina lose to Bolivia without Lionel MESSI

Roy Nemer

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March 28, 2017

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Argentina lose to Bolivia without Lionel MESSI

Argentina’s abysmal record in these World Cup Qualifiers without Lionel MESSI continues following their 2-0 loss to Bolivia.

Will MESSI play, will MESSI not play, that was the question which was being asked since Monday evening when news broke out that Lionel MESSI could be suspended due to a verbal confrontation he had with a Chilean referee. Ultimately, Argentina’s captain received a four match ban and served match number one of his suspension as he watched Argentina lose 2-0 against Bolivia. The decision to suspend MESSI was taken with less than seven hours until kick-off which meant Argentina National Team coach Edgardo BAUZA had to make a last second change to his starting line-up. It was a different eleven which started for Argentina from their match against Chile, one which saw Angel CORREA come in for Lionel MESSI and play behind Lucas PRATTO.

With the score at 0-0, Angel CORREA sent Angel DI MARIA one on one with the goalkeeper but his chip was saved and that was a crucial one for the Bolivians. It proved to be a turning point in the match as minutes later, a ball was sent into Sergio ROMERO’s area and Facundo RONCAGLIA lost his aerial battle as Bolivia scored and took a 1-0 lead. Still in the first half, Ramiro FUNES MORI was substituted off on a stretcher as he was seen holding his knee and was replaced by Matias CARUZZO who came in for the remainder of the match.

With and without MESSI:

In these World Cup Qualifiers, Argentina’s record without Lionel MESSI is, well, atrocious. Even more when compared with their record with him on the pitch.
With MESSI: 5 wins in 6 matches
Without MESSI: 1 win in 8 matches

The second half was more of the same with chances falling to Lucas PRATTO but he was unable to convert. In the second half, Bolivia added the second following some horrendous marking and that was it for Argentina.

Suspension:

Ever BANEGA, who captained the side, picked up a yellow card and will not be available for Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying match against Uruguay in August.

Match Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLrjuh74Ri8

Angel CORREA to replace Lionel MESSI!

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Juli2014

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March 28, 2017

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Hey everyone,

Edgardo BAUZA has decided to replace MESSI with Angel CORREA. What do you guys think? Does Argentina still have it in them? What a totally different team we have now. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise? Hopefully AFA can appeal and get the suspension down to 2 matches.

VAMOS ARGENTINA!

Official: Lionel MESSI banned four matches

Latest News

Roy Nemer

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March 28, 2017

36

Official: Lionel MESSI banned four matches

Official news coming out of FIFA, Lionel MESSI has been suspended for four matches.

The official confirmation comes hours before Argentina play Bolivia in a World Cup Qualifier in La Paz. He will not play againsg Bolivia and will miss the three next World Cup Qualifying matches as well as receiving a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs.

Lionel MESSI to miss Bolivia and be suspended 2-4 matches

Latest News

Roy Nemer

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March 27, 2017

37

Lionel MESSI to miss Bolivia and be suspended 2-4 matches

Breaking news out of Argentina that Lionel MESSI will miss Argentina’s match on Tuesday against Bolivia.

Fox Sports Argentina are reporting that Lionel MESSI will miss Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying match tomorrow against Bolivia and would be suspended for 2-4 matches. The incident happened following the match when MESSI was seen using foul language against one of the officials. As we reported earlier, Lionel MESSI spoke out against a referee following Argentina’s 1-0 win against Chile which started this entire turn of events. The initial news was that the referee had not included the altercation in his match report but it appears as though the Chilean FA sent the video over to FIFA who contacted the AFA stating that disciplinary action could be in place.

We will continue to cover this as news develops.