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Alejandro GOMEZ: “It’s (the National Team) all very strange”

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Alejandro GOMEZ, currently with Atalanta in Italy has stated that the the National Team for him seems very strange.

“Papu” GOMEZ has been gaining popularity in the media for his form in Italy but has still not played for the National Team. Here’s what he had to say about the matter:

“It’s all very strange. You could get called-up a thousand times to the National Team but if you don’t play, it’s not any good. There are great Argentine players in Italy who are not called-up.”

Regarding Mauro ICARDI not getting called to the team:
“The only reason that makes me think that ICARDI is not part of the National Team are for reasons beyond football. Although they have to start thinking about the future.”

“They wanted me on the Italian National Team but it wasn’t possible because I played at the U20 World Cup in Canada with Argentina. It brings me great pride that they did notice me.”

Franco ARMANI states he can play for Argentina or Colombia

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Franco ARMANI, goalkeeper of Atletico Nacional in Colombia (winner of the 2016 Copa Libertadores), has stated that he is eligible to play for both Argentina and Colombia.

“I have two possibilities (Argentina and Colombia) because I did the pre-requesits and I should take advantage of it. In Argentina, they don’t watch the league in Colombia but if the opportunity arises, I’d welcome it.”

Mario KEMPES very critical of HIGUAIN, AGUERO, praises ICARDI

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Argentina World Cup winner and hero Mario KEMPES took to ESPN FC Radio to talk about the forwards on the Argentina National Team.

Mario KEMPES took the radio to state that he thinks Mauro ICARDI should be part of the Argentina National Team and he was very critical of both Gonzalo HIGUAIN and Sergio AGUERO. Here’s what he had to say:

“What he does (off the pitch) I don’t care at all. I think ICARDI deserved to be part of the Argentina national team a long time ago. HIGUAIN is doing very well, but just with Juventus. He’s not scoring goals with Argentina. And ‘Kun’ AGUERO, who is not playing very well now, is a similar case.”

“There is no more players in that position, because DYBALA comes from the second line (behind the strikers). On the field ICARDI always does a good job, what he does off it, I don’t care at all. What I do care is what he does for my team on the pitch.”

“Even though Inter is not playing well right now, ICARDI keeps scoring goals and the team made him captain.”

“I think players of the National Team are not entitled to make an opinion about who is making the team and who is not. At least in my days it was like that. Today they seem to be the ones deciding about the roster.”

Regarding Argentina’s World Cup qualification, KEMPES commented saying:

“There is some concern. But with a lot of games still to play, there is hope. I think the qualification is not easy, not because the other teams are better, but because Argentina is not playing well. There are players on a very low level and that shows in the performance of the team.”

“Argentina is a powerhouse in football. (Their current predicament) is a shame. Everybody says (Argentine Football Association) is ruined but at the same time all the football executives are trying to occupy the main seat there. It is unfortunate.”

Argentina manage late equalizer against Brazil at U20 tournament

Argentina manage late equalizer against Brazil

Argentina managed to pick up a last second equalizer against Brazil in the South American U20 championship, leaving them still with a small chance of making the World Cup.

Argentina’s chances of qualifying for the U20 World Cup were dead and gone until Lautaro MARTINEZ’s 95th minute equalizer plugged the wire back in and leaves Argentina on life support. A 2-2 draw against Brazil ahead of Saturday’s last match against Venezuela means the Albiceleste are on the brink of missing out on the U20 World Cup, save for a miracle.

Deep (5 minutes deep) into injury time saw MARTINEZ head the ball into the back of the net from close range. While the kids can still qualify for the tournament they have won 5 times, qualification is no longer in their hands. The team play Venezuela on Saturday (who can actually win the tournament if they pick up a win and other results go their way). Here are the current standings:

U20 South American standings
U20 South American standings

Argentina confirmed to play Brazil in Australia in June

Argentina and Lionel MESSI will be back in Australia this upcoming June!

The last time Lionel MESSI played at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), he assisted a Martin DEMICHELIS goal, the only one of that match as the Albiceleste picked up a 1-0 win against Australia in September of 2007. We recently reported how there were rumors that the team could be going back down under to play Brazil and those rumors were recently confirmed.

Just under 10 years since their last visit, Argentina will play Brazil in the Superclasico de las America in Melbourne on June 9. The money grabbing tour for that match continues since it was last contested in Beijing in 2014 where Brazil picked up a 2-0 win.

The friendly was recently confirmed with ticket information at this link.

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