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Water everywhere!

Roy Nemer
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Argentina lost their second friendly match in a row today against Spain. After being thrashed by Brazil (3-0), it was Spain who got the best from BASILE’s men and left the Nueva Condomina Stadium victorious thanks to XAVI and David VILLA’s strikes. Daniel BILOS, in for injured Maxi RODRIGUEZ, had equalized for Argentina.

On a curious note, I haven’t seen the match which was played on a very wet surface because I was in front of the Devil’s Throat (La Garganta del Diablo), the gigantic leap of water which graces with its presence the magnificent Iguazu Falls in the Argentine province of Misiones.

I will be travelling Argentina for the next couple of weeks and therefore I will only stop by to write a few things every now and then. In the meantime, I would love to read your comments on this match (I’ve seen a few in the other post) and your messages regarding anything else you’d like to say.

Till then….VAMOS ARGENTINA!

River Plate claims victory in “El Superclasico”

Roy Nemer
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Another edition of the famous Superclasico as every clash between River Plate and Boca Juniors is billed as in Argentina.

It is indeed the biggest and most popular fixture in this part of the World.

I left my grandma’s house after I watched on the television my beloved Racing defeat Colon 2-1 to earn our third straight win and I felt alone in this World! Nobody on the streets. Nobody in the buses or trains around the city. It was the fastest, easiest trip back home from Avellaneda and there was a reason: River was playing against Boca.

It wasn’t just quite when Argentina plays a World Cup match because that’s even bigger. But I felt something similar today.

River won 3-1 (Gonzalo HIGUAIN –pictured here- scoring twice and Ernesto FARIAS adding the third, while World Cup player Rodrigo PALACIO had equalise for Boca in the first half) and now the Torneo Apertura is open again with Boca leading River by one point and a host of other teams (Racing amongst them) chasing the two big guns.

Now I would like to ask you:
Where do you think El Superclasico ranks amongst the biggest derby matches in the World?

I’m sure there are plenty of other choices in the menu with Real Madrid-Barcelona, Inter-Juventus or Inter-Milan, Celtic-Rangers or Manchester United-Liverpool receiving votes. But where do you rank El Superclasico?

ZANETTI playing his 500th match for Inter

Roy Nemer
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His international career with Argentina might have come to an end a little bit before the last World Cup, when he was ignored by Nestor PEKERMAN.

But today is a special day for a very special player: Javier ZANETTI will be playing his 500th match for INTERNAZIONALE when the Italian giants face BAYERN MUNICH for the Champions League 2006/2007 second gameweek.

An example of durability and a high-performer playing his 12th consecutive season for Inter while collecting more than 100 caps for Argentina.

Forza Capitano!

AIMAR, AYALA and CRESPO back in the Albiceleste

Roy Nemer
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The friendly match against Spain is shaping up. And there are great news for some talented players that have been relegated in favour of others during the last few months.

Alfio BASILE named a list with an exciting mix of experience and youth. Amongst those who can help the youngsters with their advice and leadership in the pitch there are a couple of stand-out figures like Roberto AYALA, Hernán CRESPO and Pablo AIMAR.

In AYALA’s case there is a special incentive because if he plays, he will equal Diego SIMEONE’s record with 106 caps for Argentina.

Before further explanations, here is the list of players that will be making the trip to Murcia:

Goalkeepers:
Roberto ABBONDANZIERI
Leo FRANCO

Defenders:
Roberto AYALA
Rodolfo ARRUABARRENA
Gabriel HEINZE
Fabricio COLOCCINI
Gabriel MILITO
Pablo ZABALETA

Midfielders:
Javier MASCHERANO
Lucho GONZALEZ
Pablo AIMAR
Leonardo PONZIO
Leandro SOMOZA
Daniel BILOS
Maxi RODRIGUEZ
Federico INSUA

Forwards:
Sergio AGÜERO
Lionel MESSI
Javier SAVIOLA
Carlos TEVEZ
Hernán CRESPO

The local players (those still competing in Argentina) were left out of this list because logistics and travels and time and competition being at the highest peak in Argentina were big obstacles.

I expect to see Fernando GAGO, Hugo IBARRA and Rodrigo PALACIO (to name just 3) to feature in our coming friendlies.

Highlights in my opinion:

I’m glad to see CRESPO back in the mix and listed amongst the finest of our younger talents.

Happy to see AIMAR looking as favourite to cover for RIQUELME as a playmaker. I’ve seen him playing for Zaragoza this season and he is looking fast and sharp, full of confidence.

Roberto AYALA played a great World Cup and he deserves to be back in the squad. He looks as number one favourite to claim the arm-band and become our new captain.

What would I like to see in the future?

A chance for Diego MILITO (provided he stays healthy) to widen our chances upfront even more.

And I hope Fabricio COLOCCINI is not called up again. I’ve got nothing personal against him. I simply don’t think he has the tools needed to play at the highest international level.

COCO preparing to face Spain

Roy Nemer
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While the Champions League is entertaining us today (with Nicolas FRUTOS scoring for Anderletch), Coco BASILE will announce the list of players he has in mind for the second friendly of his second tenure as Argentina manager.

The date is confirmed: October 11th at the Nueva Condomina Stadium in Murcia, Spain.

Now the main actors will be known today and the biggest comeback is a fan favourite who has been impressive in the last World Cup and during the last week of action in “La Liga de España” scoring two goals to help Atletico Madrid comeback against Sevilla to win 2-1. Of course I’m talking about Maxi RODRIGUEZ.

Yes, he has a couple of games he will have to miss out through a suspension after that post-match brawl against Germany in the last World Cup. But he’ll have to miss official dates: Copa America or WC Qualifiers, so he is elegible to play this friendly against Spain.

Roberto AYALA will also be on COCO’s plans and will probably become the next captain.

Those appear to be the biggest names in this, the first list after RIQUELME’s international retirement.

I’ll give you the full list later on tonight, once COCO announces it.

Other players almost certain to be a part of the list are:

Lionel MESSI
Sergio AGÜERO
Carlos TEVEZ

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