Arsenalona to Africa via Argentina
Messi's master-class in last night's demolition of (an admittedly under-strength) Arsenal side, and their semi-final match-up with Inter, had me thinking about the fast-approaching World Cup. Well, I'm thinking about the World Cup a lot for other reasons, but more on that soon. [ed. note: We're published in the World Soccer Unofficial Guide to the 2010 World Cup!]
Certainly Maradona's focus - or what of it he has remaining - should be tuned in to that match as five, possibly six, of his players could feature. Samuel, Zanetti, Cambiasso and Milito (Diego) for Inter and Milito (Gabriel) and Messi for Barca. Throw in Lopez and Delgado from Lyon who will likely progress today and there is a strong Argentine representation in this year's premier European tournament.
Is that the strongest contingent from outside the club's home countries? France has two teams involved today, but also heavy representation at Arsenal, Henry at Barca, and even Evra and Ribery who meet in today's other match. Oddly the Brazilian representation is focused on the defensive side of the pitch with Cris, Maicon and Lucio coming to mind.
All this is probably apropos of nothing, but an excuse to post Messi's highlights and a chance to share my building anticipation of the World's Greatest Sporting Event™ presented in glorious high-definition by the World Leader™.
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yes, soccernet is the World Leader.. in writing stupid articles
ReplyDeleteQuote: "...in this year's premier European tournament."
ReplyDeleteSurely you meant to say global instead of European!
An Argentina - Brazil final will be a match made in heaven...
@Ming - Argentina doesn't stand a good chance as long as Primadonna, I mean Maradona, is in charge. They have great players and probably soon to be the best player in soccer history, Messi!!!
ReplyDeleteI like Brasil, aside from favorites Spain but my surprice hunch is Paraguay...they finished second in the South American qualifiers.
On another topic, I'm extremely disappointed in Rafael...he should have known better and thought about the yellow card he already had. That was the turning point but I was extremely please with Nani and Valencia, Gibson gets praise as well and Fletcher was disappointing as he lost many many balls in midfield...unusual for him.
Well on to the great game that is Fantasy footie...
Kirkland
Bale/Figueroa/Ferreira
Bullard/Malouda/N'Zogbia/Etherington
C.Cole/Torres/Altidore
Altidore/Etherington may go for Babel/Valencia...what do you guys think??? Maybe Valencia's risky as Ferguson may opt to go with Park...Nani's also risky because Giggs is fit again.
Of course Saul..the 19 year old inexperienced right back should have known much better!! fuck me...
ReplyDelete* Players who progress deep into Champions League and respective leagues will be tired and not perform well in the WC...it happens time and again. Brasil stands to benefit most, followed by the aging Italians (Inter has only 2 Italians on their roster!)
ReplyDelete* "...demolition of (an admittedly under-strength) Arsenal side..." by (an admittedly under-strength) Barca side!
May I aslo add that three key players from the Dutch squad are in the CL semis. Van Bommel, Robben and Sneijder. Looking forward to seeing them perform well, though perhaps it's best they do not play too much (just like the argentines). For the same reason I think RvP will shine at the WC. He'll be match fit and doesn't have 50+ games under the belt (a major reason why the English always seem to be 'under-performing').
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