I know this is a lot to read, but i think its worth a glance. If anyone actually reads this, please let me know if you find any errors etc.
The Argentina Selection worried many people when they were struggling to qualify for the world cup, and doubt increased on the ability of Coach Diego Maradona. The fact is, Maradona was obviously not playing his best 11, but when he did they won comfortably. Well now those 11-15 players are finally beginning to mesh and really understand each other. The combination of Messi (most dangers player of WC), Tevez, Higuain, and Aguero is absolutely the most intimidating attack in the tournament.
Backing the talented attackers is an extremely deep, hard working midfield, with the likes of Captain Mascherano, Veron, Rodriguez, Di Maria, and Jonas Gutierrez (who is very fast and aggressive). These midfielders only lack a little more organization towards the back to close things off completely, and secure any long passes.
Defending may be the achilles heal of the Argentina futbol squad. I am not saying that they aren't top of the line, but if I had to pick a weakness within the team it would have to be the defense. I've seen Demichelis make mistakes like the one he made thursday, against South Korea, before. Samuel has made a couple mistakes in the tournament himself, resulting in a bench ride thursday. Burdisso is nothing to worry about, he has done a superb job thus far, and will be avoided by most attackers. Heinze is probably playing his last World Cup, and was not wanted on the team by the public. Against all odds he was the hero of game one, scoring the deciding goal in the early minutes. Nothing wrong with him now.
To conclude, there isn't anything special in goal for the Argentines, with Sergio Romero. He isn't a bad goalie by any means, but I could see the Argentines missing old keeper Abbondanzieri sooner or later. The only goal given up by him was obviously not his fault, but has not been brutally challenged either.
All in all I base my decision on the Argentines ability to score the ball. 3 out of the 4 goals scored in the match vs. South Korea were absolutely gorgeous, granted they were playing a mediocre team. As well as the beautiful header from Heinze in game one. I don't think the Argentines are completely satisfied with their level of play, and I believe that Maradona will have them stronger than ever come the round of 16. Nonetheless, they looked like a very cohesive, in sync attack force towards the end of the second match. I noticed very unselfish play, especially setting up a player with 2 goals (Higuain) for an amazing third, giving him hat trick. That is VERY hard to come by on a team with so many SuperStars. We can tell that they are playing for their country, and nothing else. They are in my opinion the most dedicated team at the moment and that is how World Cup Champions are made.
Although I love Argentina to win The 2010 World Cup, the odds do not convince me at (+450). I took the opening price at (+600), and would probably accept the (+450), but in my opinion that is an extremely low price at the moment. Maybe i'm wrong but I believe it might drift back up around (+550) with Argentina playing their B team Tuesday, and some blow out possibilities for Spain and Brazil.
The Argentina Selection worried many people when they were struggling to qualify for the world cup, and doubt increased on the ability of Coach Diego Maradona. The fact is, Maradona was obviously not playing his best 11, but when he did they won comfortably. Well now those 11-15 players are finally beginning to mesh and really understand each other. The combination of Messi (most dangers player of WC), Tevez, Higuain, and Aguero is absolutely the most intimidating attack in the tournament.
Backing the talented attackers is an extremely deep, hard working midfield, with the likes of Captain Mascherano, Veron, Rodriguez, Di Maria, and Jonas Gutierrez (who is very fast and aggressive). These midfielders only lack a little more organization towards the back to close things off completely, and secure any long passes.
Defending may be the achilles heal of the Argentina futbol squad. I am not saying that they aren't top of the line, but if I had to pick a weakness within the team it would have to be the defense. I've seen Demichelis make mistakes like the one he made thursday, against South Korea, before. Samuel has made a couple mistakes in the tournament himself, resulting in a bench ride thursday. Burdisso is nothing to worry about, he has done a superb job thus far, and will be avoided by most attackers. Heinze is probably playing his last World Cup, and was not wanted on the team by the public. Against all odds he was the hero of game one, scoring the deciding goal in the early minutes. Nothing wrong with him now.
To conclude, there isn't anything special in goal for the Argentines, with Sergio Romero. He isn't a bad goalie by any means, but I could see the Argentines missing old keeper Abbondanzieri sooner or later. The only goal given up by him was obviously not his fault, but has not been brutally challenged either.
All in all I base my decision on the Argentines ability to score the ball. 3 out of the 4 goals scored in the match vs. South Korea were absolutely gorgeous, granted they were playing a mediocre team. As well as the beautiful header from Heinze in game one. I don't think the Argentines are completely satisfied with their level of play, and I believe that Maradona will have them stronger than ever come the round of 16. Nonetheless, they looked like a very cohesive, in sync attack force towards the end of the second match. I noticed very unselfish play, especially setting up a player with 2 goals (Higuain) for an amazing third, giving him hat trick. That is VERY hard to come by on a team with so many SuperStars. We can tell that they are playing for their country, and nothing else. They are in my opinion the most dedicated team at the moment and that is how World Cup Champions are made.
Although I love Argentina to win The 2010 World Cup, the odds do not convince me at (+450). I took the opening price at (+600), and would probably accept the (+450), but in my opinion that is an extremely low price at the moment. Maybe i'm wrong but I believe it might drift back up around (+550) with Argentina playing their B team Tuesday, and some blow out possibilities for Spain and Brazil.
