Lionel Messi to star in United States vs. Argentina - International Friendly Preview
A sell-out crowd at New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey will witness http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/United-States-c3034 host South American giants, Argentina, in an international friendly. The fixture might be a friendly on paper, but it will demonstrate just how far the two sides have come in terms of teamwork over the past few months.
Gold Cup preparations for the US
Last time these two sides met was in 2008. The venue was the same, and it turned out to be a feisty yet ill-tempered clash. The game ended in a stalemate as the US goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tim-Howard-c35095, kept the score line at 0-0 with a heroic shift.
The Stars and Stripes host http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sacha-Kljestan-c32070 and Mikkel Diskerud will also get some time off the bench.
The attacking front, on the other hand, has limited options with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Edson-Buddle-c12010 being the only call-ups. Altidore will get the nod while 18-year-old Agudelo, who has been winning praise of late, will also be given a chance to showcase his talent. The Red Bulls striker has been an impact player in almost every game he has played, but the US coaching staff wants to keep the teenager out of media limelight, and understandably so.
Waiting for the Messi show
Angel Batista took over the Argentine squad as the interim manager following Maradona’s World Cup shortcomings. However, the coach impressed in his first three games, and Argentine Football Association duly extended his contract.
The 4-3-3 formation deployed by Batista has allowed Argentine players a lot of freedom down both flanks. Nothing much is expected to change in terms of formation as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296. Critics may point out to Messi’s international shortcomings, but little Leo remains a footballing genius capable of mesmerising magic. It's only a matter of time before Messi starts making his presence felt on the International stage.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Romero-c33100's reliable hands will aslo be back in goal for the South American side.
Prediction
US were extremely fortunate to have escaped with a draw 2 years back. Lady Luck is unlikely to be on their side this time around. Unlike the squad that went to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/South-Africa-c757 for the World Cup, the current Argentine squad is blessed with prodigious talent, guile and experience. Although US have good players who know how to keep possession of the ball, playing against a team that always plays at a high tempo would see them concede possession regularly.
The final score line will read 1-2 in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841’s favour.
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