Dubbed as the first real test for both teams since the World Cup (despite Argentina’s win over Spain), this match will present an interesting sight for the two new coaches, as they each brought along a handful of fresh players to the Arabian Desert. For both men, the work is just beginning for the Copa America 2011, Olympics 2012 and World Cup 2014.
Sergio Batista doesn't have a collection of leftist dictators to play with but he has heard of defence.
In Argentina, Sergio Batista has done enough to keep the job for good. A win over Spain in Buenos Aires and a loss away to Japan, while he was interim, is his record. He needs to blood a new team, though. The old reliables, such as Juan Sebastian Veron (35), Javier Zanetti (37), Gaby Heinze (32) and Walter Samuel (32 and injured) are starting to show their wear and tear. So, some fresh names are becoming usual, with the latest matches introducing the likes of Nicolas Casal and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Carlos Tevez, Kun Aguero and Diego Milito are injured and will not be playing, although they will be in Qatar. Esteban Cambiasso and Fernando Gago were not named by Batista, due to more severe knocks. So, a change in the front is necessary. Javier Pastore and Angel Di Maria will probably be taking the pitch from the start.
Brazilian coach Mano Menezes has been consistent in leaving out some great players, who were in the World Cup, like goalie Julio Cesar and right back Maicon of Internazionale. Instead, the coach is calling on fresh troops, with an eye to the Olympics of 2012. Players such as keepers Neto and Jefferson, two of the best in the Brazilian Championship.
Menezes is not embarrassed by his riches...
On the other hand, Ronaldinho has been recalled and veteran André Santos is receiving his first invitation. It’s an interesting challenge to the older players, to prove their worth and provide some leadership to the young bloods. With it being a friendly and far from home, there isn’t much to lose for the manager. Most of these players, young and old, already know Mano Menezes from his Grêmio and Corinthians tenures.
Players and coach all know that wins over Iran, the USA and the Ukraine mean next to nothing, with so many players who didn’t really stand a chance in the national team being given a courtesy cap; the most notorious case being Ederson, of Lyon. They’ll all be eager for this test.
It will be the first of two matches between the powerhouses before the end of the year. The next one will feature only players from the domestic leagues, in a revival of the 1950′s and 60′s Copa Rocca, an early showdown between Brazil and Argentina, which was played as a two-legged tie.
...and so, the prodigal son returns.
This game will be in Doha, however, half way around the world from the loud and peassionate fans of the Selecao and Albiceleste. It’s the perfect showcase for the ambitious national football committee of the Middle Eastern Emirate to show they are a true contender in the race to host the 2022 World Cup.
The television here in Brazil keeps showing beautiful venues and coaches and players who are making a lot of money in the oil rich nation. All of them keep saying the lifestyle is improving daily and that the rulers would do anything for the right to host a World Cup.
Well, fair enough but I don’t see it. I only see big stadiums, built with piles of money and waiting to be filled. It’s wonderful that when the World Cup is over they can be dismantled and shipped where needed but that is exactly the problem. If they are not needed in Qatar, if there are no fans there, then the country doesn’t deserve to host the biggest event in football. Show me the fans who are desperate for the tournament and I will say good luck to you. But since they are not there, I must say no thank you.
The CBF obviously funds the team through these types of friendlies. It has been a while since we’ve had a great match like this in Brazil, though, as the Samba Select only play at home for qualifiers now. So, supporters are losing their connection with the team. Most people don’t care to stop work just to watch a friendly that is taking place a thousand miles away. Maybe we sound like mothers who wish our children would come home more often but that is pretty much how it is.
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Starting XI’s:
Argentina: G-Sergio Romero (AS Roma), D-Javier Zanetti (Inter), Nico Burdisso (AS Roma), Martin Demichelis (Bayern), Gabriel Heinze (Marseilles), MF-Javier Mascherano (Barca), Ever Banega (Valencia), Javier Pastore (Palermo), Angel Di Maria (Real), F-Lionel Messi (Barca), Gonzalo Higuain (Real).
Brazil: G-Victor (Gremio), D-Daniel Alves (Barca), David Luiz (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), André Santos (Fenerbahce), MF-Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Ramires (Chelsea), Elias (Corinthians), Ronaldinho Gaúcho (AC Milan), and F-Neymar (Santos), Robinho (AC Milan).
Prediction: Brazil are in a better position for this match. Mano Menezes already has a full healthy lineup which, for the most part, are familiar with each other. Argentina is still struggling with some issues with their defensive backs and midfielders.
WFC Editor Martin Palazzotto reviews the match here
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