Spain

[La Furia]

Cambiasso and Mascherano together are absolutely scary. Banega finally gave Argentina the much needed distribution for Messi and crew to shine.

Like with Valencia, Banega is once again an unsung hero. This is the formation Argentina has always needed; skipping out on either Cambiasso or Mascherano is the same as squandering the both of them, Banega is an ideal hard working volante to put in front of them as he's not an overly ball-dominant player and he lets Messi and co focus on what they do best.

[dalitis8]

Like with Valencia, Banega is once again an unsung hero. This is the formation Argentina has always needed; skipping out on either Cambiasso or Mascherano is the same as squandering the both of them, Banega is an ideal hard working volante to put in front of them as he's not an overly ball-dominant player and he lets Messi and co focus on what they do best.

Whatever Argentina may have discovered...there won't be another WC for 4 more years...half of their players will be done or greatly diminished by then...too little...too late...

[veryfatchocobo]

Which is probably why Cesc is getting playtime in the friendlies now.

Also, Zanetti should stop starting because of that.

[silky_soccer]

Which is probably why Cesc is getting playtime in the friendlies now.

Also, Zanetti should stop starting because of that.

what did he do?

[Raed]

I think he means there is no point in having Zanetti start when he won't make it to the next World Cup. Give the chance to others.

[veryfatchocobo]

In 4 years, Del Bosque is expecting Cesc to peak and Xavi to start showing his age. And Zanetti definitely isn't of age for the next WC, unless he can be like Cafu kinda.

[silky_soccer]

ah ryt, I agree with that...

[Hektor]

Hi:

I disagree with many of the comments. Zanetti is ageless and deserves to start. Spain is playing the qualifiers for the UEFA Cup. Argentina is also getting ready for the Copa America, to be held in Argentina, next year. The WC is not the immediate goal. In addition, Batista, the interim coach, is trying to become the permanent one.

We, Argentines, know about Banega and could not believe that he was left behind for the WC. In the 2007 U-20 WC with the great Argentine team of Aguero, Maxi Morales, Mauro Zarate, Fazio, Schaeffer, Di Maria and so many others, Ever Banega was the main player – most of the goals, Banega had a hand in them.

The Moron also left Andres D’Alessandro behind. You saw in this game, when Andres came in in the 89th minute. One touch by him, 4th Argentine goal.

Hektor

[XaviMessiGirl]

Even if Zanetti is too old to play in the next WC, it doesn't mean he shouldn't be playing now. He should get in all the matches he can.

[Razor]

Hi:

I disagree with many of the comments. Zanetti is ageless and deserves to start. Spain is playing the qualifiers for the UEFA Cup. Argentina is also getting ready for the Copa America, to be held in Argentina, next year. The WC is not the immediate goal. In addition, Batista, the interim coach, is trying to become the permanent one.

We, Argentines, know about Banega and could not believe that he was left behind for the WC. In the 2007 U-20 WC with the great Argentine team of Aguero, Maxi Morales, Mauro Zarate, Fazio, Schaeffer, Di Maria and so many others, Ever Banega was the main player – most of the goals, Banega had a hand in them.

The Moron also left Andres D’Alessandro behind. You saw in this game, when Andres came in in the 85th minute. One touch by him, 4th Argentine goal.

Hektor

+10

Argentina is getting prepared for the Coppa Amercica now, not the World Cup. And Zanetti in this age is still 10 times better than the likes of Otamendi and Jonas whom their poor form in the world cup has costed us dearly. Just because a player is 37 doesn't mean he has to be left out for good. Zanetti is still in good form and as far as he's got it he deserves to be in the team.

Take note Maradona!

[nebeer]

Hektor is absolutely right. I think it is a big mistake to assume that players will decline in their performances and not give them the chance they deserve now. How long a player can perform totally depends on the player. Zanetti has already defeated age and is like another Maldini, Puyol material. I think Paul Scholes would have been a very good selection for the 2010 England team. As far as giving someone else a chance is concerned, they have to impress with their performances and get a spot. Zanetti is a legend because of the way he has been performing for years now.

[stokebarca]

Argentina have softened up Spain and Scotland will take full advantage.

Scotland 4-0 Spain, you heard it here first

[XaviMessiGirl]

Argentina have softened up Spain and Scotland will take full advantage.

Scotland 4-0 Spain, you heard it here first

And Rangers will win the CL

[nebeer]

Argentina have softened up Spain and Scotland will take full advantage.

Scotland 4-0 Spain, you heard it here first

Spain will thrash Scotland mate

[Plip]

Spain will thrash Scotland mate

NOOOOO... cannot be!


















































ps. mate, I suggest buying one of those wicked sarcasm detectors.

You can get those for as cheap as £10.