More fútbol argentino than you can shake a mullet at
Sergio Batista has just announced a preliminary squad for the 2011 Copa América - which starts in Argentina one month tomorrow - which will be trimmed slightly to 22 players for the final squad. Carlos Tevez, after the amazing about-turn from both parties at the end of last week, is in the squad. Gabriel Heinze... Continue Reading →
The thirteenth episode of Hand Of Pod sees Sam, Dan, Seba and Dan discussing things in a remarkably sober manner. We look back on the USA vs Argentina friendly on Saturday, considering the performance. Seba has a few words he wishes he could say in Ángel Di María's ear, and they're not complimentary. Looking at... Continue Reading →
The friendly between the United States of America and Argentina in New Jersey on Saturday evening saw the visitors dominate and produce moments of really nice play, but eventually only get a draw against a well-motivated American side. After a great team move saw Lionel Messi cut to the byline and pull back a ball... Continue Reading →
In the eleventh episode of Hand Of Pod, Sam, Seba and English Dan discuss the last decade or so of Racing Club’s history, and what it says about club ownership issues in Argentina. They also tackle the thorny issue of racism in the country’s stadia, and talk about some of the possible reasons for Sergio... Continue Reading →
The eighth episode of Hand Of Pod looks at the ongoing feud between Carlos Tevez and Argentina's national team coach Sergio Batista, as well as taking in our thoughts on the Racing vs Boca Juniors clásico last Saturday and much more besides. You can get it, as ever, on the HOP blog, or subscribe on... Continue Reading →
Sergio Batista named his first squad as Argentina manager yesterday, as well as being officially unveiled by Julio Grondona as the new permanent manager of the national side. Lucas Biglia was the only new name on the teamsheet, whilst in Zanetti, Mascherano and Pastore, there are no fewer than three Javiers in the list. That's... Continue Reading →
After really far too long, the Asociación de Fútbol Argentino will finally confirm Sergio Batista as the permanent manager of the Argentine national team today, following yesterday's meeting in Ezeieza. Batista's knowledge of his players, record (and knowledge) with the youth team, relationship with the group and the fact he's got Lionel Messi's support were... Continue Reading →
Sergio Batista has announced the Argentina squad which will travel to Tokyo for a friendly against Japan on the 8th October. In spite of the injury he suffered against Atlético de Madrid at the weekend, Lionel Messi is included, as are returnees Oscar Ustari and José Sosa. There's also a first call-up to the senior... Continue Reading →
Having taken slightly longer than planned to get around to writing this post, here I am with something a bit more analytical (I hope) on the Argentina vs Spain friendly from Tuesday afternoon. It was the world champions' first defeat since winning the World Cup on the 11th July, and as such Argentina now take... Continue Reading →
In an hour and a half, Argentina will play their first post-World Cup friendly with an entirely foreign-based squad, under the caretaker leadership of Sergio Batista, the youth teams' manager for the AFA. Lionel Messi arrived in Dublin last night and will play some part, but the main pre-match talking point has been provided by... Continue Reading →
Hasta El Gol Siempre 