Hi, dear International TTW Football community.
I have to confess something really terrible.
I am now waiting for my flight, back home from Buenos Aires, where I came to visit for a 10 day holiday.
During my stay here, I bought the official jersey of the Argentinian National Team....
With the number 10 and Messi name tag.
Right there with you, my friend. Well, apart from the flight to Buenos Aires (I wish)
Although as you can see, I prefer Uruguayan Mate.
As for the tournament. Should be an interesting one.
I think Brazil could go out early.. or win it. It’s the first time the team and manager have spent time together, so they should improve throughout. My only concern is the smaller pitches in America, it doesn’t suit their lightning fast counterattacks.
Argentina, to me, feels like the last hurrah. They need to answer the Messi question long term, the centre backs need a bit of an overhaul (Otamendi can’t stay much longer). They have good ones in Romero and Martinez, it needs to be their time to shine. I also really like Anselmino, but obviously he’s not in the squad and is a year or two away. Left back is also an issue, but overall? I’d say they’re rightly the favourites.
Uruguay are everyone’s dark horse, and I’d agree with that. I’ve actually put a bet on Darwin finishing as top scorer. Only concern with them is the blistering hot weather in America at the moment. Not the most conducive to Bielsa ball. The spine of the team is top though.
Really looking forward to seeing Ecuador (I’ve also got a Kendry Paez shirt, courtesy of some friends in Brazil). I love their defence (Hincapie, Pacho, Torres), Caicedo and Kendry play so well together.. their issue? The whole country wants the manager sacked, and they have no goals in the team. Could be a candidate for flop of the tournament.
Another candidate for flop of the tournament is Mexico.
The two teams to watch that are flying under the radar? USA for sure, and Colombia, although they’re more fancied. Maybe it’ll be the coming out party for Jhon Duran before he moves to Chelsea, because they’ll need it. They’re another team where it’s hard to see who’s going to get the goals.
