A match worth watching tomorrow: Australia vs Argentina

by Foolsgold

The Asociación del Fútbol Argentino didn't think this one through much, did they? Scheduling a midweek fixture with mostly European players half-way across the world, I'm sure they got an earful from Sir Alex Ferguson, Frank Riikjard, and Rafa Benitez among others. Anyhow, the Albicelestes have already traveled to Oz, so there's little to be done at this point.

Taking a quick gander at the squads, the Argentinians are loaded per usual. Some of the big names included are Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi, Javier Saviola, Javier Zanetti, and Roberto Abbondanzieri. Meanwhile, the Socceroos will be without Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka, and Scott Chipperfield. They will have West Ham defender Lucas Neill, Middlesborough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Palermo's Mark Bresciano though.

The discrepancy in talent alone would make one think that the Argentinians will roll to victory, but the match still has to be played. A number of factors somewhat even the playing field, but if this fixture truly mattered, as in a World Cup match, it would take a monumental effort for the Aussies to upset the Argentines.

The biggest factor is that it's being played in Melbourne. Not only does that give Australia the home field advantage, but it also means that the all European-based Albicelestes side will have to fly half way across the planet and then play at what is basically before noon time for them. Not exactly ideal conditions and I'm not sure what day they arrived there, but if it wasn't at least Saturday, then they will surely be fatigued.

Though Australia does have it's share of European-based players, they also have a fair amount of players from the A-League. Plus I'm sure the ones from European leagues came home to see friends and family as soon as their clubs allowed to leave for the international break.

Neither team is coming off stellar summers with Argentina having lost in the Copa final against Brazil and recently losing a friendly to Norway, while Australia was unceremoniously booted from the Asian Cup by Japan on penalties. Both sides will be looking to get back on the winning track, especially Argentina who begin World Cup qualifiers next month.

Ultimately, you have a more talented squad pitted against a the home side and their pride. I'm not sure what to expect, the weather is supposed to be fair, not too hot, so that shouldn't play a part and usually both sides are fun to watch, so I'm going to go with a 2-2 draw with neither side playing much defense. That is of course until Lucas Neill makes a dangerously stupid tackle and Javier Mascherano has to exact revenge. Not sure if I'll watch this one since it'll be on 5:30 am EST, but you never know. Cheers.

Originally posted here