With Seven Months Til South Africa, Seven Observations Of Argentina

1. Fernando Gago and Fabricio Coloccini should never play for Argentina again : How the worst signing in English Premier League over the last five years is even considered for a country like Argentina is astounding. Coloccini did nothing to silence his critics against Spain. Although he improved in the second half, Colo was made foolish at times by David Silva. As an attacking option, Colo was equally poor losing the ball nearly every time he crossed into Spain territory. "Lady Gago" was equally poor. He won no possession and offered nothing going forward. His musical name sake could probably offer more in the tackle. 

2. Inter trio Javier Zanetti, Walter Samuel, and Esteban Cambiasso should be starters: Inter has won four straight Serie A championships and these three Argentines have been at the center of all of them. Some how, Real Madrid back ups like Gago and Newcastle United players like Coloccini have been Maradona's preference. Inter captain Zanetti has won a record 136 caps for Argentina but has been dropped by Maradona over the last few matches. Samuel has been the best defender in Serie A of later, but Maradona has only managed to call him up once in his year as coach. Cambiasso was finally called up for the Spain game, but was bafflingly left on the bench in favor of Gago. In more shocking was that it took Maradona 70 minutes to yank the pathetic Gago and insert "El Cucho"

3. Lionel Messi has heart. The Argentine media and fans have been questioning Messi's commitment to the National Team of late, but after today there should be no question of his desire. Despite having no help in midfield, Lio showed sparks of genius, setting up Di Maria and Higuain but to no avail. Messi and Di Maria will make a brilliant duo one day, they just need more time to gel. It was no surprise that Messi took responsibility from the penalty spot to equalize, showing the heart his team had been lacking. Unfortunately for Messi, he will have to repeat the feats of Maradona in 1986 if Argentina has any chance of going deep into the tournament. That is unless drastic changes are made.

4. Carlos Tevez is a shadow of his former self. Earlier in the week, Tevez stated that he would consider retiring from the sport all together if Argentina won the World Cup. These remarks were shocking from a player who used to show such passion and charisma at Boca Juniors. He may very well be unhappy in England, but Tevez made the choice to stay in Manchester for the money. His on field form has been equally alarming. After scoring just five league goals for Manchester United in 2008-2009, he has scored just twice so far for Manchester City so far this year. For Argentina, he has managed just one goal since the 2007 Copa America. When he came on as a substitute against Spain, he looked completely lost. His touch was off and was unable to link up with his teammates. Quite frankly, Carlitos has no business being on the plane to South Africa.

5. If healthy, Juan Roman Riquelme must return for Argentina. Although injured at the moment, Juan Roman Riquelme was the key element missing for Argentina against Spain. Riquelme is a player, who can maintain possession and excel at set pieces two areas where Maradona's team were incredibly poor. Obviously there are personal issues between Riquelme and Maradona, but they need to resolve their issues for the best of the team. 

6. Diego Milito and Lisandro Lopez should be recalled. Milito and Lopez are two of the most lethal strikers in the game today. Gonzalo Higuain has worked hard and is a deserved starter, but Carlos Tevez and Ezequiel Lavezzi are two substitutes that will put no fear in the hearts of opponents. Tevez and Lavezzi have scored just two league goals each this season, Lisando managed that total in his last game alone for Lyon. Milito has also been great since joining Inter, leading the team with seven goals.

7. Players must be accountable. Even with the  questionable personnel decisions of Maradona, Argentina has the kind of talent most nations would dream of. Messi, Di Maria, Higuain, and Mascherano are all brilliant players and highly sought after by some of the biggest club. Both Higuain and Di Maria were guilty of missing clear chances. If the World Cup dream is to become a reality, these four players must improve to help mask the short comings of the coach and the poor players he selects.