Argentina's domestic national team impresses coach & fans

Argentina's 3-1 victory in yesterday's friendly against Panama has given Maradona & Argentina some confidence going into the next round of qualifiers this June. The "local" national team, which consists exclusively of domestic player seemed like a risky gamble at first, but Maradona & the manager (Bilardo) felt like they needed to take drastic measures after their 6-1 defeat by Bolivia. It will be interesting to see what strategies they employ when it comes time to integrate the domestic players & international superstars like Messi, Tevez, Mascherano, etc. to form a truly integrated team.

Also, with all the exposure this domestic team is getting, I wouldn't be surprised if many of them end up in Europe during this summer's transfer window.


The standout players from the Panama friendly:

Gonzalo Bergessio - Had two superb goals. This 24 year old player scored his first goal with a great header and the second via a left footed shot.

Matías De Federico - Scored the first goal of the game.

Daniel Montenegro - Displayed his classic play-maker abilities by circulating the ball successfully and setting up Bergessio's second goal.

Argentina 3-1 Panama
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Argentine players who participated in the friendly:

Diego Pozo (72', Cristian Campestrini); Alexis Ferrero (67', Ignacio Canuto), Matías Caruzzo y Nicolás Otamendi; Eduardo Salvio (59', Sebastián Blanco), Hernán Bernardello (46', Leonardo Prediger), Fabián Rinaudo (58', Franco Zuculini) y Matías De Federico (46', Emiliano Papa); Daniel Montenegro (capitán); José Sand (46', Esteban Fuertes) y Gonzalo Bergessio.