USA vs. Argentina: Are You Ready?

This Saturday, March 26th, the United States will host Argentina at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In case you have been living in a cave for the month of March, the Argentina starting 11 will include Lionel Messi and a host of other stars in a much anticipated rematch with the US of A. Some content to digest:

The battle of '08

In June 2008, the United States squared off with the then number one ranked team in the world, Argentina. The South Americans, who were gearing up for a summer of qualifiers, threw their best at the USMNT. In front of thousands of fans mostly regaled in light blue (I was there - us Americans were outnumbered) Messi skipped around the old Meadowlands and did everything but score, as the US defense held strong. Surprisingly, the Americans almost emerged the victors, striking the bar late on in the game. The crowd was electric and so were the skys, as lightning and thunder tensed the atmosphere as the tie came to a 0-0 end. Playing out a draw against a world number one is a triumph for a side like the USA.

This time around
It's been over two years and a lot has changed. The USA has grown as a soccer nation, with many bigger names in the team now located in Europe; the Argentines have grown brighter, younger talent and Lionel Messi is two Ballon d'Ors older.

On Saturday, both squads will be loaded with players of quality, as European leagues have taken the weekend off to allow for Euro 2012 Qualifiers. We will see:

Lionel Messi

Two-time World Player of the Year, La Liga winner, Champions League winner, European Golden Boot winner and the list goes on and on and on and on. The fact that this player is stepping foot in New Jersey (AGAIN) is incredible. We must soak him in.

Landon Donovan
The World Cup hero and top American goal-scorer is back with his mates in the red, white, and blue and eager to impress the large crowd this game will draw. Hopefully we'll see Lando sliding towards the corner flag after a heroic injury-time winner in this match.

Real American

Javier Pastore
One of the hottest properties in world soccer at the moment, the youngster from Serie A side Palermo will likely feature and dazzle the crowd with his fleet-footedness and flair for goal. Truly a player to watch.

Clint Dempsey
With an astonishing 10 goals in Premier League play to-date, Deuce can certainly be considered one of the country's most accomplished player.

Angel Di Maria
The wizardly Madrid man has been turning heads at the Bernabeu this season and will look to do the same on Saturday.

Michael Bradley
USA needs Bradley to bring his tenacity and gleaming bald head in hopes of canceling out Esteban Cambiasso's shined up skull in the middle of the park.

Javier Zanetti
The ageless treble winner will run the flanks with the zest and zeal of a young Steve Cherundolo.

What to expect
Speaking as a fan of the USMNT, I am not expecting the mammoth performance we saw in 2008. Sanity dismisses the notion of shutting Lionel Messi down twice in a row. I can only hope we make our presence known and fight hard.

Speaking as a fan Roma, I am pumped to see the Wild Man Nicolas Burdisso once again.

One last thing:

Support the USMNT - be a real American.

I Can't Help But Admire Manchester United

Sensible Soccer prides itself on being sensible (well, most of the time). That is why I must admit my admiration for Manchester United.

Many of you may loathe the perennial powerhouse, but we all know the truth: they are quite impressive. With no losses to date, United have a chance to complete a unique undefeated campaign. Despite a relatively flat summer transfer window, contractual problems with their ace, Wayne Rooney, and injuries to certain stars, the club has somehow maintained a stellar record. What is their recipe for success? Here's what I think:

Management

Sir Alex Ferguson

One thing is certain: Sir Alex Ferguson is the best manager in world football. I know, Jose Mourinho is slipping off your tongue right now, but no gaffer has done what Ferguson has, year in, year out, for 25 years with the same club. This year more than ever, we must tip our hat to the Scot. After suffering the blow of not topping the table last season and hardly spending in the summer, Ferguson has still guided his team to the top spot in the league, where they sit two points in front of rivals Manchester City, with an astonishing two games in hand. I find Sir Alex's understanding of the squad's strengths and weaknesses unheralded, as he exhibits his grip on the lineup on a weekly basis. This is a man who knows how to get the best out of his team and win under any circumstances.

Defending 
Even as Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea's fitness problems persist, United's defense continues to perform remarkably well. They currently have the second lowest goals against in the Premier League and only conceded once during group play in the Champions League. I largely credit their success to the man-machine, Nemanja Vidic. The Serb has certainly hit back at any detractors claiming a dip in form after last year's campaign. In addition, Patrice Evra (even though I loathe his attitude) has been solid as ever.

Perseverance

Javier Hernandez's late winner vs. Stoke

Whether it be a fluky Nani winner or a late Vidic header to preserve a draw, United always get the goal they need. Time and again this season the Red Devils have pulled points out of the jaws of defeat. A two goal cushion is like sitting on a wooden stool against this team -- just ask Villa. The club has amazingly scored eight goals after the 80th minute, four of which were winners. Their position in the table can surely be attributed to these extra point-earning efforts late in matches.

Balance
The team seems quite balanced in it's goal scoring and distribution. Once upon a time, Rooney and Ronaldo needed to do most of the dirty work, but as of late, the wealth has been spread. Dimitar Berbatov is finally having the year he's being paid to have, with 14 goals in Premier League play. Nani is truly coming into his own as a player, proving to be a constant threat on the wing and in front of goal. In addition, a gusty set of goals by youngster Chicarito has earned the team vital points, and most recently, the unsung hero of Old Trafford, Park Ji-Sung, has worked his socks off to bag a few crucial ones for the team. Though Rooney lags behind the others in goal tally, he has turned provider, assisting seven times this year.

The delightful Park Ji-Sung celebrates after dispatching Arsenal

Consistency
As Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City continue to drop points, the Red Devils remain steadfast in their resolve. The rest of the top four are gifting United this title by losing or drawing against inferior opposition. If Man United continues to secure points regularly, they will be champions.

In years past, I have despised Manchester United, much like many of you. But this campaign, I can truly admit I am impressed by their workmanlike effort and team unity. I love when teams work hard and get the job done -- and this is Manchester United in 2010/2011.  Also, it helps that everyone's favorite babyman, Cristano Ronaldo, has moved on to greener pastures, annoying fans who speak another language. That said, I urge you to take a closer look at this team and try to tell yourself 'they are not worthy.' In any event, who in their right mind wants to see Chelsea win hardware again?

A very special Sensible Soccer thanks goes out to my brother for helping out with the blog's new design. It got 100 times better with Landon sliding in, didn't it?