With only two games left in the season, Angel Cappa has a clear idea in mind of what he wants his squad to look like next season. He has asked the board for four reinforcements for next season, including one goalkeeper, a defender, a central midfielder and a center forward.

He has asked the board to also extend Ariel Ortega’s contract, however he has put in doubt the continuity of Marcelo Gallardo and Matias Almeyda; The 36 year old and current captain of the squad is a fan favorite and one of the most regular players in the squad. Cappa said he does not picture Almeyda in the starting eleven, especially if the club seals the arrival of the Argentine International Mario Bolatti. Almeyda expressed his feelings to retire with the River Plate jersey despite having offers from the MLS, he has even stated that he would be willing to fight for a spot like the rest of the team.

In the next couple of days River hopes to finalize the agreement with an important investment group, the money will be used solely to improve the squad for next season, let’s not forget River will start next season in “direct relegation”.
River plans to break the market and sign players like David Trezeguet, Mauro Camoranesi, Andres D’Alesandro, Matias DeFederico, Mario Bolatti, Paolo Goltz and Juan Pablo Carrizo.

The French striker, who happens to be a River Plate fan, has expressed his desire to finish his career in River Plate, the main issue will be his salary, it will be hard for River to compete against other European clubs, but the club seems optimistic to seal the arrival of the former Juventus.

Camoranesi also finishes his contract with Juventus, the club has announced they will not renew his contract after being with the club for eight years. His agent, Sergio Fortunato, released the fact that there are three clubs interested in signing the Argentine-Italian midfielder, including Lyon, Cruz Azul and River Plate. Some say that Mauro has already reached an agreement with Daniel Passarella and would join River after the world cup. At age 33 he wants to return to Argentina, and finish his career in River Plate, club he also happens to be a follower of, like David Trezeguet.

Some of the players that will leave the squad are Oscar Ahumada to Veracruz, Diego Barrado, Gustavo Cabral, Marcelo Gallardo, Gustavo Canales, Rodrigo Archubi, Galmarini, Andres San Martin and Loeschbor.

It is also rumored that Sampdoria will offer 8 Million Euros for Rogelio Funes Mori, the 19 year old striker that astonished everyone against Boca Juniors this past summer. The club would most likely accept the offer, since he has not yet “exploded” his potential, and River is in no position to wait.

Along with the signings, Cappa plans to use bring out the best from players like Diego Buonannote, Facundo Afranchino, Pereyra, Mauro Diaz, Ciriliano, Daniel Villalba and Rogelio Funes Mori.

Two players that could return to the Club are Cristian Nasutti and Patricio Toranzo. Both would be welcome by the coach, especially Toranzo, one of the Pillars of Cappa’s squad in Huracan.

The future looks bright. Cappa and Passarella are qualified to get River out of this position, let’s hope Boca Juniors does the same thing, for the sake of Argentine Football.

River begins to think about the future

The Argentine National team, made up of local players only, defeated Haiti in a FIFA International friendly that was held in the city of Cutral-Co in Neuquén. The main reason behind this match was to raise funds for Haiti; however, Diego used this chance to define his world cup list.
Lineups

Argentina: Diego Pozo; Ariel Garce, Paolo Goltz, Juan Insaurralde, Cristian Villagra; Patricio Toranzo, Juan Mercier, Sebastian Blanco, Facundo Bertoglio; Martin Palermo and Ariel Ortega

Haiti: Jean Zephirin; Frantz Gilles, Bruny Richard, Jean Paulin, R. Ednerson; Vaniel Sirin, James Marcelin, Judelin Aveska, J.M Alexandre; Eliphne Cade and J.B Fritzson

The match finished 4-0 in favor of Argentina. The goals were scored by Facundo Bertoglio (2), Martin Palermo and Sebastian Blanco. Haiti did not cause any trouble to Argentina; in fact, the goalkeeper was never really tested. However, it is great to see these players perform in the football pitch after such a devastating earthquake they suffered.

Palermo was confirmed within the World Cup list, the third goalkeeper will be a tight decision between Diego Pozo (Colon) and Adrian Gabbarini (Independiente). Another player that has a very good chance of going to the world cup is Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), the midfielder has seduced the coaching staff with a very good level in the Argentine league and a low profile, making him a perfect member for the group.

One more surprise that Diego could announce is the inclusion of Javier Zanetti and Ariel Ortega; both experienced players could make the list in the last minute. After calling more than 100 different players, Diego will make the 30-man list public on Monday, and we expect to see surprises, it wouldn’t be Maradona if he didn’t. The final 23-man roster is due on June 1st.

Argentina defeats Haiti during an International friendly

(Pictured: Pablo Calvari and Ariel Ortega - hosts of the show)

Simply Futbol Exclusive

Ariel Ortega just keeps surprising us. After being called up for the National team by Diego Maradona and playing a superb match against Velez Sarsfield, Ortega shows that he is not only displaying his “magic” inside the pitch, but soon he will host his own television show.

Not only is he displaying his “magic” inside the pitch, but soon he will host his own television show.

The program will feature Ariel Ortega as the main star, in which he will host some of the most prestigious football personalities, including former teammates in River Plate and the Argentine National team.

The program will be hosted once a week and will be produced by El Angelito Producciones. The programs’ rights are currently being negotiated with some very important stations.

Source: EL ANGELITO PRODUCCIONES

Ortega will host his own television show

After almost seven years since his last cap, controversial River Plate playmaker Ariel Ortega will don the Albiceleste in a friendly match against Haiti next week in the province of Neuquen.

The former Newell's and Fenerbahce man is poised to do well alongside former national team teammate and current coach Diego Maradona although he is realistic of his possibilities of being part of the 23-man roster for the World Cup.

This is true for most of the call ups as with the exception of Boca Juniors all-time leading scorer Martín Palermo, teammate Luciano Monzón and Independiente goalkeeper Adrián Gabbarini.  Maradona will use an entirely domestic team that will exclude players from teams that will also be participating in the Copa Libertadores midweek.   For Gabbarini, it could be a final opportunity to impress El Diego for a spot on the squad as the third keeper in South Africa.  

During his time with the national team Ortega was capped 87 times and scored 17 goals while forming part of the team in three World Cups. 

For Ortega, things are slowly coming around for him.  A few days ago, he signed an exclusive rights image contract with El Angelito Producciones and this call-up could be important in helping focus on the big picture.  He was a starter on Friday when River Plate defeated Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 and he is getting back into the swing of things after suffering a relapse a few weeks ago. 

Meanwhile Haiti found themselves in San Antonio preparing for this friendly as they faced college and professional teams from the Texas area in preparations for their May 5th clash.

Goalkeepers: Diego Pozo (Colón), Adrian Gabbarini (Independiente)

Defenders: Matias Caruzzo (Argentinos Juniors), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Ariel Garcé (Colón), Paolo Goltz (Huracán), Luciano Monzón (Boca Juniors)

Midfielders: Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Patricio Toranzo (Huracan), Nicolás Olmedo (Godoy Cruz), Sebastian Blanco (Lanús), Leonel Vangioni (Newell's Old Boys), Facundo Bertoglio (Colon)

Forwards: Ariel Ortega (River Plate), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Franco Jara (Arsenal), Juan Pablo Pereyra (Atletico Tucumán).

Related Articles

• Herald- Zeitung:  Haiti bids farewell
• Reuters: Maradona calls up Ortega for Haiti friendly
  
• AFP: Maradona hands Ortega Argentina recall

Ortega returns to Albiceleste

This will most likely be the headline of some of the most important newspapers in the morning. Angel Cappa made his official debut in El Monumental with a victory. The goals: Ortega and Ferrari.

With this Victory River finished a negative streak of 534 minutes without scoring a goal. River improved its image, played well and scored. Probably one of the highest points of the night was the return of Diego Buonanotte, the midfielder returned to the fields 4 months after the terrible car accident that took the life of his three friends.

Cappa made changes into the lineup; he started both Ferrari and Villagra, both defenders had been literally “erased” of the squad by Astrada. He also was able to lineup the three veterans (Almeyda, Gallardo and Ortega) for the first time in the semester. He started the team with Vega on goal; Villagra, Quiroga, Ferrero and Ferrari; Pereyra, Almeyda, Barrado, Gallardo; Canales and Ortega.

From the go you could already see changes on the squad, with both wide defenders (Villagra; Ferrari) pushing forward. Ferrari played a crucial role this match, not only because of his goal; he was a leader in the back and pushed the team forward during the 90 minutes. The team moved the ball well, and created some changes through an inspired Ariel Ortega, the midfielder played the best game of the semester. When the match was tied goalless Ortega was clearly brought down in the box after a good collective play, but the referee Pablo Lunatti called it off. Just minutes after a cross from Ortega found the head of Canales; the ball hit the right post and found its way out.

When everyone expected River to Score, Federico Higuain (former River Plate and brother of Gonzalo Higuain) scored for Godoy Cruz; this was like a bucket of cold water for the club of Nunez. But River didn’t let this to be a problem. Pereyra made a run through the left side, and crossed the ball back to find Ariel Ortega and tie the match. El Monumental went wild, because River had scored in the foot of its most respected idol; earlier this week the idol himself said he will continue in the club and hopes to do things correctly from now on. Less than a minute after the goal, the back line of Godoy Cruz made a mistake when they played the ball back to the last defender; he was anticipated by Paulo Ferrari who took the ball one on one with the goalkeeper, after dribbling past him he finished to the far post sealing a great night for the defender and former Captain.

Nearly the end of the match, Marcelo Ojeda came in for Daniel Vega (lumbar injury); the goalkeeper is expected to be fit for next match. Buonanotte made a good return; he had a very clear chance that finished right outside the far post (good news). River took down Godoy Cruz, one of the best teams in the league and leader until tonight. With this result, if Argentinos Juniors wins on Monday they will be the new leader. Our Friend “El Bichi” Borghi is the head coach of that squad.

Cappa showed some of the weapons he plans to use in this new River Plate; some fans already the praise the flamboyant coach (rushed comments), but is clear that he has a style in mind. Cappa has already said he wants to build a competitive squad for next season, in which he hopes to retain the three veterans and add players like Matias DeFederico and Andres D’Alessandro.

Watch the goals here:

Cappa makes his debut in River Plate with a victory

9 minutes was enough for Hector Baldassi to postpone the match. The ball was not flowing naturally, players were making mistakes and Boca almost gave up a goal when Luiz Alberto failed to clear a ball stuck in the water. This was enough for Hector Baldassi to say enough, and postpone the match. And what a decision he made, to postpone the biggest and most important match of the week without hesitating. There is a reason why he is going to the world cup.

Both captains (Palermo and Gallardo) tried to convince the ref of doing otherwise,but it was in vane. We could read into Gallardo's lips "If you end this now, there is going to be trouble", Palermo said "We can play this", but the decision remained put.

We will have to wait until a decision is made in regards to the date of the match, and all fans will have to wait until then to celebrate. It was the perfect atmosphere for the battle, and to have one fallen, but this time the one who fell was not Boca nor River, it was the ball, that sits floating on a puddle in the center of the field.

El Superclasico postponed due to weather

San Lorenzo visited Estudiantes de La Plata. Estudiantes came into the game in need of 3 points after losing the derby to Gimnasia de La Plata. Once again Sebastian “La Brujita” Veron showed the world why he was chosen as the best player of the continent. He organized his team; he was vocal and scored the second goal. This week Estudiantes will make their debut in the Libertadores, they have the hard task to defend their crown.

Boca Juniors traveled to Rosario to visit Newell’s Old Boys. A minute of silence was offered before the beginning of the game in memory of the 14 year old who was killed this week during an encounter between rival bands of Newell’s. Boca’s victory of 3-1 over Lanus was just a mirage, once again Boca lost, their defense allowed everything through and when they seemed to be picking up the game, Abbondanzieri allowed a goal from 20 yards outside the box, which could have been easily handled by another goalkeeper. In less than 15 minutes, Newell’s was up 3 goals. Boca has two main problems:

1. It has not found a consolidated defense; they are giving too much space, every set play becomes a goal opportunity (almost 90% of the balls that come into the box from a set play have finished in a goal)

2. Boca has two great finishers, Palermo and the youngster Lucas Viatri, but what can a center forward do when the ball does not make it to the box. Boca does not play through the wings, therefore they don’t create opportunities.

Head Coach Avel Albes has no responsibility in this loss. His team does not respond, the defense offers no guarantees and we can say luck is not in their side.

Chacarita Juniors defeated Banfield 2 goals to 1, and with this result there are out of the relegation spots. Chacarita displayed some very good Futbol, and once again they were deadly in the set plays. Chacarita’s head coach Fernando Gamboa was very happy about the result and said “why not dream about the championship”.

River Plate tied goal less to Rosario Central, in a match that started very promising but soon developed into a boring one. River Plate showed a lot of security in the back, this was a good sign of recovery. The young squad attempted in every way to break the game, but the lack of offensive options didn’t help. Villalba and Funes Mori, both 18 years old, displayed an acceptable level but could not find the net. Marcelo Gallardo made his debut this year and Matias Almeyda once again showed the fans why he was chosen Captain.

The worst news this weekend was the fact that once again, Ariel Ortega fell into his addiction of alcohol driven by a state of depression. It is no longer an issue of Futbol, it is his life that is at stake. As a fan of River I wish for his prompt recovery, he is an essential piece of the team and we want him to be happy, wearing the number 10 and having the crowd chant “Ole” “Ole”. We hope for his safe recovery and his return to the fields soon.

pictures: Diario Ole

Clausura 2010 - Week 3

Prior to Lionel Messi even capturing the spotlight of the entire football world, there was a young man from the province of Jujuy that was making a big splash in the then-vaunted River Plate youth system. He was poster child of River Plate's youth system in the early 90's. He completely skipped that process and made his debut with River's first team on December 14, 1991 against Platense. His performance left the Argentine news media amazed as to what "Orteguita" could do with a ball "tied" to his feet.

Ariel Ortega was going to be the promise that would help Argentina make the transfer from the Diego Maradona era. He had the potential to be the player that took over the baton and become one of the most talented players of the decade. There was no doubt he had the tools to become that and possibly exceed whatever expectations set for a player like him.

"Orteguita" had everything any player could ask for- pace, dribble, change of direction, a shot, he had a future. at his footballistic apex, there was not a player that could match him. Not one player could defend him. He was also called "Burrito", but that was more of a reference to... well let's leave it at two words so you can get the idea. Donkey Show. If you don' t get it, well I really can't help you. He beat you from the outside, beat you going to goal. He was a player that marked a generation in South American football. Had he been successful outside of Europe. Daniel Passarella was credited for bringing this gem of a player to the ranks of River Plate. Some credited him with "saving" his life... or at least extending it.



At the same time he had to fight with various internal demons that hindered his progress. Until recently, he was still known as "Orteguita". That is not a good thing. For a player in his 30's to still be referred to in a diminutive status, that meant that he had not grown into the man or player that everyone expected him to mold into. His explosive personality was part of the deserved "Orteguita" tag he was not able to shake off. His personality was always a complicated one, thus not helping him obtain stability with any club that he was a part of during his career after 1996. That was a very important year in his career. That year he helped win River third consecutive league title as well as we the Copa Libertadores. He was also part of the Argentine side that had to settle for the silver medal in the 1996 Olympics when they fell to a Nigerian side that had players like Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Celestine Babayaro, and the eccentric Taribo West.

He then arrived at Valencia where his relationship with Claudio Rainieri was tempestuous to say the least. Despite his disappointing stay in Spain he did have one moment of brilliance at the Nou Camp.

He would then move to Sampdoria and eventually Parma, but the damage was already done. As a player, people knew that he had incredible talent, but his temper had gotten the best of him. This was demonstrated in the quarterfinals of the 1998 World Cup against Holland. Him "headbutting" Edwin van der Sar left the Albiceleste with a man down, eventually with Dennis Bergkamp's brilliant strike at the death.

Like every hero in every movie, there is one weakness that he has. In Ariel Ortega's case, it was alcohol. One has to remember that some parts of the Latin America, alcohol and football go hand in hand. On occasion, people play football with alcohol in their hand.

Some say that Ortega was in the middle of that culture and there was no way out until Passarella found him. Reporters and people that were close to this situation. Some say he was illiterate when he arrived to Buenos Aires. But as he grew older and adapted to life in the capital and realized the importance of playing in a big club like River Plate. Unfortunately, his demons overcame him and started to get the best of him. His bouts of truancy were front page news in the Argentine media. Passarella was looking for ways to help his protegé, but there were no quick solutions. He had to go away and try to fix his issues.


This is why Diego Simeone was the only man that saw him for what was. If it were any other professional situation, Ortega would be gone. He had unlimited chances such as the huge money that he earned at Fenerbahce. He was already etching a place in the fans' hearts, but never wanted to adapt. He left and was gone for a year. Américo Gallego took him in at Newell's Old Boys and won a domestic title. He would then go into his well-documented drama at River Plate and eventually would go to Independiente Rivadavia in Argentina's second division.

So whose fault is it that his situation has gotten to this point? The media? The coaches? The fans that enable him when he is out on the street? To be honest, it's everyone's fault. We all are to blame because his problem was never an issue when River was winning titles. Ariel Ortega would have been Lio Messi before Lio made the leap across the pond. Ariel had the potential to be one of those players that would have described a generation, which makes his slippery slope down into the abyss all the more tragic.

Ariel Ortega: The Anti-Messi