The Albiceleste have advanced to the round of eight thanks to the glittering performances of the 35-year-old. However, in order for them to advance further in the tournament. They will need to be more than the sum of their parts. Argentina appears to be unusually vulnerable for a team that was unbeaten for 36 games prior to the tournament.
They lost unexpectedly to Saudi Arabia in the first game of the campaign. Despite winning every game since, they have appeared uneasy. Their reliance on Lionel Messi always appears to be the primary issue. Typically, tournament football teams are well-structured and well-organized, relying on individual talent to produce exceptional performances.
The problem for Argentina, on the other hand, is that despite winning Copa America and a strong buildup that made them favorites. This is exactly what they had promised not to be that they are no longer the “Lionel Messi team,” in contrast to previous Albiceleste incarnations. Nevertheless, that is how they have performed in their four games thus far.
When Messi scored a stunning goal from outside the box in their group-stage match against Mexico. They were on the verge of an early exit. The 35-year-old was his team’s greatest creative outlet against Poland and Australia. Where he scored yet another hard-to-execute strike and typically made it look easy in the latter match.
He would drop his shoulder to beat a few players and create space, come deep to receive the ball. Spray passes into open spaces in the wide areas, and go on a few dizzying runs with the ball. However, Lionel Scaloni’s team has displayed an alarmingly low level of creative ball play without him. Because of this, even if the Dutch are able to effectively keep Messi out of the game. It seems almost impossible that Argentina will be able to pose a goal threat.
The addition of Enzo Fernandez has improved their midfield’s control. But Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister have largely played workmanlike roles as a result. It says a lot that Scaloni views a 34-year-old as crucial, not only for creativity but also for energy and pace, but Papu Gomez failed to make a mark.
He was supposed to add a creative spark in the absence of Angel Di Maria, but he failed.
Problems in the attack and defense On the front, Lautaro Martinez’s poor form would have been much more concerning if Julian Alvarez hadn’t stepped up. Alvarez scored two goals and showed a lot of energy and hunger, but he didn’t solve their problem with creativity.
They don’t use a high press to get the ball up the field, don’t have a creative midfield, and don’t have a lot of forward goalscorers. Messi would sometimes drop completely in front of the defense in his own half to light a fire and make something out of nothing when their slow buildup was frustrating.
Even on defense, Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero’s partnership at center back hasn’t been convincing, especially with Lisandro Martinez on the bench. Emi Martinez, the goalkeeper, has been asked to make a few last-ditch saves and help them out of trouble while they play from behind. They play very narrowly, and unlike other teams at this World Cup, their fullbacks do not have the same incision from wide areas.
However, Argentina has won three games in a row and appeared to be playing better in each one. They keep moving in the right direction as a well-balanced team. They could afford to go through that procedure given the stature of the teams they have played thus far.
If your team is comprised of hardworking individuals who are still figuring out who they are. Relying on one of the best players ever is not the worst strategy. Against the well-trained Netherlands of Louis van Gaal. However, their World Cup aspirations may come to an end if they do not perform to their potential.
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