Fastgoal.com <World Cup 2018> - Group D - Argentina Team Review

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Argentina

FIFA World Ranking: 5
Qualifying Average Goals Per Match: 1.06
Qualifying Average Goals Against Per Match: 0.89
Qualifying Top Scorer: Lionel Messi (7)
World Cup Best Performance: Winners (1978 & 1986)

Group D Opponents: Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria


The Manager: Jorge Sampaoli
An Argentine native, Sampaoli is famed for his attractive attacking style. A style which he utilised to guide Chile to Copa America glory during his time as national team boss. In terms of attacking talent, Sampaoli has far more at his disposal than he ever has in the past, and it’s therefore a little surprising that Argentina found it all such a struggle in qualifying. Its not too late for the manager to get the best from his players though, and fans will be hoping it all clicks into place in Russia.


The Squad:
Something of a squad of two halves. In terms of attacking talent Argentina may well be the most talented side in the competition, with Paolo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuaín and Sergio Aguero all fighting to join Lionel Messi in the side. With the impressive PSG duo of Angel Di Maria and Giovani Lo Celso providing further attacking intent from midfield, La Albiceleste at least have the potential to light up the stage in Russia.

At the other end of the pitch though things are altogether different. The three keepers selected have a total of just eight caps between them, despite boasting a combined age of 99, whilst Sampaoli has struggled to settle on an ideal defensive system. Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano seem to be the go to men whether deployed in a three or a four, but a lack of pace across the back line looks to be a serious concern. A 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Spain in a recent friendly will have done little for their confidence.


Star Man: Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo would no doubt disagree, but for us there is no player on the planet who can compare to Lionel Messi in terms of sheer brilliance. Top scorer in all the European Leagues once again this season, this five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has legitimate claims to being the best player to ever lace up a pair of boots. With nothing left to prove in club football, the one glaring hole in the CV of the Barcelona magician is success at International level. Turning 31 during the tournament, this may well be his last big chance.


Outlook:
Argentina do possess a number of great players, and in Lionel Messi, THE best individual in the competition. As yet though they have not yet proven to be a great side. All that said, a broadly similar squad did make the final of the last world cup, and some of the football Chile played under Sampaoli was exhilarating at times. We fancy the manager to get it right on the big stage and at the very least lead Argentina to the top of this group.


Group D Prediction: http://fastgoal.com/forum/index.php?topic=2465.0

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