Winning the ball back in Midfield - Key to Argentina getting the better of Poland
Last night's performance from Argentina was much more soothing to the nerve. Argentina put up a very decent display, controlling and dictating terms for the majority of the game. So much so that, even after Messi missed the penalty the feeling of "impending doom" didn't tower upon me. It didn't on any of the supporters it seemed. I can confirm this because even at 1:30 a.m. in the night the street below my house was crowded with Argentina fans, gathered in front of the TV cheering so loud that the echoes must have reached Qatar at least if not Buenos Aires! And I felt no shortage of enthusiasm from the mini crowd after Messi's penalty miss.
And that just shows how confident the fans were because of the performance Argentina put in. After their initial slip up, Argentina finally once again seem like the team that had been unbeaten for nearly two years, the team that was confident in their skin and knew exactly what their game plan was. They finally looked like the team that can be considered one of the contenders of this world cup. Apart from France, I think no other team has put in a more solid performance. I'll keep Spain and Brazil at equal levels to Argentina because, while Spain did put in a mesmerizing performance against Mexico, against Germany they looked blunt at best. And Brazil, while have won both their games, they didn't really strike fear in opposition fans. But they were clinical enough and defensively solid.
Speaking of Solid defense, Argentina's young kids put up a solid display of their own yesterday too. Christian Romero and Nahuel Molina were two of the defenders I had most hope for coming to this world cup, and they finally delivered. Otamendi was bit bizarre I felt, like always...a bit awkward, but didn't make any gross mistakes like he usually does. Acuna is a player I am not a big fan of. He was making some good runs down the left flank but every single one of them was a waste. He neither has that technical know-how, nor the striking prowess that would make him effective for that role. So good intentions are still a waste if you don't know how to apply and Scaloni needs to think of Acuna's role in the team going forward.
Enzo Fernandez has been a fantastic find and I am really starting to like him a lot. I think he was the key difference yesterday as he bridged the game from the center of the midfield. Both De Paul and Mc Allister looked much more composed with Enzo partnering them up. Their passing seemed much more purposeful. But the best part of Argentina's game yesterday by far was how quickly they were recovering the ball at the midfield after they lost it. Of everything Argentina did right last night, this is the one they absolutely need to hang on to if they are to put up a solid fight against the likes of France, Netherlands, Spain and Brazil!
Because let's be honest, talent-wise Argentina falls far behind most of the WC contenders.
Shortage of talent can be made up for if you are willing to work hard enough. But shortage of hard work can never be made up for no matter how much talent you hold, Example - Argentina 2010.
Congratulations on Argentina’s progression. 👏
Coming into this competition Argentina were labeled the clear favorites by some and although they haven’t really convinced me I still think they can go all the way.
I’ll have to disagree with you on this. France have been able to go through early but I still think with their midfield injury crises, they haven’t been performing very well. Granted, they keep possession but a few of the games I’ve watched just makes me think a team with a very good midfield will worry them. I think Brazil at this point are a little above Argentina for me. They don’t seem like a team that can concede but Argentina does.
I totally agree with this. Hard work does so much. Even if you’re talented and don’t work hard it can be quite difficult to live up to your full potential. That clearly showed in the willingness of the players to work especially in the game against Poland.
Enzo Fernandez has been a really bright spark. You can just tell his value is going to keep rising.
Anyways good luck to your country Argentina.
I agree, Argentina has been far from convincing. I had much more expectation from their style of play, but they have looked shaky.
This is actually very frightening of Brazil. Defensively they have been probably the most solid team so far. France has speed that not many team at this world cup can match, and that I felt gives them a very sharp edge. Their keeper isn't as solid as Alison Becker though.
Oh I am not from Argentina, I just support their football team 😄
You’ve rightly pointed a lot I agree with. If I’m to pick a clear winner right now I’d probably go with Brazil but with the surprises we have seen I won’t be surprised if Korea wins it.😂😂
My bad, the way you spoke made me think you were one. Can I take a wild guess and say you support them because of Messi?😅
It has indeed been that sort of a world cup hasn't it haha 😂
You'd be wrong I'm afraid, I have been supporting Argentina since I was a kid, a few years before Messi even started playing for Argentina 😅
It really has.😂
Oh then you’ve been around for a long time 😁. What country are you from if I may ask?
Same here I was relaxed because I had faith Argentina will win the match and was happy with the crowd in the stadium and the players as well no one made a fuss about the penalty miss instead they crowd kept calling his name Messi Messi Messi🥺🥺🥺. I have said it and I will keep saying it, Argentina has what it takes to win the World Cup this year.
They really do, but the problem is can they live up to it when pressure is at the highest, that is the question. In the last 2 group games, which were do or die matches, they did deliver so that gives me hope. But still, those were not against any of the top top teams, no disrespect to mexico and poland. But they were no Brazil or france or Netherlands.
I agree, Argentina may fall behind but they have the potential to do good.
Let's see.
Let's hope they live up to their expectations this time :D
Hope so!
Scaloni should have the max credits for arranging and shifting formations at exact times. Sometimes a 4-4-2 and eventually a quick exchange of wing and central midfield tactics looked very impressive to me. But in certain cases the experiment worked and I cant go without thanking him.
Anyway, De paul and Di Maria are the key players and if the midfield remain intact and of course out of Injuries, then something more impressive is yet to come.
Lets hope for the best.
,👍⚽
If de Paul finds his form from Copa America, he definitely will be a key player. But he is giving the ball away too much at this world cup and Enzo Fernandez has outshined him by a mile. De Paul was extremely impressive last year and he needs to find that form back, and find it back soon.
Scaloni deserves a lot of praise, I agree. I am hoping he is witty enough to outsmart the experience of Tite (Brazil), or Van Gaal (Netherlands) or Didier Deschamps (France). These are all heavyweight names and Scaloni is very very inexperienced compared to these veterans.