Argentina take on Poland in their final group game at Estadio 974 on Wednesday, and it is the midfield, not Lionel Messi, who makes the difference.
After beating Mexico 2-0 on Saturday night, the Albiceleste must avoid defeat by the Poles to qualify for the round of 16 in Qatar.
The South American team could also go through with a draw depending on the results of the match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico. However, finishing second will likely set up a meeting with defending champions France in the first knockout round. Lionel Messi and company can still finish top of the group if they beat Poland.
Argentina entered the World Cup as a pre-tournament favourite. Then a shock loss against the Saudis in the first game raised several concerns. Their 36-match unbeaten streak was snapped, and despite the win against Mexico, Argentina struggled. Head coach Lionel Scaloni’s team is far from the brightest having beaten Brazil in the Copa América final or Italy in the Finalissima.
The midfield has been the biggest area of concern. Scaloni must fix the holes in the middle of the park before it’s too late.
The Argentinian midfield plays an important role against Poland
The absence of Giovani Lo Celso has been a great loss for the two-time world champions. On top of that, Leandro Paredes fought against Saudi Arabia. The Juventus midfielder was left out against Mexico while Rodrigo De Paul has had two forgettable games.
Argentina started with Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodríguez and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister alongside De Paul. The idea behind Scaloni’s thought process was clear, interrupt the opposition’s attack and make a quick transition with vertical passes in attack.
Although the Albiceleste barely dominated in the middle of the field against Mexico, they were better in circulation and ball retention. Attacking passes and through balls were rarely seen and Argentina’s game was an early contrast to the team Scaloni has built over the last three years.
Enzo Fernández was the shining light with his cracked right foot curler. Fernández came on as a substitute, but his time on the field earned him a starting role against Poland. The Poles have yet to concede in this tournament.
Mac Allister should also keep his place in the starting eleven. De Paul, however, must improve his game. The Atlético Madrid star has been surprisingly below par in the first two games. But his willingness to run and do the dirty work for the team will come in handy against a dangerous Polish side on the flanks.
Other formation decisions
In defense, Nicolás Otamendi and Lisandro Martínez had great performances against Mexico. They are essentially blocks to be in the heart of the defense.
Marcos Acuña should also start in the left-back role, however, Nahuel Molina could replace Gonzalo Montiel in the right-back position. Up front Lionel Messi will be the starter along with Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María.
It was Lionel Messi who inspired the Argentine against Mexico. Now, the time has come for the supporting cast to up their game and lead the country to the knockout stage.
PHOTO: IMAGO/ANP
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