The World Cup is upon us, and Argentina are looking to sustain their dominance at the top of international football by following their Copa America win with a World Cup. Find out what Last Word on Football thinks of Argentina’s prospects going into the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina World Cup Preview
Argentina Key Player
Was there ever going to be an answer to this question that wasn’t Lionel Messi. The seven-time Ballon D’Or winner is entering his final World Cup on a strong run of form, having already won Player of the Month in Ligue 1 this season. In a trophy cabinet with ten La Liga titles, fifteen domestic cups, four Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups and a Copa America win, all the Argentine is missing is a World Cup. With a greater focus on playing as a creator recently, Messi could be the playmaker that brings Argentina to glory for the third time in the country’s history.
Argentina Tactics
Lionel Scaloni presumably understands that international football comes from a place of slow-paced, low-risk football. Lionel Scaloni also rejects this orthodoxy, using an incredible range of formations. The manager picks tactics depending on the players he has on the pitch, and in spite of lacking any true wingers, the side is still incredibly attacking.
Look for Argentina building out from a stable back four before using a narrow structure in possession, crowding the ball and offering opportunities for short passes in tight spaces to crack the opposition’s structure wide open. La Seleccion focuses on flexibility and creativity that enables natural talent, a trend sure to continue into the World Cup.
Argentina Unexpected Star
A lot of the Argentine squad is fairly settled and has been in the squad for years now, but one of the potentially unexpected talents in this squad is Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder has made a significant impact at Brighton & Hove Albion, and with seven caps already at the age of 23, he could be one of the stars looking to make this a breakout tournament and take the global stage by storm.
Argentina World Cup Prediction
Argentina could find themselves in a very good position in this World Cup. Poland is the biggest threat in a group that also includes Saudi Arabia and Mexico, but Argentina haven’t lost a football match since July 2019. Winning the group puts them against the runners-up in France’s group, and with Denmark looking like a probable opponent, the Albicelestes could find themselves deep in the tournament.
Last Word on Football recognise the human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout Qatar and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
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