Are Argentina doing a Pakistan like in the 1992 World Cup? Beware of the Cornered Lionel Messi!

[shaz619]

They are on the brink of a World Cup exit but may just sneak through despite being on the edge, they haven't looked their best but the game vs Nigeria can be the big turning point for their fortunes and Messi when it comes to making a mark at the World Cup and regaining some confidence.

 

[Smbhayi]

There's no DL Law to save them..

 

[Adil_94]

Show some respect pajeet [MENTION=135839]Smbhayi[/MENTION]. Dont undermine the triumph of the cornered tigers

 

[Adil_94]

Argentina need a Sher like I.K to lead them not a darpok Chua like Messi. Great Player but doesnt have any intestinal fortitude or Leadership Qualities.

 

[Red Devil]

Who knows, could very well be possible. We all know in team sports you just need one moment of inspiration to change the entire mindset of the team. Let's see if Leo Messi can step up and provide that moment of magic to inspire his team, the stage is set for him.

 

[proud_pakistani]

Nah Messi is alone in this and can't pull the team together by himself. Imran had such a positive impact and it elevated performances of other younger players like Inzi, Wasim, Mushtaq Ahmed and Moin Khan. Messi can't inspire those around him. Especially when he goes and tucks himself on to the wing when the going gets tough.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Argentina will still be lucky to qualify, there's no guarantee they will win their final match. They don't have a hope in hell of winning the cup, although they could do if they were better organised. While the midfield and defence are not great, if they could protect the goal better, they have enough flair and brilliance up front to win games. The manager looks clueless, and the team has no shape or conviction. It's a shame because this generation of players is capable of much better, but they should have sacked this manager a year ago and got someone in who knows how to create effective formations.

 

[hadi123]

I was thinking the same earlier. You never know. We all saw how Portugal won the Euro 2016 despite starting so poorly, so Argentina can't be written off but I don't think they can go all the way!

 

[Hasan123]

Can't trust their defence. If they had a half decent defence I would have said maybe. They will probably be playing France on the final 16 if they get through. Don't see them beating France.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

You can never say never.Especially in a sport like football.

 

[Saj]

Messi needs to do the Imran Khan role, with Sergio Aguero doing the Miandad role.

I can't see any Wasim Akrams or Inzis in the squad though.

 

[Greenstorm]

They cannot under this manager.

 

[Pakistanian]

No, Germany is.

Germany pulled the most Pakistani comeback against Swden.

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION] [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] I actually want Argentina to win today because we could potentially see a clash between Portugal and Argentina in the quarter-final that would be so epic

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION] [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] I actually want Argentina to win today because we could potentially see a clash between Portugal and Argentina in the quarter-final that would be so epic

That's the game I would love to see. Hoping for an Argentina win.

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION] [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] I actually want Argentina to win today because we could potentially see a clash between Portugal and Argentina in the quarter-final that would be so epic

If Arges win to day, it's winner of POR-URU V FRA-ARG, so Leo V CR is quite possible. Once you are in KO, teams like Argentina are totally different and that's why there are very few Soccer elites.

 

[shaz619]

The World Cup has been won by slow starters in the past and Argentina are finally through to the KO stages, France will be tough but an Argentina peaking at the right time wont be a push over either. Mouthwatering QF

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Hopefully. The hate Messi’s been getting has been cringeworthy

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Messi the inspiration, the coach, the captain, the manager, the leader, the driving force for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARG</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1011699710422339584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Saj]

I really like the player Banega.

I thought he was brilliant in the engine-room today.

Fantastic performance from him.

 

[shaz619]

Messi needs to do the Imran Khan role, with Sergio Aguero doing the Miandad role.

I can't see any Wasim Akrams or Inzis in the squad though.

Rojo did a Wasim Akram today

 

[Saj]

Rojo did a Wasim Akram today

yes and Banega was the Miandad.

 

[shaz619]

Hopefully. The hate Messi’s been getting has been cringeworthy

Majority appreciate his skill and contributions to football, but the best way to put it to you is this; Messi fans are like Transformer and Marvel Movie fans, they are just worst of the worst. They are so bad that it even turns off hardcore Barca fans, that would explain the criticims in his direction and some is OTT but not all of it because no one is 100% perfect, glad to see him turns things around and Argentina have done well to qualify. Hopefully we get a Portugal v Argentina QF

 

[KingKhanWC]

Interesting comparison.

If Argentina beat France, this is a possibilty.

However Imran Khan's team had good batting with Inzi as the young superstar. While Messi's team looks vulnerable at the back but they have changed the keeper and defenisve line ups can improve with some good coaching.

With Imran and Messi in the team, you do not count them out regardless of poor starts or weaknesses.

 

[shaz619]

Interesting comparison.

If Argentina beat France, this is a possibilty.

However Imran Khan's team had good batting with Inzi as the young superstar. While Messi's team looks vulnerable at the back but they have changed the keeper and defenisve line ups can improve with some good coaching.

With Imran and Messi in the team, you do not count them out regardless of poor starts or weaknesses.

Both teams had near death experiences during the initial stages of the tournament and while Argentina like Pak at the time were not performing too well, if they play to their potential then they would progress further, Pak went onto win it and Argentina would have to be one of your favourites if they beat France and it's not beyond their reach in the KO stages imo, they do have quality and it will come down to who handles the pressure better unless you're facing Germany lol

 

[KingKhanWC]

Both teams had near death experiences during the initial stages of the tournament and while Argentina like Pak at the time were not performing too well, if they play to their potential then they would progress further, Pak went onto win it and Argentina would have to be one of your favourites if they beat France and it's not beyond their reach in the KO stages imo, they do have quality and it will come down to who handles the pressure better unless you're facing Germany lol

It's a good spot bro and interesting discussion. Only a Pak cricket fan and football fan would come up with this.

As you know greats who are nearly on the floor as we see in boxing come up stronger and with such experiences it only solidifies the beliefs in their own talent.

Pak of 92 and Argentina today are both flair team who play(ed) with a lot of passion. Just like Pak , Argentina will need moments of individual brilliance. I really would like to see Dyabla play, he could do the Inzi/Akram role of a young superstasr showing the world what they are all about. The old timers such as Mascherano and Messi can do the Imran and Miandad roles.

If Argentina pull this off and it eerily is similar to what Pak did, your thread will be genius.

 

[Mamoon]

If Argentina and Portugal were to face-off in the QF, I would back Messi to once again dominate Ronaldo in a 1v1 encounter.

Apart from his vastly superior playmaking ability, Messi's dominance over Ronaldo in head to head matches is a major reason why everyone who understands football considers him the better player, and the major reason why Ronaldo has developed an inferiority complex.

He is a football machine - lives and breathes the game, and has trained harder and with more intensity than probably any footballer to walk the earth. You combine that dedication with his natural talent and you get a phenom who has surpassed every footballer past and present, every footballer but the diminutive Argentinian genius, handpicked by God to play this beautiful game. The greatest player of all time, King Leo.

Today's game once again showed what a poor team this Argentinian side. Without Messi they were on the verge of bottling yet another game, with Higuain, the Hashim Amla of football, leading the way.

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

Let's not talk about the way Messi absorbed the momentum of a 30 yard pass with a touch of his thigh with the defender closing him down. A slightly heavy touch would have wasted the chance - easily the touch of the World Cup for me, and I hope as a football purist you would appreciate that moment of pure, unadulterated genius.

However, the man with no right foot scored yet another goal with his right peg. Not a bad goal for a one footed player I imagine.

Argentina will need a miracle to win the World Cup, but I do think Messi will have one final crack in Qatar. He might not have the same pace and energy, but his technical genius will not desert him at 44 let alone 34. However, if World Cup glory deserts him once again, the World Cup Trophy should feel bad, not Messi.

What good is a trophy when it has not been touched by the greatest player of the greatest game? The World Cup needs Messi, Messi does not need the World Cup.

 

[Ocelot]

Majority appreciate his skill and contributions to football, but the best way to put it to you is this; Messi fans are like Transformer and Marvel Movie fans, they are just worst of the worst. They are so bad that it even turns off hardcore Barca fans, that would explain the criticims in his direction and some is OTT but not all of it because no one is 100% perfect, glad to see him turns things around and Argentina have done well to qualify. Hopefully we get a Portugal v Argentina QF

Messi fans are like Modi bhakts, they can't tolerate anything against their gods.

 

[Kroll]

Tough match against France coming up, probably rooting for Argentina in this one to maintain the challenge to European dominance.

 

[MMHS]

If Argentina and Portugal were to face-off in the QF, I would back Messi to once again dominate Ronaldo in a 1v1 encounter.

Apart from his vastly superior playmaking ability, Messi's dominance over Ronaldo in head to head matches is a major reason why everyone who understands football considers him the better player, and the major reason why Ronaldo has developed an inferiority complex.

He is a football machine - lives and breathes the game, and has trained harder and with more intensity than probably any footballer to walk the earth. You combine that dedication with his natural talent and you get a phenom who has surpassed every footballer past and present, every footballer but the diminutive Argentinian genius, handpicked by God to play this beautiful game. The greatest player of all time, King Leo.

Today's game once again showed what a poor team this Argentinian side. Without Messi they were on the verge of bottling yet another game, with Higuain, the Hashim Amla of football, leading the way.

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

Let's not talk about the way Messi absorbed the momentum of a 30 yard pass with a touch of his thigh with the defender closing him down. A slightly heavy touch would have wasted the chance - easily the touch of the World Cup for me, and I hope as a football purist you would appreciate that moment of pure, unadulterated genius.

However, the man with no right foot scored yet another goal with his right peg. Not a bad goal for a one footed player I imagine.

Argentina will need a miracle to win the World Cup, but I do think Messi will have one final crack in Qatar. He might not have the same pace and energy, but his technical genius will not desert him at 44 let alone 34. However, if World Cup glory deserts him once again, the World Cup Trophy should feel bad, not Messi.

What good is a trophy when it has not been touched by the greatest player of the greatest game? The World Cup needs Messi, Messi does not need the World Cup.

That was indeed sublime touch, almost as good as Bergkamp 20 years back.

The bold line also matches the hype of Messi fanatics - WC Trophy didn't feel bad for Cruiff, Puscas, De Stefano; won't feel bad for Messi either if he can't win it.

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

It was never Messi vs CR to me as a player, which I have mentioned many times. But, difference is every CR fan gives due credit to Messi for his football genius; but I haven't seen any good words for CR for his skills & leadership from a single Messi fan; rather what I have seen is going around circles, trying to defame him - I guess, we do understand what is inferiority complex. The truth is, I myself is a Barca & Messi fan, but can't resist riling up his fans.

It's a shame that for someone Messi fanatic thinking WC is at loss, because their hero couldn't win it. There are many, many greats of soccer and one Messi doesn't worth that sort of worship. At his prime, he had the chance to win it, at a venue closest to his homeland, bolted it - that's his incapability if you want to say so harshly, not WC's loss. He has the chance to win it again - let him settle score if he can; otherwise no point imposing your own feelings here.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

It was never Messi vs CR to me as a player, which I have mentioned many times. But, difference is every CR fan gives due credit to Messi for his football genius; but I haven't seen any good words for CR for his skills & leadership from a single Messi fan; rather what I have seen is going around circles, trying to defame him - I guess, we do understand what is inferiority complex. The truth is, I myself is a Barca & Messi fan, but can't resist riling up his fans.

It's a shame that for someone Messi fanatic thinking WC is at loss, because their hero couldn't win it. There are many, many greats of soccer and one Messi doesn't worth that sort of worship. At his prime, he had the chance to win it, at a venue closest to his homeland, bolted it - that's his incapability if you want to say so harshly, not WC's loss. He has the chance to win it again - let him settle score if he can; otherwise no point imposing your own feelings here.

That's just simply not true, plenty of Ronaldo fans that downplay Messi's achievements.

You only have to read the posts on this forum by some after the opening game or two and you had some posters resorting to nonsense like questioning his work ethic and heart.

The reality is fans of both go overboard which is why I have stated the debate tends to resort to absurdity because people end up going to extremes to defend the player they like.

Both are great players and have achieved a lot, a bad game or two over a select period doesn't change that.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Messi fans are like Modi bhakts, they can't tolerate anything against their gods.

No idea what a Modi bhakt is BUT Ronaldo fans are no different, they'll elevate his achievements whilst ignoring his bad moments (which all players have including Messi, they just don't have many of them)

 

[MMHS]

That's just simply not true, plenty of Ronaldo fans that downplay Messi's achievements.

You only have to read the posts on this forum by some after the opening game or two and you had some posters resorting to nonsense like questioning his work ethic and heart.

The reality is fans of both go overboard which is why I have stated the debate tends to resort to absurdity because people end up going to extremes to defend the player they like.

Both are great players and have achieved a lot, a bad game or two over a select period doesn't change that.

As long as FIFA doesn't stop arranging World Cup, for that it loses it's worth, if Messi doesn't wish to win it, I have no problem - he is a true genius and one of the best ever; I try to watch every game of Barca, one main reason being Messi (which I don't do for Franco's club) - wish I could do that for Argentina as well in last 12 years.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

I doubt Argentina will go past the RO16.Portugal too,for what it's worth.

 

[shaz619]

That's just simply not true, plenty of Ronaldo fans that downplay Messi's achievements.

You only have to read the posts on this forum by some after the opening game or two and you had some posters resorting to nonsense like questioning his work ethic and heart.

The reality is fans of both go overboard which is why I have stated the debate tends to resort to absurdity because people end up going to extremes to defend the player they like.

Both are great players and have achieved a lot, a bad game or two over a select period doesn't change that.

No idea what a Modi bhakt is BUT Ronaldo fans are no different, they'll elevate his achievements whilst ignoring his bad moments (which all players have including Messi, they just don't have many of them)

Speaking for yourself here you are the one who ignored and refused to accept he lacks heart and mental toughness at the international level specifically, there's no denying we have seen it domestically though. Argentina did well yesterday because he lead from the front and stopped feeling sorry for himself, but had he shown heart earlier on Argentina wouldn't have been on the brink of an exit.

You will get bad fans in both groups, but Messi fans are by far the worst and do not accept any criticism at all and take it personally as if their hero is a religious prophet.

 

[MMHS]

One of the flesh in Argentine flesh is out - it's the time for Messi to honor the WC.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

It was never Messi vs CR to me as a player, which I have mentioned many times. But, difference is every CR fan gives due credit to Messi for his football genius; but I haven't seen any good words for CR for his skills & leadership from a single Messi fan; rather what I have seen is going around circles, trying to defame him - I guess, we do understand what is inferiority complex. The truth is, I myself is a Barca & Messi fan, but can't resist riling up his fans.

It's a shame that for someone Messi fanatic thinking WC is at loss, because their hero couldn't win it. There are many, many greats of soccer and one Messi doesn't worth that sort of worship. At his prime, he had the chance to win it, at a venue closest to his homeland, bolted it - that's his incapability if you want to say so harshly, not WC's loss. He has the chance to win it again - let him settle score if he can; otherwise no point imposing your own feelings here.

Your choosing to see things then. I have seen many Ronaldo fans troll Messi and downplay his achievement.

I am Messi fan but I have praised Ronaldo performances in the tournament so you have seen 1 Messi fan praise Ronaldo.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Speaking for yourself here you are the one who ignored and refused to accept he lacks heart and mental toughness at the international level specifically, there's no denying we have seen it domestically though. Argentina did well yesterday because he lead from the front and stopped feeling sorry for himself, but had he shown heart earlier on Argentina wouldn't have been on the brink of an exit.

You will get bad fans in both groups, but Messi fans are by far the worst and do not accept any criticism at all and take it personally as if their hero is a religious prophet.

Nope, I'm speaking about Ronaldo fans like you that resort to making absurd comments.

I didn't ignore the comment about heart and mental toughness, I simply rejected it as an absurd observation with no basis.

Your last paragraph is simply not true, you're only saying that as a Ronaldo fan.

You only have to read the GOAT thread to see the utter bakwaas some people posted about Messi because he missed a penalty, conveniently those same people had nothing to say when Ronaldo choked against Iran the other night.

 

[shaz619]

Nope, I'm speaking about Ronaldo fans like you that resort to making absurd comments.

I didn't ignore the comment about heart and mental toughness, I simply rejected it as an absurd observation with no basis.

Your last paragraph is simply not true, you're only saying that as a Ronaldo fan.

You only have to read the GOAT thread to see the utter bakwaas some people posted about Messi because he missed a penalty, conveniently those same people had nothing to say when Ronaldo choked against Iran the other night.

A bit rich really when you make these comments, you're basically describing yourself to be honest. Absurd observation as in you're another typical Messi fan that can't accept any criticism due to your narrow minded fandom when it is clear that Messi has bottled it in the KO stages of international football, this is a simple fact which is just common sense but I suppose common sense is not so common when it comes to Messi fans.

Yeah he missed a penalty vs Iran it's unacceptable it's not something I will justify unlike Messi fans who got their knickers in a twist trying to defend a penalty which was missed vs WC debutants, but Portugal didn't have life and death to get out of their group unlike Argentina largely thanks to CR7. Additionally, Ronaldo has a superior resume at the international level compared to Messi; this is another fact which Messi fans can't accept. Messi outside La Liga doesn't have a proud record in KO games, but due to your fandom, ignorance and delusion this is another fact you and your kind can't accept.

 

[MMHS]

Today, I won't fake my mind & post

Probably, end of a true, true genius of soccer in Internationals - he never somehow turned it for Argentina, but there will never, never, never be someone like Messi; he is unique, he is unreal in his game. I am genuinely hurt today to see him leaving - I wish he can stay fit and make one more WC; may be retire for 2 years and come back at WC qualifiers to manage his aging body.

I am happy for France, but today is to mourn for Messi - never trust everything I write in PP to rile up his fanatics, but Messi is Messi, will always be Messi; I have never seen something like Leo of Barca, world won't either and we'll ever see another one for sure.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

No hard feelings man, I am equally hurt today to see Messi leaving without any International title. But, one 3 points you tagged me here, actually is badly exposed today - he got a golden chance with his right foot; he was a passenger in the game till last few minutes and

- for sure in 14 years, the team that had the likes of Kun, De Maria, Maschareno, Ottamendi, Veron, Zannetti, Tevez, Milito, Lavezzi and many other top quality Latin talents, players who are top picks in Euro leagues to support Messi - should have won at least one Copa. Why they couldn't - you have to see today's game again.

Again, no hard feelings man - I an a Barca & Messi fan; hardly missed any of his game ever, won't either as long as he plays for Barca.

 

[Xoib]

Played well today got in 2 assists but was never going to achieve much with this unbalanced team

2014 was his real shot at glory he was just 27 playing well at his peak and had a better team should have stood up and played the game of his career in the final he should alsways rue that game and tourney this time he was always up against it his game has gone a bit he is still quality but not as good as peak Messi and his team was very mediocre

 

[Pakistanian]

Today, I won't fake my mind & post

Probably, end of a true, true genius of soccer in Internationals - he never somehow turned it for Argentina, but there will never, never, never be someone like Messi; he is unique, he is unreal in his game. I am genuinely hurt today to see him leaving - I wish he can stay fit and make one more WC; may be retire for 2 years and come back at WC qualifiers to manage his aging body.

I am happy for France, but today is to mourn for Messi - never trust everything I write in PP to rile up his fanatics, but Messi is Messi, will always be Messi; I have never seen something like Leo of Barca, world won't either and we'll ever see another one for sure.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

No hard feelings man, I am equally hurt today to see Messi leaving without any International title. But, one 3 points you tagged me here, actually is badly exposed today - he got a golden chance with his right foot; he was a passenger in the game till last few minutes and

- for sure in 14 years, the team that had the likes of Kun, De Maria, Maschareno, Ottamendi, Veron, Zannetti, Tevez, Milito, Lavezzi and many other top quality Latin talents, players who are top picks in Euro leagues to support Messi - should have won at least one Copa. Why they couldn't - you have to see today's game again.

Again, no hard feelings man - I an a Barca & Messi fan; hardly missed any of his game ever, won't either as long as he plays for Barca.

Messi is 30, he has a good chance of coming back in the next world cup. There are plenty of players who have played till 35 and beyond. Ronaldo is 33 rn, Messi will only be a year older next world cup.

 

[Hasan123]

Not good enough defensively and the manager is very poor. Messi should take some blame but the manager has to a lot of the blame for this tournament. Leaving Icardi at home and not giving game time to Dyballa and Lo Ceslso are just 2 of many poor decisions he made.

 

[MMHS]

Messi is 30, he has a good chance of coming back in the next world cup. There are plenty of players who have played till 35 and beyond. Ronaldo is 33 rn, Messi will only be a year older next world cup.

Hope so. He is actually 31 last week.

He is ball skill wise unparalleled, may be his naughty countryman was a little better (because he played in an era when Referees often didn't give foul on double studded slide tackle on ankle, if somehow defenders could touch the ball - before or after the skin of the forward, and playing surface were lot, lot heavier, uneven), but he wasn't this prolific scorer.

But, next WC will be in Qatar (May be God knows why, and FIFA/Infantino definitely knows), in June when it's like 50C (but they might start games after 9PM for European viewership). Besides, his position needs speed & quick acceleration; unless he decides to move down as deep lying mid-fielder like Pirolo, no chance for him to survive more than a half.

 

[MMHS]

Not good enough defensively and the manager is very poor. Messi should take some blame but the manager has to a lot of the blame for this tournament. Leaving Icardi at home and not giving game time to Dyballa and Lo Ceslso are just 2 of many poor decisions he made.

He didn't have full control, I am sure. Among Latin teams, Argentina had the best defensive game and they produced some of the best ever defenders - it can't happen there are no better defenders in Argentina.

Messi actually had very little space today - at Real, Varne's life time target had been to mark Barca's No. 10, Umtiti practices against him 6 days a week, Kante was marking him and this guy is mean, intelligent, quick & strong, the best DM in world by some margin. Also, they used Pogba in a sort of free role in midfield and he shaded Messi. Today, entire France came to stop Messi and that actually gave De Maria lots of space.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

A sad end to a sad World Cup campaign for the Argentines

 

[Protea Fan]

Not good enough defensively and the manager is very poor. Messi should take some blame but the manager has to a lot of the blame for this tournament. Leaving Icardi at home and not giving game time to Dyballa and Lo Ceslso are just 2 of many poor decisions he made.

He was a superb tactician in his sevilla days,His far inferior sevilla almost beat the mighty star stunned madrid in a cup final few season's back

I really don't know where the problem really persist for him now,may be the the world cup pressure get too much into his head and from their everything got out of control

 

[Hasan123]

He was a superb tactician in his sevilla days,His far inferior sevilla almost beat the mighty star stunned madrid in a cup final few season's back

I really don't know where the problem really persist for him now,may be the the world cup pressure get too much into his head and from their everything got out of control

Whenever I have seen him teams they usually play a pressing game at a high intensity. This squad selected wasn't capable of that. Don't think he's the right fit for the job.

 

[Hasan123]

He didn't have full control, I am sure. Among Latin teams, Argentina had the best defensive game and they produced some of the best ever defenders - it can't happen there are no better defenders in Argentina.

Messi actually had very little space today - at Real, Varne's life time target had been to mark Barca's No. 10, Umtiti practices against him 6 days a week, Kante was marking him and this guy is mean, intelligent, quick & strong, the best DM in world by some margin. Also, they used Pogba in a sort of free role in midfield and he shaded Messi. Today, entire France came to stop Messi and that actually gave De Maria lots of space.

This is why I thought he should have played a striker . Messi was coming to deep. Everytime the ball went wide there was no one in the box.

 

[MMHS]

This is why I thought he should have played a striker . Messi was coming to deep. Everytime the ball went wide there was no one in the box.

I think, Argentina started with 4-5-1 and Messi solo up front, but their deep lying midfield is too aged and slow while wide players were not up to mark. He was almost isolated and later came down to fetch the ball. His heat map showed most possession between half way line up to French D.

 

[Saj]

Crazy decision not to start with Aguero today.

Argentina's defence once again was all over the place. Really lacked any cohesion.

 

[Hasan123]

I think, Argentina started with 4-5-1 and Messi solo up front, but their deep lying midfield is too aged and slow while wide players were not up to mark. He was almost isolated and later came down to fetch the ball. His heat map showed most possession between half way line up to French D.

Lo ceslso should have gotten more game time. Today he should have replaced Masch when they were behind. Masch is a warrior but he's finished at the top level at CDM.

 

[MMHS]

Lo ceslso should have gotten more game time. Today he should have replaced Masch when they were behind. Masch is a warrior but he's finished at the top level at CDM.

Was lucky to escape RED