Argentina WC loss: Argentina’s opening match 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia has sent shockwaves across the world putting their campaign in jeopardy.
Such has been the nature of the World Cup that no team can be taken lightly and the loss to Saudi Arabia from La Albiceleste showed exactly why.
The defeat not only ended Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten run across competitions but could dampen their World Cup hopes.
Despite having not only played 1 match, Argentina’s campaign could be tatters soon and we let you know reasons for the same.
The top 3 reasons why Argentina could suffer a shock exit at the group stage.
Mid-field absence
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Lo Celso is a major absentee for Argentina after he was ruled out of the WC due to injury.
The likes of Paredes and De Paul were left helpless during the contest vs Saudi Arabia, due to their lack of incisiveness.
Argentina often had a strangely lopsided formation. Paredes dropped between the CBs & De Paul pushed right/up. This further reduced the space for Messi to operate in.
You can see the lack of midfield options. This was one of the reasons for the long-ish attempted through balls. pic.twitter.com/qZc6TbyZKI
— Talking Tactics (@TalkinTactics) November 22, 2022
Argentina’s mid-field needs a rejig when they face Mexico and Poland as they could be cut open through that gap.
Messi pressure
Messi wasn’t at his best vs Saudi Arabia; as he was consistently marked or held up by atleast 2 Saudi players.
This is a tactic which oppositions can use on him as Messi was not able to move freely around. He may have scored the opening goal, but was far from his usual self.
Argentina do not have tall and physical players; which could affect their progress. They were convincingly beaten physically by Saudi, which was a telling reason.
Poor defence
We understand that it was just one match, but Argentina’s defending for both goals conceded was poor.
The experience of Otamendi and Romero’s presence did not help their cause. They were cut apart on occasions and due to their poor lapses, gave a route back to Saudi.
Lisandro Martinez must start the remaining matches as he showed immense grit and desire once he came in as a substitute.
Messi urges Argentina fans to keep believing 💙 pic.twitter.com/UnYBCB2WTo
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022
The South American face a talented Mexico side on Sunday and cannot afford more dropped points, as it could leave them with too much to catch up against Poland.
