The Real Argentina
Do not ask where they are because the real Argentine National team is in Russia. The roster is star studded to say the least: Dybala (Juventus), Kun Aguero (Man City), Di Maria (PSG), Higuian (Juventus) Otamendi (Man City) and of course Messi (Barcelona). All of these players where part of their clubs winning their domestic titles. While that is an impressive feat, the other similarity is where Argentina has had trouble: outside of Otamendi, these are all attacking players. Di Maria is officially listed as a midfielder but is best used as an attacking midfielder or wing player with few defensive responsibilities.
The true midfield duties for the South American juggernauts has been placed on the aging shoulders of Javier Mascherano, now 34. Now playing his club soccer against the sub-par competition of China’s league, the former star is in no position to be a true number 8, the lynch pin between his teams defenders and attacking players. While he was not exposed badly against Iceland, emerging dark horse, Croatia nearly ran the Argentine stalwart into an early retirement.
Croatia boast what is one of the most impressive midfields in the whole tournament. Modric (Real Madrid, Rakitic (Barcelona), Perisic (Inter Milan), Kovacic (Real Madrid), and Pjaca (Schalke 04 loanee from Juventus). Combine this with a hard working striker, Mandzukic (Juventus), and you have a lethal attacking and ball possession force. This group work Argentina into the ground, dominating the middle of the pitch, keeping the ball away from dangerous Argentine attackers and pressuring the less talented holding midfielders and defenders. The result, a humiliating 3-0 victory for Croatia.
Now to be fair, I am not blaming Mascherano, he is but one man in a very poor midfield. That said, the midfield in general is the largest symptom of a greater sickness within Argentina’s camp. Back-up goalkeeper, Willy Caballero has been poor at best, begging the question why Sergio Romero is not in the team. He supposedly missed through injury but has insisted in the build up to the World Cup he was match fit. The back line, led by Otamendi is severely lacking in skill and size, putting in into a poor position to aid a bad keeper. Dissent between players and coach, with whispers they want Jorge Sampaoli removed from the helm of the sinking Argentine ship, has caused further distraction for the team.
Finally, the Argentine FA is in shambles and has been for years, even prompting a brief retirement from the national team by star Messi. When it comes down to it, there are many causes to what has become an illness for this Argentina side, the symptoms of which include poor play and one point from 2 games. While the team is technically still on life support, it is hard to see a cure to such a well-entrenched disease. The final diagnosis: the disease is fatal with death to come in the group stage in what will be another sad example of a “top team” crashing out early.
