Argentina is one of the most successful nations in the history of the world cup soccer. Being located in a very strong soccer playing region South America it has to meet the challenges of strong opponents like Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador and Peru in qualifying for the finals. Yet from 1930 -2014 of the 20 World Cup tournaments it appeared in 16 sinning the title twice in 1978 and 1980. It finished second three times in 1930, 1990 and 2014. 

Argentina did not win the World Cup Championship in recent times. Even this time they struggled all the way in the qualification round only confirming through 3-1 win in the last match against Ecuador through a super solo exhibition of brilliance from wizard Messi. Yet   the legacy of enigmatic Diego Maradona and world wide craze for one of best footballer of all time left footed magician Lionel Messi make them one of the fancied team of the world cup 2018. Possibly in the soccer world they have almost the same number of fans especially among the young generation having craze for European football league. 

ML 10 has won so many matches for his club and team outside world cup. He himself lost the focus after losing the focus last time after losing the hotly contested final against Germany. He instantly announced retirement from international soccer. Luckily he could be persuaded to reverse decision. 

Without his subtle touch in the last qualification match against Ecuador, Argentina like Italy and Netherlands could be watching other teams play World Cup 2018. Argentina qualified just as the 5th country from South America. It is time that this great soccer magician crown his brilliant career with the trophy that all international footballer dream. Definitely star studded Argentina has the quality and depth to go all the way. 

But to reach there they have to first get across the hurdle of round one where they have teams like Super Eagle Nigeria, steady European team Croatia and first time entrant tiny country Iceland. Off all persons Maradona possibly for igniting the passion of the Argentina in one forecast mentioned “Argentina may not win any match in World Cup.” But well and truly Argentina is one of the favorites along side Brazil, Germany and Spain in 2018. It will be poetic injustice if a player of the caliber of Messi departs from the scene without a touch of world cup. 

Argentina from way past produced several quality players who entrained football world with exceptional skills. The players who straight away come to find are:

Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi , Alfredo Di Stefano, Hermen Crespo, Mario Kempes, Claudio Canninga, Carlos Tavez, Angelo Di Maria , Sergio Aguero , Gonzelo Higuin Gabriel Batistuta and Javier Mascherano.  With such a galaxy of super stars lady luck often was not with them in clinching the championships at least two times in 1990 losing Germany 1-0 through a controversial penalty and in 2014 again to Germany 1-0 in extra time after creating so many opportunities in full time. 

World Cup Finals Record

Played     Won     Drew    Lost    GF     GA
 77           42        14        21     132     84

Argentina and Group D

Group D comprising of Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria is already tagged as the group of death. With Messi in his magical form Argentina is tipped favorites. But other three also equally fancy their chances. 

We already mentioned that Argentina survived an unusually tight qualification campaign and only reached the stage by the skin of the teeth. Going a goal down to Ecuador Messi had to deliver his best a hat trick to pip Ecuador to the post. 

Plucky thunder clapping Iceland after their fairy tale EURO 2016 is expected to a dark horse in the group. Golden generation of Croatia may also go all out to avail their last chance for tweeting.  Super Eagles Nigeria is always difficult team to dispose. Till at the second round matches of the group is played all have to keep their fingers crossed which two would move ahead. 

Always a threat to go all the way Argentina would start their Russia campaign far from their best. They will be expecting that Aguero , Higuen and others would quickly find their feet in support of Messi .Their tight defense which served them so well in 2014 in Brazil must also not flatter. If they can not finish top of the group they may find France in the group of 16. Argentina in recent time won against Russia and Italy. But two huge defeats by six goals by Spain and four by Nigeria already raised concern. 

The defeats in three separate finals and the inconsistent results over the past two years reveal something of a psychological problem for the South American giants.
Messi inspired Argentina has to tide over the mental issue, because on paper it is one of the most talented teams of the world now. 

Entrusting Sampalio as coach is one of the brightest thing that has happened to Argentine football. He in immediate past regenerated Chilean football from an apparent hopeless situation to a competitive side.

Head To Head

Teams        Played    Won    Drew    Lost
Croatia          4            2         1         1
Iceland          0            0         0         0
Nigeria          8            5          1         2

How Argentina Will Perform In Russia:

Loosing finalist of 2014 present team possess the quality of matching that or even improving. Anything less than topping the group D ahead of Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland will be disappointing for them despite of very inconsistent form over the past two years .If they win the group they will possibly find Denmark in the group of 16. In quarter they will possibly meet strong Spain. For going deeper L Messi has to perform at his brilliant best and he has to ably supported by Aguero, Di Maria and Higuene. Argentina has 10:1 odd against them for winning the championship .

Argentine Squad:

Goal Keepers: Willy Cabarello (Chelsea), Franco Armani (River Plate) and Nahuel Guzman (Tigers) 

Defenders: Gabriel Marcado ( Sevilla) , Federico Fazzio ( Roma) ,Nicolas Otamendi ( Manchester City) ,Marco Rojo ( Manchester United) ,Nicolas Taglafico ( Ajax) ,Javier Macherano ( Hebel Fortune) Marcos Acona ( Sporting Lisbon) and Cristian Ansaldi( Torino)

Mid Fielders: Evil Banegga ( Sevilla) , Lucas Biglia( AC Milan) , Angel Di Maria , Giovani Lo Censo ( Paris St Jermine) , Christain Pavon ( Boca Junior ) , Maximilano Meza( Indipendiante) and Eduardo Salvia ( Benefica) 

Forwards: Lionel Messi ( Bercelona) ,Gonzalo Higuain( Juventus ) Pablo Dybalo ( Juventus) and Serjio Aguero ( Manchester City) 

Possible Starting XI: Willy Caberello, Nicolas Tagliafico, Nicolas Otamendi, Federico Fazio, Gabriel Marcado, Giovani Lo Celso , Lucas Biglia, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero.

Argentina appears to have lack in defensive pace to push up and play a high line. They do not have good attacking full backs. Wingers will have to create their own chances falling back and weaving through. This style off course caused 2-4 loss to Nigeria.

Argentina can not simply sent all balls to Messi and let him deliver magic all the time. All opponents will have plan to restrict maneuvering space of ML 10. Coach must arrange for cutting down work loads on Messi . Off course the superman Messi would find his own way out.

World is divided into two poles .Unfortunately two teams from the same continents Brazil and Argentina leads two poles . Those born after 1980s have divided following. Many have not see Brazil of 1958, 1962 or 1970 but they saw Argentina of 1978 and 1986. They do not care to know that Brazil is on Hexa mission. In such situation, what about a Brazil and Argentina final to settle the matter. What a bombshell event that would be?

BDST: 1517 HRS, JUN 9, 2018
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