For greater fanfare and gaiety of the memorable world cup 2018 any genuine admirer of the game would want heart and soul that fancied teams like Brazil and Argentina go to distance. The way the schedule was drawn in business as usual there could be Brazil Argentina epic final. But Iceland first and Croatia later has spoiled that opportunity. Argentina huffing and puffing qualified at the very last minutes for the group of 16 finishing as number two team of the group D behind Croatia. If they survive challenges of pre quarter and quarter final and Brazil advances from the other side they meet in the semifinal. But for that to happen Argentina has to get across French challenge first tomorrow. From what has been seen so far Argentina is yet to peak to its fluid football that earned them world wide huge fan following. They were awful against Iceland and Croatia. They were not convincing against Nigeria either. White and blue must raise their them to greater heights to challenge very matured and strong France. Great Messi have to have required support from mates, better assist from younger legs like Christiano Pavonand Dybala. Argentina must tighten its defense. The most aged team of the world cup would struggle for that .Higuain and Aguero so far appeared shadow of their past.
Let us have a view of Argentina squad.Messi thrives in Barcelona being assisted by so many quality Spanish and Brazilian quality players . Argentina mates just can not deliver that . When opposition restricts his operating space others cannot exploit. In counter attack Argentina defense looks vulnerable in the flanks and down the center .Messi has to deliver his magic to tide over the French challenge and that wont be easy.
Goal Keepers :Sergio Romero, Franco Armani and Wifredo Cabalero
Defenders :Gabriel Marcado, Christian Ansaldi, Nicolas Otamendi, Federico Fazio, Marcos Rojo ,Nicolas Tangliafico and Marcos Acuna
Midfielders Javier Maschareno, EdoardoSalvio, Lucas Biglia,Giovani Lo Selso, Ever Banega,ManuelLanzini, Maximilano Meza, Angel Di Maria and Christian Pavon
Forwards; Lionel Messi , Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala and GozaloHiguain
As far as quality players are concerned Argentina has no dearth of quality players in any position. But for reasons inconceivable they could not play as a team in qualification round and pre tournament warm up matches. That uncertain state carried over into the first two matches. Some issues of controversy about team chemistry were also whispered. Whenever a team fail to perform it happens. But it can not denied that preparation for World Cup 2018 was not ideal for Argentina. But how any times in the past a team limping into business session has turned around. Little Magician Messi inspired Argentina has all the quality for late spark.
With Romero not available Armani will be right choice below the bar. Marcado, Otamandi, Rojo and Fazio may start in defence. I am not sure whether 5-3-2 will be right formation against France. In that case Maschareno should be sitting ahead of four deep defenders. Banega, Di Maria and ChristainPavon may be entrusted in the Mid Field. I would suggest playing Dybala beside Messi in the staring eleven. If require Aguero or Higuain can come later. But the bottom line is Argentina must not rely exclusively on Messi for goals. France will definitely cut all options of balls flying in to his direction. In that case would raise their game to deliver even from Messi assists. The great player in small opportunity may deliver. The match may run into additional 15 minutes each half and even tie break. France should have their younger players playing early and bring experienced players as substitute for additional time and tie break. But containing France from running away with early initiative should be the target.
France Sqaud:
Goal Keepers: Hugo Lioris, Steve Mandnada and Alfonso Areola.
Defence: LayvinKurzawa, Presnet Kimpembe, Benjamin Mendy, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane,, Lucas Hernandez, Benjamen Pavard, Adil Rami and JbrilSibibi.
Mid Fielders: Thomas Lemer, BlaisMatuidi, CorentinToliso, PauloPogba, N’GoloKante,
Forwards: OusmanDembele,FlorianThauvin,AntoineGriezman,KylianMbappe, Nabil Fakir and Olivier Giraoud.
France is a relatively younger side with strong mid field and forwards. France has not peaked yet. But they topped their group and will exploit the weakness of yet unsettled Argentina. They will definitely analyze the vulnerability of Argentine defense as they conceded three goals against Croatia. Their task is clear. Will concentrate on keeping the magician quite, allow Argentina to attack and catch their suspect defense napping in counter attack.
In my analysis France should win 2-1 the crucial tie .By writing I hope I have not hurt anyone.
BDST: 1101 HRS, JUN 30, 2018
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