Messi support ahead of key Croatia clash
ARGENTINA are rallying around captain Lionel Messi as the South American giants prepare for their crucial Group D clash with Croatia on Thursday night (at 1am Cambodian time).
Messi (pictured, AFP) made an unhappy start to the World Cup on Saturday, missing what would have been a match-winning penalty as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by minnows Iceland.
It was a result that has renewed doubts about Argentina’s ability to mount a sustained challenge at this World Cup, four years after they reached the final in Brazil.
Another adverse outcome on Thursday and many may even start to consider the unthinkable – that Argentina could be on their way out at the group stage, mirroring their shock first round exit in 2002.
Legend Diego Maradona called the Iceland result a “disgrace” and warned coach Jorge Sampaoli he would not be able to return to Argentina with similar performances.
Adding to the sense of disapp o i n t ment , Mes s i ’s missed penalty alty was accompanied ed by 11 unsuccessful ul shots, the most in a World Cup g a me w i t h o u t return by a single player since nce Italy’s Luigi Riva in 1970.
Argentina’s players, however, r, have been quick to close ranks around nd the superstar Barcelona arcelona forward.
“We are all with him. He knows ows that he can count t on the support of all of us more than ever,” ver,” said Argentina striker Paulo Dybala. “We are here to help him every moment, and of course we will be at his side.”
Defender Cristian Ansaldi, meanwhile, ins insisted Messi was in good spirits despite the Iceland setback.
Despite th the solitary point against Icel Iceland, Argentina can take solace sol from a performance which saw them m muster 26 shots and have h 72 percent posse possession against Icelan Iceland.
Cro Croatia may have secu secured a vital three poi points in their 2-0 win against Nigeria in their opening gam game, but their m mood can hardly b be described as e euphoric.
They came in into the tourna- ment under a cloud, with captain Luka Modric charged with perjury in a corruption scandal which has rocked Croatian football.
And striker Nikola Kalinic has left Russia due to a back injury, says coach Zlatko Dalic, but amid reports he refused to come on as a substitute after being left out of the starting line-up.
Off-field problems for now though have not affected them and they are expected to field an unchanged team, which also includes Messi’s Barcelona teammate Ivan Rakitic.
The teams have met only once before in theWorld Cup, in 1998, when Argentina won 1-0 and were the only team that year to prevent Golden Boot-winner Davor Suker from scoring.
One other possible omen for Thursday – when Riva racked up his unwanted record in 1970, the Italian legend promptly scored two goals in his next match.
Argentina will be hoping for the same from Messi.
In Thursday’s early game (at 7pm), Australia face Denmark looking for the win that could save their campaign. A gutwrenching 2-1 defeat to France in their Group C opener has left the Socceroos targeting a win on Thursday as they seek to qualify from the group stages.
After their unconvincing win against Australia, France have vowed to ramp up the intensity and put their stamp on the World Cup with victory over Peru on Thursday (at 10pm).
“We took stock of what was done well or not so well and all agree we will have to increase our physical intensity and improve our attitude in general,” Real Madrid defender and vice captain Raphael Varane said on Tuesday.