Argentina’s pain is self-inflicted
Manager out of element in 3-0 defeat
Did you see Lionel Messi after Willy Caballero’s gaffe? Or Luka Modric’s gameclincher? Or again, after Ivan Rakitic made it 3-0.
A man who’s used to playing at one of the best clubs in the world looked like he wished he’d never returned to international football. Another match at this World Cup demonstrated why Argentina struggled during World Cup qualifying. Their manager is simply out of his mind.
Coach Jorge Sampaoli inexplicably left Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria — three of the best attacking players in Europe — on the bench in favour of a listless, disorganized lineup in a match Argentina could hardly afford to lose. What’s more, with his team in need of a goal early in the second half, he pulled Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
“I probably didn’t understand the match as I should have,” Sampaoli said.
Major questions need to be asked of a manager who fails to organize the group in a way that produces something in the attacking third. The two-time champs finished with just three attempts on the Croatian goal. It’s a shame Caballero’s mistake and Messi’s supposed ineffectiveness will steal attention away from the fact Argentina’s staff didn’t get the best out of this group. At a certain point Thursday night, Argentina’s players conceded the tournament. They were attacking with no more than four players and defending with what seemed like fewer.
“We were in one of those situations regarding our morale that didn’t allow us to move forward,” Sampaoli added. “But I repeat, I’m the one who is responsible.”
NASTY LIES
American referee Mark Geiger is innocent, FIFA claims. Moroccan winger Nordin Amrabat suggested the ref asked for Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt during halftime of Portugal’s 1-0 win. “It is with regret and disappointment that, following yesterday’s Group B game between Portugal and Morocco, FIFA has learnt reports in the media concerning the referee Mark Geiger,” FIFA said in a release. “It has been claimed that Mr. Geiger asked for the shirt of the captain of Portugal (Ronaldo) during the halftime interval. Mr. Geiger strongly refutes these claims and categorically states that such a request was not made. FIFA unequivocally condemns the allegations supposedly made by a member of the Moroccan team.”
LOTS OF PRESSURE
The Germans enter Matchday 2 in a must-not-lose situation if they’re to avoid group stage elimination for the first time since the Second World War. Die Mannschaft meets defensive specialist Sweden after the defending champ’s 1-0 loss to Mexico. “We have made ourselves vulnerable,” German striker Thomas Mueller said, according to AFP. “We are self-critical enough to analyze the situation, but now we must look forward together.”
SORTING GROUP B
Iran will advance with win over Portugal. Portugal will advance with a win or a draw against Iran. Spain will advance with a win or a draw against Morocco; or if Iran doesn’t beat Portugal.
SORTING GROUP C
On six points from two games, France has qualified for the Round of 16. Denmark will advance with a win or draw against France on Matchday 3. Australia could advance (depending on goal difference) if it beats Peru and Denmark loses to France.