Argentina must address weaknesses before last 16
After the euphoria of scraping through to the last 16 of the World Cup, Argentina must now address their glaring weaknesses. They have little time to prepare for Saturday’s match against France yet have much to work on. Particularly at the back.
Argentina’s feeble defence was exposed in the 3-0 defeat by Croatia last week and once again in Tuesday’s 2-1 win game over Nigeria. The South Americans won with an 86thminute goal from defender Marcos Rojo, but during the second half the team looked on the verge of another capitulation at the back.
Javier Mascherano is supposed to be protecting the defence, but look particularly vulnerable. As his bloodied face showed, there is no doubting his commitment. But the 34-year-old’s judgment, especially for someone with so much experience, is lacking. Two horribly misplaced passes put his team in danger, while it was Mascherano’s clumsy challenge that led to the penalty equaliser.
Further forward, Angel Di Maria’s failure to control a simple pass during a promising counter-attack against Nigeria was a sad sight for such a fine talent.
Gonzalo Higuain, meanwhile, looked nervous and heavy-legged, blazing a great chance high and wide with the score 1-1 with ten minutes left.
Fans hoping to see Paulo Dybala, one of the brightest attacking talents in the game, may not get their wish.
The 24-year-old forward scored 26 times in 46 games for Juventus last season – but for whatever reason, Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli does not seem to need him.
With time running out against Nigeria, the coach still did not bring him on. He has only played once for Argentina all year, and with Sampaoli in charge this does not look like it will change.