Argentina vs Croatia: Can Lionel Messi put the Albiceleste back into the World Cup?

In a must-win tie the South Americans will once again look to their talisman to be the the difference-maker.

Post-Brazil 2014, Argentina still looked like a team capable of putting up a serious challenge at Russia 2018. But, four years later, La Albiceleste are a stark contrast to how they were at the last edition of the FIFA World Cup. This time its somewhat reminiscent of 2010, when Diego Maradona led the national team via the qualifications playoff as a coach. New coach Jorge Sampaoli will be hoping that skipper Lionel Messi comes back to his mercurial best against Croatia.

Coached by Zlatko Dalic, Croatia are currently amongst the best technical teams in the world. They had to go through the playoffs to catch the flight to Russia. Although, they won against Nigeria, it wasn't the best of wins, though they still sit at the top spot of Group D. They have faced the CONMEBOL side on four occasions with a victory, a draw, and two defeats. The last time the two teams met in November 2017, when lost 1-2.

About The Teams

Appointed on 1st June 2017, Sampaoli hasn't found a winning combination yet. Under him, Argentina have played 12 matches - winning six, drawing four and losing two.

Willy Caballero will start in goal, protected by a back four led by Nicolas Otamendi. Veteran Javier Mascherano will most probably be fielded as a defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He will be expected to protect his back four.

Cristian Pavon might replace Maxi Meza on the right side of midfield. Even Paulo Dybala could play there. Meza had put in a decent display in the last match, but he is not world-class. Angel di Maria will play on the left side. Skipper Lionel Messi will be the false nine-esque attacking midfielder, looking to dictate the game and link-up with striker Sergio Aguero.

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Croatia are expected to start in a 4-3-3 formation and then to shift to a 4-4-2 formation with Andrej Kramaric as a second striker. Dalic will rely heavily on Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric to dictate the tempo of the match.

Danijel Subasic will stand between the posts, protected by the likes of Dejan Lovren. Poacher Mario Mandzukic will be looking for crosses from left winger Ivan Perisic.

Venue

The match will take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium which has a capacity of 44,899. After this match, the stadium will host four more matches.

Expected Lineups

Argentina: Caballero, Mercado, Otamendi, Fazio, Tagliafico, Mascherano, Banega, Pavon, Messi, Di Maria, Aguero.

Croatia: Subasic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic; Rakitic, Badelj; Brozovic, Modric, Perisic; Mandzukic .

What to Expect

It might turn out to be cagey encounter, as both sets of midfields will look to win the battle. If back at his best, Messi could torment the Croatian defense. It is expected that whenever on the ball, he will be surrounded by at least two players. The game is going to be very tactical, with both coaches looking to outplay the other.

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Khel Now Predicts

Argentina 2-1 Croatia