Argentina vs Croatia: Can Lionel Messi put the Albiceleste back into the World Cup?
(Courtesy : FIFA)
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.
ALSO READ
Talking Points: Croatia likely to top Group D now?
Dissecting the script behind Iceland's big Argentine miracle
Talking Points: Should Lionel Messi continue to take penalties?
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.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Khel Now Predicts
Argentina 2-1 Croatia
- I-League 2024-25: Full fixtures, schedule, results, standings & more
- Mikael Stahre reveals big update on this player ahead of Chennaiyin FC clash
- Santosh Trophy 2024: Odisha beat Chhattisgarh to qualify for final round
- I-League 2024-25: All five foreigners of Shillong Lajong FC
- Leganes vs Real Madrid Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Ashutosh Mehta on ISL comeback, national team call-up, relationship with Khalid Jamil & more
- Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters
- Mohun Bagan not be fined by AFC after recognising their case as 'Event of Force Majeure'
- How much bonus did Vinicius Jr miss out on after losing Ballon d'Or 2024 award?
- Mats Hummels' girlfriend: Meet Nicola Cavanis, her job, Instagram & more
- I-League 2024-25: Full fixtures, schedule, results, standings & more
- I-League 2024-25: All five foreigners of Shillong Lajong FC
- Who is Punjab FC’s new rising star Tekcham Abhishek Singh?
- Jamshedpur FC's Steven Dias reveals crucial injury update ahead of Mohun Bagan clash in ISL
- Top 10 highest goalscorers in football history