Alvarez (left) celebrates after scoring Argentina’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Poland in the World Cup Group C in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, November 30, 2022. (AP/Natacha Pisarenko)
It was because he had recovered from an unexpected blow. Because I have a replacement. He’s one of the greatest footballers in history, but it doesn’t depend on him. And all because luck worked in his favor.
Argentina returned to the starting point just before the Round of 16 of the World Cup. He arrived as one of his top contenders, but his record was marred by a setback in his debut against Saudi Arabia, which went 36 games unbeaten.
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If there is one play that explains the overall consistency the South American team has recovered, it was the ball’s 27 touches ahead of the second goal in the victory over Poland. From one band to another until Enzo Fernandez saw a hole in his rival’s defense and threw a pass to Julian Alvarez who defined the angle.
At the last minute, coach Lionel Scaroni performed major surgery on some of the 2021 Copa America-winning starters as the team finished first in the zone with 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland. . They therefore avoided reigning champions France and ended up clashing with Australia. In theory, it looks like a very favorable table to reach the final on December 18th.
“We’ve been back to normal for a long time,” he said with a smile to captain Lionel Messi. We weren’t able to achieve it due to circumstances, which gives us confidence for what’s to come.”
what worked
The coach’s hand in getting the pieces right was essential. Scaloni disagrees with the old football dogma. If a footballer fails to live up to expectations, or if the next rival calls for another interpreter, the coach will change his eleven, with the only exception being Messi.
Scaroni changed five players against Mexico compared to the team that lost in their debut match. And despite his victory, he changed four to face the Poles.
Messi in a 2-0 win over Poland in Group C of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday 30 November 2022. (AP/Natacha Pisarenko)
Midfielders Alexis Mack Allister and Fernandez, and striker Alvarez (none of whom is over 23) came on as substitutes before the World Cup and emerged victorious from that mutation.
In the first two, Argentina seem to have created a new midfield, with only Rodrigo De Paul surviving compared to Copa America-winning Rodrigo De Paul.
Mac Allister and FernĂĄndez sped up the game and reached goal, but were also crucial in setbacks and recovery.
Scaroni gave the title to the 22-year-old Alvarez and became the second top scorer in his cycle behind Messi, replacing the more veteran Lautaro Martinez. And the Manchester City attacker has admirable virtues despite his youth.
As a River Plate player aged 18, he scored in his first game as a starter for City in the second leg of the historic Copa Libertadores final against rivals Boca Juniors, now in the World Cup.
Argentina also showed character to recover from a penalty in which Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved Messi in the first half. It was the second time the 35-year-old Argentinian captain has felt frustrated at the World Cup. The first was against Iceland four years ago.
At other times, the blow would have demoralized Starr and his teammates. But it was the opposite.
Messi said: “I was angry that we missed the penalty because we know that a goal changes the game and makes the game different. I did,’ he commented.
Ălvarez (left) played for the team after scoring Argentina’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Poland in the World Cup Group C in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday 30 November 2022. Being hugged by mate Enso Fernandez. (AP/NATACHA PISARENKO) To be fixed
One of the team’s weak spots is still in the wings. Scaroni rotated sides in all three of his matches. Against Poland, Nahuel Molina returned to the right flank and Mack assisted Alistair’s goal, but he needs more participation.
Marcos Acuna on the left was always free, but not accurate when he stepped into the area.
Veteran Angel Di Maria was substituted midway through the second half due to a contracture in his left thigh. The risk of being ripped off makes his presence in the match against Australia in doubt.
Star Lionel Messi overtook legend Diego Maradona to become the Argentinian player with the most World Cup appearances (22), three ahead of Lothar Matthaus’ record in Germany.
what’s next
1978 and 1986 champions La Albiceleste will face second-placed Group D and FIFA-ranked 38th-ranked Australia on Saturday at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. It is only the second time in its history that the Socceroos have reached this stage.
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