World Cup round of 16 power rankings: Can anyone stop Brazil?
By James Dudko
13. Argentina
Argentina could rank a lot lower after the drab way they just about lurched through Group D. Marcos Rojo’s terrific late volley to beat Nigeria aside, La Albiceleste were lacking in pace, fluency and ideas through three matches.
It said a lot when star man Lionel Messi needed two games under his belt before leaving a mark on the tournament. Messi’s goal and spectacular first-half display against the Super Eagles on Tuesday offers hope 2014’s beaten finalists will turn on the style during the knockout rounds.
However, a lot will depend on how coach Jorge Sampaoli chooses to support Messi. The combination of the little genius and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero doesn’t seem to work.
Similarly, introducing classic No. 9 Gonzalo Higuain for the final group game didn’t exactly work wonders. Messi needs pace and varied movement around him, something Cristian Pavon and Paulo Dybala can provide.
Argentina’s magical No. 10 also needs a game based more on quick exchanges of passes through midfield. Sampaoli has the players to do it, particularly in the form of Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega.
The latter was superb in patches against Nigeria and deserves another chance to prove his worth against unconvincing France.
Sampaoli must return to the press-crazed, tiki-taka style he used so well with Chile.