Argentina's World Cup 2018: A Look Back At The Squad

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a tournament filled with drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. For Argentina, it was a campaign marked by high expectations and, ultimately, disappointment. Let's take a detailed look back at the Argentina World Cup 2018 lineup, the key players, and how they fared in the tournament.

The Squad Overview

Argentina's squad for the 2018 World Cup, led by coach Jorge Sampaoli, aimed to bring the trophy back to South America. The team featured a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, all hoping to make their mark on the world stage. Here's a breakdown of the squad:

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping department included:

  • Franco Armani: At the time, Armani was playing for River Plate. He became the primary choice during the tournament after some shaky performances from the initial starter. His shot-stopping ability and command of the area were crucial in the matches he played.
  • Wilfredo Caballero: Caballero, then with Chelsea, began the tournament as the starting goalkeeper. However, a costly error in the match against Croatia led to his replacement. Despite the setback, his experience was valuable to the team.
  • Nahuel Guzmán: Guzmán, playing for Tigres UANL, served as the third-choice goalkeeper. Although he didn't feature in any matches, his presence provided additional support and competition within the squad.

Defenders

The defensive lineup consisted of:

  • Gabriel Mercado: Mercado, who played for Sevilla, was a regular in the right-back position. His defensive solidity and occasional forward runs made him a reliable option for Sampaoli.
  • Nicolás Otamendi: Otamendi, a Manchester City player, was a key figure in central defense. Known for his aggressive tackling and aerial prowess, he was often tasked with leading the defensive line.
  • Federico Fazio: Fazio, playing for Roma, provided depth in central defense. His height and physical presence were useful in defending set-pieces and aerial duels.
  • Marcos Rojo: Rojo, from Manchester United, played as a center-back and sometimes as a left-back. His versatility and experience were valuable assets, and he even scored a crucial goal against Nigeria.
  • Nicolás Tagliafico: Tagliafico, who played for Ajax, was the preferred left-back. His energetic performances and attacking contributions made him a standout player in the squad.
  • Cristian Ansaldi: Ansaldi, playing for Torino, offered versatility, capable of playing on either side of the defense. His experience and tactical awareness were important for squad balance.

Midfielders

The midfield was composed of:

  • Javier Mascherano: Mascherano, a veteran playing in China, was the heart of the midfield. His leadership, tackling ability, and experience were vital in shielding the defense and controlling the tempo of the game.
  • Lucas Biglia: Biglia, from AC Milan, was a deep-lying midfielder. His passing range and ability to dictate play were important in connecting the defense and attack.
  • Éver Banega: Banega, playing for Sevilla, was known for his creativity and passing accuracy. His ability to unlock defenses with his through balls made him a key player in midfield.
  • Ángel Di María: Di María, a Paris Saint-Germain player, was a crucial attacking midfielder. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score from distance made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
  • Marcos Acuña: Acuña, who played for Sporting CP, provided energy and dynamism in midfield. His work rate and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively were valuable assets.
  • Manuel Lanzini: Lanzini, from West Ham United, was initially included in the squad but unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury just before the tournament.
  • Giovani Lo Celso: Lo Celso, playing for Paris Saint-Germain, was a young and promising midfielder. Although he didn't play a significant role, his potential was evident.
  • Maximiliano Meza: Meza, who played for Independiente, was a versatile midfielder capable of playing in various positions. His adaptability made him a useful option for Sampaoli.

Forwards

The attacking options included:

  • Lionel Messi: Messi, a Barcelona superstar, was the captain and talisman of the team. The hopes of a nation rested on his shoulders, and his creativity, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability were crucial to Argentina's chances.
  • Sergio Agüero: Agüero, from Manchester City, was a prolific striker. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
  • Gonzalo Higuaín: Higuaín, playing for Juventus, provided experience and goal-scoring prowess. His ability to link up with Messi and Agüero was important for the team's attacking dynamics.
  • Paulo Dybala: Dybala, a Juventus player, was a highly anticipated young talent. His dribbling skills and ability to score from various positions made him an exciting option in attack. However, he was sparingly used during the tournament.
  • Cristian Pavón: Pavón, who played for Boca Juniors, was a young and energetic winger. His pace and dribbling skills offered a different dimension to the attack.

Argentina's Performance in the 2018 World Cup

Argentina's journey in the 2018 World Cup was far from smooth. They faced numerous challenges, both on and off the field, which ultimately contributed to their early exit.

Group Stage

  • Argentina vs. Iceland (1-1): Argentina's opening match against Iceland ended in a disappointing draw. Agüero scored the opening goal, but Iceland quickly equalized. Messi missed a penalty, adding to the frustration.
  • Argentina vs. Croatia (0-3): The match against Croatia was a disaster for Argentina. A shocking error from goalkeeper Caballero led to the opening goal, and Croatia dominated the game, scoring two more goals to secure a convincing victory.
  • Argentina vs. Nigeria (2-1): Argentina managed to secure a crucial win against Nigeria in their final group match. Messi scored a brilliant opening goal, but Nigeria equalized through a penalty. Rojo scored a late winner, sending Argentina through to the knockout stage.

Round of 16

  • Argentina vs. France (3-4): Argentina faced France in the round of 16 in a thrilling and high-scoring encounter. Di María and Mercado scored stunning goals, and Argentina briefly took the lead. However, France's Kylian Mbappé proved too much to handle, scoring two goals to lead France to a 4-3 victory, eliminating Argentina from the tournament.

Key Moments and Controversies

The 2018 World Cup campaign was filled with several key moments and controversies that affected Argentina's performance.

  • Goalkeeping Issues: The goalkeeping situation was a major talking point. Caballero's error against Croatia led to his replacement by Armani, highlighting the instability in the position.
  • Sampaoli's Tactics: Coach Jorge Sampaoli's tactics were heavily criticized. His constant changes in the lineup and formation created confusion and a lack of cohesion within the team.
  • Messi's Burden: The immense pressure on Lionel Messi to carry the team was evident. While he scored a crucial goal against Nigeria, he struggled to replicate his Barcelona form consistently.
  • Team Discord: Reports of internal conflicts and a lack of unity within the squad emerged, further disrupting the team's focus and performance.

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

The 2018 World Cup was a significant learning experience for Argentina. It highlighted the need for better squad cohesion, tactical clarity, and a more balanced approach to relying on individual brilliance.

  • Squad Cohesion: Building a team with strong chemistry and understanding is crucial. The 2018 squad lacked a clear identity and struggled to play as a cohesive unit.
  • Tactical Clarity: A well-defined tactical plan that players understand and can execute effectively is essential. Sampaoli's constant changes led to confusion and uncertainty.
  • Reducing Reliance on Messi: While Messi's brilliance is undeniable, the team needs to find ways to support him and share the responsibility. Over-reliance on one player can make the team predictable and vulnerable.

Looking ahead, Argentina has the potential to rebuild and compete at the highest level. By addressing the issues that plagued them in 2018 and fostering a new generation of talent, they can aim for greater success in future tournaments. The key is learning from the past and building a stronger, more resilient team.

In conclusion, the Argentina World Cup 2018 lineup was a mix of talent and experience that ultimately fell short of expectations. The tournament served as a harsh lesson, highlighting the importance of squad cohesion, tactical clarity, and a balanced approach. As Argentina looks to the future, these lessons will be crucial in their quest to regain their status as a footballing powerhouse. Guys, it’s all about learning and growing, right? And Argentina, with its rich football history, definitely has the potential to come back stronger! Let's hope they do! The squad needs to gel and the tactics need to be spot on. That's what will bring them success.