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Lionel Messi’s Strong Showing Proves Argentina Are World Cup Favorites
Published: September 11, 2013
The match finished 5-2, with the extra goals for La Albiceleste supplied by Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez. With Brazil 2014 now firmly in their sights, Argentina can begin dreaming of spoiling the host nation's big party come the summer, with Messi looking potent for his country as well as his club.
With the Barcelona forward now unopposed as the main protagonist in the final third, orchestrating the movement of his fellow forwards and smoothing over the transitions between defence and attack, Alejandro Sabella's decision to drop fan favourite Carlos Tevez appears to have been justified.
The manager has also been able to find a workable successor to Juan Sebastian Veron, with whom Messi combined so well back in 2010. And Fernando Gago, now playing for Boca Juniors, looks likelier to become his country's creative hub in midfield, supported by the likes of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia.
Having a stable foundation behind him to play off and receive service has enabled Messi to relax into his strengths rather than give chase about the pitch attempting to solve every problem that comes Argentina's way, as was the issue once Diego Maradona's thin tactical veneer fell into meltdown in South Africa in 2010.
However, considering the wealth of attacking talent and options that have long led to Messi and co. being marked out for international tournament success, it is the defence on which World Cup glory in 2014 hinges.
The defence looks lacklustre in comparison with Argentina's attacking lineup, with quality full-backs in short supply. Pablo Zabaleta sometimes appears to lack the pace to keep up with the ideas of the newly inspired national side, and much will depend on how the situation develops before next ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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