Argentina's odds to win the World Cup
11/2
Best World Cup
Winner 1978 & 1986
2018 World Cup
Second Round
Argentina's World Cup Schedule
|
Date |
Fixture |
Location |
|
22nd November 10am |
Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail |
|
|
26th November 7pm |
Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail |
|
|
30th November 7pm |
Stadium 974, Doha |
Road to Qatar
Argentina unsurprisingly qualified with ease from the 10-country CONMEBOL group, with only favourites Brazil finishing above them. Unbeaten in 17 games (won 11, drew 6) and conceding just eight goals, their progress was never in doubt, especially after they beat arch-rivals Uruguay home and away, as well as securing a goalless draw at home to Brazil. The return leg in Brazil was originally suspended because of Covid-related issues, and has now been rendered unnecessary as it would have no impact on the outcome of the group.
Recent form
Argentina take a 35-game unbeaten run into the World Cup, an impressive sequence of results that stretches back to July 2019 (Won 24, Draw 11), and will become a record if they can avoid defeat during the group stage in Qatar. They began their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 3-0 over Italy in the intercontinental Finalissimo, and while subsequent friendly victories over Estonia (5-0), Honduras and Jamaica (both 3-0) were not against the most testing opponents, their emphatic scorelines suggest a team that is in good shape at both ends of the pitch.
Argentina World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate) and Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Man Utd), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton)
Forwards: Paulo Dybala (Roma), Lionel Messi (PSG), Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Joaquin Correa (Inter Milan), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Man City).
Team insights
Probable formation: 4-4-2 We're led to believe this will be Lionel Messi's last World Cup, and he'll be hoping to go out in style and put the disappointment of 2018's last-16 exit behind him. Argentina's set-up can change from game to game, and even during games, often depending on whether Messi is utilised up front or given the freedom to patrol the pocket in behind the front two. Building off the platform of an established back four, Argentina will look to Messi to create and execute opportunities in the final third, and much will depend on service through him, but it has already been proven that he can't do it on his own. Starting at the back, it appears that Emilano Martinez will get the nod as first choice goalkeeper, protected by the established partnership of Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi. In midfield Giovano Lo Celso is likely to be tasked with linking and supplying Messi and Co up front, where Angel Di Maria is likely to be joined by Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez. If the goals don't come readily, we can expect to see Paulo Dybala used from the bench, while Manchester City's talented youngster, Julian Alvarez, will be champing at the bit to prove himself on the world stage.
World Cup prospects
If their opening game goes to form, then Argentina should hit the ground running with a comfortable win against Saudi Arabia, but they will need to be at their best against more demanding opposition when they meet Mexico and Poland. Topping the group might prove crucial if they are to avoid meeting World Champions, France, in the last 16, setting up a potentially easier route against Denmark, Australia or Tunisia. Best hope: Semi-final and beyond
Read more about each of Argentina's Group C opponents: