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Updated August 8th, 2018 at 17:47 IST

WORLD CUP 2018: Ineffective Messi, Sampaoli's team selection costs Argentina a win

Argentina labored to a 1-1 draw against minnows Ireland, and some would say, were even lucky to not lose it

Reported by: Narayan R
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They were billed as the favorites to lift the World Cup 2018 trophy heading into the tournament. They had a promising manager in Jorge Sampaoli in their ranks, and arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi.

Yet, Argentina labored to a 1-1 draw against minnows Ireland, and some would say, were even lucky to not lose it.

The 2014 finalists looked completely off the pace, and it seemed they weren't up for the occasion. There is no denying Iceland are an aggressive side, and rely on their physicality. But there is no excuse for the way Argentina played.

Sampaoli's side took the lead in the 19th minute through Sergio Aguero. The Manchester City striker started ahead of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala, and Sampaoli's decision to go ahead with him paid dividends.

But that was the only decision which he got right. The 58-year-old's decision to go in with Lucas Biglia and Javier Mascherano in the midfield backfired. Both of the players are good holding midfielders, but neither can play that killer pass, or act as the link up man between attack and defense.

After that, Sampaoli erred in his substitutions. Angel di Maria, playing on the left midfield, was shocking to say the least. But the Argentine manager took 74 minutes before taking the winger of. 

READ: WORLD CUP 2018: Saudi Arabia Players Put To Shame By Country's Sports Authority

And the manager's decision to not introduce Paulo Dybala was baffling to say the least. The Juventus star has the ability to turn the game on its head in seconds, yet, for Sampaoli, Dybala can't fit in the squad.

While the manager's team selection was a reason behind Argentina's failure to win, the ineffectiveness of Lionel Messi was also another major cause.

It is very rare that you associate poor performance and Messi together. But that is exactly how his performance was against Iceland. The Argentina skipper struggled to hit the top gear, and inexplicably, missed a penalty.

READ: RUSSIA WORLD CUP 2018: History Made As VAR Used Successfully For The First Time

Throughout the match, Messi, on various occasions, tried to get past the Iceland defense, but every time his runs were put on hold. His free kicks were terrible, and even his passing, which is exemplary, was very ordinary.

It could very possibly a one of those rare days for the little Argentine where nothing seemed to work. But unfortunately for him and his fans, it came in a tournament where he won't be getting many opportunities to recover the situation.

The draw against Iceland isn't the end of the world for Argentina. They can still very easily qualify for the next round. But if that has to happen, then Sampaoli needs to work on his team selection, and Messi on his form.

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Published June 16th, 2018 at 21:25 IST

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