-This will be the sixth World Cup final in Argentina’s history
-Messi the trump card in a group focused on playing as a team
-Scaloni’s squad have overcome all the problems they have faced en route to the final
MIAMI, July 26: Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted once on his first start for Inter Miami in a 4-0 win over Atlanta United.
The Argentina star, 36, scored two inside the opening 22 minutes before setting up team-mate Robert Taylor in the second half.
"Muchachos, we can dream again..." the hit song that accompanied Argentina on their conquest of the 2022 World Cup has found deep resonance in a country desperate for a feel-good moment.
-This will be the sixth World Cup final in Argentina’s history
-Messi the trump card in a group focused on playing as a team
-Scaloni’s squad have overcome all the problems they have faced en route to the final
Argentina have demonstrated a wide range of abilities and resources on their way to the final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, with La Albiceleste meeting a variety of challenges over the course of the competition with belief, confidence and hope. Lionel Scaloni’s men have been able to overcome the most difficult moments by virtue of an enormous resistance to adversity and a surprising tactical versatility, which have left Argentina standing while others have fallen before Lionel Messi and company.
Yet this Argentina team is much more than its No10. And perhaps this is the biggest difference between this side and those from the last few World Cups. Scaloni has a squad prepared to work with each other and with one of the biggest difference-makers in football history. The soloist applies the finer touches, but the chorus is vital to the finished piece. The coach’s willingness to make changes in-game, the importance of substitutes, plus emotional toughness and tactical diversity have been key factors carrying Argentina to their sixth World Cup final.
Messi's presence
Nothing and nobody is more decisive than Messi, however. When we analyse Argentina’s strengths, the No10 is top of the list. In Leo, La Albiceleste has something that no other team has, something difficult to counteract, a piece who will control the game in whichever way he chooses. And Messi has decided that this is his moment, the moment he has awaited for so long.
When the spiritual heir of Diego Maradona takes control of the ball, everyone expects things to happen for Argentina. In possession, Messi leaves team-mates, opponents and fans throughout the world open-mouthed and rubbing their eyes in disbelief at what they just saw. Argentina begin to dream, while fear takes hold of their opponents.
In the final World Cup of his legendary career, fate had dictated that Messi would have a final to play in, and he was not in the mood to pass up on the opportunity. The ‘Messi factor’ is reason enough to believe that Argentina can lift the Trophy at Qatar 2022. The diminutive genius feels at ease and has found the perfect strike partner in Julian Alvarez, who has nailed down his place in the team over the course of the tournament, owing to his opportunism, his goals and his ability to take advantage of the space generated by Messi drawing defenders away from his colleagues.
The supporting cast and the changing system
Leo decides, the others decide how. If Messi has the key, the rest will do everything possible to ensure it ends up turning in the lock and opening the door to success. Scaloni has been able to surround the main man with the perfect supporting cast. The Argentina team in Qatar have been a united and supportive group: great actors who have understood their roles at every stage.
At different points of the tournament, La Albiceleste have found in Emiliano Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister or the aforementioned Julian Alvarez, players able to stand up and be counted when their team have needed them.
Scaloni has been able to adapt to whatever situation he has faced, varying his formation and tactics according to the demands of the game. At times he has even started players who were expected to be little more than bit-part performers in the squad.
When the opponents’ strengths meant he needed to play five at the back, the Argentina coach was able to change the formation while maintaining the team’s dynamism and movement, with and without the ball. When keeper Martinez had to be a giant, he was, and when Nahuel Molina had to finish with precision, he did. When Enzo Fernandez was required to give the midfield the quality it needed, Scaloni did not hesitate to name him in the starting line-up. Likewise when Mac Allister was the right man to bring more intensity to the team.
Mental strength and crushing intensity
The tournament did not begin in the best possible way for Argentina. The defeat against Saudi Arabia triggered some of La Albiceleste’s worst World Cup memories and the ghosts of previous editions.
Nevertheless, Scaloni’s men have been able to face up to pressure and adversity, relying on their confidence, their character and their personality. Far from being downhearted, Argentina picked themselves up after every one of the setbacks that came their way, putting their mental strength on show once again.
La Albiceleste have also stood out as a team with intensity, with high energy levels in all of their games, channelling their emotions positively and leaving their opponents reeling. Not giving balls up as lost, helping out their team-mates, exploiting space or doubling up in defence: these blue-collar characteristics are some of the key features of a squad that wears its Argentinian heart on its sleeve.
Eight years have passed since Argentina’s last World Cup final. At Brazil 2014, Germany appeared in Argentina’s path and blocked them from sewing a third star onto their crest. That has been the dream since 1986 and Scaloni’s side now has the resources to succeed where their predecessors have failed.
Dec 9: The tournament favourites versus the 2018 runners-up.
Then a repeat of the 1978 final in another glamorous match-up.
Here is a summary of what we have got to look forward to...
Can Croatia stop 'terrifying' Brazil's carnival?
Brazil have long been an alluring attraction for football fans and they have again been delighting their supporters - plus many neutrals from around the world - with their free-flowing moves in Qatar.
The Selecao tore South Korea apart with a devastating attacking performance in their last-16 tie, underlining why Tite's side are considered the favourites to lift the trophy on 18 December.
Even the manager enjoyed the show, joining with his players as they danced in celebration of the 4-1 win. Now they're aiming to provide more entertainment on Friday.
"What I've seen so far, when you take a look at their players, their quality, skills and value, then it is indeed terrifying," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.
"We need to enter the match with much faith, self-confidence and looking for our chances, enjoy the occasion of playing Brazil, that's it."
Croatia, who lost to France in the 2018 World Cup final, are likely to pose the toughest test so far for five-time champions Brazil.
Their progression has again been orchestrated by 37-year-old Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who indicated before arriving in Qatar that this would likely to be his last major tournament.
"When you see people like Luka Modric running and dying on the pitch, it gives us younger players extra energy to run," said Croatia full-back Josip Juranovic.
Messi or Van Gaal heading for World Cup farewell?
The prospect of the Netherlands and Argentina coming together again at a World Cup evokes vivid memories across different generations.
Whether it is Mario Kempes inspiring Argentina to victory in the 1978 final, that sublime touch and finish from Dennis Bergkamp to put the Dutch into the 1998 semi-finals, or a drab 2014 encounter ending with Argentine keeper Sergio Romero becoming the penalty shootout hero, there is a long-developed rivalry between the nations which adds a romanticism.
This occasion should be no different.
It could be the last time we see Argentina's Lionel Messi - considered by many as the greatest player ever seen - on the biggest international stage of all.
It could also be the last time we see the Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal in the dugout.
Messi, 35, carries the hopes of his nation as he aims to land a title which has so far eluded him, while 71-year-old Van Gaal - who recovered from prostate cancer earlier this year and is set to step down after the World Cup - is trying to ensure the three-time runners-up finally go one step further.
The veteran coach's plan may largely focus on containing Messi and catching Argentina on the break, as the Dutch look to take revenge for their semi-final defeat in 2014.
"We can surprise teams with our plan. We were also the better team then and Messi didn't see much of the ball," said Van Gaal, whose bullish talk further stokes anticipation for the contest.
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, it promises to be a World Cup Friday which you won't want to miss. (with inputs from bbc)
-Just two matches stand between us and a superlative World Cup Final
-Lionel Messi and Argentina are really gaining momentum, with the enthusiastic backing of arguably the loudest fans at the tournament
-While Cristiano Ronaldo may have lost his place in Portugal’s starting line-up, his relentless ambition will continue to drive the team forward
A FIFA World Cup™ Final between Argentina and Portugal would be the Hollywood ending to one of the most compelling rivalries the footballing world has ever seen. Could we really see a grand finale with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as its main protagonists?
The simple answer to this question is: yes.
What needs to happen to set up a Final between Argentina and Portugal?
Argentina first need to beat the Netherlands on Friday and would then face the winner of the match between Croatia and Brazil in the semi-finals. If they can pass that formidable test, the Albiceleste will reach the Final for the fourth time in the last 40 years.
Portugal have never gone beyond the last four at a World Cup, and their first challenge on the way to their maiden Final is to defeat Morocco. The winners of that encounter must then take on either France or England in the semi-finals on Wednesday 14 December.
While the hurdles between both teams and the final showdown are admittedly extremely high, nothing is impossible when you consider the standards they set for themselves.
What would be the significance of a Final featuring Messi and Ronaldo?
Simply put, it would be a dream for many football fans. The volume levels in Qatar have gone through the roof whenever one of these two superstars step onto the pitch, and there are few sporting headlines anywhere in the world that could dislodge a showdown like this from the back pages.
A Final between Argentina and Portugal would also mean that one of the two players with the most individual accolades in the game would crown their glittering career with a World Cup winners medal, while the other would probably have to come to terms with the fact that the GOAT debate would be settled at last.
-Four last-16 ties have been set
-Brazil and Portugal have also secured knockout-phase places
-See every surviving side's potential paths to the final
Argentina, Australia, England, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Senegal and USA have dates scheduled for the last 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Brazil and Portugal are also assured of places in the knockout phase, but are still to determine when and where they'll play. Here, you can see the routes the survivng teams must take to reach the final, which will take place on 18 December at Lusail Stadium.
Last 16
Match 49 – Saturday, 3 December Netherlands-USA
Match 50 – Saturday, 3 December Argentina-Australia
Match 51 – Sunday, 4 December England-Senegal
Match 52 – Sunday, 4 December France-Poland
Match 53 – Monday, 5 December Winners Group E - Runners-up Group F
Match 54 – Monday, 5 December Winners Group G - Runners-up Group H
Match 55 – Tuesday, 6 December Winners Group F - Runners-up Group E
Match 56 – Tuesday, 6 December Winners Group H - Runners-up Group G
Quarter-finals
Match 57 – Friday, 9 December Winners Match 49 - Winners Match 50
Match 58 – Friday, 9 December Winners Match 53 - Winners Match 54
Match 59 – Saturday, 10 December Winners Match 51 - Winners Match 52
Match 60 – Saturday, 10 December Winners Match 55 - Winners Match 56
Semi-finals
Match 61 – Tuesday, 13 December Winners Match 57 - Winners Match 58
Match 62 – Wednesday, 14 December Winners Match 59 - Winners Match 60
Third-place play-off
Match 63 – Saturday, 17 December Losers Match 61 - Losers Match 62
Final
Match 64 – Sunday, 18 December Winners Match 61 - Winners Match 62
Argentina
Last-16 opponents -Australia
Potential quarter-final opponents -Netherlands or USA
World Cup record Last-16 ties: Won 0, lost 1
Quarter-final ties: Won 3, lost 4
Semi-final ties: 6 wins, 3 losses
Australia
Last-16 opponents -Argentina
Potential quarter-final opponents -Netherlands or USA
World Cup record Last-16 ties: Won 0, lost 1
Quarter-final ties: Never reached this stage
Semi-final ties: Never reached this stage
England
Last-16 opponents -Senegal
Potential quarter-final opponents -France or Poland
World Cup record
Last-16 ties: Won 5, lost 2
Quarter-final ties: Won 3, lost 6.
Semi-final ties: Won 1, lost 2
France
Last-16 opponents- Poland
Potential quarter-final opponents -England or Senegal
World Cup record
Last-16 ties: Won 6, lost 1
Quarter-final ties: Won 5, lost 2
Semi-final ties: Won 3, lost 3
Netherlands
Last-16 opponents - USA
Potential quarter-final opponents - Argentina or Australia
World Cup record
Last-16 ties: Won 4, lost 4
Quarter-final ties: Won 3, lost 1
Semi-final ties: Won 1, lost 2
Poland
Last-16 opponents - France
Potential quarter-final opponents - England or Senegal
World Cup record
Last-16 ties: Won 0, lost 2
Quarter-final ties: Never played in a quarter-final
Semi-final ties: Won 0, lost 1
Senegal
Last-16 opponents - England
Potential quarter-final opponents: France or Poland
World Cup record
Last-16 ties: Won 1, lost 0
Quarter-final ties: Won 0, lost 1
Semi-final ties: Never reached this stage
USA
Last-16 opponents - Netherlands
Potential quarter-final opponents - Argentina or Australia
World Cup record
Last-16 ties: Won 1, lost 3
Quarter-final ties: Won 0, lost 1
Semi-final ties: Never reached this stage
LUSAIL, QATAR: Following his side’s loss to Argentina in their FIFA World Cup match, Mexico coach Gerardo Martino remarked that when star Argentina striker Lionel Messi gets the ball, he can be very harmful within 30 seconds. Lionel Messi’s superb long-range strike and Enzo Fernandez’s stunning goal guided Argentina to a dominating victory over Mexico […]
The World Cup is the biggest stage for a player to show what he can do in front of the whole world. With the world watching your performance it can either make you a hero or a zero. David Beckham once was the most hated man in English football. His sending off against Argentina was seen as the main reason for England being knocked out from the 1998 world cup. Everywhere he went, people used to chant 'you cost us the World Cup'.
