2014 FIFA World Cup: Don't write off Argentina's chances

It's 29th June 1986. In a vibrant Estadio Azteca, the great Diego Armando Maradona captains his truly wonderful Argentina side to a stunning 3-2 victory over West Germany in front of a capacity of 100,000. Now, picture this: Lionel Messi, just inches away from lifting the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy after La Albiceleste beat Brazil in their own backyard; the Maracana. Speaking too soon? Perhaps, but 2014 may be the year Argentina take the football world by storm.

Argentina will be one of the most inspired, if not the most inspired team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste's long-term rivalry with Brazil is among the most fiery in global football, and certainly manifests itself at both professional and grassroots levels. The hosts have experienced "national embarassment" once in 1950, where Uruguay beat them 3-2 on home soil and Argentina will hope to follow in the footsteps of Los Charruas. The fans in particular, will be relishing an encounter between the two nations who cannot meet until at least the semi-final and see FC Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar go head-to-head on the world stage. 

Captain Lionel: He certainly won't accept any Messing up in Brazil

Argentina have a vast array of world-class superstars up and down the pitch. Sergio Romero looks set to be Alejandro Sabella's first-choice goalkeeper, who, as it appears, will be backed up by an abundant defence, which comprises itself of players such as Ezequiel Garay, Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta. Mascherano, Di Maria, Banega and Sosa make up a masterful midfield which will protect the back-four and supply ammunition to the stellar strike-force of Messi, Aguero, Higuain and Lavezzi. In terms of quality, second to none.  


So where does this squad lie in terms of utility? 

Choices, Choices, Choices: Alejandro Sabella

Argentina haven't the best defence in the world, with Sabella quoting in March 2013: "Sometimes, I have to cover my face when the opponents are attacking". The left-back void still needs be filled, leading to a selection dilemma for the Argentina boss, as to who will partner right-back Pablo Zabaleta. Further up top, La Albiceleste cannot afford further injuries to Messi or Aguero. Whether Carlos Tevez will be included in the final 23-man squad is another question. Argentina, in my opinion, may be better than Brazil in attack. Helped by a 4-3-3 formation, the aforementioned Argentinian strikers in this article have collectively been in fruitful form this season and have arguably performed better than the likes of Neymar, Hulk and Fred. However, that is not to say that they are definitely better than their rivals up top, when considering their latest 0-0 draw against Romania which falls well below the standards of a team of Argentina's calibre.

At this point, I see Argentina overcoming the quarter-final hoodoo they have faced at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups at the hands of Germany. They will do their best to get to the semi-finals at least and will be hugely inspired every step of the way but may, as I perceive, fall short of the final. Nevertheless, this could be a great achievement for a team which has appeared to be quite resurgent in the past year and is looking to claim a major trophy since their 1993 Copa America triumph against Mexico.

CREDITS:

Messi picture:  http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02754/Lionel_Messi_2754861b.jpg

Sabella picture:

 http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Sabella-Messi-Argentina.jpg