The Argentina of 2022 controlled the majority of their games and was shaky for the odd 10-minute period. But, it has been completely opposite in this World Cup. Lionel Messi's team has had to resort to moments of brilliance to scrape past opponents.
First-time World Cup participants Cape Verde forced the World Cup champions into extra time after a 1-1 draw. Then it took Messi heroics to stage a historic comeback against Egypt. Most recently, it was Julian Alvarez's world-class strike to break the deadlock against Switzerland in the second half of extra time.
REUTERS/Paul Childs
The reasons for their struggle are pretty evident. Firstly, they have a squad with an average age of 29 years, which has reduced their energetic pressing. Secondly, they have a lack of natural wingers which makes their attack pretty narrow. And lastly, Scaloni's hesitancy to gamble with younger talent.
But that might be changing for the upcoming game against England. As reported by Diario Ole, Lionel Scaloni is planning to make key changes to his starting line-up and even tested two formations in the build-up to the semifinal.
These changes are imperative if Argentina wants to neutralize England's pressing and raw pace on the flanks. The most straightforward adjustment seems to be the switch from 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 to stretch the pitch, thereby giving Messi some freedom in those pockets to break the lines and unlock Three Lions' defense.
Personnel changes could include Giuliano Simeone or Thiago Almada in place of Rodrigo De Paul. Nico Paz and Valentin Barco are two other young and talented options that Scaloni can consider if he's feeling brave.
But we need to keep in mind that this rivalry has a plenty of fierce history. So apart from quality, the team that controls their nerves best is likely to come out on top. Therefore it'll be interesting to see which route Scaloni takes.
