Argentina's World Cup struggles raise questions despite victories

Despite continuing their World Cup title defense with another victory against Cape Verde, Argentina's performances are prompting analysts to question their ability to win matches comfortably. British writer Michael Cox, in an analysis for The Athletic, highlighted a recurring pattern: Argentina takes the lead but retreats, allowing opponents to equalize before eventually regaining control with difficulty.

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Argentina’s main problem lies in their inability to finish matches early.

This scenario echoes past matches, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup where they lost to Saudi Arabia and narrowly avoided elimination against the Netherlands and France, both times squandering leads. Even in the recent match against Cape Verde, Argentina allowed their opponents to equalize twice after taking the lead, only narrowly preventing a third goal that would have forced extra time.

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Argentina took the lead three times, only to allow their opponents to equalize twice.

Cox suggests one reason for these struggles is the team's attempt to conserve physical energy for later rounds. This strategy, however, often leads to a loss of focus, allowing opponents back into the game and ultimately requiring more effort. Additionally, Argentina's attacking style lacks the necessary speed for effective counter-attacks, a weakness amplified by Lionel Messi's advancing age and striker Lautaro Martinez's defensive duties.

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Argentina’s attacking style lacks the necessary speed on counter-attacks to punish opponents when they push forward.

Following the match, coach Lionel Scaloni admitted the team endured painful blows, stating that the coaching staff did not anticipate an easy game, despite many believing Cape Verde's challenge would be manageable.

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Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted that his team suffered painful blows.