Don’t cry for Argentina with World Cup knockouts still a possibility

When it comes down to it, the weight of a nation is firmly pressed on the diminutive figure of the beleaguered Messi. He’ll need to stand tall if that pressure is to be removed.

Sampaoli needs to set it up

A large portion of the blame for Argentina’s underwhelming performances so far can be laid at the door of the manager. Sampaoli impressed hugely with Chile at the last World Cup thanks to an attacking system which relied on a high pressing game. Yet his tactical calls and team set-up this time around have left onlookers baffled.

Javier Mascherano and Enzo Perez were totally overawed by Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric at the base of the Argentina midfield. The pair looked remarkably out of their depth and not at home in a system which restricted the South American’s attacking play.

Ever Banega must come in on Tuesday alongside Giovani Lo Celso in order to get the ball moving and provide Messi with chances. Maximiliano Meza could also be on borrowed time with Juventus star Paulo Dybala watching on.

Defence needs to sort it out

It’s a good job Sampaoli is follically challenged. Otherwise he’d be pulling his hair out at some of his side’s decisions at the back. Willy Caballero has made significant errors in both group matches and should be dropped.

In front of him, a three-man defence hasn’t worked. The attacking propensity of Eduardo Salvio and Marcos Acuna left Argentina’s backline horribly exposed and ultimately picked off by the pacey Croatians.

A return to a back-four against Nigeria should provide more cover for their weak centre-half options. And it could be needed too, given the lack of solidity against Croatia.

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