Ah, the 2018 World Cup in Russia! A tournament filled with thrills, spills, and unforgettable moments. For Argentina, it was a campaign marked by both hope and heartbreak. Let's dive deep into the Argentina Russia 2018 squad, dissecting the players, the expectations, and the ultimate outcome.

The Journey to Russia

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the squad list, it’s essential to understand the context. Argentina's journey to the 2018 World Cup was, to put it mildly, turbulent. The qualification process was a rollercoaster, filled with nail-biting matches and managerial changes. The Argentine team, led by various managers during the qualifiers, struggled to find consistency and a winning formula. Key players went through periods of inconsistent form, and the team often seemed disjointed.

Argentina's qualification was secured in the very last match against Ecuador, thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick. This dramatic victory not only sealed their place in Russia but also papered over some of the deep-seated issues within the squad. The pressure was immense, with a nation expecting nothing less than World Cup glory. The weight of expectations, combined with the team's struggles, set the stage for a challenging tournament.

The appointment of Jorge Sampaoli as coach brought a sense of optimism, but his tenure was marked by tactical experiments and a perceived lack of clarity in his approach. Sampaoli's high-pressing style and attacking philosophy were meant to unlock the potential of the Argentine squad, but they often resulted in defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion in midfield. His constant tinkering with the lineup and formations created uncertainty among the players and made it difficult for the team to develop a clear identity.

Despite these challenges, there was a sense of hope surrounding the team, largely due to the presence of Lionel Messi. Many believed that Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, could single-handedly carry Argentina to World Cup glory. However, the reliance on Messi also highlighted the team's lack of a clear plan B and their struggles to perform consistently when Messi was not at his best. The journey to Russia was a testament to Argentina's resilience and determination, but it also exposed the underlying issues that would ultimately impact their performance in the tournament.

The Final 23: Who Made the Cut?

So, who were the lucky 23 chosen to represent Argentina on the world's biggest stage? Here’s a breakdown of the squad:

Goalkeepers

• Nahuel Guzmán: An experienced goalkeeper who provided a reliable backup option.
• Franco Armani: Eventually became the first-choice goalkeeper after a string of unconvincing performances from Caballero.
• Wilfredo Caballero: Started as the preferred choice but faced heavy criticism after some high-profile errors.

Defenders

• Cristian Ansaldi: A versatile player who could play in multiple defensive positions.
• Federico Fazio: A physically imposing center-back who offered aerial strength and defensive solidity.
• Nicolás Otamendi: A seasoned defender known for his aggressive style and commitment.
• Gabriel Mercado: A reliable right-back who provided defensive stability.
• Marcos Rojo: A tough-tackling defender who was a regular starter despite injury concerns.
• Nicolás Tagliafico: A dynamic left-back who offered both defensive and attacking contributions.
• Javier Mascherano: Primarily a defensive midfielder, Mascherano was often deployed as a center-back due to his experience and leadership.

Midfielders

• Éver Banega: A creative midfielder with excellent passing range and vision.
• Lucas Biglia: A defensive midfielder known for his tactical awareness and ability to break up play.
• Ángel Di María: A dynamic winger with pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability.
• Giovani Lo Celso: A promising young midfielder with excellent technical skills and creativity.
• Manuel Lanzini: (Ruled out due to injury before the tournament) A talented attacking midfielder who was a creative spark.
• Marcos Acuña: A versatile midfielder who could play in multiple positions.
• Eduardo Salvio: Primarily a winger, Salvio was also used as a right-back due to his versatility.
• Maximiliano Meza: An energetic midfielder who provided dynamism and work rate.

Forwards

• Lionel Messi: The captain and talisman, expected to lead Argentina to glory.
• Sergio Agüero: A prolific goalscorer with a proven track record at the highest level.
• Gonzalo Higuaín: A controversial figure, Higuaín was known for his goal-scoring ability but also for missing crucial chances.
• Paulo Dybala: A highly talented forward who struggled to find his place in Sampaoli's system.
• Cristian Pavón: A young and exciting winger with pace and dribbling skills.

Key Players and Expectations

Of course, the spotlight was firmly on Lionel Messi. After years of carrying Barcelona to unimaginable heights, the hopes of a nation rested on his shoulders. Could he replicate his club form on the international stage and finally lift the World Cup trophy? That was the question on everyone's lips.

Sergio Agüero was another vital component. His goal-scoring record spoke for itself, and his partnership with Messi was seen as crucial to Argentina's success. In midfield, Éver Banega was expected to provide the creative spark, dictating the tempo and unlocking defenses with his incisive passing. Defensively, Nicolás Otamendi and Javier Mascherano were the experienced heads tasked with providing stability and leadership.

The expectations were sky-high. Argentina, with Messi in their ranks, were considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. The pressure was immense, and the players knew that anything less than a World Cup title would be seen as a failure. The Argentine fans, known for their passion and unwavering support, traveled to Russia in large numbers, eager to witness their team lift the trophy.

The Reality Bites: Argentina's Performance in Russia

The tournament, however, didn't go as planned. Argentina's campaign was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by inconsistent performances and tactical confusion. Their opening match against Iceland ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, with Messi missing a penalty. The second match against Croatia was a disaster, a 3-0 defeat that exposed the team's defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cohesion. The pressure was mounting, and Sampaoli's tactics were under intense scrutiny.

A narrow 2-1 victory against Nigeria in the final group game, secured by a late goal from Marcos Rojo, salvaged their tournament and secured a place in the knockout stages. However, the performance was far from convincing, and it was clear that Argentina were still struggling to find their rhythm. The relief was palpable, but the underlying issues remained unresolved.

In the round of 16, they faced France in a thrilling encounter that ended in a 4-3 defeat. Despite a spirited performance and some moments of brilliance, Argentina were ultimately outclassed by a more dynamic and cohesive French team. The defeat marked the end of their World Cup journey and sparked widespread disappointment and criticism.

What Went Wrong?

So, what exactly went wrong for Argentina in Russia? Several factors contributed to their disappointing campaign.

• Tactical Confusion: Sampaoli's constant changes in tactics and formations created uncertainty among the players. The lack of a clear game plan made it difficult for the team to develop a cohesive style of play.
• Over-Reliance on Messi: While Messi's brilliance was undeniable, the team's over-reliance on him often stifled their creativity and made them predictable.
• Defensive Vulnerabilities: Argentina's defense was shaky throughout the tournament, conceding goals due to individual errors and a lack of coordination.
• Lack of Midfield Control: The midfield struggled to control games, often losing possession and failing to provide adequate support to the attack and defense.
• Mental Fragility: The pressure of expectations seemed to weigh heavily on the players, leading to a lack of confidence and mental resilience.

In conclusion, the Argentina Russia 2018 squad was a team brimming with talent but ultimately failed to live up to its potential. The combination of tactical confusion, over-reliance on Messi, defensive vulnerabilities, and mental fragility proved to be their downfall. The tournament served as a harsh reminder that individual brilliance alone is not enough to win a World Cup; a cohesive team, a clear plan, and mental fortitude are equally essential.