There is a thread that connects the three leading favourites to win the World Cup starting in Qatar on Sunday. Photo: Andres Kudacki / AFP.
Five reasons why Argentina will win World Cup 2022
World Cup 2022 in Qatar has started! We have a sneaky feeling Lionel Messi and Argentina will win it, and here’s why.
There is a thread that connects the three leading favourites to win the World Cup starting in Qatar on Sunday. Photo: Andres Kudacki / AFP.
Ke Nako, World Cup 2022 is here!
One of the pre-tournament favourites, Argentina look strong ahead of the tournament. We believe that the Copa América champions have what it takes to lift football’s biggest prize.
Five reasons Argentina will win World Cup 2022
Form counts for a lot at World Cup 2022
Argentina hasn’t lost a football match since 2019, and their unbeaten streak now stands at 36 matches. Imagine the confidence that breeds in the players and technical staff, and the doubt it creates in the minds of opponents. Their 2021 Copa América triumph also ended a 28-year- trophy drought.
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Defensive systems win matches
Everyone talks about the amazing attacking players that La Albiceleste has as its disposal, but a team will win nothing if it doesn’t know how to defend. Manager Lionel Scaloni picked up a few tricks of the trade during his club career spanning stints in the top-flights of Argentina, Spain, England and Italy. Now it’s rubbing off on the players.
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The Argentinian defensive unit isn’t flashy, and it’s not made up of global superstar names, but it gets the job done. Tottenham centre back Cristian Romero is back and fit again after a few weeks on the sidelines and that’s a huge boost for Scaloni. He’s already a mainstay for Antonio Conte’s team at 24, and you could see how they missed him when he was absent. A record of 10 goals conceded on five matches without Romero is no coincidence.
Ridiculous attacking depth
Leo Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Angel di María and Julián Álvarez all provide something totally different in attack, and that’s before you even mention Roma’s Paulo Dybala and Inter’s Joaquin Correa. How on earth is Scaloni going to accommodate all of them?
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Midfield magicians
Throughout Argentina’s rich footballing history, one common thread running through all their teams has been majestic midfielders. Although there is nobody quite like Juan Román Riquelme or Pablo Aimar in this group, there’s still plenty to enjoy.
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Atletico Madrid schemer Rodrigo De Paul is the gifted all-action player who prompts and probes. Leandro Paredes keeps things ticking over and also has a wonderful range of passing. And then there’s Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister. He might not have even been in Scaloni’s thoughts this time last year, but a scintillating patch of matches for the Seagulls in the Premier League has everybody talking.
Lionel Messi
In theory at least, Messi is approaching the twilight of his career, but perhaps somebody should tell him that. He’s notched double figures for both goals and assists across Ligue 1 and Champions League action this season already, which is a welcome turnaround after a relatively disappointing 2021-22. The magical maestro Leo looks more like himself this campaign. He has already curled home a few signature free-kicks, is creating chances for teammates at will and, more importantly, the great man is smiling again.
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Argentina arrives at the World Cup in peak form A fairytale win for them and their iconic skipper is very much on the cards.
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