Here we are then. The world champions step onto the pitch to open their World Cup defence, but standing opposite them is perhaps the tournament's grea...
Here we are then. The world champions step onto the pitch to open their World Cup defence, but standing opposite them is perhaps the tournament's greatest unknown. Algeria, under Vladimir Petkovic, arrive with a record that looks spectacular on paper: 21 wins from 28 matches, 67 goals scored. But how much of that is substance, and how much is the product of a gentle schedule that saw Guinea and Mozambique as the stiffest tests Even Maher Mezahi, the GoalZaza expert who has followed them closest, admits he is not quite sure what to expect.Petkovic has built a side that values technical quality and attractive football. They will come out to play, to keep the ball, to create. But that ambition leaves a defence that is often exposed, gaps behind the full backs that a predator like Julián Alvarez or the returning Lautaro Martínez will be licking his lips at. The real question is selection. Half the starting eleven feels up for grabs, a peculiar position for a team with such a strong recent record. There is a fragility there, a sense that we might see a side that is either brilliantly proactive or naively open.Lionel Scaloni, by contrast, has the luxury of continuity. Almost two thirds of the squad that conquered Qatar remain. The 4. 3. 3 is set. The defence is solid, with centre backs who read the game superbly and full backs who bomb forward with purpose. The midfield is dynamic, full of crisp passing and intelligent movement. And then there is the little matter of Lionel Messi, still pulling the strings, still the creative heartbeat. But there are concerns. Several key players finished a punishing club season with injuries. They know each other by heart, but are they in peak physical condition That is the nagging doubt.Scaloni will be hoping that Thiago Almada can be the breakout star, adding a new dimension to the attack. Nico Paz, too, has impressed at Como and offers youthful energy from the bench. The loss of Ángel Di María is significant, but this is a squad that has evolved. Álvarez provides the relentless running, while Martínez aims to be fully fit this time, determined to make up for a frustrating campaign in Qatar. They have tactical flexibility, depth, and a winning mentality.Algeria are the enigma, the wild card. Argentina are the known quantity, the team to beat. But football has a habit of rewarding the unpredictable. Petkovic's men have nothing to lose. They can swing wildly, take risks, leave gaps. Will Argentina's seasoned stars punish them, or will the Desert Foxes spring a surprise Squeaky bum time from the very first match of the group stage. That is exactly what this World Cup needed.
