There is arguably no team more synonymous with the World Cup than Brazil. They’ve won it more times than anyone, they never miss a tournament and they always, always get out of their group. So it makes sense that current World Cup betting has them as favorites, especially when you consider that there is a litany of top talents in their tournament squad. However, it’s clear that this year’s edition of the global spectacular is not going to be a one-team show. And there are signs that perhaps Argentina are ready to upset their neighbors.
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They’re current South American champions
The pandemic took its toll on Argentinian football, forcing seasons to be cut short and then seeing CONMEBOL move the 2021 Copa America from its venue in Argentina to be played in Brazil. This only enhanced the defending champions’ hopes of winning again, and when the two nations faced off in the final, it looked like another case of “so near, yet so far” for La Albiceleste. That was the case up until Angel di Maria fired the underdogs into a 22nd-minute lead, which they held until the end. Brazil manager Tite described his opponents’ approach as “anti-football”, which was a not-very-effective way of shrugging off the fact his team’s jogo bello had been unable to overcome it.
They have a better squad than usual
The win in Brazil marked the first time in 28 years that Argentina had won a senior trophy, and the first international trophy in Leo Messi’s 16-year international career. This isn’t meaningless: Argentina have always been a hard side to beat, and have had great individuals. Now, however, with the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico playing key roles, skill is evenly distributed throughout the side, and in Martinez they have the pure striker Messi has never been – and which trying to make him has only blunted his brilliance.
They have a decent path to the final
They say there are no easy games in international football, but Saudi Arabia are pretty close, lacking any genuine standout talent. Poland have plenty of talent in the tank, but never quite seem to make it gel at a World Cup. Argentina’s toughest opponent in the group stages will be Mexico, who are no mugs, but finished behind Canada in CONCACAF qualifying and aren’t on an upward trajectory right now. Finish top of this group, and Argentina will have a relatively flat path to the semi-finals – and momentum can be everything at a World Cup.
