Argentina and England served up a breathless World Cup semifinal. At Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday night, defending world champions Argentina came from behind to win 2-1 and reach the final. Their opponents in the title match will be Spain. With coach Lionel Scaloni’s outstanding tactics and Lionel Messi’s magical football, Argentina stand on the brink of a second successive title. In the analysts’ post-match ratings, Scaloni was given a full 10 and Messi a 9. But why?
First, here is how ESPN’s analysts rated the Argentina side:
Emiliano Martínez (6/10): He was not tested very much, but was dependable.
Nicolás Tagliafico (6/10): Alongside doing his defensive job, he also supported the attack.
Lisandro Martínez (6/10): Made several important tackles.
Cristian Romero (6/10): Was quite alert at the back.
Nahuel Molina (3/10): His mistake proved costly for England’s goal.
Enzo Fernández (8/10): Scored a superb goal when the team needed it and brought Argentina back into the match.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): Control of the midfield was in his hands.
Leandro Paredes (5/10): Contributed with physical strength in midfield.
Giuliano Simeone (5/10): Did the pressing work well but was substituted after the first half.
Julián Álvarez (6/10): Created chances for the team but did not get a goal.
Lionel Messi (9/10): Even at 39, he seems unbeatable on the World Cup stage. The winning goal came from his magical left-footed cross in the final moments of the match. The way he, at 39, threaded the whole team together was, in a word, astonishing. When Argentina were struggling in the first half, Messi dropped deep himself. It was he who found the gaps in England’s strong defensive block. His outstanding cross in the closing minutes produced Lautaro Martínez’s winning goal. It proves once again why Messi remains unrivalled on the big stage. Even without a goal, his game-turning assist and his presence were hugely important for Argentina.
Lionel Scaloni (10/10): ESPN’s analysts gave the Argentine mastermind Lionel Scaloni a perfect 10, chiefly for his ability to make instant decisions. When England went ahead, Scaloni did not panic. His substitutions were flawless. Taking off Molina and Paredes in the 72nd minute and bringing on Rodrigo De Paul and Gonzalo Montiel was the turning point. That change sharpened Argentina’s attack and put England’s defence under pressure. He also brought on Lautaro at the right moment to win the match. As a coach, Scaloni showed how to read the situation, change the plan and snatch victory.
The question may arise: why was Scaloni rated even higher than Messi? Analysts say Scaloni earned his 10 for his flawless game plan and player changes, while Messi’s 9 was for his individual magic. Football history has seen many matches where, despite brilliant tactics, victory does not come because of players’ failures in the final moments; and many times, even when players play well, teams lose because of the wrong tactics. In Atlanta, the two came together. Scaloni drew the plan, and Messi secured the team’s win according to that plan. Even without scoring himself, he made a goal contribution.
With the coach and captain in this kind of form ahead of the final against Spain, Argentina’s supporters are dreaming of another world title. Can Messi take his own rating to 10 in the final? The answer will come on 19 July.
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