Argentina-Saudi Arabia official line-up, this morning eyes on the eagerly awaited debut of the Albiceleste: prediction scorers, cautions and shooters
Some football fans have been marking today’s date with a red circle for months. Argentina’s debut in a World Cup can never go unnoticed. Especially if it is Leo Messi’s last World Cup. The Pulce’s last chance to win the most coveted cup and follow in the footsteps of his idol Diego Armando Maradona. The South American selection’s last triumph in the World Cup dates back to the days of the Pibe de Oro, who led them by the hand to Mexico back in 1986. Thirty-six years ago: another era. Then so many disappointments, although expectations are always high around this national team. This time, too, it starts among the favourites, being able to count on a tight-knit group after winning the Copa America.
Argentina make their debut today at 11am against Saudi Arabia, what is probably the so-called ‘materasso’ team of the grouping, in which Mexico and Poland have also been drawn. For the Albiceleste, it will be a chance to try and escape immediately. Here are the official line-ups just released by the respective federations
- ARGENTINA (4-3-3): E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Gómez; Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Di María. CT: Lionel Scaloni.
- SAUDITED ARABIA (4-5-1): Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Tambakti, Al-Bulahyi, Al-Shahrani; Al-Brikan, Kanno, Al-Malki, Al-Faraj, Al-Dawsari; Al-Shehri. CT: Hervé Renard.
Argentina-Saudi Arabia official line-ups, goalscorer prediction
We could not fail to mention Messi among the possible scorers in a match that could easily end in a goleada, given the huge difference between the two selections. The former Barcelona player, now at Psg, should be able to score at least one goal. He usually exalts himself with the national team and there is a good chance that he will be one of the stars of this match. Watch out also for Di Maria, who was in great form in the last friendly against the United Arab Emirates, which ended 5-0, also thanks to a brace from him. The Juventus outfielder could also provide several assists for his teammates.
Argentina-Saudi Arabia official line-ups, probable cautions and marksmen
Rodrigo De Paul is back from difficult months at Atletico Madrid, but with Argentina he has always played a decisive role. Above all, he has completely different tasks to those Diego Simeone asks of him with the Colchoneros. The former Udinese player can be decisive with his insertions and through dangerous shots from the distance. Lautaro Martinez is also likely to take at least a couple of shots towards the Saudi goal. As for yellow cards, Renard’s selection should collect plenty of them. The biggest suspects are Al-Malki and Al-Bulayh. Besides having ended up in the referee’s notebook several times, they are two who will often find themselves in Messi’s perimeter of action.
