#2022世界杯 #
Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday night to advance to the World Cup final for the sixth time. They have won every game since losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in the opener, both at normal time and through penalties. Here we took an assessment of their best performers at this year's World Cup, assessing those who played a role in pushing the Pampas Eagles to the final.
5) Otamendi
One of only three full-time players in Argentina, Nicolas Otamendi played every minute of the World Cup, the key to Scaloni's side conceding just four goals on their way to the final. He averages 1.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game and no player in Argentina can do it better. However, his contribution to the attack was also key, with 60 successful long passes from his own half to his opponent's half, a figure that only Luka Modric (63) and Rodri (82) could better achieve, while Argentina's 462 accurate passes from central defender ranked third in the World Cup in Qatar.
4) Enzo Fernandez
It wasn't until the last group stage game against Poland that Enzo Fernandez started this World Cup, coming off the bench in the first two matches and scoring in the win over Mexico. But he has maintained his regular position since entering the starting line-up, and the South American powerhouse looks much better. Although he only scored two goals, it was his tireless efforts in the centre of the pitch that allowed the team to successfully pass the knockout rounds repeatedly. He has 12 more tackles than any of his teammates, while he averages 65.6 short passes per game, making him one of the top 7 passers on the team.
3) McColllister
Brighton midfielder McColliser has been crucial to Argentina's overall game plan. So far, he has made eight tackles and three interceptions in the game and maintained a 90% pass success rate. He also won 14 five-and-five one-on-one scrambles, a statistic that only 12 players in Qatar can do better, underscoring the importance of the midfielder to Argentina and the role McColliser played in helping them win these confrontations in the middle of the pitch. His only goal against Poland was also the first for Argentina, who had the advantage in the first half but failed to break the deadlock at a crucial moment at the start of the second half.
2) Julian Alvarez
Julián Álvarez did not start in the first two group games, but Lautaro Martinez, who could not find the feeling to score against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, was given his chance in the last game of the group stage and started every game since. He has scored four goals, two of them in the semi-final against Croatia, and so far only team-mates Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe (both five) have scored more goals in the match. In that game against Croatia, he also won a penalty. Nevertheless, since Alvarez entered the starting line-up, Argentina have excelled in attack, with an increase in both shots on goal and possession in the team. Argentina averaged 10 shots per game and possession of 63.8 percent in their first two matches, while Alvarez averaged 18.5 shots per game and possession in his first two games. In general, his contribution to the offensive played a role.
1) Messi
This will be his last World Cup and he will definitely want to end the trip with the trophy in his hands. According to the performance, only one player has contributed to the team in the World Cup ranking higher than Messi: Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes. Although he has the most goals (5), the most assists (3) and the second most key passes (18) to date. He also averaged 4.5 shots per game, while his 15 successful dribblings were only surpassed by German talent Musiala (19). He also scored his first penalty in the penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands and went on to make history in this tournament. Messi has undoubtedly played his part in helping Argentina reach the final, he has been involved in every minute of the game and will be key if they want to beat France.