In the realm of global football, Argentina stands as one of the most storied and celebrated nations. The journey of the Argentine national team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was filled with highs and lows, emblematic of the unpredictable beauty of the sport. Let’s delve into the intricacies of Argentina’s path from qualification to participation in one of the world’s most eagerly anticipated tournaments.
South American Qualifiers: The Road to Russia
Argentina’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup was anything but straightforward. The South American qualifiers, widely regarded as one of the most challenging qualifying processes in global football, saw Argentina face off against formidable teams such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia. The process kicked off in October 2015, under the guidance of then-coach Gerardo Martino.
Initial matches revealed cracks in Argentina’s gameplay, as the team drew with Paraguay and suffered a shocking defeat to Ecuador right on home soil. The situation grew more concerning with Messi’s injury during the campaign, leading to a series of inconsistent performances. Despite the obstacles, a series of victories under the stewardship of interim coach Edgardo Bauza gave the team momentary relief but little momentum.
Leadership Troubles and Tactical Shifts
Internal issues compounded Argentina’s woes