Nile Post
  • News
    • Education
    • Exclusive
    • Investigations
    • Security
  • Business
  • Opinions
    • Columns
      • Two Sides of a Coin
      • Unconventional Thought:
  • Global
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • The Americas
  • East Africa
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • South Sudan
  • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Tour & Travel
    • Love Therapist
    • Homes
  • Tech
  • Special Reports
    • Kabaka Mutebi’s 25th Coronation Series
    • Focus on Somalia
    • Sino-Africa
    • Uganda at 56
    • Anti-Corruption Fight
    • Age Limit Map
    • Tuve Ku Kaveera
  • Sports
    • Place-It
    • StarTimes Uganda Premier League
    • Bundesliga
    • World Cup
  • Watch
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Education
    • Exclusive
    • Investigations
    • Security
  • Business
  • Opinions
    • Columns
      • Two Sides of a Coin
      • Unconventional Thought:
  • Global
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • The Americas
  • East Africa
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • South Sudan
  • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Tour & Travel
    • Love Therapist
    • Homes
  • Tech
  • Special Reports
    • Kabaka Mutebi’s 25th Coronation Series
    • Focus on Somalia
    • Sino-Africa
    • Uganda at 56
    • Anti-Corruption Fight
    • Age Limit Map
    • Tuve Ku Kaveera
  • Sports
    • Place-It
    • StarTimes Uganda Premier League
    • Bundesliga
    • World Cup
  • Watch
No Result
View All Result
Nile Post
No Result
View All Result
Home Sports

Argentina rally behind Messi ahead of key Croatia clash

Nile Post News by Nile Post News
June 20, 2018
in Sports, World Cup
We Are At The World Cup: Favorites Flatter To Deceive – A Tale Of Group Stages

Messi's penalty is saved as Argentina are held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in their Opening Group game. (Getty Images)

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Argentina are rallying around captain Lionel Messi as the South American giants prepare for their crucial Group D clash with Croatia here on Thursday.

Messi made an unhappy start to the World Cup on Saturday, missing what would have been a winning penalty as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by minnows Iceland.

It was a result that has renewed doubts about Argentina’s ability to mount a sustained challenge at this World Cup, four years after they reached the final in Brazil.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another adverse outcome on Thursday and many may even start to consider the unthinkable — that Argentina could be on their way out at the group stage, mirroring their shock first round exit in 2002.

Legend Diego Maradona called the Iceland result a “disgrace” and warned coach Jorge Sampaoli he would not be able to return to Argentina with similar performances.

Adding to the sense of disappointment, Messi’s missed penalty was accompanied by 11 unsuccessful shots, the most in a World Cup game without return by a single player since Italy’s Luigi Riva in 1970.

Argentina’s players however have been quick to close ranks around the Barcelona superstar.

“We are all with him, he knows that he can count on the support of all of us more than ever,” said Argentina striker Paulo Dybala.

“We are here to help him every moment, and of course we will be at his side,” Dybala added.

Defender Cristian Ansaldi meanwhile insisted Messi was in good spirits despite the Iceland setback.

“We all know what Messi represents to our team and to our country,” Ansaldi said. “Not only is he the best player in the world on the pitch, he is also best player off the field. He’s in good shape and that’s good for us.”

Despite the solitary point against Iceland, Argentina can take solace from a performance which saw them muster 26 shots and have 72 per cent possession against Iceland.

Sampaoli is reportedly considering several changes for the game, including drafting in young forward Cristian Pavon for Angel Di Maria for more creativity up front.

Similarly in midfield, Paris Saint-Germain’s Giovani Lo Celso could start as Argentina seek more attacking options, possibly at the expense of Lucas Biglia.

Their jobs would be to supply Messi and goalscorer against Iceland Sergio Aguero with the kind of service on which they would thrive in a potential 3-3-3-1 formation.

Croatia may have secured a vital three points in their 2-0 win against Nigeria in their opening game, but their mood can hardly be described as euphoric.

They came into the tournament under a cloud, with captain Luka Modric charged with perjury in a corruption scandal which has rocked Croatian football.

And striker Nikola Kalinic has left Russia due to a back injury, says coach Zlatko Dalic, but amid reports he refused to come on as a substitute after being left out of the starting line-up.

Off-field problems for now though have not affected them and they are expected to field an unchanged team, which also includes Messi’s Barcelona teammate Ivan Rakitic.

The teams have met only once before in the World Cup, in 1998, when Argentina won 1-0 and were the only team that year to prevent Golden Boot winner Davor Suker from scoring.

One other possible omen for Thursday; when Riva racked up his unwanted record in 1970, the Italian legend promptly scored two goals in his next match.

Argentina will be hoping for the same from Messi.

Views: 732
  • 28
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Tags: ArgentinaCroatiaMessiWorld Cup

Related Posts

Emiliano Sala – the unorthodox Argentine striker made in France
Sports

Emiliano Sala – the unorthodox Argentine striker made in France

by Nile Post News
February 8, 2019
0

He was born in Argentina, made his name in France but lost his life over the English Channel on his...

Read more
Google to End Military Contract Following Employee Complaints

World cup top searched item on google in 2018

December 14, 2018
Luka Modric ends Ronaldo-Messi dominance as he scoops 2018 Ballond’Or

Ballon D’or: Is Football’s top prize losing its credibility?

December 7, 2018
Luka Modric ends Ronaldo-Messi dominance as he scoops 2018 Ballond’Or

Luka Modric ends Ronaldo-Messi dominance as he scoops 2018 Ballond’Or

December 4, 2018
Derby shocker piles misery on Mourinho amid Pogba rift talk

Messi would struggle in current Man United team, says Scholes

October 17, 2018

Discussion about this post

Follow Us

  • 130.8k Fan
  • 31.2k Follower

Latest

Soaking in the beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park

Soaking in the beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park

February 16, 2019
Rwanda rises from the ashes and takes on the world

Rwanda targets $74m from conference tourism this year

February 16, 2019
Are you making love or just having sex?

How often should one have sex a week?

February 17, 2019
Nigeria’s ‘Melanin Movement’ Swims Against a Skin-Whitening Tide

Nigeria’s ‘Melanin Movement’ Swims Against a Skin-Whitening Tide

February 12, 2019
UN: Sexual violence rampant in South Sudan 

UN: Sexual violence rampant in South Sudan

February 17, 2019
https://ursb.go.ug/https://ursb.go.ug/https://ursb.go.ug/
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Featured

Are you making love or just having sex?
Featured

How often should one have sex a week?

by Nile Post News
February 17, 2019
0

There are many reasons to have sex more often, at least when it comes to quality sex...

UN: Sexual violence rampant in South Sudan 

UN: Sexual violence rampant in South Sudan

February 17, 2019
Dr Besigye inaugurates “People’s Parliament”

VIDEO: Will Dr Besigye’s new strategy shake Museveni?

February 16, 2019
Say no to a sexless relationship

Say no to a sexless relationship

February 15, 2019
NRM leaders begin high level retreat at Chobe Safari Lodge

NRM leaders begin high level retreat at Chobe Safari Lodge

February 16, 2019
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
Call us: +256-417-720-101

© 2019 Nile Post Uganda Ltd. - A Next Media Services Company.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Education
    • Exclusive
    • Investigations
    • Security
  • Business
  • Opinions
    • Columns
      • Two Sides of a Coin
      • Unconventional Thought:
  • Global
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • The Americas
  • East Africa
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • South Sudan
  • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Tour & Travel
    • Love Therapist
    • Homes
  • Tech
  • Special Reports
    • Kabaka Mutebi’s 25th Coronation Series
    • Focus on Somalia
    • Sino-Africa
    • Uganda at 56
    • Anti-Corruption Fight
    • Age Limit Map
    • Tuve Ku Kaveera
  • Sports
    • Place-It
    • StarTimes Uganda Premier League
    • Bundesliga
    • World Cup
  • Watch

© 2019 Nile Post Uganda Ltd. - A Next Media Services Company.