Is that the World Cup over? Two bits of bad news for HSV star Capaldo | OneFootball

Just a few days ago, HSV key player Nicolas Capaldo surprisingly seemed within touching distance of the biggest dream of all.

After the 27-year-old was initially left out of Argentina’s final World Cup squad, several injuries in world champion coach Lionel Scaloni’s roster suddenly opened up new possibilities. The absence of center-back Leandro Balerdi in particular raised hopes of a late call-up.

After the final World Cup warm-up match against Iceland, however, those hopes appear to have faded considerably. Argentina comfortably beat the Scandinavians 3–0 on Tuesday night into Wednesday, but it was a disappointing evening for Capaldo. The HSV star remained on the bench for the entire match and was not given another chance to make his case.

After making his debut for La Albiceleste against Honduras just a few days earlier, this is the first piece of bad news in the battle for the last remaining World Cup spot.

Photo: Getty Images

HSV likely won’t have another World Cup participant

The second development could carry even more weight: his direct rivals delivered. Agustín Giay, in particular, impressed at right-back. Scaloni accordingly spoke positively after the match: “Today’s performance left me very satisfied and cleared up many of my doubts.”

The personnel situation also eased elsewhere for the defending champions. Right-back Gonzalo Montiel made his comeback after recovering from his issues. Scaloni also already confirmed that both Montiel and midfielder Leandro Paredes will be part of the World Cup squad. That rules out two potential replacement scenarios from which Capaldo could have benefited.

His World Cup dream is not over just yet, though. Despite the rapidly approaching start of the tournament, Scaloni announced: “It could still take another day or two before we announce Balerdi’s replacement.” So the door remains slightly open. But after the developments against Iceland, there is less and less to suggest that it will open wide enough again for the HSV professional.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.