Analysis: How Argentina inspired an almighty comeback to reach the Quarter-finals | OneFootball

FromTheSpot Live Blog Team, Football Correspondent

A 92nd-minute header by Enzo Fernández saved Argentina from a shock exit in the round of 16, as they came from two behind to beat Egypt 3-2 in an almighty comeback in the final ten minutes.

In what was a poor showing from the 2022 World Cup winners, they miraculously found a way to book their place in the Quarter-finals, but will need to improve defensively if they stand a chance of retaining their title.

FromTheSpot takes a look at how Argentina clawed it back, what proved to be their problem, and what they need to refine in their next outing this Sunday.

Mental fortitude prevails

The Argentines demonstrated once again the elite mentality that is required to succeed in tournament football.

In what seemed to be a knockout blow from the Egyptians with Mostafa Ziko’s 67th-minute strike to make the game 2-0, it proved to be the punch that knocked some determination into the defending champions.

A side that, up until the second goal, lacked decisiveness in the final third and the urgency to level the game.

The Argentine players may concede that this was a very lacklustre showing, but pure grit and determination are essential in separating great teams from the world-beaters – a fact they know all too well.

With a display of such resilience, this can only act as a warning sign to any opposition that considers taking their foot off the pedal if they find themselves ahead. The 2022 winners can always play this trump card.

Messi does it again

A tearful Lionel Messi was embraced by his teammates at full-time after inspiring the comeback that led to his tears of joy.

A missed penalty in the 21st minute to level the game and a free-kick off the post seemed to be a swan song to forget when Egypt made it two with 20 minutes to go.

A tactical change to pair Julian Alvarez with Lautaro Martínez up top gave Lionel Messi the freedom to grab the game by the scruff of its neck.

An excellent decision from Lionel Scaloni in hindsight, as Messi’s goal and assist helped inspire one of the best comebacks seen in the World Cup.

Nine must be the magic number for Messi as his goal and assist mark the ninth consecutive World Cup game that he’s scored in, and break Diego Maradona’s record of assists at the tournament with nine.

He also extends his lead at this year’s race for the Golden Boot with eight goals and will look to extend it as Argentina’s tournament continues.

Argentina’s style of play: A gift or a curse?

For all the resilience it took to book their place in the Quarter-Finals, it’s fair to say that facing elite opposition as the tournament progresses will make such a task a lot tougher.

Yet the trajectory of this game could’ve varied had Messi converted his early penalty. A penalty was won by Nicolás Tagliafico, as his run in behind was spotted by Messi before he was taken down.

A full-back in this position is not foreign territory in Lionel Scaloni’s side, choosing to adopt a style of play that sees his full-backs play like wingers in possession. Argentina reaped the benefits of this, winning the penalty despite the outcome, and dangerous balls behind that led to opportunities to test the Egyptian keeper.

Though they felt the effects of leaving two at the back in transition, as Egypt capitalised on this to score a second that was ruled out by VAR, fortunately for Scaloni’s side. This proved to be no setback for the African side, as another counter-attack took advantage of the wide space to once again make the game 2-0.

With an xG of 2.90 compared to Egypt’s 0.89, it can be argued that this attacking style of play will inevitably lead to goals with the attacking talent that Argentina possesses.

Similarly, conceding two goals to Egypt on the counter-attack despite VAR’s involvement in the first begs the question: Can Argentina play this way against world-class opposition?

Only time will tell with that question, and Argentina almost found themselves losing the opportunity to answer it. Argentina will need to improve defensively if they stand a chance of retaining the World Cup, but it’s a chance that they’ve given themselves with an almighty comeback.

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