Argentina are not really that good. They are 4th favorites for the title, but H2H I would expect Portugal and maybe even Italy to beat them. Qualifying matches (or friendlies) don't really say much IMO, the likes of Portugal always struggle to qualify but play a lot better during the tournament itself, same with Italy and friendlies.
Being held in SA might be an advantage but considering that they choked the Copa America at home, I wouldn't really look into that at this point.
They have by far the easiest route to the semis though, but I think Switzerland could give them a scare in the R16. Hopefully, France end up second in their group so Argentina will have to face them.
Even with an underperforming coach it was a penalty shoot out loss to the eventual winners in 2011 a game in which Cristian Rodriguez escaped a clear red card in the first few minutes.
The team is solid barring the goalkeeper and left back which Sabella needs to address. Higuain should be fine. His injury just appears to be heavy bruising and a sprain. Palacio needs a rest as well. All of our games will be in the south of Brazil which means the climate will be perfect for the players unlike the humidity and heat further north and will also allow huge numbers of fans to come and support the side given the locals will be fiercely anti Argentine aside from dear Flavia.
Hopefully the hooligan element do not cause any trouble. There have been problems when Argentine sides have visited Brazil in the Libertadores with even the players being attacked by the local police and the locals creating a racket outside the team hotels.
Sabella if he needs to should look to Benfica for some reinforcement if required. Enzo Perez and Nico Gaitan have been excellent. Or some of the kids in Argentina to replace Gago like Lucas Romero.
Plenty of rough gems in the Primera this season headlined by Angel Correa.
Sabella choosing Romero over Caballero kills me every game. With knock off matches going down to penalty shots a good goalie could come handy?!?
Two things worry me about Argentina now that defence has gotten better. Messi not playing his best and and Goalie mistakes.
Leo is a different animal with Argentina. His motivation will come back in spades. The Achilles heel is that buffoon in goal. How Sabella cannot see he is a liability beggars belief. Messi should have a word with his coach and tell him I want Caballero. di Maria would back him up.
... and not playing Messi
To be fair I think he wanted to bring Messi on but the kung fu kick from that Klose sabotaged it. However bringing off Roman was critical going more defensive which is never a good option. It invited pressure and they were going to attack anyway Messi for Crespo for the counter would have been my choice.
Pekerman repeated the same error he had committed in friendlies which the side went on to lose. He also did not play Saviola from the start who was in top form and also failed to rest players against Holland with the team already qualified.
