Argentina's Late Surge Secures World Cup Final Spot Against England
Argentina's Dramatic Comeback
For a significant portion of the match, England appeared poised to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup final. Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, the team effectively contained Lionel Messi, showcasing solid defense and a more potent offensive presence. However, the game took an unexpected turn as Argentina scored twice in quick succession, continuing their trend of clinching crucial goals in the final moments, thus advancing to yet another World Cup final. What triggered this shift? Was it Messi's strategic brilliance, Lionel Scaloni's tactical acumen, or perhaps England's retreat into a defensive stance? Former Indian striker Dipendu Biswas, who has played for both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, believes that the semifinal victory was as much about coaching decisions as it was about player performance. In an exclusive interview, he analyzes Scaloni's tactical maneuvers, discusses Lautaro Martinez's role as a key substitute, and reflects on Messi's evolution into a footballing strategist while questioning Tuchel's choice to shift England's attacking approach.
The Game-Changing Substitution
The Substitution That Changed Everything
"If you look at Argentina's last five matches in this World Cup, they have consistently secured victories in the dying moments. In nearly every game, particularly after Martinez is introduced as a substitute, the entire attacking dynamic shifts. In the last few matches, Martinez has come on late in about three of them. For example, in the previous match, Alvarez scored shortly after Martinez entered, and he also netted a goal himself. In yesterday's match, he was substituted in during the 80th minute, leading to two assists from Messi—one from outside the box and another header from Martinez," he explained.
"This is a brilliant tactical move by the coach. To keep a striker of Martinez's caliber—who plays for Inter Milan—on the bench and utilize him effectively as a late substitute is a stroke of genius. This strategy has proven successful every time. Spain has also benefited from a similar approach in their recent matches. Thus, the 'super sub' has played a significant role in this World Cup," he noted.
England's Defensive Strategy
England's defensive setup functioned as intended for a considerable time. Messi struggled to find space and was consistently marked whenever he gained possession. Dipendu elaborated on why England's strategy initially succeeded. "They closely marked him, preventing him from making any significant plays. Messi typically operates freely, but yesterday, he was under constant pressure from defenders," he pointed out.
As Messi's explosive speed has naturally diminished, he has adapted his game. Dipendu believes the Argentine captain now relies more on anticipation, intelligence, and an exceptional understanding of the game rather than sheer acceleration.
"His game has undoubtedly evolved. Consider this: Messi has reached back-to-back World Cup finals, and he participated in another prior to these. Competing in three World Cup finals is a rare achievement; few, if any, besides Pele have accomplished this. It highlights his exceptional footballing intellect," he added.
Tuchel's Tactical Gamble
The Moment Tuchel Lost Control
"Tuchel's strategy has come under scrutiny, and it's not just my observation; former English players have echoed similar sentiments. Many believe this approach was flawed. How long can a team with ten defenders withstand relentless attacks? Especially when facing a team like Argentina, which launched numerous assaults in the final 30 minutes. Given the talents of players like Bellingham and Kane, it would have been wiser for them to maintain their attacking style rather than retreat into defense," he suggested.
Why do teams often abandon their identity after gaining a lead against top-tier opponents? Dipendu argues that psychology plays a crucial role in tactical decisions, particularly in knockout stages of the World Cup. "It's a significant factor. The reason Tuchel deviated from their previous style is certainly worth questioning... but sometimes, coaches take tactical risks," he defended the England manager.
While Argentina celebrated their comeback, Scaloni remained composed on the sidelines. Dipendu interprets this calmness as a sign of a coach whose substitutions are well-planned rather than desperate. "He has remarkable depth in his squad. He brought Martinez on around the 80th minute, similar to previous matches. If you analyze Argentina's recent performances: they scored against Austria in the 95th minute, Messi netted against Jordan in the 80th minute, and they scored late against Cape Verde and Switzerland. Against England, it was in the 85th and 90-plus minutes," he noted.
Argentina's Resilience
Argentina's dominance in the closing stages was not merely due to increased aggression. Dipendu believes Scaloni foresaw England's retreat, allowing Argentina's fresh legs and superior bench strength to control the match. "When a coach is in a winning position, they often try to protect that lead. That's what the opposing coach did, and Scaloni anticipated it. He had excellent substitutes ready and deployed them at the perfect moment to exploit the situation," he emphasized.
Coming from behind has become almost routine for the reigning world champions. Dipendu feels that each successful comeback reinforces the squad's belief that no match is beyond their reach, regardless of the scoreline. "Yes, it cultivates a specific character within the team. Their ability to recover from setbacks isn't just a one-time occurrence; they've faced adversity and fought back in several matches. This shapes their mentality and instills the determination to fight until the end," the former Indian footballer explained.
Scaloni's Tactical Flexibility
Why This Argentina Never Panics
While much attention has been given to Messi and Martinez, Dipendu highlights another strategic decision that deserves recognition. Scaloni's readiness to modify his starting lineup, even amidst a winning streak, showcases the depth and adaptability that few teams possess. "He opted not to start De Paul, which was a clear tactical adjustment. Scaloni has an abundance of players to choose from. Before the World Cup commenced, it was evident that Portugal and Argentina boasted the strongest squads on paper, especially with Ronaldo and Messi in their ranks," Dipendu recalled.
The World Cup finale will feature two teams with contrasting strengths. Spain excels in possession, while Argentina thrives on resilience, experience, and crucial moments. Dipendu explains why he sees both finalists as equals. "Between Argentina and Spain, I wouldn't favor either team. It's a 50-50 match; either side could emerge victorious. The football that Pedri and his team are playing is exceptional, with high possession rates that limit their opponents' opportunities. Conversely, Argentina has a remarkable ability to overcome deficits and score vital late goals. One must acknowledge that Argentine players possess superior endurance and mental strength," he concluded.