Who will save the Argentina team?

(Baonghean.vn) - Despite not performing successfully in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in the South American region, the chances of Messi and his teammates being in Russia next summer are still very high.

Save yourself first.

With only two rounds remaining in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers for the South American region, it will be determined which three teams will follow Brazil to Russia and which team will have to play a play-off match against the Oceania representative for the remaining spot. According to the standings, Argentina is currently in 5th place with 24 points, level with Peru (4th) and just one point ahead of Chile (6th).

This means that if coach Sampaoli's team cannot secure a maximum of 6 points in their last two matches against Peru and Ecuador, then being knocked out of the top 5 is almost inevitable. This would mean that the "Tango dancers" would have to stay home and watch the biggest football event on the planet in the summer of 2018... on their television screens.

Therefore, there is no other way than for Messi and his teammates to save themselves first. In terms of squad strength, Argentina is still considered far superior to their two rivals, Peru and Ecuador. With the presence of numerous star players such as Messi, Dybala, Otamendi, Di Maria, Aguero, Romero, etc., coach Sampaoli's team is capable of defeating any team, not just Ecuador and Peru.

If Argentina plays to their full potential, they shouldn't have too much difficulty achieving favorable results. Admittedly, in the two matches against Uruguay and Venezuela, the "Tango team" didn't live up to their potential or reputation as a major force. However, objectively speaking, the machine built by architect Sampaoli is steadily improving compared to the lackluster performance under coach Bauza.

Messi and his teammates couldn't hide their disappointment after the draw with Venezuela. Photo: Internet

What Argentina – Sampaoli – lacks is finishing ability and a bit of luck. In the approximately one month from now until the 2018 World Cup qualifiers resume (early October), the strategist born in 1960 will know how to fix and correct the team's shortcomings. At that point, Argentina will transform into a powerful force, capable of sweeping away any opponent.

Moreover, the Albicelestes (the nickname of the Argentine national team) hold their fate in their own hands. If Coach Sampaoli's team secures all six points, their ticket to Russia will be guaranteed, regardless of the results of other matches. Even if Argentina can't save themselves, there are still other forces ready to help them.

Will FIFA step in to help?

Russian President Putin once stated: "The 2018 World Cup cannot be without Argentina and Messi." This is not surprising, given the reputation and stature of the team, which has won the World Cup twice (1978, 1986), along with the presence of star player Messi in the squad. Argentina receives a great deal of "favor" from the host country and FIFA. They will do everything possible to help coach Sampaoli's team get through the qualifying rounds.

Everyone knows that the World Cup is increasingly moving away from being a purely sporting event. Instead, political and economic factors are playing a huge role. Without Brazil, Germany, Argentina, etc., the appeal of the finals will significantly decrease, and the biggest football festival on the planet will lose much of its appeal.

Similarly, the absence of Messi, Ronaldo, etc., will affect revenue from advertising contracts and ticket sales. Reducing Messi's suspension from four matches to one was FIFA's first move in its plan to help the Argentine national team qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Henry's handball during the France-Republic of Ireland match in 2009. Photo: Internet

In the past, FIFA and the host nation have often openly supported major teams in their quest to qualify for the finals. Remember, before the play-off match between Italy and Russia in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers in Europe, the head of the organizing committee, Platini, boldly declared: "The World Cup can be without Russia, but it cannot be without Italy."

Platini's blunt statement has causedPhoneRussia and the "land of the white birch" fans were furious. After that,PhoneItaly has passed.The Russian national team, with the referee's decisions seemingly favoring the "Azzurri."

That was nothing compared to the "Hand of God 2.0" scandal in the second leg of the 2010 World Cup qualifying play-off between France and the Republic of Ireland. At the Stade de France, striker Henry used his hand to block the ball before delivering a perfect pass for Gallas to score. Henry's foul was clear, but the referee acted as if nothing had happened. France advanced to South Africa, while the Republic of Ireland were eliminated in heartbreak.

Recalling these events shows that the possibility of Messi and his teammates not participating in the 2018 World Cup is very unlikely. Not only is the Argentine national team more than capable of saving themselves, but FIFA will also be ready to support them, ensuring that a ticket to the finals is definitely in the hands of coach Sampaoli's team.

Thanh Hung