CORNERFLICK
Argentina’s quarter-final win over Switzerland exposed several weaknesses that England may look to target in the World Cup semi-final, The Guardian has argued.
The newspaper said Switzerland’s compact defensive plan largely took Lionel Messi out of the game by crowding the centre of midfield and blocking his usual pockets between the lines. Messi still had his moments — his corner led to Alexis Mac Allister’s goal and his pass helped set up Julián Álvarez’s extra-time strike — but he failed to score for the first time in the tournament.
The report also highlighted Argentina’s problems on the right side of defence. Nahuel Molina struggled against Dan Ndoye before being replaced, while substitute Gonzalo Montiel is also not fully fit. Rodrigo De Paul’s defensive cover on that flank has also dropped off, which could tempt England to use Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon there.
The Guardian added that England’s midfield, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, has the physical range to press Argentina in central areas. Harry Kane’s battle with Cristian Romero could also shape the tie, even if Argentina still retain the ability to decide matches with one moment of quality.