Argentina's Coach In 2018: Who Was In Charge?

In the realm of football, the figure of the coach is paramount. They are the strategists, the motivators, and the leaders who guide a team towards victory. When it comes to a national team like Argentina, with its rich footballing history and passionate fanbase, the appointment of a coach is always a matter of intense scrutiny and debate. Let's dive into who was at the helm of the Argentina national team during the 2018 World Cup.

The Man in Charge: Jorge Sampaoli

Jorge Sampaoli was the man entrusted with the responsibility of leading Argentina during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Appointed in June 2017, Sampaoli arrived with a reputation for his attacking, high-pressing style of play, which had brought him success at clubs like Universidad de Chile and Sevilla, as well as with the Chilean national team, whom he led to victory in the 2015 Copa América. Argentinian fans had high hopes that Sampaoli could translate his tactical prowess into success with La Albiceleste, especially with talents like Lionel Messi within his ranks.

However, Sampaoli's tenure with Argentina was far from smooth sailing. Despite the abundance of attacking talent at his disposal, the team struggled to find a consistent rhythm and identity on the field. His constant tactical tweaks and changes to the starting lineup often left the players looking confused and disjointed, and his man-management skills were also called into question. There were reports of clashes with senior players and a lack of clear communication, which further destabilized the team environment.

Sampaoli's overall record with Argentina was a mixed bag, with 7 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses in his 15 games in charge. While he managed to secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup, the performances leading up to the tournament were unconvincing, and the team's struggles continued in Russia. Argentinian fans felt the team lacked a clear tactical identity, and the reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from Messi, was not sustainable. The coach's constant tinkering with the lineup and formation created uncertainty among the players, hindering their ability to develop cohesion and understanding on the field. The lack of a clear game plan and the team's inability to adapt to different opponents further contributed to their underwhelming performances. All these factors combined to create a sense of disillusionment and frustration among fans, who had hoped for a much better showing from their national team.

Road to the 2018 World Cup

Argentina's journey to the 2018 World Cup was fraught with difficulties. They had a tumultuous qualifying campaign, which saw them teetering on the brink of missing out on the tournament altogether. In fact, they needed a Lionel Messi masterclass in their final qualifying match against Ecuador to secure their place in Russia. This reliance on Messi highlighted a significant issue: the team's over-dependence on their talismanic captain. While Messi's brilliance was undeniable, the team often struggled to function effectively when he was not at his best, or when opponents managed to nullify his threat. This lack of a Plan B and the inability of other players to step up and take responsibility placed immense pressure on Messi, which further compounded the team's struggles.

Argentina's qualification was sealed with a 3-1 victory over Ecuador in Quito, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Messi. This crucial win brought a sense of relief to the nation, but it also masked deeper issues within the team. The performance in the qualifying campaign underscored the need for a more cohesive and balanced approach, rather than relying solely on individual brilliance. The team's inability to consistently perform well and their vulnerability against strong opponents raised serious concerns about their chances in the World Cup. Despite the euphoria of qualification, there was a palpable sense of unease among fans, who knew that significant improvements were needed if Argentina were to make a meaningful impact in Russia.

Argentina's Performance at the 2018 World Cup

The 2018 World Cup was a disappointing one for Argentina, to say the least. They were drawn into a tough group alongside Iceland, Croatia, and Nigeria. Their opening match against Iceland ended in a 1-1 draw, with Messi missing a penalty. This result set the tone for a lackluster campaign, as Argentina struggled to find their rhythm and impose their game on their opponents. The team's lack of cohesion and tactical clarity was evident, and they often looked disjointed and uninspired. Messi's missed penalty against Iceland added to the pressure and highlighted the team's over-reliance on their captain.

Their second match against Croatia was a disaster, as they were thrashed 3-0. This defeat exposed the team's defensive vulnerabilities and lack of midfield control, and it left their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages hanging by a thread. The loss to Croatia was a wake-up call for the team and the nation, as it became clear that significant changes were needed if they were to salvage their campaign. Sampaoli's tactical decisions and team selection were heavily criticized, and there were growing calls for his dismissal.

Against Nigeria, they managed a narrow 2-1 victory, with Marcos Rojo scoring a late winner. This win secured their passage to the Round of 16, but it did little to dispel the sense of unease surrounding the team. The performance against Nigeria was far from convincing, and it highlighted the team's continued struggles with consistency and defensive stability. While the victory brought a temporary sense of relief, it was clear that Argentina would need to significantly improve their performance if they were to progress further in the tournament.

In the Round of 16, they faced France, who ultimately went on to win the tournament. The match was a thrilling encounter, but Argentina ultimately lost 4-3. This defeat marked the end of their World Cup journey and brought an end to Sampaoli's tenure as coach. The game against France was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Argentina showing flashes of brilliance but ultimately succumbing to France's superior quality and tactical organization. The defeat highlighted the team's defensive frailties and their inability to contain France's attacking threats. While the match was entertaining for neutrals, it was a bitter disappointment for Argentine fans, who had hoped for a much deeper run in the tournament.

The Aftermath of the World Cup

Following Argentina's exit from the World Cup, Jorge Sampaoli's time as coach came to an end. His tenure was widely regarded as a failure, given the team's underwhelming performances and the numerous controversies that surrounded his leadership. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) terminated his contract shortly after the tournament, bringing an end to a tumultuous chapter in the national team's history.

Sampaoli's departure marked the beginning of a new era for Argentinian football. The AFA began the search for a new coach who could restore the team's identity and bring success on the international stage. Several names were linked with the job, including Mauricio Pochettino, Diego Simeone, and Marcelo Gallardo. Ultimately, Lionel Scaloni was appointed as the interim coach, and he was later given the job on a permanent basis. Scaloni's appointment was initially met with skepticism, as he had limited coaching experience at the highest level. However, he has since led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, proving his doubters wrong and ushering in a new era of success for La Albiceleste.

The 2018 World Cup served as a major turning point for Argentinian football. It exposed the deep-seated issues within the team and highlighted the need for a new approach. The appointment of Lionel Scaloni marked a shift towards a more pragmatic and unified team, with a focus on building a strong team spirit and fostering a clear tactical identity. The success that Argentina has achieved under Scaloni is a testament to the importance of strong leadership, clear vision, and a cohesive team environment. The lessons learned from the 2018 World Cup have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping Argentina's recent success, and they serve as a reminder that even the most talented teams need strong leadership and a clear plan to achieve their goals.