FIFA World Cup 2014 Final: Argentina SWOT Analysis
Argentina have reached the finals of a World Cup for the first time in 24 years but they have looked far from convincing in their journey so far. They have got this far in the tournament purely on the magic of Lionel Messi and the brilliance oftheir supreme orchestrator in midfield, Javier Mascherano.They have failed to live up to their attacking traditions and have relied on a strong platform provided by the midfield and defence to prevail in the knockout stages. They will definitely start as second favourites to a German team who areback to their dominant bestat the right stage in the competition. LaAlbiceleste have proved to be solid and tight at the back but they will need to be at their best to stop a German juggernaut, that will be their toughest test yet.The final will definitely end up being a game between the might of the German attack and the resilience of the Argentinean defence. But, Argentina will also have other avenues to spoil the German party in the epic final tonight. Lets take a look at the SWOT analysis of Argentina ahead of what promises to be a humdinger of a final.
#1 Strengths
The midfield and defensive stability offered by key players for Argentina have made them one of the most difficult teams to beat since the knockout stages have started. In Javier Mascherano they have one of the most destructive defensive midfielder who has been able to shield the defence brilliantly and is able to start a counter attack once he gets the ball. The back four have been able to match Mascherano’s heroics by bring the meanest in the knockout stages having not let in a goal in 330 minutes of football played till now.
La Albiceleste have one of the best attacking combination of Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Lavezzi and Di Maria (if he is fit). Plying their trade in Europe’s elite leagues, these players are capable of crushing any defense individually or together on their day. They are supreme finishers, extremely quick, can dribble past opponents and can win one-on-one situations with ease. Sabella would be hoping to have his attackers at their firing best as they can easily ruffle the German defence which have shown time and again to be vulnerable to quick attacks.
However, La Albiceleste‘s biggest strength lies in the knowledge that they have a certain Lionel Messi in their team, one of the world’s best who can change a game with a moment of brilliance. Messi has been highly influential in this campaign and has been the go to man whether being the creative outlet or scoring goals in crunch situations. He has been their driving force and has prevailed in matches even when he was double or triple marked. Argentina’s hopes rest on the shoulders of the diminutive No.10 of carrying his team to a victory for one final time.