How will Argentina fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SteTudor123 as he looks at La Albiceleste in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...
Argentina History at the World Cup
If you’re taking part in a World Cup sweepstake ahead of Qatar 2022, and you’re lucky enough to pull Argentina out of the hat then count your blessings.
Because not only are the South American giants the tournament third-favourites in the sports betting, but they’re priced at 13/2 for two distinct reasons - their past and present.
Concerning the present, Argentina have a squad packed with world-class talent, from the most obvious example of Lionel Messi, to a striker in Lautaro Martinez who has fired 21 goals in 40 outings for his country.
Argentina qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a goalless draw against Brazil 👏🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/cQFqcxlHwP
— GOAL India (@Goal_India) November 17, 2021
If united, this line-up can hurt anyone and presently they are fighting the same cause, the reigning Copa America champions unbeaten in 33 games.
As for their past, this is a nation steeped in World Cup heritage, winning the tournament twice – in 1978 and 1986 – and finishing runner-up three times.
One of those occasions was in 1930, illustrating that for a large bulk of football’s existence Argentina have been a side to be seriously reckoned with.
Argentina Nickname
La Seleccion, that translates as the ‘national team’ are better known as La Albiceleste (‘The white and sky blues’).
This refers to the colour of Argentina’s stripes which in turn reflects their national flag.
Why white and sky blue? Frankly, that’s a debate best left well alone, with South American historians arguing about it for many years.
World Cup 2022 Group
La Albiceleste could have been more fortunate with their draw in Group C, even if it does contain Saudi Arabia, the lowest ranked side in the competition.
Elsewhere, Mexico was the highest ranked team in Pot 2 while the fourth entrant is Poland, a dangerous outfit headed by the ever-prolific Robert Lewandowski.
Argentina Fixtures:
-
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia - 22nd November 2022
-
Argentina vs Mexico - 26th November 2022
-
Argentina vs Poland - 30th November 2022
Argentina Kit World Cup 2022
Adidas have reverted to a more traditional design for Qatar ’22 though the blocky navy blue on the sleeves and inner-collar won’t be to everyone’s taste.
World Cup History
— Wiki Kits (@WikiKits) October 12, 2022
🇦🇷 Argentina pic.twitter.com/vl0ws86AuA
For their away number, caution has been thrown to the wind with a lavender colourway complete with flames to denote the Sun of May that is found on the national flag.
Who Is The Argentina Manager?
An assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla, then later with Argentina, Lionel Scaloni stepped into the international hot-seat in 2018. Remarkably, it was his first ever managerial position.
Even so, the former West Ham full-back has taken to the role like a duck to water, installing confidence into a previously fractured squad and leading them a first major honour for 28 years.
In overseeing a win over arch-rivals Brazil in the Copa America final last year, Scaloni has secured the trust of a nation.
Best Argentina Player
Even at the seasoned age of 35 and on the cusp of international retirement, who else could it be other than Lionel Messi, the supernaturally-gifted dervish who has made 164 appearances for the Albiceleste.
Arguably the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of football boots, the little genius will be hellbent on lifting the famous trophy this December to finally quieten those who suggest he has never been peak-Barca Messi at international level.
🇦🇷 The magic of Messi 🧙♂️#UCL pic.twitter.com/GFUpVnJXrJ
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 10, 2021
Argentina Odds at 2022 World Cup
Scaloni’s team are heavily fancied to top Group C, even if Mexico and Poland will give them problems along the way. Don’t expect much value when they face Saudi Arabia, but elsewhere they’re well worth backing.
As for the other World Cup bets that are available it’s telling that La Albiceleste are the same price as England in the outright market. Putting patriotism to one side, who do you think is most likely to go all the way?
Bet on Argentina at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!
