The most revealing match of the FIFA 2018 World Cup has just been played. In a huge upset, which is not, with the benefit of hingsight, Croatia handed a torrid 3-0 defeat to Argentina: the supposed underdog eating up the supposed top dog. Now we have seen the second goalkeeping howler of the tournament, Ivan Caballero gifting Croatia the first goal. He could have done better too in the second and third goals but largely to blame for the defeat is the poor tactics of the coach. He seemed just content to get the ball to the front lethal trio of Messi, Aguero and Dyabala without any form of creativity from the midfield. The prompt result was the neutralization of Messi and co by the well-marshalled Croatian defence that used their advantage in height to full effect. The Croats also have stars of their own such as Modric who scored a stunner for the second goal but this match has clearly shown the brightest constellations are not made by the brightest stars.
Messi is finished in international football, there is no doubt about that now. The cup just wasn't his to lift. Life is like that and we might just parody Elmore Leonard's famous title. Get Leo! A return ticket to Argentina.
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