Argentina may have beaten Cape Verde, but the 3-2 scoreline told only half the story. For long spells, the world champions were made uncomfortable, stretched, and even pushed towards the possibility of penalties by a side many would have casually dismissed before kick-off.
Former Mohun Bagan footballer-turned-coach Sankarlal Chakraborty believes that was the real message of the contest. Argentina won because great teams know how to survive difficult moments. But Cape Verde, in defeat, showed how far world football has travelled.
“Cape Verde sent out a very strong message. To be honest, I didn’t know much about them before this tournament or even considered them a serious footballing nation. But from their very first match, the football they have played has been truly impressive,” he told Sports Now in an exclusive interaction.
“There was a phase in the game when Argentina were under immense pressure. It looked as though the match was heading towards penalties. But this is exactly why Argentina are considered one of the giants of world football. The biggest teams know how to respond at the right moment, and that’s what separates them from the rest. Their world-class players rise to the occasion when it matters the most,” he believed.
No Big or Small Teams In World Cup
“At the same time, I would say this was a victory for football itself. One of the biggest takeaways from this match was the fearless football Cape Verde played during extra time. They attacked relentlessly instead of sitting back. That tells us something very important. Smaller nations are no longer satisfied with playing only defensive football. Across world football, this is a trend I’ve observed over the years. Today, there is no such thing as a ‘small’ or ‘big’ team until the final whistle blows. Only after the result is decided can you truly call someone the bigger side,” he observed.
In our country, we still tend to label teams as ‘small’ or ‘big’ before the match begins. Modern football no longer works that way. That warning now follows Argentina into their On paper, Lionel Messi’s side will again start as favourites. In reality, knockout football rarely respects reputation. Egypt arrive with little pressure, much like Cape Verde did, and that makes them dangerous.
Egypt Can Trouble Argentina
“Well, Egypt have absolutely nothing to lose. There is no pressure on them. They have already exceeded expectations simply by reaching this stage and will now try to go as far as possible for the pride of their country,” he said.
For Chakraborty, Argentina’s concern is not in attack. With Messi still central to their rhythm and several options around him, their forward play carries enough variety and imagination. The bigger issue lies behind the ball.
“As for Argentina, I don’t think there is any need for major tactical changes. At this level, these are elite teams with elite coaches who understand the tactical side far better than anyone sitting outside. I’m actually less worried now than I was before the Cape Verde game. Argentina have enough weapons to beat Egypt. However, there is one area they must improve-their defending. When I say defending, I don’t only mean the back four. I also mean defensive work from the midfield. Cape Verde exposed certain weaknesses in Argentina’s defensive structure,” he highlighted.
Argentina, he feels, must tighten their defensive structure, not just the back four, but also the midfield shield in front of it. Cape Verde found spaces, carried threat in transition, and forced Argentina into phases of anxiety. Against Egypt, such lapses could prove costly.
“Going forward, Argentina possesses enormous variety. Lionel Messi remains the focal point, but they also have several attacking options beyond him. Their attack is not dependent solely on Messi. If they can tighten up defensively-especially in midfield transitions, I believe they will look like a much more solid and balanced team,” the former Mohun Bagan coach reckoned.
Chakraborty is not pressing the panic button. He believes Argentina have enough quality, experience and big-match temperament to progress. What they need is balance.
“Their attacking quality isn’t the issue. They create chances through multiple players and have enough creativity. The priority should be improving their defensive discipline, both in the midfield and at the back. If they achieve that balance, Argentina will become a far stronger side in the knockout stages going forward,” he concluded.
Cape Verde may have exited, but their performance has left a lesson behind. In this World Cup, pedigree can win matches. But complacency can lose them.