Argentina can change players before the World Cup
"We have a few small issues and days to decide. We can change the final list for the 2022 World Cup. Personally, I hope not to have to do that, but there is still a possibility." Scaloni said after winning the UAE 5-0 on November 16.
In a friendly match at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium yesterday, Paulo Dybala, Cristian Romero and Alejandro Gomez were the only three names not on the list. According to La Nacion, Nicolas Gonzalez and Cristian Romero are most at risk of being dropped, when the duo have physical problems and have not played for the club in recent weeks.
Mundo Albiceleste reported that Marcos Acuna and Gonzalez were closely monitored by the Argentine medical team. In particular, Acuna started the match against the UAE, before making way for Joaquin Correa from the beginning of the second half.
According to Football Italy, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalez have both struggled with muscle problems for the past few months. Dybala returned when playing more than 20 minutes in the last game of Roma's 1-1 draw with Torino in round 15 of Serie A on November 13, bringing home a penalty and hitting the bar once. However, the 29-year-old striker may still not be in the best shape. "There are many players who are not in the squad today because they are not fit or I don't want to take the risk. I cannot guarantee those players are okay," Scaloni added about the condition of the students. trick.
According to regulations, teams participating in the 2022 World Cup must submit a list of 26 players to FIFA by November 14 at the latest. The coaches have the right to change the list 24 hours before the opening match at the 2022 World Cup. With Argentina, they will play the opening match against Saudi Arabia at 5pm on November 22, Hanoi time. Thus, Scaloni has about four days to close the final list.
Yesterday, Argentina dominated and led 4-0 in the first half thanks to Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi and a brace from Angel Di Maria. In the second half, Argentina changed five players but kept Messi. The visitors slowed down but still got more goals thanks to Angel Correa in the 60th minute, after an assist from Rodrigo De Paul.
Crushing the UAE 5-0 in Abu Dhabi, Argentina raised their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 36 matches. Scaloni's teachers and students will break Italy's record if they are unbeaten in the first two rounds of the 2022 World Cup group stage, meeting Saudi Arabia and Mexico. The last time Argentina lost was a 0-2 loss to Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals in July 2019.
