Messi and Higuaín save Manager Sabella

Great ball control by Lionel Messi and a creative play by Gonzalo Higuaín were enough to allow Argentina a comfortable 2-1 win over Chile during the South American World Cup Qualifiers for the main event in Brazil 2014.

Argentina's squad is comprised of incredible players.  However, these footballers have failed to surpass the expectations of many.  Chile dominated Argentina the majority of the first half and created severe problems to their defense until Messi dashed their efforts with his equalizer.  The 1-0 score changed Chile’s attitude to open spaces, which resulted in Argentina's second goal and eventual victory.

One could describe Argentina's performance as inconsistent, mostly due to the defensive system manager Alejandro Sabella has developed.  Positive results influence the industry of football, something that Sabella currently strives for and seems to be achieving.  However, the upcoming world tournament will be focused on strategy and teams built upon unity.

Argentina falls below expectations as a world-class team as a result of an imbalance.  Argentina is very dangerous when it comes to attacks.  Many would not dare dispute that they currently have the best offensive players in the world.  On the other hand, if Argentina plays defensively, there is the possibility of trouble, which could affect a game dramatically, especially during the 2014 World Cup.

A great opportunity to test their strengths would be matches up against teams such as Spain, Brazil, Germany or Colombia.  It is not to say the nation has not achieved success.  However, the majority of these successes have been at the feet of individual efforts by Sergio "Kun" Agüero, Messi, Pipita Higuaín, and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Critics have had their say and opinions have been formed, but more cannot be said until March 2013 when the South American qualifiers take another stage.  It will be interesting to see the likelihood Mr. Sabella calls upon Martín Demichelis, Walter Samuel, Javier Zanetti, Matias Silvestre, Esteban Cambiasso, Jonas Gutierrez, Javier Pastore, Diego Milito, and/or Carlos Tévez for the senior team.

written by JP Perez