You Won't Believe Who Made Argentina's Squad for the 2018 World Cup!
Posted: 26 Jun 2026, 13:52
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Argentina's Squad for the 2018 World Cup: The Unexpected Choices
Argentina's coach at the time, Jorge Sampaoli, had a challenging task of selecting the right players for the tournament. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, and Paulo Dybala, the team was expected to be strong, but Sampaoli also wanted to give opportunities to some of the lesser-known players in the Argentine league. One of the surprises was the inclusion of Cristian Pavón, a young and talented winger who was playing for Boca Juniors at the time. Pavón's speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability made him an attractive option for Sampaoli, and he eventually made it to the final squad. Another unexpected choice was the inclusion of Nahuel Guzmán, a goalkeeper who was playing for Tigre at the time. Guzmán's impressive performances in the Argentine league caught the attention of Sampaoli, and he was eventually chosen as the team's third goalkeeper. The selection of these players showed that Sampaoli was willing to take risks and give opportunities to young and talented players, which was a refreshing change in the Argentine team's approach.
You Won't Believe Who Made Argentina's Squad for the 2018 World Cup!
The Mastermind Behind the Squad
One of the most crucial factors in Argentina's World Cup squad selection was the presence of Jorge Sampaoli, the team's manager at the time. Sampaoli's vision and expertise played a significant role in shaping the final squad, which consisted of some of the world's best players.
Key Players Who Made the Cut
Lionel Messi: The star forward was a no-brainer inclusion in the squad, given his incredible skills and experience.
Paulo Dybala: The Juventus forward was a surprise inclusion, but his impressive performances for his club earned him a spot in the squad.
Angel Di Maria: The experienced winger brought a wealth of experience and skill to the squad, making him an essential player.
The Squad's Strengths and Weaknesses
The Argentine squad boasted a mix of youth and experience, with players like Paulo Dybala and Giovani Lo Celso providing a spark of creativity. However, the team's defense was a concern, with some critics questioning the inclusion of certain players.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the selection of Argentina's 2018 World Cup squad was a carefully crafted process that involved some of the world's top football minds. Jorge Sampaoli's expertise and the contributions of key players like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria made the squad a formidable force in the tournament. While there were concerns about the team's defense, the squad ultimately had the potential to make a deep run in the competition.