Argentina 0-0 Peru: 5 Talking Points, 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying

#5 A night of errors from Jorge Sampaoli

*****

First, the lineup.

Sampaoli knew Peru would come here for a draw. The wisdom of two defensive midfielders in midfield evades me. However, the most egregious error is the fact that Sampaoli has no idea of who his best #9 is - In the last 5 games, 4 strikers (Gonzalo Higuain, Lucas Pratto, Mauro Icardi and Dario Benedetto) have been used.

As it turned out, Sampaoli opted to use a player making his first ever start for Argentina, instead of you know, Mauro Icardi or Paulo Dybala.

Second, the substitutions.

Jorge Sampaoli subbing on Fernando Gago for Ever Banega is the worst sub since Rodrigo Palacio for Gonzalo Higuain in 2014 World Cup final.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 6, 2017

I think Fernando Gago would rather have been spared the agony of making his comeback to the national side after years, only to then rupture his ACL 5 minutes after coming on. All this, when Argentina were in desperate need of a goal, not to see out the rest of the game.

Third, his post-match comments.

"Today was a very good performance, we just missed the goal. I am very hopeful and excited about what will come next."

He's got a call from Bayern Munich, hasn't he?