World Cup 2018: 3 key factors which could decide the Argentina versus Croatia game

#2 Lionel Messi switching to the flanks at intervals

La Pulga - talisman

It is undeniably true that Argentina’s fate usually depends on Messi’s performance. The diminutive Argentine is one of the finest players of all times and would like to win the trophy that has eluded him thus far. Still he has to keep in mind that he cannot win the World Cup alone.

In the match against Iceland, Messi was surrounded by 3 or 4 opposition players almost every single time he touched the ball. Croatia are likely to come up with the same tactic against him, and therefore Messi should devise his game-plan accordingly.

He should keep moving to the wings at times to make things difficult for his markers. For example, he could swap positions with left-winger Angel Di Maria occasionally.

By doing that Messi would be able to create some space at the centre of the pitch as the markers would tend to move with him.

Moreover, this would enable the likes of Di Maria to create moves from the midfield. This tactic would also test the defensive organisation of the Croats.