Nov. 23, 2022, 4:23 am ET Slowly, quietly, Argentina’s players returned to their training camp in Doha, far from Lusail, far from a place they would never want to see again, but where they will hope, more than anything, to return. No one on that trip wanted to talk. The lone voice was that of Lionel Messi, urging his devastated teammates to stay united, reminding them that even after the defeat to Saudi Arabia, their fate is still in their own hands. When they arrived at the hotel, Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff told the players that, for once, the post-match meal was optional. If they didn’t feel like talking, they could stay in their rooms, ponder, mourn. Argentina’s defeat by Saudi Arabia may, in time, be seen as the worst in the country’s history, beyond Cameroon’s embarrassment in 1990. It is little consolation, but it should not be seen as the biggest shock in the World Cup. Cup History: Not of the United States beating England in 1950 and North Korea beating Italy in 1966. It is, however, a stark warning to the three European heavyweights in contention today that nothing can be taken for granted. None of Spain, Germany and Belgium entered this tournament with as high expectations as Argentina, admittedly. Spain, with only the seemingly immortal Sergio Busquets remaining from the 2010 World Cup-winning team, is young and energetic but inexperienced. Belgium’s age is seen as his weakness, with the feeling that his moment has come and gone. Germany have the air of a team in transition. Their rivals, too, will have been encouraged by Saudi Arabia’s achievements. Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals eight years ago. why should he fear Spain? Canada hasn’t been here since 1986, but they have two really exciting stars to unsettle the Belgian defence. Japan have a team with plenty of experience in Europe. All, in fact, have advantages that Saudi Arabia did not have. If the Saudis could pull off a shock, what could stop anyone else? See more
