Beaten by Saudi Arabia (1-2), for its entry into the running in the World Cup in Qatar, Argentina will challenge France in the final on Sunday (4 p.m.). The Faucons coach, Hervé Renard, gave the recipe to limit the influence of the Albiceleste striker, Lionel Messi (35 years old, 171 caps and 96 goals).
“You have to take him in this context to analyze his area of influence, see how the balls come to him. Above all, you have to rely on Rodrigo De Paul who is, for me, one of the best Argentineans and one of the most useful to place Messi in the best conditions. I had mobilized my left side, my left axial and at least one midfielder. It is he who I shake at half-time in the locker room. He was often too far from Messi, when “You have to be on him straight away when he receives the ball. That’s where you have to fall on him! 35-40 meters from goal. He must not have freedom. Argentina do not use so much depth”, analyzed the French manager for L’Equipe.
During this match, a loss of ball from La Pulga in the middle of the field had led to the equalizing goal of the Saudis.
