When Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia I thought they would not make the top 16. But I was wrong. Argentina not only managed to find their game, but also showed us some beautiful football. Scaloni's team rehabilitated after the defeat in the first match and went into the play-offs in first place, while Poland beat Mexico on goal difference. I was betting on Mexico making the play-offs, but I was wrong, my bet didn't pay off.
Even so, Argentina still finds it difficult to find the best pattern for their game regardless of who the opponent is, I think the coach really needs to change his strategy and line-up in the play-offs if he doesn't want to have trouble. Their next opponent was Australia, during the group stage Australia always won narrowly and always used a tight defensive strategy. But I think Argentina will still excel in this fight.
Mexico has always been superior to Poland, yes, but this is football, sometimes the luck factor for a country is always there and it still accompanies Poland.
Argentina team is not what we used to know, there are no much quality in the team anymore. If not for Messi who is playing with his last strength and carrying the team and De Maria and also the number 9 striker. The midfield and defence is not solid as before. Argentina may go further in this world cup but they are not the candidates of the finals. I don't think we will watch Messi finals this year.