WORLD CUP 2014: WILL LEO MESSI BE ENOUGH TO DEFEAT CREATIVE AND WELL-BALANCED BELGIUM?

Argentina is my sentimental favorite in this tournament. Not because of the football (soccer) they play, but because I am of the opinion that Leo Messi like no other player deserves to win his World Cup. Belgium, before the start of World Cup 2014, were and are my dark horse. If they beat Argentina, I believe they would make it to the final as they have more depth than Holland this year (Holland have one of the weakest squads in their recent history, yet their coach, Luis Van Gaal wisely gave up the offensive football the Dutch are known for and stuck to tight defense with rapid counterattacking bursts) and they have Eden Hazard who can unlock all defenses, that is if he does not disappear from the game. For Argentina to win, Leo Messi has to get more support from Gago in centre of midfield, and from Di Maria on the left flank, to open spaces for the little genius. Up to now, Messi had to both create and score, and he can't do it all single-handedly, even though until now he did, except for some Di Maria's help offered in the match against Switzerland.
Belgium have a better keeper in Thibaut Courtois, who despite being only 22 year old, is right now no. 2 keeper in the world, right behind Neuer of Germany, whereas Argentian keeper, Sergio Romero, currently on loan to Monaco from Sampdoria Genoa, has been erratic in his performances despite the fact that while playing earlier for AZ Alkmaar he posted many clean sheets. Defensive four of Belgium appear to be stronger than Argentina's. Yet, both teams have week links in defense, Belgium in Van Buyten, who isn't very mobile, and Argentina in De Michelis who although a good passer, has been prone to mistakes while aggressively pushed by powerful forwards in English Premier League. Apparently Argentina will field in defense Zabaleta, Garay, De Michelis (instead of Fernandez) and Rojo, whereas Belgium will stick with Alderweireld, Kompany, Van Buyten and Verthongen.
Argentina will play probably in 4-3-3 system whereas Belgians will continue with 4-5-1. In midfield Argentina will have Mascherano, Gago and Di Maria roaming the flanks, whereas Messi, Lavezzi and Higuain should form the attack, with a possibility that Higuain might lose his spot to Aguero if he is fit. Belgians in midfield should have Witsel and Fellaini as two holding players, with Mertens and Hazard on the flanks, and Kevin de Bruyne playing behind the lone striker. This lone striker should be Origi, yet one cannot exclude that Mark Wilmots would not start Lukaku as Belgium coach has a penchant for starting substitutes who did well in a preceding match. In conclusion, Belgium has a better team yet Argentina has Leo Messi. If the latter would get some support from Gago and DiMaria, and I believe this time around the support will come, I would have put my money on Argentina.

Janusz Andrzejewski is a New York City based attorney, writing on legal and other important community topics. You can contact him by telephone (212) 634-4250 and through e-mail: janusz@januszandrzejewski.com