Group J's General Discussion Thread

Im really excited about that Algeria vs Austria game and it'll be amazing, especially Rangnick vs Petkovic as coaches. I think Argentina wins it but narrowly and not comfortably. I give Austria the edge mainly partially due to order of matches being played, but both advance.

1. Argentina
2. Austria
3. Algeria
4. Jordan

 

My hot take. Argentina does not top this group.

 

I mean, anything is possible but why is the question.

Most likely there won't be surprises in this group. The most contested game should be the June 27 game between Algeria and Austria for 2nd spot and a 3rd spot for a possible KO stage

 

I guess one can point to Austria topping a group just two years ago that included both France and the Netherlands.

But in some ways, this group is tougher to win because Argentina is far more consistent than Holland. And also compared to France if we are talking about the France that shows up for the Euros.

 

Algeria are mediocre but they've a chance to get result if Scaloni picks a dogshit XI with too many off form players like in 2022 debut.

Austria are legit good, thankfully it's not our first match for the above mentioned reasons.

Jordan are better than most people think but there's no excuse for anything other than 3 points even playing with subs.

 

and to be honest, I don’t even rate Holland that good. And France still beat Austria in that group. The reason Austria topped it honestly is because in the Euros, the priority is to advance and people don’t always prioritize winning the group as much as they do in the World Cup from my experience at least.

 

why do you say Algeria are mediocre? I think they’re a good team. Maybe third best team in Africa after Morocco and Senegal?

 

They have the potential to be the 3rd best team in Africa, but no they are not there yet. Top 5 probably. They're definitely not mediocre though, well depends on how you define mediocre.

 

I mean Nigeria absolutely schooled them at the afcon, but that was literally the best game ive seen Nigeria play in maybe a decade. I dont think Algeria were at their best that day, but I think right now I'd have them at 5.

 

I don’t think the AFCON is the most reliable to go off of. At least that has been the case historically.

 

I guess you could say Algeria vs Ivory Coast could be 50-50 or a toss up. I just feel Algeria have better talent and Petkovic is a very good coach.

 

Dunno but there's a gulf between 2nd and 3rd place there anyway.

I mean mediocre from the point of view of a powerhouse team. I don't think they're among the top 20 or so teams in this tournament.

 

Yeah I wouldnt consider Algeria top 20 either, but I think the margins between a lot of teams isn't much.

Historically Argentina are slow starters. Historically you've also struggled in tougher groups. 2018 you were a few minutes from being grouped by Nigeria. 2002 you got grouped. 1994 you came 3rd and that cost you a Brazil match up. The only tough group you did well in was 2006. 2022 2014, and 2010 were manageable groups.

Is your 2026 group a tough one ? I think so, compared to 2010, 2014, and especially 2022.

I think Austria and Algeria are both better than any team you faced until the quarter finals in 2022.

Considering this, the slow starts, and the fact your team hasn't transitioned beyond your core older key players, I just see a lot of potential for disappointment.

 

Will Austria's pressing style of play be affected by the heat? I think they could end up flopping if they don't get three points in the opening game...

 

You know this is a good point here!

I will say though I think Argentina 2018 had a lot of problems and was not anywhere near the level of the typical Argentina we usually see. Granted that team almost failed to qualify for the World Cup. So I believe maybe we shouldn’t necessarily judge Argentina 2018 as they were extremely questionable with so much problems.

But 2002 was an absolute shock.

 

One of the many reasons Argentina sucked so much in 2018 was because their Keepers stunk up the place.

2022 their Keeper played about as good as any WC champ keeper in history. Especially when it came to his strategy and mind games of penalty shootouts.

I am not sure he can play at that level again. If he does they will win the Group and go on a run.

 

But their defense in 2018 was very shaky. If you watch the game vs France, the French attack was killing them. Could’ve literally scored even more goals.

 

The entire team played a terrible match. Even Di Maria, who scored a wonder goal, had a horrendous performance that day.

 

Missing Emiliano Buendia, other than that nothing very controversial.

Hopefully newer guys like Paz or Barco will see more minutes than old legs like De Paul or Lo Celso.