MX23RW : Wednesday, October 2 06:43:29| >> :600:144416:144416:

Zico: 'Argentina vulnerable at the back'

Zico believes that Argentina will have to be tight defensively if they are to win the World Cup this summer.

Former Brazil international Zico has claimed that Argentina's attacking style could prove to be their downfall at the World Cup.

With the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria expected to feature in advanced positions, the Argentines are among the favourites to win the trophy for a third time in their history.

However, Zico believes that if they are to complete their hat-trick, head coach Alejandro Sabella will have to ensure that his side has a "compact manner" defensively.

"Argentina's style means that they are left exposed at the back. Opponents will be very aware of that. It's a consequence of how they play - attacking teams take more risks," the 61-year-old told The Guardian.

"A lot of people say Argentina do not have a vintage generation of defenders, but I don't think that is the problem. Argentina have to find a way to play in a more compact manner and to give opposition players less space."

Argentina last won the competition back in 1986.

ID:158350: cacheID:158350:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2458:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against Paraguay during a Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, on September 10, 2013
Read Next:
World Cup preview: Group F
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool65011221015
2Manchester CityMan City6420146814
3Arsenal6420125714
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Fulham632185311
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle632187111
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
10Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
11Bournemouth622289-18
12Brentford6213810-27
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham6123610-45
15Ipswich TownIpswich6042510-54
16Everton6114715-84
17Leicester CityLeicester6033812-43
18Crystal Palace603359-43
19Southampton6015312-91
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves6015616-101


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!