Argentina's Coach Has a Tough Choice: Who Starts Up Front?

Argentina started its World Cup with a big 3-0 win over Algeria on June 18. But right after the game, coach Lionel Scaloni had a new problem to solve. He had to decide which striker — Lautaro Martinez or Julian Alvarez — should start the next match against Austria. It is a good problem to have, but a tough one all the same.

Martinez started the Algeria game and played well for about 55 minutes. Then Alvarez came on to replace him. Before the tournament began, Alvarez had been the team's first-choice striker. But Scaloni chose Martinez to start instead — just like he did at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Back then, Martinez started first, but Alvarez took over as the main striker from the third game on.

Scaloni said before the Algeria match that Martinez had gotten over an ankle injury and was ready to play. After the game, the coach praised Martinez, calling his effort 'incredible physical work.' Scaloni also explained how hard it is to manage a team. 'The coach is constantly making decisions — who plays, who doesn't, who comes on, who comes off,' he said. 'Everyone would like to play, but building the team requires 11 players, and you look for the ideal functioning.'

Argentine reporters who watched Thursday's training session believed Scaloni would pick Alvarez to start against Austria in their Group J match. Former goalkeeper Carlos Navarro Montoya told Reuters he was happy Argentina had such a hard choice to make. 'Blessed doubts and blessed competition,' he said, meaning that having two great strikers to choose from is a sign of a strong team.

Navarro Montoya also explained the difference between the two players. He said Martinez is a sharp finisher who is best when he is near the goal. Alvarez, on the other hand, can also finish well near the goal, but he works harder outside the penalty area too. 'He may have greater physical intensity when pressing,' Navarro Montoya added, meaning Alvarez puts more pressure on the other team when they have the ball.

The tough choices for Scaloni do not stop at striker. At right back, Gonzalo Montiel started the Algeria game, but Nahuel Molina — usually the first-choice player in that spot — came on at halftime. There are questions at left back too, where Nicolas Tagliafico is dealing with a calf injury. Facundo Medina played in his place against Algeria. The Argentine soccer federation said on Wednesday that Tagliafico was back on the training field and getting better.