Sampaoli charged with preventing Messi-less WC

AFP, BUENOS AIRES: A year out from the final World Cup of Lionel Messi's prime years, Argentina are just beginning a new era as Jorge Sampaoli attempts to turn around the two-time world champions' faltering qualifying campaign.
Sampaoli's first match in charge since leaving Sevilla to answer his country's call gave cause for optimism as Argentina saw off an under-strength Brazil 1-0 in Melbourne on Friday.
However, there is a long way to go for Samapoli to turn an underperforming unit into the World Cup contenders they should be based on the talent at their disposal.
“It is a huge confidence boost to beat Brazil because for us it is a derby and, going forward, it will help,” said Sampaoli.
The 57-year-old has already proven himself as an international boss to Argentina's cost as he led Chile to the Copa America for the first time in 2015 -- beating the country of his birth in the final on penalties.
However, he now has four games to ensure Argentina and five-time World Player of the Year Messi don't suffer the embarrassment of missing out on football's biggest stage in Russia next year.
With only the top four in South American qualifying automatically booking their place in Russia, Argentina sit fifth, which would only be good enough for a playoff place against the winners of the Oceania confederation.
A 2-0 defeat to Bolivia in March proved the final straw for the Argentina Football Association's (AFA) patience with coach Edgardo Bauza as he was sacked.
Indeed, Samapoli will be the third coach to take charge of La Albiceleste in qualifying as former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino quit following the 2016 Copa America, citing “serious problems” with AFA.
Bauza won just three of eight qualifiers in charge, but his case wasn't helped by Messi's absence for a number of key games through injury and suspension.
Tellingly, Argentina have won five of the six qualifiers Messi has been available for, but just one of the eight the Barcelona star has missed.

Sampaoli charged with preventing Messi-less WC

AFP, BUENOS AIRES: A year out from the final World Cup of Lionel Messis prime years, Argentina are just beginning a new era as Jorge Sampaoli attempts to turn around the two-time world champions faltering qualifying campaign. Sampaolis first match in charge since leaving Sevilla to answer his countrys call gave cause for optimism as Argentina saw off an under-strength Brazil 1-0 in Melbourne on Friday. However, there is a long way to go for Samapoli to turn an underperforming unit into the World Cup contenders they should be based on the talent at their disposal. It is a huge confidence boost to beat Brazil because for us it is a derby and, going forward, it will help, said Sampaoli. The 57-year-old has already proven himself as an international boss to Argentinas cost as he led Chile to the Copa America for the first time in 2015 -- beating the country of his birth in the final on penalties. However, he now has four games to ensure Argentina and five-time World Player of the Year Messi dont suffer the embarrassment of missing out on footballs biggest stage in Russia next year. With only the top four in South American qualifying automatically booking their place in Russia, Argentina sit fifth, which would only be good enough for a playoff place against the winners of the Oceania confederation. A 2-0 defeat to Bolivia in March proved the final straw for the Argentina Football Associations (AFA) patience with coach Edgardo Bauza as he was sacked. Indeed, Samapoli will be the third coach to take charge of La Albiceleste in qualifying as former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino quit following the 2016 Copa America, citing serious problems with AFA. Bauza won just three of eight qualifiers in charge, but his case wasnt helped by Messis absence for a number of key games through injury and suspension. Tellingly, Argentina have won five of the six qualifiers Messi has been available for, but just one of the eight the Barcelona star has missed.