World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 64,468

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 26, 2018 at 7pm UK

Nigeria
1-2
Argentina

Moses (51' pen.)

FT(HT: 0-1)

Messi (14'), Rojo (86')

Report: Argentina mutiny against head coach Jorge Sampaoli amid World Cup woes

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter

Published: June 24 2018 | 11:52

Last updated: June 25 2018 | 11:07

Argentina's players reportedly take charge of team selection and tactics from head coach Jorge Sampaoli, who is allegedly set to be sacked after the World Cup.

Jorge Sampaoli has reportedly lost the Argentina dressing room at the World Cup and is set to be sacked after the tournament.

The Albiceleste have endured a dismal campaign in Russia so far, labouring to a 1-1 draw against Iceland in their opening game before being hammered 3-0 by Croatia.

A number of prominent Argentine football icons, including Diego Maradona and Juan Sebastian Veron, have been highly critical of Sampaoli's tactics and team selection.

According to The Sun, senior Argentina players wanted Sampaoli sacked and replaced by 1986 World Cup-winning star Jorge Barruchaga ahead of Tuesday's crucial clash with Nigeria.

The report states that the squad demanded talks with Sampaoli, his staff and Argentina FA chief Claudio Tapia, who has in turn given his coach a stay of execution for the remainder of the tournament.

However, the players are believed to have effectively taken charge of tactics and team selection, opting to switch from Sampaoli's preferred three-man defence to a 4-3-3 aimed at getting the ball to Lionel Messi in more advanced positions.

Argentina must beat the Super Eagles in Tuesday's final Group D game to stand a chance of reaching the last 16.