Lionel Messi vs. Bruno Martins Indi
The undisputed leader of this Argentina team, Lionel Messi has provided the decisive moment in each of his nation’s five games so far, continuing his seemingly unstoppable march towards the Maracana.
It is only Louis van Gaal and the Netherlands who stand in Messi’s way now – and the specific man who the little Barcelona forward must conquer is likely to be Feyenoord centre back Bruno Martins Indi.
Martins Indi has been the one player in van Gaal’s three man defence to have the license to step out of the defensive line, both in terms of joining the midfield in attack and also closing down quickly when the opposition attack.
He also plays on the side of the pitch where Messi spends most of his time, although Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella is likely to give Messi the freedom to roam and find the space he needs to cause problems.
COMMENTS