When Iceland, the smallest nation to play in the World Cup (pop: 350,000) held Argentina to a 1-1 draw on 16 June with defensive tactics and physical strength, it could be explained away by diehard believers as an aberration.
Then came Thursday’s 3-0 rout by Croatia. This was different—the Croatians played open, attacking football, true to their Slavic tradition, to crush the 2014 World Cup runners-up.
Fans who kept the faith—and there are millions around the world—should have read signs of the impending abject capitulation when five-time-footballer-of-the-year Lionel Messi walked out with furrowed brows, the weight of the world on his shoulders. Eyes downcast, he massaged his forehead as the national anthem played.
If that was a portent of what was to come, it was accurate.
Manager Jorge Sampaoli appeared to have a plan—for a continuation of the game against Iceland rather than a new opponent. He reduced the number of full backs to three and pushed his men forward—a tactic more suited to counter a defensive team like Iceland. Against Croatia, who combine well with passes and make swift attacks, this backfired badly.