One of the worst games of this World Cup in my opinion. Argentina played scared the whole game against a team who played without by far and away their best player. They then continued to allow chances when Switzerland’s second best player was sent off due to simulation. The problem was that the chances for both sides were shit and both played conservatively. Lots will be made about the lack of quality in the run that Argentina have had so far, which is honestly a fair complaint. This Switzerland team without Manzambi were miles worse than Egypt imo. None of those performances against vastly inferior opponents have looked good either and all three have been taken to extra time. Messi had a decent game. No goals, but a very nice assist and some good chances created. Just couldn’t find the back of the net. As for the red for simulation…do I get it? Absolutely. Is it understandable that a team/player would be frustrated? Absolutely. It definitely feels harsh given the positioning and context, but is also simultaneously probably a correct call. Another spirit of the law vs letter of the law. In my opinion, there needs to be more clarity in the rules surrounding simulation and regarding the application of VAR. I think more clarity would fix a good chunk of the problem. I will say, regardless of the officiating questions this tournament, I really do have concern for the future of the Argentinian national team. Oftentimes it feels like they’re entirely reliant on Messi. There’s obviously nobody who can fill his boots but the problem is that there’s nobody within a mile of his level on this team. Lisandro Martinez looks good defensively but you cannot just have one consistent defender if you want to be a consistent contender. Alvarez had a nice goal but I found him a bit meh outside of that.