Argentina to win 2-0, predicts Topu Barman

Amid worries over fitness of several key players and a series of shocking results involving some of the tournament’s heavyweights in the opening days of the FIFA World Cup, Bangladesh’s veteran defender Topu Barman is still expecting a winning start for defending champions Argentina when they take on a formidable Algeria side on Wednesday morning.

Heavyweights such as Brazil, Spain and the Netherlands have already stumbled in their opening matches, proving that victory is not guaranteed for any favourite. Argentina fans in Bangladesh will therefore be hoping their team avoids a repeat of their opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in the last World Cup.

Topu, himself an Argentina supporter, predicts a 2-0 victory for Lionel Scaloni’s men despite their fitness worries.

“The biggest issue right now is that players like (Gonzalo) Montiel and (Nahuel) Molina are recovering from injuries. So, a lot depends on what formation Scaloni uses and which squad he puts on the pitch.

“As a fan, our expectations for Argentina are always high. Mac Allister, Enzo (Fernandez) and (Lautaro) Martinez are in good form,” Topu told The Daily Star.

He added: “Against a team like Algeria, who have highly experienced players competing in different European leagues, including the English Premier League, it will be a bit tough but I am sure Argentina will win 2-0.”

The 31-year-old defender also believes the support for Argentina in Bangladesh stems from a genuine love for football. While some Bangladeshis have supported Argentina traditionally, much of the younger generation’s attachment is connected to the magic of Lionel Messi.

“It comes from genuine love. You might remember the TSC video from the 2022 World Cup that went viral worldwide. When Argentina scored a goal, everyone was dancing on the stage. That video went viral globally, showing the world how crazy and how much Bangladeshi fans love football.

“You saw the Bangladeshi flag during the opening ceremony. That is a massive achievement. It proves what Bangladesh is. I feel proud that we are a football nation and love the sport so much. We have such a craze for it. I feel very proud.”

Asked to evaluate the World Cup matches he had watched until Tuesday, the Bashundhara Kings captain said: “Honestly, aside from the Germany game, all the matches have been very tight. The most pleasing thing is that six Asian nations played, and all six earned points. That feels great.

“I feel this World Cup is much more competitive than the previous ones. The teams participating this time have done their homework very well, especially regarding football tactics.”