Almada eyes World Cup redemption as Argentina's opener nears

Almada: "This is my moment"

Thiago Almada sees Argentina's World Cup opener as his opportunity to reset after a difficult season at Atlético. The 25-year-old knows he hasn't hit his level at club level, and he's treating Tuesday's match against Algeria as the stage to remind everyone what he can do.

Scaloni trusts him. That much is clear. Almada remains in the plans despite his club struggles, and with the defending champions preparing for life after Messi, performances like his matter more than ever. He has been training alongside Rodrigo de Paul, and the camp is focused on getting him sharp for the first whistle (2).

Balerdi out, Senesi in after travel chaos

Leonardo Balerdi is out of the World Cup through injury. Marcos Senesi has been called up as his replacement, but his journey to join the squad was anything but smooth. A delayed flight, a lost suitcase, the Bournemouth defender endured a proper ordeal just to reach camp.

He's there now and available for selection (4).

Marciniak to referee the opener

Szymon Marciniak will take charge of Argentina vs Algeria on Tuesday. The Polish official is no stranger to big occasions, though Algerian fans will remember him from past encounters they'd rather forget (5).

Group J kicks off Tuesday

Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria on Tuesday, 16 June, in the Group J opener. The squad is settled, the preparation is done, and Scaloni's men go into this one knowing nothing less than a statement win will do (1).