Sometimes some national squad play awful in group stage of cup competition just to transform into unbeatable beasts in knock out phase and even win entire tournament. First one coming to my head like this is Italy. They played to often so bad in group stage of many world cups, go through next round not because of their achievements, but because some other favorite did not win already won game. Then once in knock out stage no one can eliminate them until final.

Watching South American cup I must ask myself is Argentina doing that this year ? One thing is sure they didn't play anything in group stage. They easily lose against Colombia, failed to score even one goal. They earned non deserved point against Paraguay after other side missed penalty and few very good chances. Paraguay outplayed them totally. Right side of Argentina defense look very vulnerable. Every attack over it cause fear and dread and entering in "save who is alive" mode. They didn't show much in attack too. Against Colombia only one chance, against Paraguay only few. You can say they won Qatar but come on Qatar is not so serious squad. They gave them first goal with catastrophic mistake when Qatar player passed to Argentina in 16-17m for 100% chance. I could probably score goal after that too! Even on that game I saw panic and dread after Qatar attacks over Argentina right side. I really don't think they are pretending bad to surprise in knock out stage of tournament. If they are pretending they are doing that to damn good. I think they are real bad as something bad is going on in that dressing room. Argentina players suffer from low confidence too.

On the other hand Venezuela played goalless draw against Brasil and Peru and won Bolivia in final game of group stage. I didn't watch them much, but 0:0 away against Brasil shows some serious skill in defense. I am also sure that they know how to play counter attacks. Newcastle player Rondon is solid striker. I am also sure they noticed Argentina's weaknesses. Machiz who plays on left midfield is not for underestimating too. They might not play in top notch clubs, but for sure know how to play football. They recently won Argentina with 3:1 heavily abusing Argentina defense weaknesses.

However I think Argentina will be under much more pressure, because elimination against Venezuela in this stage would be catastrophic for nation which want first place. On the other hand I doubt anyone will say anything to Venezuela players if they lose against Argentina. They can play without burden on their back. That can be big advantage. As game play longer without goal for Argentina burden on their back will be bigger and fear and dread of possible counter attack and elimination bigger. That could be dreadful for this low confidence squad and lead to mistake after which Rondon will have no mercy!

What do you think can Argentina skip this hurdle ?