But Argentina was confused.

This is a team with Messi, Agüero, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuaín and others (including Inter Milan marksman Mauro Icardi, whom Sampaoli left behind) that isn’t even dangerous. The country that gave the “enganche” to the world plays ponderous, predictable soccer, and anyone who’s shocked by what they’re seeing here in Russia didn’t tune in for qualifying.