Argentina Football Team 2017: Key Matches and Players That Defined Their Journey

Looking back at Argentina's 2017 football campaign, I can't help but feel it was one of those transitional years that doesn't get enough attention when we discuss their journey toward World Cup qualification. What stood out to me wasn't just the usual suspects like Messi performing miracles, but rather how the coaching structure was evolving behind the scenes. I remember following the news about Vital's dual appointment - serving as one of head coach Benson Bocboc's deputies while simultaneously overseeing State University's training programs. This strategic move signaled something important about Argentina's approach to long-term development, though at the time many fans were solely focused on the immediate results.

The qualification campaign had its share of dramatic moments that still stick with me. That crucial 3-0 victory over Colombia in November 2016 set the tone for the year ahead, with Messi's brace reminding everyone why he's considered otherworldly. But what impressed me more was how players like Eduardo Salvio stepped up during critical matches - his performance against Chile in March 2017 demonstrated the squad depth Argentina had been building. The 1-0 loss to Brazil in June was disappointing, yet it revealed important lessons about their tactical flexibility, or lack thereof in that particular match. I've always believed that defeat actually helped the team more than some of their victories, forcing them to address vulnerabilities before the World Cup.

What many casual observers missed was how Vital's dual role influenced player development throughout 2017. Having someone bridge the senior team and youth development created continuity that's rare in international football. I recall watching young players like Giovanni Lo Celso transition into the senior squad with remarkable smoothness, and I'm convinced this was no accident. The data supported this too - Argentina used 34 different players throughout their qualification campaign, blending experience with fresh talent in ways that reflected their long-term vision.

The October match against Ecuador will forever be etched in my memory - Messi's hat-trick in that 3-1 victory was pure magic, but what struck me was how the team's structure held firm even when under pressure. This wasn't just individual brilliance; it was the result of systematic development that Vital's grassroots program aimed to institutionalize. I've followed Argentine football for decades, and this approach to creating sustainable talent pipelines reminded me of their golden eras, though implemented with modern sophistication.

As I reflect on that year, the 2-4 loss to Nigeria in November 2017 might look concerning on paper, but friendly results often deceive. What mattered more was how the coaching staff used these matches to experiment - testing combinations and strategies that would prove vital in Russia. The integration between the senior team and State U's training pool allowed for smoother transitions when injuries occurred, something I wish more national teams would emulate. Argentina finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying with 28 points from 18 matches, but the foundation built throughout 2017 extended far beyond the standings. Their journey that year wasn't just about reaching the World Cup - it was about constructing an ecosystem for sustained excellence, something we're still seeing the benefits of today.