Why Argentina Has Become the Surprising Villain of This World Cup

By

Adam Elder,

a writer covering sports and culture

Sports are inevitably full of perceived saviors and scoundrels, but Argentina’s soccer team often seems to occupy both roles at the same time. No team blends soccer’s central duality better: the tension between flair and brutality, between honoring the game and seeing what you can get away with in order to win. Historically, Argentina veers between playing soccer at its highest level and stooping to its lowest.