The newly released Dota 2 patch 7.33 is a behemoth, but here are five big takeaways about the impact on gameplay.
Dota 2 is a game that has constantly been evolving since its release in 2013, with updates and patches being released regularly (sort of) to keep the game fresh and balanced. One of the most recent updates to the game is patch 7.33, which introduces a number of significant (to say the least) changes to the game.
Ángel Di María was injured against Poland in the final group game and Papu Gómez, who replaced Di Maria in the 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16, came off in that match with some discomfort in his ankle. According to Argentine media, neither Di María nor Gómez trained with the rest of the squad on Monday, instead doing recovery work separately.
And his only game time at a World Cup was in 2018, as a 68th-minute substitute in the 3-0 loss to Croatia in the group stage. Argentina eventually exited in the round of 16 against France. There is a chance Dybala could see some action against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on Friday, though.
Dybala is 29 and has played 34 games — often as a substitute — for Argentina since his debut in 2015, which doesn’t seem many for a player of his talent. The last of his three goals for the Albiceleste came as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Italy in the Finalissima — a game between the European and South American champions — in London in June.
Dybala returned for Roma’s last game before the World Cup, convincing Scaloni that he was healthy enough to be included in the 26-man squad. The coach insists that fitness problems aren’t the reason why Dybala has yet to play at the World Cup.
So what’s the deal with Dybala, a player affectionately known as La Joya (or “The Jewel”) and a standout in Italian soccer at his best? His biggest impediment is Lionel Messi himself. Dybala’s preferred position is in the No. 10 position or the roving role off the striker — which happens to be where Argentina’s superstar is best deployed.
Given there’s no way a healthy Messi is getting dropped, Dybala has to be moved into another position that doesn’t necessarily suit his game.
The Roma playmaker hasn’t played a minute in Qatar, despite the injuries afflicting Argentina on its turbulent run to the quarterfinals and the declining form of forward Lautaro Martinez.
Paulo Dybala posted a photo of himself on Instagram laughing along with his Argentina teammate Lionel Messi, with the accompanying words: “We carry on with a smile! Let’s go.” Argentina might be getting ever closer to a place in the World Cup final but, on a purely personal level, the tournament has been nothing much to laugh about for Dybala.