One of the tournament favorites, boasting the services of the best player in the world in Lionel Messi along with some incredible talents like Aguero, Higuain, Di Maria much was expected from the boys in La Albiceleste. With the talent available at disposal fans must be wondering what happened in the first half of this match. The answer from the coach was funny. He started with five at the back as a caution against the threat from the tall Bosnian players. Here is a coach who has enough players capable of scoring goals against any team but just did not trust the attacking quality available. I would never understand even if it was against Netherlands or Germany let alone a real surprise considering the fact Bosnia are playing their first world cup.
I am not underestimating Bosnia but it was evident throughout the match that Argentina struggled to impose themselves on their opponents.Much of that was down to the negative tactical setup by the Argentina coach. With five at the back they did not have control in midfield. Messi was playing far too deep for my liking. He was forced to come deep into their half because he was not getting enough support from midfield as Argentina were outnumbered in that area. The link up was not seen and each time Messi was on the ball there were two or three opposition players around him. He and Aguero was left alone most of the time. Bosnia played really well and was unlucky not to score in the first half. It was unthinkable that they had better shots on goal than their counterparts.
Things did improve in the second half once Gago came on. Messi took more control of the game and eventually paid off with what was an important goal not just for his team but personally as well. He is under so much pressure to perform for his team at this world cup after the disappointments of the last one. For that to happen and for Argentina to have any hope of going all the way in the tournament the coach must make sure that he makes use of Messi to the maximum. For that to happen the tactics must change in a way that he benefits from the players around him.
It is fair thinking from the coach they defend well as a team which was their shortcoming in South Africa. At the same time he should not forget or discount the firepower upfront that is more than capable of winning any football match. The coach was trying to win the match in his own half when the real action should have happened up front in the opposition box. Along with defensive stability it is goals that ultimately win any football matches and Argentina should concentrate more on that in the next couple of games before the knockout stage. Remember attack is the best form of defense. With so many good players Sabella must decided to attack. When you do that against your opposition you create mistakes from your opposite team and that's where you create opportunity. Maybe they might peak at the right time.
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I am not underestimating Bosnia but it was evident throughout the match that Argentina struggled to impose themselves on their opponents.Much of that was down to the negative tactical setup by the Argentina coach. With five at the back they did not have control in midfield. Messi was playing far too deep for my liking. He was forced to come deep into their half because he was not getting enough support from midfield as Argentina were outnumbered in that area. The link up was not seen and each time Messi was on the ball there were two or three opposition players around him. He and Aguero was left alone most of the time. Bosnia played really well and was unlucky not to score in the first half. It was unthinkable that they had better shots on goal than their counterparts.
Things did improve in the second half once Gago came on. Messi took more control of the game and eventually paid off with what was an important goal not just for his team but personally as well. He is under so much pressure to perform for his team at this world cup after the disappointments of the last one. For that to happen and for Argentina to have any hope of going all the way in the tournament the coach must make sure that he makes use of Messi to the maximum. For that to happen the tactics must change in a way that he benefits from the players around him.
It is fair thinking from the coach they defend well as a team which was their shortcoming in South Africa. At the same time he should not forget or discount the firepower upfront that is more than capable of winning any football match. The coach was trying to win the match in his own half when the real action should have happened up front in the opposition box. Along with defensive stability it is goals that ultimately win any football matches and Argentina should concentrate more on that in the next couple of games before the knockout stage. Remember attack is the best form of defense. With so many good players Sabella must decided to attack. When you do that against your opposition you create mistakes from your opposite team and that's where you create opportunity. Maybe they might peak at the right time.
Keep Smiling
Playmaker
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