Argentina May Be More Effective Without Superstar Lionel Messi

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: October 11, 2014

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Beijing's Bird Nest stadium is a sleek, ultra-modern sporting arena. But who could have predicted that the iconic former Olympic headquarters in China's capital could also serve as a footballing time machine?

The Brazil side put out by returning coach Dunga to take on Argentina was an instant throwback to the brutally effective Selecao of 2007.

And just like six years ago, when the Albiceleste folded in a 3-0 humiliation to Dunga's men in the final of the Copa America, Argentina had absolutely no response as they went down 2-0 in Saturday's clash.

1994 World Cup winner Dunga was not brought back for his ability to inspire Joga Bonito. His teams are immensely solid at the back, defending in numbers and not afraid to give away tactical fouls should the rival show signs of advancing.

Argentina came up against a brick wall in the final third time and again, although an off-key Sergio Aguero, a host of missed chances and Lionel Messi's failed penalty hardly helped matters.

At the other end, it was a simple case of pumping the ball into the box through set pieces and waiting for the mistakes to come.

In Dunga's first spell as coach, it was the likes of the limited but enthusiastic Julio Baptista who converted; in 2014, Diego Tardelli appeared with a double to justify his inclusion over the technically superior hordes waiting in the wings. 



Argentina, on the other hand, will feel aggrieved to have lost a match where they dominated in terms of possession and territory. But Gerardo Martino's men did not do enough to win either.

The contrast between the dynamic, ruthless outfit that took down Germany in September and the pedestrian display in Beijing was stark, and it is time to analyse the reasons for that collective shift down in intensity. 

Whisper it very quietly, if you will, but Argentina are suddenly looking far better when Messi is not on ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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