US Men’s National Team: Second Half Changes Against Argentina Show the Potential

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 27, 2011

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The regulation soccer net is 8 feet high and 24 feet wide. Tim Howard stands at 6'3". Argentina, despite countless opportunities, could not find an inch of space beyond Howard.

It was only a matter of time before they would put at least one in the net, as Cambiasso converted in the 42nd minute on a loose ball rebound in the box off Messi's pass back into the area and Howard's kick save. That would be all the scoring Argentina would be allowed.

Bob Bradley's squad started off in a 4-5-1, with Altidore the lone striker. Michael Bradley was paired with Jermaine Jones just in front of the back four, while Donovan and Dempsey were positioned as the outside midfielders. 

It proved to be anything but effective against pass-happy Argentina.

Messi and company moved the ball around at will, with red shirts scrambling all over the place trying to find a mark. It was a beautiful display of soccer by the Argentines, and those watching knew that sooner or later they would strike.

Sure enough, Messi was able to find just a little bit of space, put a ball through the defender's legs for a close range shot. Howard would make the save, but the rebound would find its way right to Esteban Cambiasso,who was left off Argentina's 2010 World Cup roster. He slammed the ball top shelf into the net, putting his team up 1-0 just before the break.

The Americans, meanwhile, looked downright out of sorts.

Rarely could they even put more than two passes together without losing possession. Altidore was unable to hold the ball up and wait for support. Too many times they tried making the extra move or extra touch, only to lose the ball and have to get back and attempt to defend the Argentine attack.

The focus, of course, was to try and slow Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world.

Messi's a small guy, but the ball is like a magnet to his feet, as he is very hard to dispossess....
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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