USA 1-1 Argentina: Tactical Review and Analysis

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at Internationaled.org

Published: March 29, 2011

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The 1-1 draw between the United States and Argentina was a fascinating experiment in tactics for the Americans.

Argentina entered the match having won 5 of 6 since the World Cup, with wins over Spain (4-1) and Brazil (1-0), most notably.

Both lineups were fairly predictable. Sergio Romero was hurt, so Mariano Andjuar took his place between the pipes for Argentina. The rest was as predicted, as Sergio Batista rolled out a free-flowing 4-3-3.

 The US went with a 4-5-1 of sorts, with Jonathan Spector given the nod over Timothy Chandler at right back and Maurice Edu at the top of a midfield triangle.

The intent appeared to be 4-2-3-1, but the deep positioning of Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan made it more of a true 4-5-1. Jay DeMerit made his first appearance in the national side since the 2-1 loss to Ghana.



First half: Free-flowing Argentina dominate stiff Americans

As discussed in the preview, the difference in formations allowed for Javier Mascherano to have ample time on the ball. He played the same center-half role he and Sergi Busquets hold for Barcelona. When in possession, he dropped between the Argentinian centerback pairing, forming essentially a back three. Jozy Altidore was deployed as the US lone striker, meaning he had to cover Mascherano, Burdisso, and Diego Milito all by himself in efforts to win the ball back.

 

As a result, Argentina saw the majority of the ball, building up play steadily from the back, mostly through Busquets and alternating movements from Ever Banega and Esteban Cambiassio. This is almost exactly as Barcelona play. It requires flexible attackers and speedy fullbacks, as well as midfielders who can hold on to the ball in traffic - all of which Argentina have. The fullbacks Zanetti and Rojo provided width (Rojo, in particular, saw a lot of the ball in the ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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