World

South America

Argentina

A painful lesson.

September 6th, 2006 | By: Jonathan | 19 Comments »

Going into the September 3rd match up, Brazil and Argentina seemed headed in different directions.

First there was the 5 time world champions, Brazil.
Their world cup, considered to be a walk-in-the-park by the world-wide media, turned out to be an utter disaster.

The aged, all-star veterans had carried the team in the past, but it soon became obviously clear that they were not a cohesive group and much past their prime.
In what looked to be a desperation move, Brazil quickly hired Dunga, an ex-world cup star who had never coached before. In their first friendly, they could only muster a 1-1 tie against lowly Norway.

Meanwhile, their neighbors Argentina had looked fantastic at the World Cup.
After a 6-0 dismantling of defensive powerhouse Serbia & Montenegro, Argentina won the group of death. Their only blemish came after an epic match that ended in penalty kicks against the home nation. Full of youthful depth and veteran leadership, Argentina seemed to have the perfect blend to reclaim their title of King of South America.

Then came the match in London.

The final score:
Brazil 3
Argentina 0

How could this happen?!
Did a struggling Brazil squad really dominate this powerful Argentina team?

I took a second look at the game.

The first half provided back and forth action. In just the third minute, Brazil’s first counter attack lead to a goal. Daniel Bilos, caught out of position, could not reach enough of Elano’s shot and the ball deflected into the net.

1-0 Brazil.

Argentina controlled most of the possession, but Brazil controlled the tempo with speedy counter attacks. It was a brilliant strategy to counter the high intensity Argentine onslaught.

The experimental backfield of Zabaleta, Coloccini, Milito and Rodriguez was a drastic change to the Burdisso, Ayala, Heinze and Sorin line that started the world cup.

After halftime, Brazil scored two more goals, but it was Argentina who dominated most of the half.

So was this just a result of simple execution versus missed opportunities or was it a strategical victory over a tactical mishap?

In my opinion, it was a combination of the two.

Fortunately for the blue and white faithful, this was not a weak Brazilian team and the score did not reflect the game on the field. What turned out to be 3 to 0 Brazil, could have just as easily been 6-3 Argentina.

Lucho Gonzalez missed an early chance in front of the net. Messi and Tevez both had similar opportunities to score with their heads, but neither could equalize. Zabaleta pulled his shot wide after a beautiful back-heel pass. Sergio Aguero, the new kid making his debut, had a weak attempt on goal after a one-on-one with the Brazilian goalie, Gomes. Moments after entering the game, Federico Insua found himself at the penalty spot with the ball at his feet… he pulled the shot wide right.

Missed opportunities.

We know what Brazil did with their opportunities…

So why could Brazil convert while Argentina could not?
Are they simply that much better?

The truth is, Brazil was much better.

But not like you’re lead to believe. They didn’t “Samba” past their rivals, like the media would like you to believe. (After all, these are the same writers who said Brazil would raise their sixth world cup.)

Brazil was better, but only in their strategy, nothing more.

As soon as the whistle sounded for kick-off, Argentina was on the attack.
They wanted to score, and wanted to score FAST.

Like the rest of us, they believed the hype that Brazil was on the decline. Damaged goods.
And what do predators do to wounded prey?

They attack.

Brazil knew this and they played possum. They dropped their defense, and pulled their midfielders down. They waited for just the right moment… and it came in the third minute.

The Brazilian counter attack caught the majority of the Argentines out of position. They were pushing too forward.

Then, with the score 1 – 0 and Argentina needing a goal, Brazil simply continued their game-plan. Wait, and counter attack.

Essentially, Brazil’s hype was their bait and Argentina’s lack of respect was their doom.

So what now?
Will Argentina put their tail between their legs and scurry home?

Of course not.

With the talent this team has at its exposal, and a knowledgeable coach prepared to lead full-time, Argentina will continue to move forward.

They’ll continue to play their attacking style, but hopefully they will have learned that without a solid defensive strategy, their tactics can easily be used against them.

If they learn this simple lesson, the next time Argentina faces Brazil… you will be able to believe the hype.

Tags: Argentina, Brazil, Se7en, worldcupblog.org

Argentina World Cup RSS Feed

Comments

By Ken | September 6th, 2006 at 3:43 am

Jonathan, good postbut you fail to mention that we did not win the Germany game because of tactical error by JP; as Alan Hensen from BBC stated , all we had to do is leave Riquelme on the pitch and let put foot on the ball… Also why bring a defensive midfield when you bring Messi and Aimar especially when we were leading..

With the Brasil game it is clear that Basile will have a monumental task. Yes we do a list of stars. But can we make them integrate in a team. NO wonder JP resigned, he had everything he needed to make us the 2006 world cup winner.

With regards to Riquelme, there is no doubt he is a genius but I bet he will lose his place for 2010 because he does not give enough of himself

Posted from United States

By Se7en | September 6th, 2006 at 5:28 am

Sure, JP made some coaching mistakes against Germany, but he was limited to two subs after Pato went down…

I understand his sub for Riquelme…

It was just one minute after Pato had gone down (71st minute) and Germany was putting the pressure on.

Riquelme looked crazy tired, and Cambiasso is more defensive, so JP was obviously trying to sneak out with a win.

He figured Argentina could kill about 15 minutes more with fresh defensive legs.

The sub of Crespo for Cruz was just another shot at killing the clock. Cruz matched the German physical size, only Argentina wasn’t attacking anymore so this move was very poorly calculated.

The goal came one minute later, and JP knew he had made an error.

Hindsight is always 20-20 though…

By Julian | September 6th, 2006 at 6:30 am

It’s so sad talking and hearing about this Germany/Argentina game…It breaks my heart everytime…

But it’s true the scoreline could have been something like 6-3 for Argentina… We had way more possession and more chances then Brazil, that’s fact. They just finished and we couldn’t. I believe in Basile because he has a great history with the national team. Have faith guys we will be fine.

I still like Riquelme he was awesome against Brazil…Problem is how long do u play him for??? We can’t have him for another 4 years until 2010 can we????? He isn’t another Zidane is he???

By sandrahn | September 6th, 2006 at 2:44 pm

I’m Brazilian and am glad that Brazil won but I also admire Argentina and wanted to see their team win the World Cup in Germany once I saw that Parreira and the veteran Brazil players were refusing to make Brazil into a credible force at the tournament. I positively fell in love with the Argentine squad at this tournament because I am first and foremost a passionate lover of the beautiful game, open positive attacking football with flair.

That said, I do wish the writer of this blog had given Brazil a bit more credit than he does. He neglects to mention that this Brazil squad was a different one from the one in the World Cup and that these new players are hungrier, far less complacent.

The mistake is always to underestimate your opponents and to believe all the contempt thrown at a once-great opponent experiencing hard times – this is a mistake Brazil has often made as well. So many people just dismiss Brazil as a team created by Nike – well, sorry, no, you don’t win world cups by just being a bunch of brainless useless advertising dolls manipulated by corporate suits.

Brazil’s biggest mistake at the World Cup was complacency and arrogance, and it cost them. The next time Brazil underestimates Argentina (and they will, they have before, and paid for it) – it will cost them.

For me, tho, it’s frustrating to see Brazil winning or losing and not playing with much flair. Altho I think Robinho provided some moments of it in Sunday’s game.

So the lesson here is clear: let’s all stop underestimating our opponents and overestimating our own greatness. A lot less arrogance from all sides would make for better teams.

As to who was the “better” team on Sunday – well Brazil was obviously better at strategy at that particular game. But for my money both teams are equally skilled and talented. Next time Argentina may well up its strategy and make Brazil pay.

Posted from United States

By AXEDesiec | September 6th, 2006 at 4:20 pm

Hey Jon….., this is a shit comment OR are you just a die hard argentine fan?
Your summary of the game is highly biased and even the world media didnt portray the match against Brazil as you have!
Even from the match against Serbia & Montenegro, everyone new before kick off that argies are going to win it but actually won it in style “i’ll give that to to you”, however against capable opposition the argentines are still choakers and after a loss all argie fans begin the day dreaming/reminiscing how it could have been if the starting line up was…..and what penalties argie should have been awarded!
I think its time that e’one in argie to accept how mediocre this team really is and maybe then you’ll start winning instead of whining!!
A 3-0 score reflects what really is “a complete dominance by BRAZIL”, as the Brazilians planned around argie being offensive then as all of us know that South American futebol’s not known for its defense.
So dont CRY FOR US ARGENTINA!!

By Alexa | September 6th, 2006 at 4:22 pm

Historically Brazil and Argentina are basically 50/50. The difference now is that Brazil seems to win in international settings, while Arg. owns them at home. Arg. needs to get back to winning the big games.

I don’t think that most people think of Brazil as team nike. Most people, even the ones who hate Brazil, know they are ridiculously talented and strong, but they get annoyed with their arrogance and maybe complacency.

The one area I think Brazil is better in, and it’s the area most important in the game as it is played today – they are taller and physically more imposing. As far as skills – I do feel that Arg. has the edge now. Brazil is not playing joga bonito, they are a defensive/counterstrike team now. It’s only their scintillating talent that creates excitement, not the actual way they approach the game. As a fan of football, I want more fun in the sun Brazil.

Posted from United States

By al | September 6th, 2006 at 6:14 pm

So what now?
Will Argentina put their tail between their legs and scurry home?

OF COURSE GORDITOS!!

By Se7en | September 7th, 2006 at 12:10 am

Hey AXED,
perhaps you should read the blog before you spew your garbage on the boards.

You just made yourself sound like an incredible idiot.

Brazil was given a lot of credit. They played a fantastic game, with the right strategy to put Argentina away.

Posted from United States

By maradona | September 7th, 2006 at 9:51 am

AXED reminds me of the other troll doing the rounds – Brasil; hates to be reminded that Brazil was defending 60% of the time and scored all their goals on fast breaks over very sloppy defense.

Posted from United States

By zico | September 7th, 2006 at 6:26 pm

Sorry Argentina but you’ll always be Brazil’s retarded little brother.

Posted from Canada

By Anand | September 8th, 2006 at 8:00 am

Dont be sorry Zico, coz we love our team much, much more than any of u. We will not be worried with ur participation here. Lol after all this is the better of the blog out here. When u dont/cant write anything on ur favorite team blog no pbs, u can participate on ur so called “retarded little brother’s” blog here.

Posted from India

By al | September 10th, 2006 at 8:18 am

ha! you whinners crying for that pathetic argentina…..get real and join the brazilian express…..

By fab | September 14th, 2006 at 7:42 am

brazillian fans are horrible

cause they are so ignorant and uneducated 70% of the population there is either half retarded or has the education of a rented mule

this is shown when there players dont perform well

they do the most unthinkable things and abandon there team

then they wonder why their players move to europe then dont care about brazil too much

its cause they are only loved when they do well when they do bad they are treated like shit
so obviously they are gonna be fed up

i bet if brazil lost that little freindly all the brazillians would all of a sudden be from portugal till the next game they win

Posted from Canada

By anand | September 14th, 2006 at 7:10 pm

Fab, this high expectations are not just from Brazil. Argentininians are also not left behind. They believe their media blindly and hype players beyond reality. Look at riquelme…the nation lost a valuable player. Reminds me of a saying in this part of the world…”you cant recognize the exquisite fragrance of the flower in ur front yard”

Posted from India

By fab | September 14th, 2006 at 7:15 pm

but we dont threaten violence on our players

Posted from Canada

By AXEDesiec | September 20th, 2006 at 7:21 am

Everyone with a soaber lifestyle and all who can make an objective assessment of each player in ARGENTINA then you’ll have a complete “MEDIOCRE X1″ and don’t even mention the reserves, they’re even bench warmers in their respective clubs.
BRASIL is not Argentine RIVAL!!
FOR Brazil playing you is like a Nice Dish waiting to be devoured, stop cryin and get a hobbie OR propably you should’nt stop wanking mate!

By AXEDesiec | September 20th, 2006 at 7:31 am

DONT CRY FOR THE BLOGGER ARGENTINA!!

By Andry | October 8th, 2006 at 1:07 pm

Autor, Respect!

By Name Alexey | October 10th, 2006 at 1:17 pm

!!! It is class to itself

Comments are closed