WC-MOTD13
Day 13:-
Italy vs. Uruguay:-
Dark times for football as a crucial WC match was turned into a farce; beginning with the teams’ performances and ending with the refereeing quality!
Coach Cesare Prandelli decided to finally do the logical thing and opt for a stable formation based on an FC Junventus blueprint; deploying 3 defenders behind a 5-man midfield, all playing in front of a support striker and an out-and-out forward.
Meanwhile, Coach Óscar Tabárez stuck with the formation and tactical set-up he used against England in Uruguay’s previous game.
Much of the first half was composed of numerous physical duels and encounters between the two sets of players. An aspect of play that repeatedly interrupted the game’s rhythm and only worsened the quality of the match!
There weren’t any real chances for either team in the first half; as both sides were playing with extreme caution and on a very high level of commitment to their tactics.
It was a very compact game so far and a purely tactical first half, with many physical tussles that kept chopping the game’s tempo, while neither team (especially Italy) wanted to risk anything worth of notice.
Uruguay defended fairly deep and focused on either playing on the break or attempting to send long balls forward behind Italy’s backline. However, they were not playing with the urgency required from a team in need of a win, lacking width in their forward approach as their play was too central at times.
On the other hand, Italy were not offering the right momentum in offense; seemingly missing a pure element of physical presence in and around Uruguay’s box.
The second half began with Italy opting for an even more defensive approach; as Coach Prandelli, fearing the loss of a man on the pitch, was forced to substitute Balotelli (who was booked in the first half) due to the volatile nature of the striker.
Uruguay were pressing Italy into their own half and playing more on the offense as they searched for a goal.
Following the ridiculous dismissal of Marchisio, the game’s dynamic began to profoundly change as Uruguay looked to take advantage of having one more man on the field; pressing Italy even more, imposing wide play and sending more attack-minded players on the pitch.
Uruguay’s lack of creativity and passing rhythm in midfield hindered their chances at breaking Italy’s defense apart; as the Italians were now playing with all 10 men behind the ball!
Shortly after Luis Suárez’s unbelievable bite on Chiellini’s shoulder, Uruguay won a corner which they converted as Diego Godín jumped high and headed the ball into the back of the net.
Italy’s ultra-pressing at the latter stages of the game did not bear any fruit as the game faded out and the Uruguayans qualified to the round of 16 amidst some very controversial officiating.
All in all, it was a very tactical game from both sides; with Uruguay increasing their urgency in the 2nd half and playing with much more width, but being rather frustrated by Italy’s resolute defense.
Italy’s lack of physical presence in the final third cost them in terms of goal-scoring opportunities; but the fact they went into the game with the intent of defending their way to a 0-0 result will not have many feeling sad at their early WC exit.
Man of the match: Diego Godín: A commanding performance at the back and a timely contribution to extend Uruguay’s WC expiration date!
Italy vs. Uruguay:-
Dark times for football as a crucial WC match was turned into a farce; beginning with the teams’ performances and ending with the refereeing quality!
Coach Cesare Prandelli decided to finally do the logical thing and opt for a stable formation based on an FC Junventus blueprint; deploying 3 defenders behind a 5-man midfield, all playing in front of a support striker and an out-and-out forward.
Meanwhile, Coach Óscar Tabárez stuck with the formation and tactical set-up he used against England in Uruguay’s previous game.
Much of the first half was composed of numerous physical duels and encounters between the two sets of players. An aspect of play that repeatedly interrupted the game’s rhythm and only worsened the quality of the match!
There weren’t any real chances for either team in the first half; as both sides were playing with extreme caution and on a very high level of commitment to their tactics.
It was a very compact game so far and a purely tactical first half, with many physical tussles that kept chopping the game’s tempo, while neither team (especially Italy) wanted to risk anything worth of notice.
Uruguay defended fairly deep and focused on either playing on the break or attempting to send long balls forward behind Italy’s backline. However, they were not playing with the urgency required from a team in need of a win, lacking width in their forward approach as their play was too central at times.
On the other hand, Italy were not offering the right momentum in offense; seemingly missing a pure element of physical presence in and around Uruguay’s box.
The second half began with Italy opting for an even more defensive approach; as Coach Prandelli, fearing the loss of a man on the pitch, was forced to substitute Balotelli (who was booked in the first half) due to the volatile nature of the striker.
Uruguay were pressing Italy into their own half and playing more on the offense as they searched for a goal.
Following the ridiculous dismissal of Marchisio, the game’s dynamic began to profoundly change as Uruguay looked to take advantage of having one more man on the field; pressing Italy even more, imposing wide play and sending more attack-minded players on the pitch.
Uruguay’s lack of creativity and passing rhythm in midfield hindered their chances at breaking Italy’s defense apart; as the Italians were now playing with all 10 men behind the ball!
Shortly after Luis Suárez’s unbelievable bite on Chiellini’s shoulder, Uruguay won a corner which they converted as Diego Godín jumped high and headed the ball into the back of the net.
Italy’s ultra-pressing at the latter stages of the game did not bear any fruit as the game faded out and the Uruguayans qualified to the round of 16 amidst some very controversial officiating.
All in all, it was a very tactical game from both sides; with Uruguay increasing their urgency in the 2nd half and playing with much more width, but being rather frustrated by Italy’s resolute defense.
Italy’s lack of physical presence in the final third cost them in terms of goal-scoring opportunities; but the fact they went into the game with the intent of defending their way to a 0-0 result will not have many feeling sad at their early WC exit.
Man of the match: Diego Godín: A commanding performance at the back and a timely contribution to extend Uruguay’s WC expiration date!
Ahmad Al-Omar - 24. Jun, 21:26
