WC-MOTD4
Day 4:-
Argentina vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina:-
Looking to kick-start their WC campaign with a “bright” result, the Argentinians succumbed to the pre-match pressure and only just managed to scrape a win!
The first shock of the match was delivered even before it started when both coaches opted for quite unorthodox formations; with Coach Alejandro Sabella going for an unnecessary 3-5-2/5-3-2 variation, while Coach Safet Sušić chose a less-attacking 4-3-3/4-5-1 set-up.
Bosnia’s game plan was quickly disrupted by that rather unforetunate own goal; however, they rapidly bounced-back and recovered from that early disappointment by counter-pressing Argentina back into their own half and imposing themselves on the game.
They were quite literally “taking the game” to the Argentinians; constantly looking to play their attacks through with the aid of long balls behind Argentina’s 3-man defensive line and forcing them to play on the counter.
Argentina started to regain more control of the game with their ball possession and passing; with Messi dropping deep into his own half to collect the ball and dictate play from the center of the park. Bosnia, on the other hand, were having difficulties opening-up play in attack whenever they got hold of the ball and went forward.
The rest of the 1st half saw Argentina enjoying more and more possession but not creating anything worth of notice in attack; while Bosnia were lacking courage offensively.
It was a rather ineffective performance from Argentina in front of goal, lacking width and relying too much on Messi tracking back to initiate their attacks. Bosnia couldn’t find the right rhythm with their passing and Džeko was needing another force alongside him; however, they were unlucky to end the half without AT LEAST a draw.
The beginning of the second half saw coach Sabella revert to the normal, and more logical, approach by bringing on Gago and Higuaín to switch to a 4-3-3/4-4-2 formation and offer Argentina more options in attack and midfield.
It took a while for Argentina to offer proper chances up-front and a quick combination of passing between Messi and Higuaín saw the Barcelona star score one of his more classic goals amidst some chaotic Bosnian defending.
The goal seemed to draw all of Bosnia’s remaining energy levels; as they did not look ready to offer anything anymore in the way of real threats to Argentina’s goal.
A defensive lapse from Federico Fernández saw Lulić play substitute Ibišević (should have come on WAY earlier!) through, who slotted the ball between Romero’s legs to ensure a nervy finish to the match.
It was a rather disappointing display of football from Argentina in the 1st half; but they upped the tempo and quality of their play in the second and I do not think that coach Sabella will have MANY positives to draw from such a performance. All in all, Bosnia were quite unlucky to lose and the lack of chemistry between their players cost them the match in the end.
Man of the match: Lionel Messi: Good all-round performance as he was involved in most of Argentina’s attacks.
Argentina vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina:-
Looking to kick-start their WC campaign with a “bright” result, the Argentinians succumbed to the pre-match pressure and only just managed to scrape a win!
The first shock of the match was delivered even before it started when both coaches opted for quite unorthodox formations; with Coach Alejandro Sabella going for an unnecessary 3-5-2/5-3-2 variation, while Coach Safet Sušić chose a less-attacking 4-3-3/4-5-1 set-up.
Bosnia’s game plan was quickly disrupted by that rather unforetunate own goal; however, they rapidly bounced-back and recovered from that early disappointment by counter-pressing Argentina back into their own half and imposing themselves on the game.
They were quite literally “taking the game” to the Argentinians; constantly looking to play their attacks through with the aid of long balls behind Argentina’s 3-man defensive line and forcing them to play on the counter.
Argentina started to regain more control of the game with their ball possession and passing; with Messi dropping deep into his own half to collect the ball and dictate play from the center of the park. Bosnia, on the other hand, were having difficulties opening-up play in attack whenever they got hold of the ball and went forward.
The rest of the 1st half saw Argentina enjoying more and more possession but not creating anything worth of notice in attack; while Bosnia were lacking courage offensively.
It was a rather ineffective performance from Argentina in front of goal, lacking width and relying too much on Messi tracking back to initiate their attacks. Bosnia couldn’t find the right rhythm with their passing and Džeko was needing another force alongside him; however, they were unlucky to end the half without AT LEAST a draw.
The beginning of the second half saw coach Sabella revert to the normal, and more logical, approach by bringing on Gago and Higuaín to switch to a 4-3-3/4-4-2 formation and offer Argentina more options in attack and midfield.
It took a while for Argentina to offer proper chances up-front and a quick combination of passing between Messi and Higuaín saw the Barcelona star score one of his more classic goals amidst some chaotic Bosnian defending.
The goal seemed to draw all of Bosnia’s remaining energy levels; as they did not look ready to offer anything anymore in the way of real threats to Argentina’s goal.
A defensive lapse from Federico Fernández saw Lulić play substitute Ibišević (should have come on WAY earlier!) through, who slotted the ball between Romero’s legs to ensure a nervy finish to the match.
It was a rather disappointing display of football from Argentina in the 1st half; but they upped the tempo and quality of their play in the second and I do not think that coach Sabella will have MANY positives to draw from such a performance. All in all, Bosnia were quite unlucky to lose and the lack of chemistry between their players cost them the match in the end.
Man of the match: Lionel Messi: Good all-round performance as he was involved in most of Argentina’s attacks.
Ahmad Al-Omar - 16. Jun, 14:43
