2022 World Cup Qatar: Quarterfinals - Argentina vs. Netherlands

The first shot of the match v the Saudis.


But I’ll say this. The team will need to drag Virgil out. Going up against him won’t be easy.

 

Shots Allowed Per Match
Argentina - 4
Spain -6
Brazil - 6
France - 8
England - 9
Croatia - 10
Portugal -11
Netherlands 13

Nor have the shots we have given up been easy ones to score, e.g. counterattacking ones. They were difficult shots. 1 super lucky. All resulted from poor clearances I think.

Think the main key has been patience in offense.

 

We've dominated midfield in all 4 matches & have faced bunkers without giving up any counters. We are still creating plenty of oppotunities. Scaloni is doing a great job with this. Very different from our squad from 2007-2009 when we would dominate mid, look toothless in attack, and still give up tons of counters. I wouldn't make serious modifications to control midfield better.

 

Mac is definitely supposed to stay there so that he's available to combine with Messi and Acuna there. But if we are having trouble getting the ball up, he can drop back. I haven't seen that problem with Enzo and RDP. We only had that issue in the 1st half against Mexico with Guido as #5 and RDP having a terrible game.

I don't see lack of creativity. We are being patient and still creating plenty of chances. In KO stages you have 120 min to score 1 goal. No need at all to rush. Group stages favors more agressive tactics to win 3 points and get GD.

 

Even though RDP has improved dramatically, he still seems a bit gun shy. On one play he got the ball on the right wing and was in great position to put in a low cross but waited. Another time I thought he had space to shoot from top of the box but didn't.

 

What happened to Tagliafico on that last play? He slipped? Earlier on Messi released him into space and he was so turtle-like to put in the cross that the defender tackled him. Was offside anyway but still. Of our 5 full backs, only Acuna seems to be in good form.

 

For me acuna has to fully play the last 3 games. I don't trust tag even for one minute

 

According to Gaston, if Di Maria does not recuperate vs the Netherlands, Scaloni is thinking either 2 ways

1) 352

Dibu---Romero, Otamendi, Lisandro---Molina, RDP, Enzo, MacA, Acuna---Messi, Alvarez

2) 442

Dibu---Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna---RDP, Enzo, Paredes, MacA---Messi, Alvarez

Additionally, Scaloni sees Dybala more as Messi sub.

 

We should be able to beat them with or without ADM. They're not France or Brazil , nor the golden gen from the 2010-2014.

I believe the pressing from the likes of Alvarez and RDP would crucial once again as it often force opponents to misspassing the ball. When you keep pressing , even if they dont lose the ball right away, they couldnt pass the ball to where they want it and eventually they'd commit some errors.

I hope the rest of the team could step up their pressing game , Alvarez and RDP wont be enough. Its WC QF, you only saves energy when the match is over and you've entered the locker room , or hotel.

If Scaloni decided to have his team stroking the ball around in our own final third, we could be punished this time. That stuff is so annoying and we've been doing it since game 1 and we didnt play like that in last 3 years. Did he ask for Sampaoli's advice?

 

Must overload their flank. That is the key.

 

Personally I would like to start with the 4-4-2 and switch to 3-5-2 later in the game.

 

That 442 would be very good but the 352 might defend the wings better? Dutch will attack down the wings.

 

Netherland also let many space for USA attacking their flank. Imagine it was Brazil instead, they would lose in the first half already.

Overload their flank is the key to win. Alvarez with his excellent running ablity can attack these space.

3-5-2 is still my pick from start. If Di Maria is fully fit then maybe 4-4-2

 

Same, I wanted a back 3 the minute last match ended but I changed my mind. Starting with a 3-5-2 put us in a very tight spot once comes the moment to make subs in the second half. This gives us way more flexibility.

 

You start with a back 3 then knowing Scaloni ultra cautious style which defender are you going to bring in the second ? Pezzela?? It's more flexible to start with back 4 then bring licha second half after leading.

I want paredes starting at all cost. Holland will give us possession for sure

 

Man some of these pundits are morons.
"Argentina doesn't score by pressing.. they can't press" literally both goals last game were off the press.
"Messi doesn't press" My brother in Christ he pressed and created a throw in that led to his goal, lol.

 

Since he's been emulating Higuain in this tournament, that means his goal will come in QF right?

 

Stop listening to these pundits whether the tards at espns or the other. They never watch argentina aside from 5 minutes highlights in the WC. Every time it is the same 'let's find faults in argentina' while giving free pass to their usual favorites. 2014 according to pundits we had zero chance.

 

Pending further confirmation, @fczyz reports, that the coaching staff wants to test Paredes and Enzo Fernández together. Paredes as 5 and to give Enzo more free role. @DSportsRadio — AllAboutArgentina Twitter

 

about damn time

 

From some news, it seems like Di Maria is still 50/50 for the Netherlands game.

Really do think that Scaloni will go for this (442)

Dibu---Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna---RDP, Paredes/Guido, Enzo, MacA---Messi, Alvarez

Then switch to a 352, depending on how the situation is.

 

not sure if video is available in your country but Canadian TSN is best for highlights as they do full 10 minute highlights:





Will try to find a way to post the video here if people can’t view it. Definitely worth it