Unlike France, which used the same tactical scheme throughout the World Cup, except for the last 20 minutes of the match against Morocco, Argentina used different strategies, depending on the opponent.
Young coach Scaloni, 44, is in a dilemma over how to exploit France’s weaker defensive left flank and, at the same time, better score Mbappé on the same side of the pitch. The coach has the option of using the same formation as at the beginning of the Cup, with Di María and with a more scoring winger on the right, or that of choosing three defenders and two wingers, without Di María. Or, even repeat the formation he used against Croatia, with a line of four in midfield, with De Paul more on the right, to give Mbappé his first fight.
Against Croatia, Argentina’s tactical design was identical to that of the English team, world champion in 1966, when, for the first time, a team played with two lines of four and two forwards (4-4-2). In both teams, the four in the middle scored, built and alternated in the arrivals to the attack. There were no spikes or separation between shuttlecocks and socks.
The experienced Deschamps is also in a dilemma, on how to maintain tactical formation and reinforce Messi’s marking. As midfielder Rabiot moves to the left to protect the full-back, as Mbappé does not return to score, spaces open up in the middle. Griezmann has been playing a lot, playing the role of midfielder, from one intermediary to the other, but it is not always possible for him to come back and position himself alongside Rabiot and Tchouaméni.
If France scores first and is put under pressure, the coach could repeat the change made against Morocco, with the entry of a player on the left, to attack and defend, and move Mbappé to the center, leaving Giroud. Another option is, instead of an attacker on the left, Thuram, another midfielder (Fofana) can enter, to reinforce the marking.
It will be a technical, tactical dispute with unpredictable and psychological details. On the one hand, France, experienced, safe, cold, rational. Mbappé wants to show the world and PSG that he is the greatest player. On the other hand, Argentina, passionate, heroic, will play for its ambitions, for the country and for Messi, in a gesture of deep admiration, gratitude and human solidarity.
Not wanting to be repetitive, but being, the presence of midfielders with quality to have more control of the ball and exchange more passes does not mean being less objective, as some “wise men” say. Possession of the ball is the beginning and the middle to reach the goal with speed and efficiency. Ball possession is not the end. If Spain had better strikers, they could be in the final. Great teams possess both virtues. The midfield is the soul and brain of a team.
If Argentina wins, discussions will resurface over who is better, Messi or Maradona. Maradona had more spectacular moments, but Messi is more regular, more complete, in addition to having a longer career and with more individual and collective achievements. Maradona is more of a show, more of an artist. Messi is more ace.
If France is champion, it will be the third title in the last 24 years, in seven editions of the World Cup. It will be France’s hegemony in world football.
Someone once said that the symbol is the presence of absence. Despite the recent eliminations, Brazil is still one of the symbols of football, before the adventurous and incompetent destroy this fascination.
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