TheNearPostRight off the bat, it was clear that the USA's shape was set to counter Argentina's. Edu, Bradley, and Jones matched up with Cambiasso, Banega, and Mascherano. The problem with this is that Argentina, rather than playing Higuain or another target striker up top alone, they decided to play Messi in a false nine role.
This things a lot more difficult because Messi dropped deep and created a 4v3 numerical in balance in the midfield for Argentina.
Of course, the USA wasn't going to allow Lionel Messi free roam of their defensive third, and soon enough picked up on him. This left one of the Argentina central midfielders free, and sure enough, it was Esteban Cambiasso who found the back of the net after making a late unmarked run.
Offensively, the USA suffered from not getting enough support to Altidore quickly enough. Dempsey and Donovan were pinned back, and the fullbacks were not attack-minded players, leaving the lone striker to fend for himself against anywhere from two to four players.
11.04.2011
NorfLondenWasn't that game two centuries ago in football time?
11.04.2011
JimmyGuitaristIf the World Cup was next week, Argentina would win it if they played like they did in the first half.
11.04.2011
nvrYeah, I get the same feeling for England when they play against Austria.
12.04.2011
