Falcioni’s blackboard: where and how Scaloni can win the tactical battle proposed by Van Gaal

There are no easy games, especially in the World Cup, so the Netherlands will be tough opponents. Throughout the tournament, Van Gaal’s team was solid, compact, with good circulation and coming out with the wings.

Against the United States, he played with a 5-2-1-2. That format allows him to get out quickly on the wings. First of all I have to say that they have an excellent goalkeeper: Andries Noppert. Then, the central 3 line, Timber-Van Dijk-Aké, is of a high level and they settled well in heads-up. We know: depth is sought with the hips. And they are good: just look at one of the goals against the United States (cross from Dumfries and goal from Blind).

The central midfielders are usually De Roon and De Jong; both should be squeezed and go look for them not to play. When the ball was lost, the rivals found space, especially on the sides. That’s why I think Argentina will play with a high block to cause the mistake.

The midfielder is Klaassen, who has more of a midfielder soul than a hook. Against the United States, he was tasked with almost personally marking Adams, the central midfielder, so that the central defenders are the ones who lead. I understand that I could do the same against Argentina, so I don’t mind the possibility of a double pivot.

I clarify it in each of the columns and I repeat it: who knows, who knows the details thoroughly, is Scaloni. And whatever he decides will be fine.

The alternative of playing with two in the centre, which could be Paredes and Fernández, would eliminate the reference to that pressure from Klaassen, because the forwards would have to guard the flanks. We would find superiority with two players with excellent management: if they cover one, the exit option would be the other. This would also allow both De Paul and Mac Allister to break into the inside lanes, drop off wings to wings.

Then there are the positions of Messi and Julián Álvarez. If Lionel can get one of the central defenders out, Julián could go hand in hand and this is a good scenario for the team because it is spicy. We are also talking about a risky format that requires the effort of the full-backs, either to break through or to open.

The other alternative, if Ángel Di María is unable to start, is to stop a line of 5 defenders with the addition of Lisandro Martínez to play with a mirror pattern, something similar to what Ecuador did. There the tie would be 5-3-2 and the inside midfielders would have the responsibility of stomping the area to accompany the attacks.

I heard Van Gaal said he marked Messi well at the 2014 World Cup. I think Leo will play in the centre, as he has, in the box for De Roon and De Jong, who are generally two players who chased after the man who enter the industry. This causes the defender, Van Dijk, to intervene as well. If that happens, all that movement can create a space and that space can be used by Messi, so that he faces or looks for Álvarez.

I understand that Scaloni will not risk De Paul or Di María. It’s not an easy decision, however, because it can happen that you let someone in during the game and after a while they ask you to change. Spend two mods.

At Rodrigo De Paul I really appreciate the effort he makes. His dedication is total: he is one of the players who played the most on the pitch at the World Cup. The unfolding that he makes is permanent, regardless of whether he can reach the goal. He is an important man in what we coaches call the spare wheel; He is a difficult part to replace.

Argentina, for the rest, will keep its idea. Maybe he will need more final sprint in terms of breaking intention to be more aggressive in the last meters.

Bonus tracks: Dibu Martínez and Cristiano Ronaldo

I drew He made a great save against Australia which was important for him and for the team. Up until that game, he had cut a couple of centers and displayed a commanding voice. This is also good for the group, because they know they have support. With the save, the phrase that says that goalkeepers are here to save games, not to win them, was reaffirmed.

Speaking of another of the issues that punctuate the World Cup agenda, a brief comment on this short circuit between Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal coach. It’s up to us technicians to make the decisions and when we talk about a star like Cristiano the news catches the eye. When we make the decision, we do it because we are convinced of it. We always do this in search of group advantage. We know that sometimes they are controversial, discussed. If it’s okay, as happened on this occasion, that Portugal beat Switzerland and played a great game, you have to agree with DT.