Sarmiento has 87 corners kicked in the tournament and has yet to score. Picture MARCELO CARROLL
Many will be shocked, in Saturday’s match against River in Junín, at the way Sarmiento defended the set pieces, more specifically the corners. Coach Israel Damonte is practicing a type of defense so rarely seen in the football world that it could even cause ridicule by some television journalists. But the concrete thing is, until now, the technique has given him remarkable results: in what has been played in the League Cup 87 corner kicks were kicked and no goal was scored.
Most striking is how Sarmiento’s soccer players stay inside the small area even after the corner has been taken. “The play isn’t over until it’s over”, the coaching staff lowers. It is clear: appeal to the intelligence of footballers.
But, how was Juninense’s defense planted? The first thing to remember is that defense with 11 players: not leaving anything for a counter at last. “The most important thing is they don’t score for me. There are teams that think about counterattack and don’t protect the corner. We do it 30 seconds into the game or the last minute and win more than one goal.”Damonte explained to ESPN.
The distribution of soccer players can be observed from the first date against Atlético Tucumán and varies according to the headlines. The short ball is the fastest (Brea or Arismendi), with the possible help, according to the prepared game of the rival. Goalkeeper Josué Ayala’s two sticks are guarded by two worst headers: when he’s on the pitch, licha López was found in one of the posts and had already saved two goals with his chest, against Racing and Argentinos.
Source: Clarin
