And when Sabella had a week with the players to talk and work with them, to tell them the way he wanted them to play, the players responded and how.
To start the Manager, was clever in the formation. Everybody from journalists to the people wanted to see the “Messi-Higuain-Aguero” strike force play together.
He had his doubts.
Three up front it is not his style, but he tweaked it a little and instead of being a classic 4-3-3 formation. It was a 4-2-2-2.
With all those 3 mentioned before still playing together, and causing havoc to the Ecuadorian defence by doing exactly what they were asked to do by Alejandro Sabella. But more on that in a second.
During the last few years, the National team’s problems have been at the back. The Manager said that his most important mission was to tighten that area and to find the right blend of players.
So he started with Zabaleta and Clemente Rodriguez on the right and the left, and in honesty they were both weak points. They could not cope with the speed of Ecuador’s wide men.
The surprises came in the form of the centre backs. Not because of the names, but because they were solid, they partnered each other as if they have been playing together for years. They also covered well for the shortcomings of the two above mentioned.
Garay and Federico Fernandez passed the test and played a big part on keeping a clean sheet.
Then ahead of them came the double 5 of Gago and Mascherano. They, once again, showed how much they understand each other and how they also complement one another, Gago a little bit further forward, Masche a bit behind him. If one moves ahead the other one covers his position. Once they get the ball back, they quickly start the next attack.
Then we had the 2 further afield. Di Maria was the only one fixed on that line. However the other one kept rotating between Messi, Aguero and Higuain, which made it nearly impossible for Ecuador’s defence to follow any of those 3 players.
They never knew who was a striker and who was coming deep to play the midfield role.
The mobility, dynamism accuracy and efficiency of movement between those players were frightening and very eye pleasing.
To prove the point of how successful the rotation was, after 30 minutes the score was 3-0 and the scorers were Aguero (he was offside when he scored, but was a great move), Higuain and Messi.
On each goal the scorer was in the centre forward position.
Those were 45 minutes to take notice.
The 2 behind the strikers were going into wide positions, so they were bringing defenders out and creating holes.
The passing of the ball was patient and secure, but with intent and speed.
The second half began with Ecuador trying to save a little bit of pride, and going forward.
The visitors’ manager realised that their best chance would be from the wings, and they tried and succeeded outrunning Zabaleta and Clemente time and again, but nothing came out of that, as Argentina’s centre backs kept defending well.
The accuracy and fluidity of the first half disappeared a little, and Gago and Mascherano were dividing more balls than recommended.
Sabella, made the decision to change system, and went for a 4-4-2. Brought Sosa for Aguero, and the adjustments worked well.
The substitute moved to the left, Di Maria had a free role, which still confused the defenders.
Messi (who had a blinder of a game) had a shot half saved by a defender; the rebound went to Sosa, who from a tight angle saw Di Maria on the other side. His precise pass found the Real Madrid player who finished with class for the 4-0.
The balance is very positive. The 4-2-2-2 system was innovative, suited the players, who really seemed to enjoy their roles. Sabella’s hand was also noticed on the way they all worked for each other as a team, something no Manager had achieved before him.
The defence has still a bit to do, but the improvements are visible.
When the system stopped working the gaffer showed that he has tools to be flexible and change the game again.
Next weekend a friendly against Brazil. After last night, I am really looking forward to that one.