Thread by @pythaginboots

Argentina v Croatia - Tactical Preview [Thread]

➡️ Croatia to dominate possession but Argentina wont mind
➡️ Litmus test for Gvardiol
➡️ How do Argentina deal with Croatia wide threat? 3-5-2 or 4-4-2?
➡️ Croatia's Aerial Threat

CC: @Effmatch

#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 #ARGCRO

@Effmatch Croatia’s slow style of play may suit Argentina as the latter will look to play on the break. Croatia don’t have rapid players, so they’ll look to build up slowly to allow their players to get into dangerous positions. Argentina are likely to forgo indulging a possession battle.

@Effmatch Argentina struggled with Saudi Arabia's intensity in the opening game. A slow game would favour the Argentinians, who they themselves do not possess much pace in the side. Expect Fernandez and De Paul to hold their shape, blocking the supply lines to Kramaric.

@Effmatch Gvardiol is set to have his biggest test to date. He managed incredibly well against Richarlison but Messi will be a different challenge. We’ll find out how Gvardiol defends the space, not the man. Messi and Alvarez will look to drop into pockets of space, tempting the defenders.

@Effmatch Gvardiol and Lovren’s communication will be key in deciding who steps up and who drops, without creating gaps that Messi can exploit like he did against the Netherlands. Brozovic's lack of mobility may also be an issue to cover the space between the defence and midfield.

@Effmatch Against the Netherlands, Argentina set up with a 3-5-2 in an effective ploy to stifle Dumfries. The 3-5-2 is a great option to push the opposition wide players back, deploying your wing backs further up the pitch and having a wide centre half covering the space behind them.

@Effmatch Perisic and Sosa on the left are likely to be Croatia’s most threatening players. If Argentina can force Sosa back, Perisic will lack an overlapping option, taking him out the game. On the other side, Juranovic has shown great verve and energy to provide a credible threat.

@Effmatch Issue for Argentina is the suspension to Acuna. Tagliafico may struggle to play as a wing back, so this immediately makes the 3-5-2 option much less viable and 4-4-2 the more likely option. This should give the Croatians some joy on the left hand side with Sosa and Perisic.

@Effmatch Argentina struggled aerially when the Netherlands decided to go for the jugular. Whilst Croatia don’t possess the same level of threat that Weghorst and Luuk de Jong gave for the Dutch, the likes of Perisic and Petkovic could provide enough aerial prowess to worry Argentina.

@Effmatch Differential-
Perisic is Croatia’s biggest threat going forward. His aerial ability at the back post will be key for Croatia if they wish to make a dent in the Argentinian backline. Argentina’s defensive strategy is likely to be predicated on shutting his flank down.

@Effmatch Pythagoras Perspective-
Argentina to win. This game is a bad style matchup for Croatia, who may have to rely on a defensive error to score. The slow pace of the game is likely to favour the Argentinians, who will cede possession in favour of transitional football.

@Effmatch What do you guys think? Is it Messi's time or will Modric's boys spoil the South American party train once again? Like and comment below your thoughts/predictions for tomorrow's game!!