Horrible tactics? They both couldn't score all game. Seemed both had each other's game in check until that ripper goal from Spain.
20 shots to 0 when the goal was scored.
The only reason they had a chance was luck, poor finishing and Martinez in goal (made like 10 saves).
Argentina looked to have no interest in winning that game in normal or extra time - they looked to be playing for Penalties from the start.
Game was in the balance, 20 minutes away from penalties, and they pulled off their main striker and replaced him with a defender, with their 2nd leading goal scorer (behind Messi) an unused sub on the bench. Messi anonymous for 107 minutes. Their first shot coming minutes later.
Yes, they’ve made a bit of a habit of scoring late in games - usually driven from the fact they have been behind, and needing to attack. And when they do attack - it’s pretty good!
I assumed they were trying to kill the game for 75-80 minutes, and then they’d go on the attack and do what’s worked for them so far this tournament - great, there’s a plan to go for a win. But nope, minimal counter. No attacking intent.
The biggest issue for me is that they are actually a pretty dangerous team when they attack. When they have needed goals this tournament, they usually get them. They can blow teams away.
I could see the argument if they were defensively solid, or planned to attack late in the game, or counter attack at least. But again, they were only in the game due to some decent saves, average refereeing decision (disallowed goal) and poor finishing.
Anyway, each to their own. Personally, I thought they got their tactics wrong and went in with a very negative gameplan and were playing for penalties from the outset.
