Sabella Adjusts Argentine Defence During the World Cup

07/11/2014 - 09h45

Argentina's coach Alejandro Sabella transformed a questionable defence into one of the best in the world during the tournament.

Criticized since the draft in May, the Argentine defence has conceded only three goals in six matches. Moreover: in the round of 16, the quarterfinals and semifinals, they kept a clean sheet.

"It's not a matter of being offensive or defensive. It's a matter of balance; when you get to attack and not risk the defence. The team that is able to do this well has great chances of winning a football game", believes the winger Pablo Zabaleta.

To improve the Argentine defence, the coach changed the lineup during the World Cup. There was also the "help" of bruises.

Federico Fernández was the most uncertain piece in the defensive line formed by four athletes.

He was replaced by Martin Demichelis, a defender who broke the ostracism of three years without being called up, to be in the starting lineup before the quarter finals against Belgium.

Sabella was not stubborn and he realized Fernando Gago's wrong passes and slowness affected the attack and overloaded Javier Mascherano. Lucas Biglia joined the midfield to mark.

Since their arrival in Brazil in June 9, the coach is concerned about the team's formation. "Fill the gaps", he never gets tired of repeating that. "Alejandro always stresses the importance of playing with tactical intelligence. Moving well and filling the gaps on the pitch", says Mascherano.

Argentina also saw the advantages of Lavezzi's entrance. When Sergio Agüero had a thigh injury in the match against Nigeria, the Paris Saint-Germain striker got his spot.

He agreed to sacrifice himself for the cause, returning to the defensive field to stop his opponent's winger.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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	Marcelo Sayão/Efe
	Argentina's national soccer team coach Alejandro Sabella