1/4 Final

Peru started out with a 3-4-1-2 today. stagged midfield, wingbacks, 2 DM.

In the first half they played a very disciplined defensive game. sticking only 3 players out of their turtle shell on possessions. Despite countless Argentine offensives, the score remained 0-0 at half time. One of the main reason for the scoreless half was Diego Milito's slowness. This guy is so slow he gave up 2 critical chances. If we could of gotten a goal in the first half, Peru would have to attack, which would of made the game much easier. We also got some bad luck in the first half. Messi's shot deflection hitting the post for example...First half video

Milito's slow speed has cost us precious chances, so Tevez came on as soon as the second half began was an excellent choice by Basile to change the tempo up front. This move also eliminated our target person, instead there were 2 dribbler forwards on the pitch. It opened up room infront of Roman, and Roman capitalize on that opening. The goal came so quick it took all the furstration from watching first half right out of me. Tevez pass to Roman goal

Once we scored, Peru was forced out of their defensive scheme. First they pushed their wingers up, then center midfielders. Eventually there were 7 Peruvians attacking. That left their own half wide open. Riquelme made a pass through 3 defenders and Messi made a Brilliant run from Peruvian left wing to receive the pass 10 feet in front of Peruvian goal. GREAT SUCCESS! Messi goal

With 2 goals down our pocket. It was time to test formation. And what better formation to test than 4-2-3-1? In fact I made a mistake when analyzing the starters for that formation. It's better with Tevez up front because 4-2-3-1 leaves alot of space up front and on the wings. A fast forward would be able to exploit those spaces much better than someone like Milito, and is possibly a better trade than having a slower target person. As mentioned in the original analysis of 4-2-3-1, this formation is quite possibly the biggest competition for 4-3-1-2 for Albicelestes right now. It's more advanced defensively, and utilize the speed of modern striker more efficiently. It is however more defensive and should only be exercised as an option to preserve lead or for safety measurements against a strong offensive team (like Brazil).

In this 4-2-3-1, the 2 holding midfielders are, in fact, neutral elements. They are more like center midfielders, and can join the attack when necessary. Much like in the 4-2-4 accustomed to Brazilian. So it's not really a surprise to see Mascherano pushing up like an attacking midfielder after Gago was substituted in. But for a holding midfielder to score 2 goals in Copa America, this is an excellent feat accomplished by Mascherano. In Mascher we trust!

Bottom line is, Argentina forced Peruvian into attack with a brilliant goal. Then it's all highway from there on. Floodgate opened again and it was a well deserved 4-0. Roman second goal

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My scores:

Milito 5
He couldn't do the only thing he was asked to do. I don't see how any better score would be possible.

Messi 8.5
Messi never stops creating. Watching Messi play is pure joy. Now he's gotten more flexible in positioning, He's almost Perfecto!

Tevez 8
Instantly changed the dynamics of the game AGAIN after substituted in. And at such critical time set Roman up for the goal. His great effort at producing runs and his unselfish sacrifices surely made all his fans proud. Little lower score than Messi because Messi ran more today. Hopefully we can see Carlito starting ahead of Milito soon.

Riquelme 9
Roman didn't just attack. He was organizing, backtracking, stripping and tackling... Roman is the true leader of this team, and no score below 9 can describe the magnificence of his presence.

Cambiasso 8
Cuchu ran alot in the first half, and created several good chances that we weren't able to capitalize on(and I blame Diego Milito for that). On defense he successfully accomplished his task of supporting Mascherano. Cambiasso plays a high octane role. He needs rest, because his defensive contribution will be necessary in the final.

Aimar ~
Aimar was put on to rest Cambiasso at 84th minute.

Mascherano 8
Wow did Mascher give me a heart attack when he was holding his ankle! Point deduction for scaring his beloved fans! But even after that point deduction he gets an 8, so guess what I was ready to give him...

Gago 6
I understand his job was to establish defensive screen when Mascher pushed up. But hey man, when we had 3-0 lead you still stayed at home, wtf was Gago thinking?! I should of given him a 5 for no effort. But then he did a little running on the left, so let's settle with a sixer.

Veron 5
I was going to give him a 4. Then I reconsidered due to his defensive efforts... Veron is such shit! Get his face out of my sight PLEASE. We don't need him in 4-2-3-1. and if we're confident enough to play 4-3-1-2, why the hell do we need that extra defensive effort from an outside midfielder? Especially when we already have Cambiasso. Use either Messi or Aimar to partner up Cambiasso, come on Basile, you can dew eet!

Heinze 7
Heinze was AGAIN caught out of position. Especially at the beginning. This is not England, we can't afford to spent 40 minutes warming up. There's no choice but to play Heinze, and Heinze isn't 100% satisfying. However, must give credits where they're due. Heinze is an excellent defender inside the box. He's starting LB for a reason. I know exactly what he was doing. He was thinking how pretty his new beard looked. Get a hold of yourself dude! The Copa man, just 2 games away.

Milito 5.5
Gabriel Milito was doing in the back exactly what his brother was doing in the front - fucking up. I hope he realizes that there's Burdisso waiting for him to screw up. And Diaz isn't far behind either.

Ayala 6.5
For the captain of a match that we won 4-0, this 6.5 score isn't good at all. After we switched to 4-2-3-1 the pressure on defense was largely relieved. On top of that, Peru had virtually given up after our second goal. Defense was not sufficiently tested in this match, and seriously need to prove they're worthy of our trust in the semi-final game.

Zanetti 8.5
Of the defenders, Zanetti was most impressive today. The old tractor never dies! He was running, dribbling, passing, crossing. Go Zanetti gogo! I repeat, Pekerman's greatest mistake was not bringing Zanetti to World Cup.

Pato 8.5
Clean sheet gets Pato 8. +0.5 for the beautiful tackle that initiated the attack which resulted in what Ray Hudson called "Scientific Goal".