Argentina 0-0 Peru: 5 Talking Points, 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying

Messi Argentina Peru 5 Talking Points
Lionel Messi faces the prospect of missing out on a World Cup aged 30

#2 Ricardo Gareca outsmarts Jorge Sampaoli

Ad
Gareca Sampaoli
*****

El Tigre was his moniker during his playing days, and while it was Sampaoli who paced about like a caged tiger tonight, Peru boss Ricardo Gareca looked satisfied for much of the night with his team's performance. Putting aside their defensive output, what was impressive about Peru's performance was their tactical shape.

Ad

Sampaoli started the game with his favoured double-pivot of Lucas Biglia and Ever Banega, with the hope that, they'd be free to dictate play as Messi was man-marked. Instead, Gareca opted against man-marking Messi and instead focused his three-man midfield to swarm Biglia and Banega, forcing Argentina to either go back or spread it wide.

Jefferson Farfan and Edison Flores were auxiliary fullbacks, making plenty of defensive contributions in addition to the rare foray forward. Peru came here for a draw, and for a side that has the fourth-worst defensive record in CONMEBOL qualifying, keeping out the might of Messi and co. was nothing short of impressive.

Quick Links

Edited by Sunaadh Sagar
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications