Argentina vs. Nigeria

A lot has been said about Argentina and Maradona in the lead up to the World Cup. But what he has formed in the squad is togetherness and fight; he could be demonstrating the importance of Communication and Psychological Warfare better than any other manager at the World Cup. His tactics could still be questionable, but with an array of attacking talent you can never count them out. While Nigeria were lucky to get away only conceding one goal only the brilliance of Football Manager legend Vincent Enyeama keeping them out.

Argentina looked to exploit the flaws of the 4-4-2 by playing the very talented Messi between the lines, using his amazing talent and creativity as a Trequartista, coming deep to support the midfield. The equally hard working Tevez looked to want the ball and move into wide areas to find space while Higuain moved in the channel looking to be the final attacking player, the players behind him players swapping and changing as all confident in each others positions. Like many South American teams in this tournament possession of the ball has been vital. Masherano did well in protecting what looked like a stretched defence, winning the ball in the midfield and using Veron as a playmaker in a connection between the forward players.

The 4-4-2 of Nigeria did give a lot of space between the lines to Argentina; Nigerians did not look comfortable and unable to exploit the weaknesses of Argentina. Gutierrez didn’t play as an intelligent full back, showing the importance of mental attributes in playing out of position, he was too attacking minded constantly finding himself out of position to far forward and in the centre. It wasn’t until bringing on Odemwingie that Nigeria got the width to exploit this flaw. It was only then that Nigeria looked seriously dangerous. Nigeria looked to try and keep themselves tight with two lines of four, but with Messi able to get too much space between he was able to do what he enjoys and run at the defenders. In truth it was a poor game by Nigeria and we will need to see more from them before we can truly advise you in producing a successful tactic in FM.

Player Instructions - Argentina

Team Instructions

Player Instructions - Nigeria

Team Instructions

South Korea vs. Greece

When the South Koreans got to the Semi finals in 2002 they did so with athleticism, pace and organisation. Again the South Koreans kick off their World Cup 2010 campaign in much the same way.

South Korea were organised and looked strong and hard to break down with the players taking definite roles in the team. At the back it was all about discipline Cho Yong Hyung and Lee Jung Soo doing nothing fancy but winning the ball. While Kim Jung Woo and Ki Sung Yueng also protected the defenders, South Korea closed down quickly and were on the heels of the Greeks before they could pick out a pass, able to do so from well drilled teamwork. The closing down combined with quick direct passes and athletic movement through the wingers and wingback Cha Du Ri caught Greece far too often, allowing for South Korea to operate in alot of space especially on the wings. This showed when Park Ji Sung managed to quickly close down Vyntra, winning the ball and leaving Greece wanting.

Greece were another opposition in Group B that were truly dreadful. Three forwards were put in place in order to occupy South Korea’s full backs. But when the opposition are looking to sit back and then attacking with speed, something lacking from the Greek squad, the organised defence of South Korea just stopped Greece from creating and play. The idea of the Greek system was to be tight at the back using Katsouranis as a spare central defender when needed and attacking getting the ball to the wings through the full backs, using their height advantage with floating crosses into the box or using the players from deeper positions to feed Gekas, the main goalscoring threat.

Player Instructions - South Korea

Team Instructions

Player Instructions - Greece

Team Instructions