2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL): Bolivia vs. Argentina – tactical analysis

After kicking off their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-0 win against Ecuador at La Bombonera, Argentina traveled away to face Bolivia. Hoping to make it two out of two and ending their curse at La Pazs extreme conditions, the Albicelestes were up against a side hammered 5-0 by Brazil in their opener.

The curse did end at La Paz, as Lionel Messis Argentina managed to narrowly pull-off a 2-1 victory despite trailing at one point. In this tactical analysis, well look at how Bolivia managed to put Argentina under pressure in the initial minutes and scored, and how Albicelestes used their wide players attempting to break Bolivias compact shape. This analysis will also look into how Argentina managed to get into the game effectively in the second half.

Lineups

Bolivia started in a flat 4-4-2,with skipper Marcelo Moreno and Carlos Saucedo leading the attack upfront. Carlos Lampe started between the sticks, guarded by a back four. Rudy Cardozo and Diego Wayar made it to the Bolivian midfield yet again, supported by Alejandro Chumacero and Raúl Castro.

The Argentines made only one change in the lineup fielded against Ecuador as Exequiel Palacios started instead of Sevilla wing-back Marcos Acuña. Inter star Lautaro Martínez was accompanied by Barcelonas Lionel Messi and Lucas Ocampos upfront as PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes got yet another start in Lionel Scalonis side. Lucas Martínez Quarta teamed up with Nicolás Otamendi to complete the centre-back duo.

Bolivias build-up: overhaul and use of width

Bolivias build-up was largely focused on overhauling the midfield and progressing from the side-ways. Argentina did not seem to press higher and Bolivia were allowed to play out from the back.