FIFA World Cup 2022: How Argentina’s positional flexibility saw them dominate Poland – tactical analysis

We are now tantalisingly close to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, with teams booking their place in the round of 16 already. Prior to yesterday’s fixtures, Group C was still wide open, with a number of possibilities for qualification. However, Argentina were able to put their second win on the board with a 2-0 victory over Poland, securing their place in the knockout rounds as group winners – it’s not all bad news for Polish fans, though, as their team finished in 2^nd place, extremely narrowly above Mexico to book their place in the round of 16.

This tactical analysis will provide some insight into how Argentina used flexibility and fluidity in their attack tactics, as well as an analysis of their shape off the ball and how that impacted Poland’s performance.

Lineups

Poland boss Czesław Michniewicz sent his side out in a 4-4-1-1 shape that looked to limit the attacking opportunities for Argentina. Jakub Kiwior partnered the experienced Kamil Glik in defence, with Premier League man Matty Cash continuing at right-back. In midfield, Piotr Zieliński operated from the right flank, with RC Lens man Przemysław Frankowski playing on the left in a midfield unit that was unchanged from their 2-0 over Saudi Arabia. In fact, the only change in the starting lineup against Argentina saw Karol Świderski come into the side, playing the supporting striker role behind Robert Lewandowski.

Argentina shaped up in a rather narrow shape – 4-3-1-2, with PSG man Lionel Messi operating from a central area in an advanced midfielder role. Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez partnered veteran Ángel Di María up front. Going forward then, it looked as though Argentina were leaning into the technical aspect of their attack – they aren’t a hugely physical team anyway in terms of height and aerial presence, and this shape and lineup give them that attacking fluidity against a tough opponent. In midfield, Enzo Fernández played a central midfield role, with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo de Paul playing on either side of him. Tottenham Hotspur man Cristian Romero started in the heart of defence next to the vastly experienced Nicolás Otamendi.

Argentina’s midfielders and wing-backs in possession

There is a high level of individual quality in the Argentina squad, which is why manager Lionel Scaloni allows so much flexibility and fluidity in possession. By this, we mean you will often see players playing in positions that don’t reflect their place in the starting line-up. One example would be Di María – he started the game as a centre forward, and while he did play that role well, he also frequently drifted out wide and played as a right winger. In this segment, though, we focus on how the Argentina midfielders and wing-backs operated in attack, as their positioning and shape were huge factors in their win.