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The Brazilian Samba Vs The Spanish Flair - A Tactical Analysis As The South American Champions Santos Face The Mighty Barcelona In The Club World Cup Final
Goal.com's Debjit Lahiri fills in the gaffer's shoes as we go back drawing board to analyse how the two immensely successful systems counter each other..
16-Dec-2011 10:15:00 PM
By Debjit Lahiri
Arte: Lucas Cruz
Back in the year of 480 BC, when the great Persian emperor Xerxes I ordered a second Persian invasion on Greece, it brought upon a rather fascinating proposition. It was not only a mere battle for territorial dominance but a face-off between two equally feared but vastly different warrior clans, both in their style as well as their origin. A clash of continental titans, each determined to outdo the other.
Interestingly, on a slightly different analogy, when the South American champions Santos will cross paths with one of Europe's best teams ever Barcelona this Sunday for the coveted FIFA Club World Cup final, the stakes are somewhat similar.
It has not been often that the Club World Cup,a tournament which has mostly been on the cusp of several 'David meets Golaith encounters', has offered a game of such huge magnitude. A battle between two teams, somewhat unknown commodities to each other, but with immense historical significance; one which promises to be one hell of an encounter.
So, as the two star studded teams line up in arguably one of the most high profile matches of the year, we once again fill in the gaffer's shoes to tactically analyse how these two footballing systems could counter each other.
For Santos, it will be the ultimate test of their young prodigy Neymar. The talented forward has been the centre of numerous transfer speculations to European clubs including Barcelona, and he would find no better opportunity to prove his real worth than this.
A centre forward by trade, Neymar may well take up a floating role, drifting to the flanks as well as affecting the play from the centre to unsettle the backline.
Along with his offensive partner Borges, they will fancy themselves to break through the slightly shaky defensive line of Barcelona, with Ganso feeding them with the all important final balls as well making his own runs to the box.
Elano, Henrique and Arouca are expected to complete the trio in midfield, who will not only be responsible for countering Barcelona's defence but also help their own defensive line to keep the daunting forward line up of Barca at bay. Their performance and work rate in pressing down the opponent play-makers, especially the likes of Xavi and Cesc Fabregas will ascertain how far Santos can hope to dismantle their formidable opponent.
Edu Dracena, Danilo, Durval and Bruno Rodrigo will form the defensive partnership as they complete a 4-3-1-2 formation. Dracena will again be crucial in keeping Daniel Alves in check while Danilo might have a tough time to cope up with both Sanchez, if fit, or Pedro/Iniesta in the flanks.
In the semi-final against Asian champions Al Saad, Barcelona fielded a relatively second string line-up. However, with Santos promising to be more than a handful opponent, Pep Guardiola may well fancy putting up his best possible side.
David Villa's injury and Alexis Sanchez's abductor muscle strain complicates the issue for the side that had recently outwitted their Spanish arch rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga. There is no second thoughts on how the resurgent Santos defensive line will approach the game, with an added attention towards a certain Lionel Messi to be very much their priority.
The Brazilians are expected to be tight on the star Argentine forward and that is where Guardiola's tactical resolve will be tested once again. This is also exactly where we would like to cite an reference from the Real Madrid game, where Messi was employed in a slightly deeper role. A more of a number 10 position rather than the 'false 9' that he normally plays.
It not only allows him more time on the ball, distancing himself from the shadows of the closely positioned centre-backs but also allows him to manipulate the flow of the game. A responsibility that you would like thrust upon the best in the team and who else can it be than Lionel Messi.
What is interesting to note that David Villa's injury may well further persuade Pep Guardiola to resort to the El Classico line-up. Alexis Sanchez, who is also doubtful for the match, started off on the left side, repeatedly drifting to the centre giving both the full back and centre back a tricky time. The abundance in resources means Pedro can fill in Sanchez's shoes, just in case the Chilean does not make it in time to feature in the final.
Andres Iniesta may occupy a more wider role allowing the trio of Xavi Hernandez, the ever so impressive Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets in the centre of the park. Busquets will again be a pivotal figure in the team, and will be expected to curb the play-making exploits of young starlet Ganso.
Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol will marshall the centre of defence whilst Eric Abidal and Daniel Alves are expected to be entrusted with their usual full back duties. Unlike Abidal though, Alves may well park himself in a more advanced position, which allows him more freedom to run at the opponent winger and full back and put their defensive capabilities to the test.
How Do YOU Expect The Two Teams To Counter Each Other's System? Give In Your Views!
Interestingly, on a slightly different analogy, when the South American champions Santos will cross paths with one of Europe's best teams ever Barcelona this Sunday for the coveted FIFA Club World Cup final, the stakes are somewhat similar.
It has not been often that the Club World Cup,a tournament which has mostly been on the cusp of several 'David meets Golaith encounters', has offered a game of such huge magnitude. A battle between two teams, somewhat unknown commodities to each other, but with immense historical significance; one which promises to be one hell of an encounter.
So, as the two star studded teams line up in arguably one of the most high profile matches of the year, we once again fill in the gaffer's shoes to tactically analyse how these two footballing systems could counter each other.
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SANTOS | THE SOUTH AMERICAN DYNAMITES
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For Santos, it will be the ultimate test of their young prodigy Neymar. The talented forward has been the centre of numerous transfer speculations to European clubs including Barcelona, and he would find no better opportunity to prove his real worth than this.
A centre forward by trade, Neymar may well take up a floating role, drifting to the flanks as well as affecting the play from the centre to unsettle the backline.
Along with his offensive partner Borges, they will fancy themselves to break through the slightly shaky defensive line of Barcelona, with Ganso feeding them with the all important final balls as well making his own runs to the box.
Elano, Henrique and Arouca are expected to complete the trio in midfield, who will not only be responsible for countering Barcelona's defence but also help their own defensive line to keep the daunting forward line up of Barca at bay. Their performance and work rate in pressing down the opponent play-makers, especially the likes of Xavi and Cesc Fabregas will ascertain how far Santos can hope to dismantle their formidable opponent.
Edu Dracena, Danilo, Durval and Bruno Rodrigo will form the defensive partnership as they complete a 4-3-1-2 formation. Dracena will again be crucial in keeping Daniel Alves in check while Danilo might have a tough time to cope up with both Sanchez, if fit, or Pedro/Iniesta in the flanks.
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FC BARCELONA | THE GIANTS OF EUROPE
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In the semi-final against Asian champions Al Saad, Barcelona fielded a relatively second string line-up. However, with Santos promising to be more than a handful opponent, Pep Guardiola may well fancy putting up his best possible side.
David Villa's injury and Alexis Sanchez's abductor muscle strain complicates the issue for the side that had recently outwitted their Spanish arch rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga. There is no second thoughts on how the resurgent Santos defensive line will approach the game, with an added attention towards a certain Lionel Messi to be very much their priority.
The Brazilians are expected to be tight on the star Argentine forward and that is where Guardiola's tactical resolve will be tested once again. This is also exactly where we would like to cite an reference from the Real Madrid game, where Messi was employed in a slightly deeper role. A more of a number 10 position rather than the 'false 9' that he normally plays.
It not only allows him more time on the ball, distancing himself from the shadows of the closely positioned centre-backs but also allows him to manipulate the flow of the game. A responsibility that you would like thrust upon the best in the team and who else can it be than Lionel Messi.
What is interesting to note that David Villa's injury may well further persuade Pep Guardiola to resort to the El Classico line-up. Alexis Sanchez, who is also doubtful for the match, started off on the left side, repeatedly drifting to the centre giving both the full back and centre back a tricky time. The abundance in resources means Pedro can fill in Sanchez's shoes, just in case the Chilean does not make it in time to feature in the final.
Andres Iniesta may occupy a more wider role allowing the trio of Xavi Hernandez, the ever so impressive Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets in the centre of the park. Busquets will again be a pivotal figure in the team, and will be expected to curb the play-making exploits of young starlet Ganso.
Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol will marshall the centre of defence whilst Eric Abidal and Daniel Alves are expected to be entrusted with their usual full back duties. Unlike Abidal though, Alves may well park himself in a more advanced position, which allows him more freedom to run at the opponent winger and full back and put their defensive capabilities to the test.
How Do YOU Expect The Two Teams To Counter Each Other's System? Give In Your Views!
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