Olympic Soccer: Matchday 2 Takeaways
Argentina bounce back while France, Japan and Spain narrowly clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. Just how good are these teams really?
Alejandro Lozada: Two games into the competition and France, Spain and Japan are all virtually through to the next round. No surprises there. Argentina picked themselves up, beating Iraq 3–1 after their opening loss to Morocco, which means we have a tense matchday to look forward to with every team tied on points in Group B. How have the tournament favorites lived up to your expectations?
Ben Fisher: Going into the tournament, I had France as my favorites. The combination of home advantage and a talented squad gives them the best chances of winning in my opinion. However, Michael Olise aside, they’ve failed to really impress me so far and have looked labored during their matches, despite remaining undefeated so far.
Mauricio Salazar-Lozada: After this round I think it would be a bit foolish to say there are any favorites at all apart from France. Though Spain and Japan have won both of their respective matches, they also looked vulnerable for large periods.
For example, the first half of the Dominican Republic vs Spain was tightly contested. Spain held possession of the ball as expected, but Dominican Republic looked more dangerous from set pieces. Edison Azcona’s sending off at the 45th minute changed the landscape of the game. Before that, Spain had no real chances apart from their goal, a flimsy mistake by Dominican goalkeeper Enrique Bösl. Japan vs. Mali was a similar affair, evenly matched throughout most of the match. Mali dominated the tempo for close to thirty minutes in the second half until Japan began to find space down the right flank. Their late game-winning goal was a rebound that materialized thanks to a bursting run from Mao Hosoya on the right.
A.L.: Let’s talk about the United States for a second. After a heavy loss to France, they dismantled New Zealand to set up a do-or-die showdown against Guinea tomorrow. What did you think of the game and how do you see their chances ahead of Tuesday?
Kwesi Aaron: Physicality, pace, and positioning made the difference for the U.S. on Saturday. Their wingers maintained the width of the attack, which opened up opportunities for them to score goals, however scrappy. I didn’t see any noteworthy tactics beyond fundamental concepts, but it should be encouraging for fans to see how the players fought for possession and showed hunger going forward. More of the same against Guinea and they should secure another victory. That being said, if Guinea proves to be more organized in their back line, the U.S. may struggle to find the net and will need patience and more sustained bouts of possession to get the three points they need.
M.S.: Overall the team played much better than the Kiwi’s, but USA’s playing style still leaves much to ponder. The link-up play seemed one dimensional and dependent on physicality. Although this might work against teams at a similar caliber, it won’t work against Spain, Argentina or France. A redeemable aspect of this game was the US’s ability to turn the page after a humbling loss against France. Their left side, with both John Tolkin and Paxton Aaronson, was promising. Both players showed that they are dangerous carrying the ball forward and are able to create opportunities for the team. For example, during the build up to the US’ third goal, Tolkin is able to shake off a defender quite easily on the left flank before playing a marvelous diagonal ball to Paredes, who squares it to Busio for the goal.
M.S.: In short tournaments like these it’s natural for teams to rearrange their squads and lineups after the first match day, but what I found intriguing was the amount of teams changing to a specific formation. Spain, USA, Japan and Mali all went from fielding their players either in a 4–2–3–1 or 4–4–2 formation to a 4–3–3, why do you think that is?
A.L.: In Spain’s case, I didn’t find much had actually changed, since their lineup was exactly the same in both of their games with the exception of Juanlu Sánchez, who filled in for Marc Pubill at right back. I also think a 4–2–3–1 is functionally very similar to a 4–3–3, with perhaps some slight adjustments in positioning at the wings and center midfield. I found the U.S. to line up similarly as well.
It may be that coaches are tweaking things as they find their ideal system. I also think that given the incredibly tight schedule — these players are getting two days of rest before each game — a degree of tactical flexibility is necessary as the tournament progresses.
M.S.: Having two or three players who provide a creative outlet for the team makes a huge difference. In the Euros, for example, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were difference makers for Spain, while James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Richard Rios shouldered most of Colombia’s creativity in the Copa America. The question is what duo or trio has impressed you so far in these first two games?
B.F.: So far the standout player in the French team has been Michael Olise, playing in an unfamiliar position through the middle and burdened with the creative responsibilities of the team. He’s nevertheless looked worth every penny of the £45 million that Bayern Munich have just paid for his services. He was once again the difference maker vs Guinea, with his wonderful left-footed cross finding the head of Sildillia in the 75th minute for the winning goal. In sharp contrast, Mateta and Lacazette have failed to impress me so far — Mateta in particular was disappointing against Guinea.
A.L.: I’m a big fan of this Japanese side and a recent convert to Shunsuke Mito and Koki Saito. They are electric players capable of creating on the wings and from central positions. Mito had an excellent showing against Paraguay and Saito bagged a couple of assists himself that game. Japan didn’t call up any players over 23 years old, so I worry the lack of experience will cost them in later rounds, but they’re resourceful and determined. It’s been a joy to watch them so far.
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