Argentina vs. USA: Americans Hold Lionel Messi and Co. to Draw in New Jersey

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at Internationaled.org

Published: March 27, 2011

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Before a sold-out crowd of 78,936 soccer fans at the New Meadowlands Stadium, the United States and Argentina played to an exciting 1-1 draw. While Argentina dominated the first 45 minutes, the game was really a tale of two halves.

Argentina came out firing with their 4-3-3 formation, led by arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi. Coach Bob Bradley tried to contain Messi by putting out a defensive-minded 4-5-1 formation, with the lone striker being Jozy Altidore.

The formation hurt the United States in the first half, as Argentina saw almost all of the possession. Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi seemed to be the most dangerous attackers for the Albiceleste, but it was defensive midfielder Esteban Cambiasso who scored their only goal.

Much of the early play was on the American side of the field, and if it wasn’t for outstanding work by goalkeeper Tim Howard the United States could have lost the game by a couple of goals.

Howard saved at least three scores, coming up big time after time from point-blank range. It was just a matter of time before Argentina would find the back of the net, and Cambiasso’s goal in the 40th minute broke the deadlock.

The Americans were fortunate to go into the half only down by one, considering how many chances Argentina had.

At halftime, Bob Bradley made two very interesting substitutions that changed the game. He showed a lot of confidence inserting 18-year old Juan Agudelo into just his third game for the United States.

Bradley also showed faith in the 20-year-old German-born right back Timothy Chandler, who made his first appearance for the Stars and Stripes. He was thrown into the fire with his first task for the national team to defend Messi and company.

Agudelo came in for midfielder Jermaine Jones and joined fellow New Jersey native Jozy Altidore up front.

The change to a 4-4-2 formation altered the entire...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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