Against Argentina, it was the official debut of Spanish coach Félix Sánchez Bas at the head of our national team. Although the result was narrow (1-0), the tactical system and strategy were stingy. Although it is true that the defense stood out reinforced by the high level of members, the actions in which the attack develops and builds were very poor; There was no possession or arguments for a counter-attack. Argentina, which did not provide a great game, took advantage of Lionel Messi’s free kick and the final point.
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Against Uruguay, Sánchez Bas had to modify the strategy, and therefore the line-up of players who can implement it. The previous concern was what changes would be made to present a balanced team, with attacking and defensive ambitions. Uruguay decisively beat Chile in the Centennial. The Uruguayan press has confirmed Marcelo Bielsa’s conflicted temperament regarding journalism. At his last press conference in Montevideo, he said: “You all belong to companies that do not prioritize talent to build ideas that enrich football fans. What they require is to be heard.” The score 3-1 calmed the fire of the debate.
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In Quito, against the Light Blues, Sánchez Bas changed his planned formation at the last minute, as he would somehow know Bielsa’s tactical disposition and it worked because it confused the opposing team. Ecuador’s victory leaves no room for doubt because it was achieved thanks to two primary factors: commitment and the belief that victory is possible. The attitude must be emphasized, because it is not at all easy, as a home team, to overturn a negative partial result playing against a brave, fighting opponent who is also rejuvenated and willing to overcome the height weight.
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Let’s add that Bielsa’s tactic, which he himself admitted at the press conference after the match, was to try to keep the dispute in the midfield and widen the field on the sides in order to neutralize the opponent and have offensive weapons. It was not easy for the national team to overcome these two difficulties that the obligation represented.
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Doubts about the possibility of not overcoming the problem created uncertainty in the days before Sánchez Bas’ debut at home in Quito, due to his inexperience to exploit that geographical advantage, as Hernán Darío Gómez did (he said in the dressing room: “We played the first half circulating the ball , so that in the second we would catch them with their tongues out.”
Hernán Galíndez’s brace in goal was a vote of confidence for someone unfairly criticized in his display in Buenos Aires. Many believe that Messi’s goal from a free kick was the fault of Galíndez, who was accused of excessive passivity in his movements before the shot. This was reinforced by the voices of former footballers who doubted that he technically moved laterally, when he should have done it diagonally, knowing that Messi usually places him at that angle in that position.
But apart from these reproaches, Galíndez had to suffer something worse. Some journalists dared to question the exchange of jerseys with Messi. Journalist Álvaro Morales, a Guatemalan nationalized Mexican, posted on his social media: “This is outrageous. “It is up to the Federation, the coaching staff and the players to kick Galíndez out of the Ecuadorian national team.” The guy who scored your goal, your native countryman, you’re looking for a jersey. Into a free throw, which wasn’t even a foul, and in which you didn’t even kick. It’s a shame.” Morales is a constant opponent of Messi, but he criticized Galíndez’s performance with the same desire. The Mexican also lit the spark for thousands of ill-fated Ecuadorian sheep to enjoy that infamous bonfire.
Sánchez Bas did well to confirm Galíndez’s ownership, but we also have to highlight a surprising modification: including the young Kendry Páez to make his debut in such a complicated match that will require experience, courage and eradicate any stage fright. Logical doubts were clarified during the match. Páez has shown that he has money, hierarchy and a level to overcome. The 16-year-old is a midfielder who can become a star player with an unexpected edge. The Páez has a technical look similar to those of the historic Polo Carrera.
Kendry Páez’s brilliant debut was impressive for his age, as several newspaper articles mentioned that he became the youngest footballer to make his debut for the Ecuadorian senior team. Statistics clarify that in the qualifiers for the 1962 World Cup, the legendary Jorge Pibe Bolaños had his first official match against Argentina on December 4, 1960 at the age of 16 years, 3 months and 7 days. Páez did it against Uruguay at the age of 16 years, 4 months and 8 days. These are the data I am emphasizing only to provide accurate information.
The Uruguayans won 2-1 as they capitalized on two scoring chances that center back Félix Torres could capitalize on. The offensive scheme left many in doubt as it suffered from connected plays; the proposal of Enner Valencia with Jhojan Julio had no weight. As for Moisés Caicedo, he performed in dribbling, but he reunites with the leading and most important player that our national team should have. The modifications of Sánchez Bas were not effective either. That should prompt him to make changes for the next call-ups, as in this last one he sidelined several players he needed and didn’t have without any explanation.
The last attacking play of Uruguay also brought great controversy, when our goalkeeper caught an opponent (Facundo Torres) who sent the ball with his head. The Uruguayan press and Argentinian referee Javier Castrilli insisted that it was a penalty foul in favor of Charrú, given that the regulations mandate that recklessness, not intent, be sanctioned.
Faced with so much controversy, Conmebol released the VAR audio and thus made it possible to know the criteria used to decide this highly controversial action. The referees concluded that it was a normal contact because it was accidental and that the goalkeeper’s intention was to defend the ball, and then it hit the opponent’s face. It is true that the released audios calmed things down. I am not convinced of the conclusion. My criterion is that there was a criminal offence, but I also have to take into account the variety of decision-making criteria that referees had in similar games. Others celebrate the decision of Wilton Sampaio and company because finally the arbitration decision goes in our favor, after so many arbitration injustices that our national team has suffered in history. A premise that is also not acceptable.
In short, it is important that Ecuador won, that the match stirred up passions, brought into the debate the interpretations of the application of regulations, and that the result covered up the performance of our national team, which must be improved if it wants to be a strong candidate for the next World Cup. (OR)
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Source: Eluniverso
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
