A Deep Dive Into Argentine Tango, Not The Dance, But The Football (Part 2 Of 2)

Menotti left after 1982 World Cup, with Carlos Billardo arriving. Argentina won the World Cup once more during Billardo's eighy year tenure, but in the result oriented tactics of the '60s. Billardo left after 1990 World Cup. But since then, two streams have emerged in Argentine football - 1. Rhythmic passing relies on "Menottism", and result centric "Billardism". One is a beautiful football worshiper, the other is all about results - but when the "big match, must be won" situation comes, everyone is one. Following the "Menottism" of beautiful football, below are 3 examples of the 60s defensive football while being in the lead for the result, the matches can be watched on YouTube.

The first was in the 1978 World Cup final, against the Netherlands. It was against the country that they lost 4-0 just four years ago. Four years later, Argentina played a skill-based passing football under Menotti, fighting for parity in the first half and taking a one goal lead through Mario Kempes. For the first time since taking the lead, the Argentine defense was more focused on wasting time in the intoxication of world victory. Instead of keeping the ball on their feet, they were clearing it and sending it to the Dutch territory. The Dutch equalized in the 84th minute but Argentina won the World Cup with two goals in extra time.

1991 Copa America Second game of the Group Stage, match against favorites Brazil. The Brazil-Argentina duo are set to play under some new faces under a new coach, with Alfio Basil, a follower of "Menottism" rather than following in the footsteps of Billardo, Argentine result centric football. The match is also known for the famous 5 red cards, and also Batistuta's performance. Batistuta came to the limelight after scoring a pair of goals in this match. Argentina after going 3-1 in the first minute of the second half, they played defensive, long ball dependent boring football. Argentina won the match 3-2. This was very much influential in their eventual Copa America win. But Argentina came to play the beautiful passing football after a long time in the whole tournament including the first half of that match.

The latest example of the Peckerman period, under the same Peckerman when Argentina scored a goal threaded with 26 passes in the World Cup and made Tango blossom. In the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, Argentina beat Brazil 3-1 at home. A team consisting of Adriano, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Cafu, Carlos. Argentina took a 3-0 lead in the first half. In the second half Argentina spent the whole time clearing the ball. However, Adriano, Kaka, Dinho's team was dominated by Riquelme, Saviola, Crespo's Argentina with possession based football in the first half.

Argentina does not always enter the fold of defensive football with that lead! When the win was fairly certain, opponent Morale is down, the opponent had little chance of returning to level terms within the allotted time - then Argentina attacked with full force for 90 minutes. Example: 3-0 win over Uruguay, and against Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup.

If Scaloni wants, he can play attacking football and perform rhythmic tango. But Scaloni believes in results are the priority. As long as the result is in their favor, Argentina will play its most beautiful football, or will take the form of the infamous 60-70s Argentina to ensure victory. Beautiful and ugly - both are synonymous with Argentine football, and this is how Argentina will play, for years to come. Whether you like it or not. [2/2]