FIFA World Cup 2010: Maradona Likely to Make Modifications vs. South Korea

For all those who, regardless of nationality, share a true love for the more beautiful aspects of the game, there were moments in Argentina's match against Nigeria which warmed hearts and lit imaginations.

But sadly football can also be quite cruel, and the World Cup is a contest that often rewards speculation and punishes innocence.

Now that Argentina's first match is in the past and the first objective has been reached, Diego has undoubtedly noticed some of the tactical flaws that were present throughout much of the game against Nigeria.  Although he initially seemed quite pleased with his team's performance, and seemed inclined to repeat the same line-up and formation, it seems that he my be reconsidering.

If there's one thing that can be affirmed almost beyond doubt, it is that we will continue to see Argentina play with three forwards till the end of this round at least, and perhaps beyond. Diego seems quite pleased with that option; he wants Tévez to play, and he feels his team was quite convincing offensively against Nigeria.

Formation 1: Argentina vs. Nigeria

Romero

Gutierrez      Demichelis        Samuel        Heinze

↓             Verón     Mascherano       Di María

          Tévez    ←→      Messi     ←→    Higuaín

In order to get an idea of what Diego Maradona might be considering, we should start by laying out a tactical context, which is probably a 4-3-3 formation.

Another thing to consider is that Diego may want to work on that right-back position which caused him so much trouble against Nigeria. He probably won't want to "axe" Gutiérrez, but rather move him to another position on the field, probably left-midfield.

So the question arises: Who will he sacrifice? The answer is probably going to be Angel Di María.

If we follow through with this hypothesis, we can safely say that there are two possible replacements for Gutiérrez at right-back: Nicolás Burdisso and Clemente Rodríguez.

Although Burdisso seems the more likely replacement, the absence of Gutiérrez in the right-back position brings trouble to the midfield. Burdisso is solid in the back, but is by no means a wing-back who will move forward and chip in at midfield. It is also unlikely that either Verón or Tévez can effectively cover that spot. Clemente Rodríguez is a true wing-back, although he's not as solid defensively as Burdisso.

So the dilemma is: How do we keep the three forwards, and also effectively cover our defense and midfield?

In my opinion, the only way to play 4-3-3 effectively is with a hard-working, laborious, tight midfield. It doesn't seem feasible to play a three-man midfield line if two of the three play in the center (see formation 2), thus leaving a gap on the right.

Formation 2: Out Di María, in Burdisso.

Romero

Burdisso      Demichelis        Samuel        Heinze

X               Verón   Mascherano       Gutiérrez

          Tévez    ←→      Messi    ←→    Higuaín

The fact that an ageing midfielder like Verón has to do so much running around doesn't help matters much either. If you're going to have three attackers, it stands to reason that one (or all three) of them should be able to drop back a few meters and create play. This way you can do without the "creative midfielder", and have three players for "dirty-work."

So, given these observations it seems reasonable to propose formation  three, for the match against Korea.

Formation 3: Out Verón, in Maxi Rodríguez.

Romero

Burdisso      Demichelis        Samuel        Heinze

  M. Rodríguez        Mascherano          Gutiérrez

          Tévez    ←→      Messi    ←→    Higuaín

This seems like a more balanced formation where, although you don't have Veron's creative presence, you do have three mobile forwards who are capable of creating play on their own. The mid-fielders would be in charge of breaking up play, recovering the ball and moving it forward to the top three.

Now, I'm not sure if Diego will dare leave out Verón, as Verón is a key presence on this team; he's practically an assistant coach on the pitch.

But given the fact that he is not physically 100 percent, Maradona may just consider resting him this once.

Some have also speculated with a possible inclusion of Pastore in place of Verón, but it doesn't seem like that solves much. Pastore plays even higher up center-midfield, so he won't be of much assistance on the right flank, and will do even less work defensively than Verón.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. No doubt, Diego will keep us guessing till last minute, which means we'll get another two days of nail-biting, debate and speculation, which is half the fun of the World Cup anyways.