The 4-4-2 formation is a widely used and popular formation in football. This formation is used in club football and in many national team matches. The advantages and disadvantages of this formation and why it is effective in important matches are discussed in detail.
The 4-3-3 formation is the most commonly used nowadays in club football and international matches, as wing systems are favoured. However, Argentinian coach Scaloni has played the team in 4-4-2 in the most important matches.
The biggest advantage of this formation is that the midfield can keep the ball at their own feet most of the time. Possession of the ball in the middle of the field is very important in football. Croatia’s midfield three against Argentina yesterday are all more skilled and experienced.
And Luka Modric is one of their star midfielders. Scaloni played an extra midfielder so that Argentina could get a better advantage over Croatia’s players in midfield.
Needless to say, Scaloni’s strategy worked. With Scaloni having an extra player in midfield, Argentina was able to quickly counter-attack as soon as they got the ball.
Another advantage of this formation is that the left back and right back can overlap at the same time and play as wingers. This increases the chance of attack from the wing system.
Argentina played with the same formation against Brazil in the Copa America final. Argentina won Copa America by defeating Brazil 1-0 in that match.
However, this formation has some disadvantages. When the two fullbacks move forward to attack, the opposition players get the ball and move forward with a quick counterattack to cause problems for the defence.
Because at that time, there will be no one else to stop the attack except for the two centre backs. However, the importance of 4-4-2 has increased as Argentina coach Scaloni has a good advantage with this formation.