Argentina's Coach In 2014: Who Was It?

Finding out who coached Argentina back in 2014 is a question that many football fans might have, especially when reminiscing about that year's World Cup. So, who was the main man leading Argentina's national team then? Let’s dive into the details and jog our memory.

Alejandro Sabella: The Tactical Mind Behind Argentina in 2014

The coach of Argentina in 2014 was Alejandro Sabella. Sabella, an Argentine football manager and former player, took the reins of the national team in 2011 and led them through a successful qualifying campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His tactical approach and leadership were crucial in guiding Argentina to the final of the tournament.

Sabella's Background and Early Career

Before becoming a coach, Alejandro Sabella had a noteworthy career as a player. He played as an attacking midfielder for several clubs, including River Plate in Argentina, Sheffield United, and Leeds United in England. His experience as a player gave him a deep understanding of the game, which he later translated into his coaching strategies.

After retiring as a player, Sabella transitioned into coaching, initially working as an assistant coach. He gained significant experience working alongside Daniel Passarella, assisting him at various clubs and with the Argentina national team during the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. This early exposure to high-level coaching was instrumental in shaping his own managerial style.

Taking Charge of Argentina

Alejandro Sabella's appointment as the coach of Argentina in 2011 was met with cautious optimism. The national team had gone through a period of instability, with several coaching changes in quick succession. Sabella's task was to bring stability, instill a clear tactical identity, and, most importantly, get the best out of a squad brimming with talent, including arguably the world's best player, Lionel Messi.

One of Sabella's key decisions was to build the team around Messi, giving him the freedom and support to perform at his best. He also focused on creating a solid defensive structure, recognizing that a strong defense was essential for success in major tournaments. His approach was pragmatic, often prioritizing tactical discipline and teamwork over flamboyant attacking play. This strategy proved effective as Argentina navigated the challenging South American World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Road to the 2014 World Cup Final

Under Sabella's guidance, Argentina had a successful run in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The team topped their group, winning all three matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria. While their group stage performances were solid, they weren't always convincing, with narrow victories highlighting the team's reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive attacking play.

In the knockout stages, Argentina faced tougher challenges. They defeated Switzerland 1-0 in extra time in the round of 16, thanks to a late goal from Ángel Di María. The quarter-final match against Belgium was another tight affair, with Argentina securing a 1-0 victory. The semi-final against the Netherlands went to penalties after a goalless draw, with Argentina emerging victorious in the shootout.

The Final Against Germany

The 2014 World Cup Final against Germany was the pinnacle of Sabella's tenure as Argentina's coach. The match was a tense and closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. Argentina had opportunities to take the lead, but Gonzalo Higuaín and Rodrigo Palacio missed key chances. Germany eventually scored in extra time through Mario Götze, securing a 1-0 victory and shattering Argentina's dreams of lifting the trophy.

Despite the defeat, Sabella's achievement in leading Argentina to the final was widely recognized. He had managed to create a cohesive team that was difficult to beat, and he had brought Argentina closer to World Cup glory than any coach since Carlos Bilardo in 1990. His tactical acumen and man-management skills were evident throughout the tournament.

Legacy and Later Years

After the World Cup, Alejandro Sabella stepped down as Argentina's coach. His legacy is that of a pragmatic and effective manager who brought stability and respectability back to the national team. He is remembered for his tactical approach, his ability to get the best out of Lionel Messi, and his role in leading Argentina to the World Cup final.

In the years following his departure from the national team, Sabella largely stayed out of the spotlight. He battled health issues and remained a respected figure in Argentine football. His contributions to the sport were recognized and appreciated by fans and fellow professionals alike.

Summary of Alejandro Sabella's Impact

• Took charge of Argentina in 2011.
• Led the team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final.
• Focused on building a strong defense and supporting Lionel Messi.
• Stepped down after the World Cup, leaving a legacy of stability and tactical awareness.

In conclusion, Alejandro Sabella was the coach who guided Argentina through the 2014 World Cup. His leadership and tactical decisions were instrumental in the team's journey to the final. Though they fell short of winning the title, Sabella's contribution to Argentine football is undeniable, and he remains a respected figure in the sport.

Key Players in Argentina's 2014 World Cup Squad

While Alejandro Sabella was the tactical mastermind, it's essential to remember the key players who executed his plans on the field. These players were instrumental in Argentina's journey to the final. Let's take a closer look at some of the most influential figures in the squad:

Lionel Messi: The Maestro

No discussion about Argentina's 2014 World Cup squad would be complete without highlighting Lionel Messi. At the time, Messi was already considered one of the greatest players of all time, and his performances in the tournament were crucial to Argentina's success. Playing as the captain and attacking focal point, Messi scored four goals in the group stage, including a stunning curler against Iran. His dribbling, passing, and overall creativity were a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Messi's role in the team extended beyond scoring goals. He often dropped deep to collect the ball, initiate attacks, and create opportunities for his teammates. His vision and ability to read the game were unparalleled, and he consistently made intelligent decisions in possession. While he didn't score in the knockout stages, his presence alone drew the attention of defenders, creating space for others to exploit. Although he didn't replicate his club form entirely, his contribution was immense, and he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Ángel Di María: The Dynamic Winger

Ángel Di María was another vital component of Argentina's attacking lineup. A dynamic winger with pace, skill, and a tireless work ethic, Di María provided width and directness to the team's attacks. His ability to take on defenders and deliver accurate crosses made him a constant threat down the flanks. Di María scored the winning goal in the round of 16 against Switzerland, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in the quarter-final against Belgium, which ruled him out of the semi-final and final. His absence was a significant blow to Argentina's attacking options.

Javier Mascherano: The Defensive Rock

In the heart of Argentina's midfield, Javier Mascherano was the team's defensive rock. A tenacious and combative player, Mascherano provided crucial protection to the defense and screened the back four effectively. His leadership qualities were also invaluable, and he often rallied the team with his passion and determination. Mascherano's most memorable moment in the tournament came in the semi-final against the Netherlands when he made a last-ditch tackle to deny Arjen Robben a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The tackle was a testament to his commitment and willingness to put his body on the line for his country.

Gonzalo Higuaín: The Striker

As the team's main striker, Gonzalo Higuaín led the line for Argentina. While he faced criticism for missing chances, particularly in the final against Germany, his contribution to the team should not be underestimated. Higuaín scored the winning goal in the quarter-final against Belgium and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His movement off the ball and ability to stretch defenses were important assets for Argentina.

Other Notable Players

Other notable players in Argentina's 2014 World Cup squad included:

• Sergio Romero: The goalkeeper who proved to be a penalty shootout hero.
• Ezequiel Garay and Federico Fernández: The central defenders who formed a solid partnership.
• Marcos Rojo: The left-back who provided width and energy down the flank.
• Sergio Agüero: The striker who provided attacking options off the bench.

These players, along with others in the squad, played important roles in Argentina's journey to the final. Their collective effort and determination, combined with Alejandro Sabella's tactical guidance, made Argentina a formidable force in the tournament.

Tactical Approach of Argentina Under Sabella

To fully understand Argentina's performance in the 2014 World Cup, it's crucial to examine the tactical approach employed by Alejandro Sabella. His strategies were key to maximizing the team's strengths while addressing their weaknesses.

Defensive Solidity

One of the hallmarks of Sabella's Argentina was their defensive solidity. He prioritized a compact and organized defensive structure, making it difficult for opponents to break them down. The team typically played with two holding midfielders, Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia, who provided crucial protection to the back four. The full-backs, Marcos Rojo and Pablo Zabaleta, were disciplined in their defensive duties and rarely ventured too far forward, maintaining a solid defensive line.

Reliance on Messi

Sabella's tactical approach heavily relied on Lionel Messi's individual brilliance. He gave Messi the freedom to roam across the attacking third, allowing him to pick up the ball in different areas and create opportunities. The team's attacking play often revolved around getting the ball to Messi in advantageous positions, where he could use his dribbling, passing, and shooting skills to unlock defenses. While this reliance on Messi sometimes made Argentina predictable, it also proved to be effective, as Messi was often the difference-maker in tight matches.

Counter-Attacking Threat

Argentina was also a threat on the counter-attack. With players like Ángel Di María and Sergio Agüero possessing pace and skill, they were capable of quickly transitioning from defense to attack and exploiting any space left by the opposition. Sabella often instructed his team to remain compact defensively and then break forward quickly when the opportunity arose. This counter-attacking approach was particularly effective against teams that committed too many players forward.

Set-Piece Prowess

Set-pieces were another important aspect of Argentina's tactical approach. With players like Ezequiel Garay and Federico Fernández strong in the air, they posed a threat from corners and free-kicks. Messi's ability to deliver accurate set-pieces also added to their potency in these situations.

In summary, Alejandro Sabella's tactical approach for Argentina in the 2014 World Cup was built around defensive solidity, reliance on Lionel Messi's brilliance, counter-attacking threat, and set-piece prowess. These strategies, combined with the talent and determination of the players, propelled Argentina to the final of the tournament. Although they ultimately fell short of winning the title, their tactical approach was effective and made them a formidable opponent for any team.