My analysis of De La Torre's tactics versus USMNT in the recent WCQ at Azteca.

1. 27' -- This is just one example of Mexico over-
trying to exploit the flanks to the detriment of
any combination passing thru the middle (the
thing that, in my opinion, used to make them
such a frightening opponent.) USMNT fans
loathed Blanco, but how he could have helped
El Tri....

2. As he did on numerous occasions, Guardado has space to
receive and turn, is calling for the ball...

3. But instead Salcido loops a switch that's really just a
long square pass...

4. Meanwhile, Guardado still with a baseball infield worth of
space, lifting his head and calling for the ball...

5. Finally he is given the ball but the defense had the time to
adjust after Salcido's lofted switch
PLUS: now Guardado is getting sucked into JK's bait. The tucked in fullbacks are
inviting the long corner pass while Chicarito stands still instead of coming towards
ball to play a 1-2 combination

6. In my opinion, this is exactly what USMNT is inviting, and the pass is
cut out by both the LB and the LM

7. 28' -- about thirty seconds later, Guardado has
again positioned himself to receive and turn and
perhaps attack on the dribble, yet once again
Mexico is forcing the issue down the flanks and
the US is not un-balanced by the predictable
approach. I don't think this is an accident by the
US central midfield -- they let him have this
space because I think they were convinced of
De La Torre's rigid methods.

9. 32' -- another example of forcing the tactics
and/or USMNT baiting Mexico. This leads to
their strange formation approach as well

10. The ball is played wide; I believe that is Torres Nilo moving to
take the space with Zusi closing

11. In carrying the ball back inside, he ignores the CM asking for the ball played to
feet. Where is he looking to pass? Just ask Edu -- he sees it already
Note again, the fullbacks baiting the ball to the corner with
their narrow play

12. In fact, the play is so predictable that Jozy is able to track back and block the pass.
Excellent workrate from a forward to recognize what was coming & get there

13. The blocked pass falls to Bradley with a 20-yard width of the field of space. This is
where the “Empty Box” was repeatedly exposed -- the amount of time Edu + MB had.

14. 35' -- more exposure of the “Empty Box”

15. Mexico advancing the ball uncontested from their defensive third.
Presumably, they could approach via any option they wanted...

16. And what is chosen is to give it to the LB, who then under no pressure sends a
straight-ahead ball into the corner...? Who is in control of this Mexico offense?
What's more: who COULD take control of midfield -- there's nobody there!
Note Chicharito, again refusing to show towards the ball (or obeying orders not to)

17. 38' -- The Empty Box means unbelievable
amounts of time and space on the ball for MB
and Edu. Here's just one example -- and it's
over half field!

18. Time, space, direct passing options as well as further passing lanes. Personal Opinion -- oh
how I would have wished to see Kljestan paired with Bradley against these tactics.

19. 42' -- Guardado again trying to make something
happen via the dribble (an apparent no-no) but
the Empty Box tactics leave him short changed.
You will recognize this as the sequence leading to
Guzan's important knock-down.

20. Mexico with a deep throw in; the ball comes to Guardado
WHERE ARE THE
MEXICO PLAYERS
PREPARING TO JOIN
THE ATTACK?

21. Guardado manages a nice turn, only to find...nobody but
5 US defenders

22. Still nobody. Unless you count Dos Santos walking INTO
the defensive coverage. Torres Nilo hiding behind ref.
In my opinion, they must have been coached against making runs
toward the ball to create combinations. How else to explain? When you
go back and look it just happens over and over and over....

23. Finally, Guardado has no other option under pressure but to lay the pass off. Turns into a
decent attack but you can see that Gonzo has it read all the way (and we know Guzan did, too)

24. 49' -- just more documentation of the Empty Box

27. 58' -- still ridiculously conservative in attack, with
Salcido lacking any sense of urgency

28. Uh-oh: for first time, Bradley's positioning exposed.
Defense in fast retreat

29. The ball is advance by pass, then cut against grain
on the dribble. Bradley chasing the ball...
GUARDADO
HERNANDEZ
Both Guardado and Hernandez could potentially receive the ball on the
ground here, but only in spaces that violate the Empty Box

30. Instead it is returned to Salcido, and once again he ignores
Guardado calling for the pass to feet (with Cameron already backing
off so he isn't caught out defending the dribble)...

31. ...to instead once again loft a slow-arc pass into the corner. Even if
it got there, who is running on to receive a cross? Only one
attacker versus 3,4,5 defenders + keeper

32. 62' + 74' -- still, no adjustment to the formation
and tactics, despite nearly a complete lack of
shots on goal and absolutely ZERO dangerous
passing combinations in attack.

33. 62'
Hernandez wating for
a bus I guess...

34. 74' -- Don't worry, US defense: this ball isn't being
dropped behind you -- it's going out wide. Again.
This time, Chicharito doing the
only thing he did all game: run
in a straight line away from the
ball and toward Guzan

35. 86' -- holy through balls Batman! A Mexican
attacker actually makes a run towards the ball in
the center of the pitch, and turns toward goal.
This is practically the first time in the game this
approach was even attempted.

36. Remarkable, Dos Santos shows toward the ball and a
diagonal pass on the ground is made. First time all game.

37. Nice turn. Here comes trouble. This is what I, watching
Mexico for years and years, was expecting to happen more.
Ironically, this is the first time
where the ball into the corner to
stretch the defense would
actually cause havoc because
Dos Santos's skill on the ball is
occupying the CMs and the RB is
matched to Hernandez (who
once again refuses to make a
crossing run -- he just goes
straight towards Guzan again)

38. But inexplicably, the run comes narrow, Dos Santos stops his
dribble, and the pass goes behind the outside player...

39. ...forcing him to turn around, allowing the defense to
regain balance and position. Unexpectedly poor for WCQ

40. 90' -- desperation time for the home side in
Azteca. Surely there will be sharpness and a
killer instinct.
Not so much.

41. Many players forward, ball on Mexico's attacking right. Is
a cross coming? Play the runner into the box?

42. Hmm. No, it's cut in on the dribble. OK, Mexico attackers will
move toward to ball to play a quick combination and spring
somebody into the area, right?

43. No, they are all pretty much just standing there.
They have to: they are the “lid” of the Empty Box.
Once again, Guardado with acres of space
begging for the ball to be played to his feet. He
is the one El Tri player who seemed to
recognize the tactical deficiency and attempt to
offset it.

44. ...but true to tactical
form, the ball is forced
for NO GOOD REASON
into the corner, leaving
the frustrated attacker...

45. ...to helplessly chase it as it rolls out. 0-0, we win.