Pachuca's Starting XI: Intercontinental Cup Final

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Post on Dec 19, 2024

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Pachuca's Starting XI: Intercontinental Cup Final - A Tactical Masterclass?

The 2017 Intercontinental Cup final pitted Pachuca against the formidable Wydad Casablanca. While the match ultimately ended in a penalty shootout victory for Wydad, Pachuca's starting XI showcased a fascinating tactical approach and individual brilliance. Let's delve into the team selection and analyze its potential strengths and weaknesses.

Pachuca's Starting Lineup: A Blend of Youth and Experience

Pachuca, known for their youth academy and attacking flair, likely fielded a lineup aiming for a fast-paced, possession-based game. While precise details on formations vary depending on the source, a likely starting XI and formation (4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1) would look something like this:

• Goalkeeper: Alfonso Blanco
• Defenders: (from right to left) Kevin Álvarez, Victor Guzman, Óscar Murillo, Emmanuel García
• Midfielders: Erick Gutiérrez, Jorge Hernández, Ismael Sosa
• Forwards: Hirving Lozano, Franco Jara, Ángelo Sagal

Analyzing the Key Players and Tactical Choices

This lineup represented a balanced approach. Let's examine some key players and their roles:

The Defensive Backbone:

• Óscar Murillo: A seasoned center-back, Murillo provided experience and leadership at the heart of the defense. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions would have been crucial against Wydad's attacking threat.
• Victor Guzman: A versatile player capable of playing both defense and midfield, Guzman's presence added further defensive solidity.

The Creative Midfield:

• Erick Gutiérrez: A highly regarded midfielder known for his passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Gutiérrez would have been instrumental in controlling the midfield battle.
• Ismael Sosa: Sosa, operating from the left, would have aimed to provide width, crosses, and cutting inside to create scoring opportunities. His creative abilities were a key asset.

The Attacking Trio:

• Hirving Lozano: "Chucky" Lozano's pace and dribbling skills posed a constant threat down the wing. His ability to take on defenders and deliver dangerous crosses or shots was a major attacking weapon.
• Franco Jara: A powerful striker, Jara's presence in the box offered a focal point for Pachuca's attacks. His aerial ability and finishing prowess would have been tested against Wydad's defense.
• Ángelo Sagal: Sagal added further attacking versatility, potentially drifting between the wings and playing centrally.

Potential Strengths and Weaknesses of the Lineup

Strengths: Pachuca's lineup offered a good mix of youth and experience, pace and creativity, and defensive solidity. Their ability to possess the ball and create chances through quick passing movements would have been a significant threat.

Weaknesses: The lack of an outright defensive midfielder might have left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Wydad's physicality could also have presented challenges for Pachuca's more technically gifted players. The success of the lineup would have depended heavily on the team's ability to maintain possession and limit Wydad's counter-attacking opportunities.

Conclusion: A Fight Until the End

Pachuca's starting XI in the 2017 Intercontinental Cup final showcased a blend of tactical acumen and individual talent. Though they fell short in the penalty shootout, their performance highlighted their attacking prowess and potential. The match remains a memorable encounter showcasing the high level of competition in international football. Further research into specific match statistics and tactical analyses would provide a deeper understanding of the team's performance on that day.