Boca Juniors 0-0 Tigre – Half Time Report

Half time at Racing Club’s stadium in Avellaneda and the score is Boca Juniors 0-0 Tigre. Boca coach Carlos Ischia answered all the questions swirling around him about just what tactics he would employ for this match by sticking to his favoured 4-3-1-2, with Leandro Gracian chosen to play in the hole. Gracian has thus far been quiet, but the tactical system probably suits Boca’s approach to the game more than a 4-4-2, with the general instructions seemingly: stay solid at the back, compact in midfield and look to counter-attack at any opportunity. Boca’s back four have comfortably thwarted almost every Tigre offensive.

Tigre for their part have looked confused. Have the players been appropriately briefed? Do they realise they have to win by two clear goals to win this title? You would not think so given their first half performance. Perhaps Diego Cagna’s plan was to keep it tight in the opening 45 minutes, and we can now expect El Matador to throw caution to the wind in search of the two goals they need. Either way, certain Tigre players look slightly nervous.

Martin Morel should have made more of a good chance in the 45th minute when, with players either side of him and a sight on goal, he blasted his shot straight at Javier Garcia. He should have done better. Though Tigre finished the first half strongly, they seemed out of ideas at times in the first half.

Boca’s best chance occurred when Jesus Datolo found himself clean through after a wonderful through ball from Cristian Chavez in the 37th minute. Datolo’s touch let him down however, and as the ball simply rolled into the arms of stand-in keeper Luis Ardente, the chance was badly wasted. Chavez has been one of the bright sparks in the opening 45 minutes.

The fans of both sides are, as always, in superb voice. This is a passionate occasion. Tigre need to start the second half strongly if they are to have any chance of pulling of what would be an incredible upset. They are one final step away from glory, but it is a huge step to take. They have 45 minutes to beat Boca by two goals.

Argentina, Argentinian Football, Boca Juniors, Tigre