A bit about Argentina
Some of the players who participated in Argentina's failed World Cup qualifying effort that lead to them qualfying for Pan Ams have been dropped. They were present at a recent camp, but Olarticochea (the coach) decided not to include them to play in Hamilton. According to my notes, six players fall in to this category. Two from River, one from UAI, one from San Lorenzo, one from Boca and one from San Lorenzo. Anyhow, they are not today's concern, but their absence reinforces the comments below regarding Olarticochea's approach to play.
He's been in the position for about 8 months, and has adopted a playing style that differs from Nicosia, the coach he replaced after WC qualifying. Olarticochea, who some will remember as a former NT WC winning player, will look to engage in build-up play that involves the GK a fair amount. He has a preference for his players probing with patience, keeping the ball on the ground, occasionally using aerial passes to spring attackers in behind. In all of this, the idea is to draw the opponent open out while protecting possession.
Having dropped players, it's interesting that he's included Maria Belen Potassa to contribute to the forward line. She wasn't a participant in WC qualifying last year, but has appeared previously at the 2007 WC, and two junior WCs. (2006 and 2008 U20 WC). Somewhat a legendary player in Argentina. Potassa is slender, wiry, committed to getting to the ball. Likes to attack through the central channel to engage center backs. Has reasonable physical presence that we should be able to handle. She's also a very good volleyer of the ball.
Potassa also plays at the same club (UAI Urquiza) as the women in the crossbar challenge. Same club ... means we should think player chemistry. And, on that note, there are also seven players in this squad from Boca [Brusca (defender), Ghigo (defender), Gomez Ares (midfielder), Minning (GK), Oviedo (forward), Santana (midfielder) and Vallejos). Funny thing: Potassa had a stint at Boca prior to returning to UAI. Again, player chemistry.
Expect Vallejos (midfielder) to skipper this squad. She's done so before and she's the oldest of the core of four players (including Potassa mentioned above) with significant tournament experience. Vallejos has been involved at the 2003 and 2007 WCs and the 2008 Olympic tournament. The other two are Minning (was on the 2007 WC roster, but didn't play; was also at 2006 U20s) and Brusca.
At 30, Vallejos is the oldest player on the squad. Potassa is approaching 27, Minning is 28. Practically everyone else is 21, 22, 23 or thereabout.
Yael Oviedo (midfielder mentioned above) is not physically imposing but she is skillful. She has lots of playing personality. Hits with her left foot. Very tenacious player. Has scored a ton of goals at club level. Both she and Potassa (forward mentioned above) are comfortable scoring with headers.
Argentina is vulnerable if we play between their lines rather than preserving the ball in front of them. If we insert players in those critical available spaces, problems can be created for them.