What looked like a well laid out starting lineup was an offensive and defensive failure that saw them concede 7 goals in a row. There is no bright spot in the defense. Among the two defensive backs, Wang Shangyuan was left on the bench for a long time, and Huang Zhengyu wasn't even included in the list, which is surprising, let alone facing Japan.
Trailing by two goals in the first half, the formation was adjusted from 442 to 532 in the second half.I am still confused about the tactical intention of Ivanovic. Was it to strengthen the defense? But three attackers, Alan, Fernando and Byeloram, were replaced. Could it be to strengthen the offense? However, the increase in center backs to three and full backs to five actually reduced the number of defenders in front of the box from four to two. With that, it's no surprise that five goals were conceded in a row.
The curtains have finally come down on this agonizing game, the players have returned home and everything seems to have been turned over. However, the next match against Saudi Arabia loomed large. Despite the lack of scoring chances against Saudi Arabia, the mentality of the underdogs is clear. It is expected that Mr. Ivankovic will take stock of the situation and act cautiously to compete with others. We must admit that we really lack strength.
