The reaction to Alvarez's "solo goal" is a classic example of outcome bias in play. First, to point out what he did well, he drove at the retreating defenders, and this naturally forced them to narrow up and consequently cede space on the outside.
Molina then made a great effort to offer penetration from deep, running in between the two defenders. Alvarez chose not to slip him in, which I would argue is the correct decision:
1. Molina's body profile - i.e., away from the goal.
2. Molina's run dragged away the defenders.
1. Molina's body profile - i.e., away from the goal.
2. Molina's run dragged away the defenders.
This, evidently, impacted Alvarez's decision-making. He became focused on attacking the newly emerged space. But the direct opponent recovered in time (turning radius, principle of delay) to stop his advance. At which point, he should have probably released Molina - or De Paul.
Context:
The still image is a bit deceiving. It was the moment he took the heavy touch that the last defender dropped to defend his goal and Molina opened up his body.
That, however, shouldn't distract from the fact that he took up the space in longer strides.
The still image is a bit deceiving. It was the moment he took the heavy touch that the last defender dropped to defend his goal and Molina opened up his body.
That, however, shouldn't distract from the fact that he took up the space in longer strides.
As we know, what Alvarez ended up doing was forcing his way through, with the ball somehow coming back to him in two instances where the defending players tried to clear it. The action led to the goal. But if you're looking at that as the coaching staff, what would say to him?
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