Zabaleta, a former Argentine international and member of the FIFA Technical Study Group, was interviewed by FIFA.com.

Reporter: As a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group, what are the most significant tactical trends you have observed so far in this FIFA World Cup?

Zabaleta: On the defensive end, many teams choose to set up a compact, deep defensive block with three tight lines, leaving no space for opponents to advance. Many teams rely on deep retreating to solidify their defense, and very few teams maintain high-intensity pressing. Spain is an exception; high pressing is central to their tactical system.

Spain controls the game through their positioning, immediately counter-pressing upon losing possession. The US team presses very aggressively, always trying to win back the ball in the opponent's half; Canada, Ecuador, and France also prefer high pressing.

Reporter: England, and even Argentina, also frequently switch to a low block during matches, right?

Zabaleta: That's right, England often dropped their defensive line against Norway; Argentina's defensive line also clearly retreated in the second half against Switzerland.

Reporter: The Technical Study Group noted that Argentina prefers to build attacks through the middle rather than the flanks. What's the reason behind this?

Zabaleta: The main reason is that Argentina doesn't have traditional wide attacking players. The team's four midfielders—Leandro Paredes, Rodrygo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo—are all more adept at short-range passing and link-up play in central areas, rather than staying wide to receive the ball and attempting one-on-one dribbles. This isn't their playing style.

As a result, Argentina's attacks are largely concentrated in the middle, with many consecutive passes. Sometimes, the possession period is too long, which can actually weaken the attacking impetus and make it difficult to create high-quality scoring chances. Argentina's two most threatening attacking methods are: first, winning the ball back and finding Messi in space, allowing him to turn and face the defense; and second, long passes to Julián Álvarez, who frequently makes runs behind the opponent's defense to create danger.

Reporter: You are Argentinian and have a deep understanding of English football. Do you think the passion for football in both countries is similar?

Zabaleta: Absolutely, it's exactly the same. Football holds a unique significance in England. Anyone who has played in the Premier League understands what football means to the English. Fans look forward to going to the stadium every weekend, following their team home and away; the stadiums are always packed, and fans cheer on their team with all their might.

Their fanaticism is identical to Argentina's. Our lives are also inseparable from football. Every FIFA World Cup, the country is filled with blue and white jerseys. My colleagues often remark that Argentine jerseys are everywhere on the streets, and everyone supports the national team wholeheartedly. The passion for football among fans in both countries is equally strong.

Reporter: What are your thoughts on this semi-final match?

Zabaleta: Two teams that consistently reach the semi-finals of major tournaments and have a long history of rivalry in the FIFA World Cup are meeting, both boasting top-class players. The intensity of this match is sure to be at its peak.

Reporter: Do Argentine players need to adjust their playing style when they join the Premier League?

Zabaleta: The intensity of the Premier League forces players to adapt. The league's pace is extremely fast, and physical confrontation is fierce. To succeed, players must maintain peak physical condition, and with the dense schedule, the demands on stamina are very high. In recent years, a large number of Argentine players have joined English clubs. Nowadays, Argentine players are known for their abundant running, fighting spirit, and competitive resilience, combined with refined technique and mature tactical understanding, making them perfectly suited for the Premier League.

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