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BBC South American football expert Tim Vickery has often told Off The Ball that Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella closes his eyes and hopes for the best when the Albiceleste have to defend.
Yet last night he decided to start with a 5-3-2 (or 3-5-2) instead of the 4-3-3 which had served them well in qualifying.
That was construed as a mark of respect towards Bosnia but it is often argued that playing three at the back against a side playing a lone front man is often redundant - especially when a ball-playing defender is absent among the trio.
That was the case with Argentina as neither Federico Fernandez, Ezequiel Garay or Hugo Campagnaro stepped out to build attacks.
Indeed, if Sabella wanted to play three at the back, he could have fielded Javier Mascherano at the back as he would be more comfortable stepping out.
The absence of striker Gonzalo Higuain was also significant as it removed a willing runner for Lionel Messi who could drag defenders away.
So, in that first 45 minutes the lethargic looking Messi was isolated with just Sergio Aguero to truly dovetail with.
But by changing formation back to 4-3-3 and bringing in Higuain and midfield Fernando Gago, Sabella swung the balance of the team in a much more attacking direction and these Squawka graphics show just how involved Messi was in the second half compared to the first, with his successful dribbles coming closer to the goal:
Messi also made far fewer passes in the first half with an accuracy rate of just 70 per cent. That went above the 90 per cent mark during the second half as he found more space and players to combine with.
However Gago's introduction also freed up Angel Di Maria, who is a fundamental part of that 4-3-3.
He was noticeably more lively in the second half with a more natural central midfielder like Gago rather than Maxi Rodriguez.
The Real Madrid man attempted four crosses in the second 45 compared to a measly one during the first, as Gago's introduction allowed him to drift wider and stretch the play.
Of course the change in tack made the game more end to end - and Argentina more vulnerable. But they are likely to use that more kamikaze style against the lesser threats of Nigeria and Iran.
