After their shock success against Italy in one of the European playoff semifinals, North Macedonia had yet another massive hurdle to overcome if they were to realize their World Cup dream. Though North Macedonia put up a brave resistance initially, the hosts were able to comfortably prevail in the end. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Wales captain Gareth Bale was the undoubted hero of the night in Cardiff, as he scored two superb goals to take his side through to the World Cup qualification playoff final. Wales are now just one game away from making it to their first World Cup since 1958, and whilst Austria had their moments in […]
The odds mandated the Italians make their way into the playoff final, but the fates had more pain in store for the European champions. A lack of incision in the final third paved the way to a stunning climax that barred the revival of the Azzurri from reaching its natural endpoint. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
International breaks are typically relatively quiet periods in the footballing world, but there was no rest this time around as the last few spots for the 2022 World Cup were up for grabs. In Europe, one of the playoff semifinals saw Portugal face Turkey, with the winner set to meet either Italy or North Macedonia […]
Sweden showed some interesting aspects in their compact 4-4-2 shape in the first half but were unable to break through against Czech Republic. The away side were somewhat awkward in their 3-4-2-1 system but managed to make things difficult enough for Sweden. After a poor second half which drifted by without much happening, Sweden finally […]
Pep Guardiola was deeply aware of Southampton’s threat ahead of kickoff, foreshadowing a tense clash. Manchester City’s class might have pulled them clear of the home team at the final reckoning, but they did not book their spot in the last four of the FA Cup without a fight. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Though Real Madrid entered the match as favorites, they were completely played off the field by Barcelona. It was a tactical masterclass from Xavi – and a disasterclass from Carlo Ancelotti – as the Barcelona manager easily broke down an incredibly sloppy and lethargic Real Madrid. Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie Tuley. […]
Amidst the most tangible of ownership-related fiascos so far, Chelsea produced a contrastingly professional first-half performance to shrug off Chris Wilder’s spirited Middlesbrough side and reach a fifth FA Cup semi-final in six seasons. Tactical analysis and match report by Charles Orchard. The ambiguity of this current Chelsea side – which likewise speaks for much […]
In a crucial fixture for European places, Tottenham Hotspur conspired in their new craft, as they comfortably beat a scattered West Ham United. Connections through the lines were pivotal in playing through the visitors, before a classic partnership provided the finishing touches. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. London matchups aren’t always feisty, but […]
The defending French champions visited the side that had only avoided relegation last season by virtue of winning the play-off. A lot was at stake in this clash as the two sides were separated by just one point going into the match. Being sixth and eighth in the table, a win for either team had […]