France hadn’t won the 3rd group game of a major tournament since the 2006 World Cup, but usually, they’re the nation resting players at that point. Instead, it would be Norway who brought out the B-team as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard were given a reprieve ahead of the Round of 32. France unsurprisingly came […]
Belgium entered the final group stage game in critical condition. By the end of it, they restored faith in their World Cup campaign through more accessible underlaps, a balance between the double pivot and output from the old guard to see them finish at the summit of Group G. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
Japan and Sweden played out a draw that suited both sides in Group F. The Samurai Blue secured qualification for the Round of 16 by finishing second, while Sweden’s four points are enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams. On the pitch, both sides struggled to look beyond what was necessary. Tactical […]
With qualification hanging delicately in the balance, Paraguay and Australia produced a goalless draw that suited both sides more than an all-out pursuit of victory. The contest was defined by disciplined defensive structures, measured possession and a noticeable reluctance to overcommit, as neither team wanted to jeopardise its path to the knockout rounds. While Australia […]