The Bulgarian resistance seemed a worthy match for England’s slower approach, which looked to gradually chip away at them. We might even have had a tighter finish on our hands, irrespective of the result, had it not been for the visitors laying it all out on a plate for the hosts. Tactical analysis and match […]

France had the majority of possession, yet ended the game without a shot on target. This was the result of a weak possession game which Turkey’s disciplined defense found easy to repel. As well as not being able to break Turkey down, France were punished at the other end from a set piece and defensive […]

Switzerland dominated the majority of the game, grabbing a three goal lead in the process. They looked very solid in a conservative style of play which allowed them to bypass Denmark’s pressure. But things took a turn in the final stages of the game. Denmark pushed forward in hope of a consolation, and Switzerland started […]

In a very one-sided affair, France completely dominated the game and produced a brilliant performance to beat Iceland 4-0 in Stade de France. Iceland parked the bus and managed to keep a one-goal margin until the late stages, but France was never really threatened here and completely outclassed their opponents. Having not impressed in possession […]

After being played off the pitch in the first half, Norway found more success after the break, using a man-oriented high press. Since Spain were ineffective in front of the goal the whole match, Norway were close to stealing some undeserved points, something Spain have only themselves to blame for. Tactical analysis and match report […]

Gareth Southgate’s England continued their good form with an impressive victory at Wembley Stadium to kick start their qualifying campaign for the European Championships. Dominance in possession, impressive runs from wingers and fast breaks forward would break down an inferior but well-organised Czech Republic – for a good hour at least. Tactical analysis and match […]

Group I’s first set of matches pitted two of last year’s big-story-nations – Belgium and Russia – against each other. In an affair that saw Belgium rule over Russia with their individual quality, Roberto Martínez’s tactical tweaks partly helped his side escape a troubling start. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter M. As both […]