Despite struggling to break down Bosnia & Herzegovina’s mid-block pressing, Italy were able to take the lead early in this game. Things turned after Alessandro Bastoni’s red card though, and Italy were left holding on for dear life against a barrage of crosses into the box. They eventually conceded the equalizer and went on to […]
A perfect start slowly unravelled for the Republic of Ireland as they allowed a two-goal lead in Prague to slip away. The Czech Republic were gifted an entrance back into the game and only grew from there, forcing extra-time and penalties. In the shootout, Ireland’s recent playoff history would be retold; hope inevitably dashed as […]
Sweden secured a commanding 3-1 victory at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, delivering a tactical clinic that dismantled Ukraine and moved Graham Potter’s side into the playoff final. In a high-stakes World Cup Qualifier, Sweden exhibited the clinical edge and defensive organization that Serhiy Rebrov’s men sorely lacked. Despite controlling possession for long periods, Ukraine […]
Italy had plenty of possession in the first half of this game against a 5-4-1 low block from Northern Ireland but struggled to create chances with their right-side attack and rotations. Eventually, Sandro Tonali’s half-volley from the edge of the box put them ahead though, and it was comfortable for the Italians after that, with […]
Rosario will feel hard done by after a performance that deserved more. Yet, this was ultimately decided by ruthlessness in front of goal. Rivadavia’s press didn’t shut down Rosario’s ability to play through the mid-block, but it delivered when it mattered—forcing the error that led to the decisive second goal. For all their control, Rosario […]
Álvaro Arbeloa ended Real Madrid’s winless streak against Atlético Madrid in La Liga. The recipe remained intact, in which Valverde and Vinicius Junior were the main ingredients. Arbeloa’s touches had become clear in the way Real Madrid operates. However, out-of-possession is still an area of concern. Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri. We decided […]
Pep Guardiola was able to find the right approach on both sides of the ball here, and Mikel Arteta was not able to find the right response. Without the ball, City’s zonal press used cover shadows to prevent Arsenal progression, and with the ball, their right-sided play with the likes of Bernardo Silva, Cherki, and […]
Liverpool lifting their level for continental clashes at Anfield is a tale as old as time. The Kop clamored for a comeback with home advantage in this second leg, and supporters saw a pitch perfect performance when almost everything fell into place, producing a night to be proud of. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich showcased incredible resilience to secure a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena. In a match defined by VAR drama and disciplinary collapses, the Bundesliga leaders managed to salvage a point despite playing the final minutes with only nine players. An early strike from Aleix García put the hosts ahead, […]
The Real Madrid vs. Manchester City games have always been unorthodox fixtures. This time was no different. Federico Valverde had taken Guardiola’s side aback and throned himself as the champion of the night at Bernabeu, banking a hat-trick in the first half. Defensive resilience, direct attacks, and transitions sealed the night for Los Blancos, whereas […]