The shoe was on the other foot during the Netherlands-Morocco match. The Moroccans played a Dutch game, whereas the Netherlands adopted Morocco’s playing style from the 2022 World Cup. Verbruggen’s brilliance, Cody Gakpo’s finishing, and Issa Diop’s late header sent the game to one of the craziest shootouts in this World Cup’s long history. Tactical analysis and […]
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan with a storyline worthy of an anime episode, featuring resilience, redemption and a last-minute goal. Japanese football was directly influenced by Brazil in the early stages of its rise, while the anime Captain Tsubasa became hugely popular in Brazil. Within this interesting relationship, the two nations had not […]
Ghana and Croatia advanced to the next round of the World Cup in a game in which both teams struggled against each other’s zonal blocks. Both national teams lacked the attacking firepower and tools to test each other from open play. Nevertheless, set pieces decided the outcome of the clash. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Thomas Tuchel went with a slightly different structure in this game for England, moving away from the wing-oriented 4-3-3 shape into a 3-1-6 structure in possession. A key part of this was a freer role for Jude Bellingham, who repaid Tuchel with a goal and an assist to ensure England’s first place finish in the […]
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 […]
Ecuador were fighting against the odds before kick-off, considering that they needed a win against the Group E toppers. Matters worsened when Leroy Sané provided Germany with an early lead. However, mental strength and tactical aggressiveness provided Ecuador with a solid platform to perform and return with an equalizer almost immediately. They eventually secured a […]
Brazil finally seems to have found itself. A convincing win over Scotland reaffirmed the team’s playing identity both in and out of possession, while securing first place in World Cup Group C. Against a Scottish side that only threatened through aerial play, Brazil relied on Vinícius Júnior’s individual brilliance, two assists from Bruno Guimarães and […]