England enter EURO 2020 with the weight of expectation behind them once again, as they boast one of the most talented attacks at the tournament. However, much of their success hinges on whether Gareth Southgate will be able to find the right tactical balance. Written by Josh Manley. England’s semi-final exit in the 2018 World […]
Roberto Mancini, tasked with rebuilding the Azzurri after their disastrous World Cup qualification failure, leads his men to challenge for the European crown. In contrast to the usual ways of an Italian side, they will look to harness the midfield and creative attacking talents at their disposal via a measured, possession-based approach. This may need […]
For the past decade, success has been an expectation for Belgium, as their greatest set of players assembled at the same time. Having suffered just one defeat in three years, Roberto Martínez must prop up an ageing defense to be the launchpad for an attack that is well into its peak. Written by Joel Parker. […]
Despite rolling out a ballsy 3-4-3 diamond formation without an actual defensive midfielder, Guardiola’s Manchester City creating next to nothing in the Champions League final. Chelsea defended like they always do under Tuchel: well-organized and disciplined, as direct balls into Werner were a good way to create chances on the counterattack. By virtue of a […]
Ninety minutes stood between Atlético Madrid and the league title. In classic Atlético style, the game took a rocky turn, as Valladolid’s deep defensive block took the sting out of their guests. But the away side held their nerve, turning around the game’s dynamic to wrap up domestic glory. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Bayern Munich knew they would need to pull off a ‘mini upset’ to defend their crown. But coming into this game off the back of a thrilling first leg, the tie was still on a knife’s edge, capable of going any which way. In truth, it did as the giants produced another enthralling spectacle, both […]
Ajax had nearly 65% possession and limited Lille to only three shots in the entire match. As one of those shots resulted in a goal, Lille seemed to sneak away with the win, despite an average performance. A little help from the referee put Ajax on track to equalize and even snatch the win in […]
Real Sociedad have one of the best defenses in LaLiga, but their pressing and high defensive line was blown away by the speed of Manchester United’s counterattack. United dominated the first half hour with an unexpectedly well-executed pressing trap game plan. After their first goal, they stepped back, defended deeper, and picked off la Real […]
Barcelona took the lead through a Lionel Messi penalty, but were punished for an unstable man-oriented defensive scheme, with the first two goals conceded through wide spaces created by defensive weakness between fullback and winger. Mbappé menaced throughout and was able to complete his hattrick late in the game on the counterattack after Kean’s contribution […]
City started very strongly in the match with a good use of width with the ball and solid counterpressing against Liverpool’s transitions. Eventually Liverpool started to take more of the ball and City were content to control the spaces behind their defense. Guardiola’s pressing tweak at half-time preceded City taking the lead through İlkay Gündoğan. […]