Joachim Löw surprised with a new system that outplayed the World Champions in their own stadium. After an early lead for Germany, Didier Deschamps’ adjustments brought France back in the game and, with some fortune, France managed to win the game. Despite the defeat, however, there are finally reasons to be optimistic about Germany. Stepping […]
England’s forwards put Spain’s defense to the sword in the first half, giving England a three-goal lead. After the break, England stood strong against Spain’s attack for the most part, although they may have been slightly fortunate to hold their lead. Luis Enrique could barely have hoped for a better start as Spain manager. He […]
Russia continued their excellent post-World Cup run thanks to some tremendous motivation, physical intensity and focus. Also key, the inspiration of their attackers: Golovin, Dzyuba and Cheryshev. Turkey, on the other hand, struggled to ‘click’ and display a well-defined offensive plan. The Russia of Stanislav Cherchesov has a relatively simple game plan. But it is […]
Poland tested Italy’s build-up with an interesting starting formation, determined to block off access to the center. Italy soon found a way around this, upon which Poland responded with an efficient formation change. This evened out the game but wasn’t enough to prevent Italy from snatching victory with an injury time winner. With Portugal leading […]
Germany were the better team for large spells in this match. The fact they conceded from a set piece and again failed to convert their chances meant the Netherlands got a relatively easy 3-0 win. Why Joachim Löw will have to go back to the drawing board once more. Germany and the Netherlands are both […]
Roberto Martínez used the half-time break to make adjustments that not only addressed Switzerland’s attacking threat, but gave Belgium the upper hand going forward. Commanding Thomas Meunier to push further forward and instructing Romelu Lukaku to play wider put Switzerland’s attacking plans into disarray. The UEFA Nations League has thrown up a number of exciting […]
Playing behind closed doors – if you exclude the couple of dozen England fans that camped out on the hill behind the small arena – added to the slow and lifeless pace of Croatia’s possession. England made the extra man they created in the back count as they gradually dominated the match and used their […]