After a painfully long wait in the shadows, Zinedine Zidane finally took over from Didier Deschamps as France’s head coach. The new era promised change and for some of the more stale ideas to be renewed. That didn’t quite work out as planned, as Türkiye frustrated a France side that never quite threatened to find […]
As Mika Godts broke through on his inauguration to the Belgian national team, Roberto Mancini cut a lonely figure as Italy looks a long way from breaking out of their troubles. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Humiliation in Bosnia saw an inquest like no other. Gattuso axed, Pep discussed, Maldini the technical […]
With the world at the feet of their teenage sensation, Spain were setting their sights on dynastic dominance through a triumph in this all-Iberian affair. But it was not to be. Portugal pitched in across two hours of football to fight for the trophy and took the bragging rights back home. Tactical analysis and match […]
While Rodri sits on the sidelines, Spain and France fought in a battle that brought together two candidates for the Ballon d’Or. Indeed, the ninety minutes would be a feast for the eyes with a series of special offensive plays in and around both boxes. But the champions came through. Tactical analysis and match report […]
In what was a competitive but cagey first half, the match sparked into life after the break with Florian Wirtz breaking the deadlock for Germany. Portugal responded swiftly, as Francisco Conceição produced a brilliant solo effort to equalize. Just minutes later, a slick combination move saw Cristiano Ronaldo finish off a flowing team sequence to […]
Germany dominated the first half of this game with their aggressive pressing and their ability to exploit the space between Italy’s defense and midfield, earning them a three-goal lead at half-time. A tighter Italian press in the second half saw them come back into the game, but the deficit was insurmountable in the end. Tactical […]
Spain suffered in the first leg and saw that their struggles were no coincidence in front of their home fans. Even though the balance of play tilted their way in this fixture, there was nothing to split the sides after 210 minutes, relying on the precarity of a penalty shootout to find a victor. Tactical […]
Spain still are the side to beat in Europe. However, the first leg of a Nations League clash came close to demonstrating their mortality. Ronald Koeman cobbled together a prudent plan to catch the favorites on a poor day, putting the tie in the balance ahead of a trip to the Mestalla. Tactical analysis and […]
Italy enjoyed a good start with Sandro Tonali’s early goal, and defended diligently in their 5-3-2 shape in the first half. Julian Nagelsmann’s half-time changes made an impact though, and Germany eventually prevailed, aided by an energetic pressing game to limit Italy’s attacking threat. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. We decided to make […]
In a time when the international break may feel like an inconvenience, Spain smile favorably on the Nations League. The tournament took the camp on the trajectory to glory in the summer and the squad still fight to retain the first piece of silverware for Luis de la Fuente in his post. Thanks to a […]