Two ball masters met in this final, but both have often lacked the firepower to make the most of their control. Stalemate prevailed thanks to these qualities, but only one winner could emerge after this battle. The ending proved to be a groundbreaking conclusion to a predictable turn. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel […]
A new man might be at the helm for Spain, but this clash did not stray from the dynamics of its predecessors. The usual suspect grew more dominant as time elapsed to pin their opponents deep into their half of the field. But it was a fresher face on the roster that sealed the deal. […]
The Netherlands’ defensive system had issues throughout the game, especially against Croatia’s strong midfield unit. Ronald Koeman’s decision to experiment with a center-back moving into midfield had mixed results, and Croatia were deserved winners in the end. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Ronald Koeman’s return to the Netherlands national team started badly in […]
Giving up the high ground to their neighbors before the kickoff, Spain knew the imperative laid with them to force the issue. Still struggling to make the most of their dominance of the ball and the territory throughout the match, their growing enterprise paved the way to a dramatic finale. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Despite a close first half, it was the Dutch who came out on top at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Belgium’s defense became increasingly stretched in the second half, while their forwards struggled to find space past a well-organized Netherlands outfit. As a result, the Dutch advance to the Nations League finals to be held next […]
In a dress rehearsal for matchday two in Group D at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Denmark and France clashed to settle matters in a different international competition. The impressive 2-0 scoreline wasn’t enough to send Denmark to the Nations League finals, but it will give them great confidence ahead of the main event in […]
England benefited in this game from an opponent that offered them more space to attack into, although that did not stop Germany from outplaying their midfield in the first half. In a chaotic second half, Gareth Southgate’s side were eventually able to rescue a result after going 2-0 down, but plenty of questions still remain […]
Few can rival Spain’s strength at retaining the ball, but this clash demonstrates why this trait alone has not assured success. Control counts for little if one lacks efficiency in the boxes. These fragilities made an untimely return, complicating the hosts’ route to the Nations League final. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. […]
Gareth Southgate once again tried to manage risk with a back three focused on stability. However, a lack of solutions when it came to ball progression meant that England struggled to threaten the Italian defense as the home side ran out 1-0 winners in a cagey affair. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. England […]
The final international break before the World Cup will see European sides finish the group stage of their Nations League campaigns. Of course, the rewards within the competition are at stake, but in a wider context, teams and players that are set to travel to Qatar in November will be quite keen to take this […]