They say that pressure bursts pipes or make diamonds… and Croatia came away from this battle with some belief that jewels might be forged out of the next generation of their players. Spain stole all three points, but the hosts produced a performance that contrasted with a dismal defeat only days prior, forcing the favorites […]
By the final whistle, a ten-man Portugal saw off Norway 2-1 in their UEFA Nations League game at the Estadio Dragao. A stunning first half goal from Kristoffer Ajer was cancelled out by an equally stunning strike from Joao Cancelo and a late goal from Goncalo Ramos gave Jorge Jesus and Portugal the victory on […]
The last game of France in the international break saw Zidane’s side struggle to unlock the sternest Belgian low block. Van Bommel’s side exploited France’s central and behind-the-backline gaps to open the score and exacerbate the situation for the French national team. After substitutions, Zidane’s side kicked into full gear to turn the game into […]
After a surprising 1-0 victory over Germany a week prior, Greece were set to host the 2014 World Cup winners. In a crucial match in Group B, this was an interesting fixture to keep an eye on in case Greece caused another upset. The match was yet again a marginal affair. Although both teams had […]
England put on a show as they dominated a Croatia side lacking in intensity. Thomas Tuchel’s side gained control through their high pressing game, while their possession scheme tore through Croatia’s passive man-oriented defensive setup. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. After an entertaining opening matchday defeat at home to Spain, England got points […]
Not many games can be defined by the different acts opposing center-backs can partake in. Jérémy Jacquet dominated whenever he had to defend in front of him, whilst France only found spaces in the second half when Alessandro Bastoni defended in wider spots. A piece of free-kick magic got them in front, only for the Italian to […]
The build-up to this game would be dominated by one individual, while the result would be an ode to teamwork. The future looks bright for Portugal if only they have the guts to grab it, as they demonstrated by claiming victory against a Denmark side, who were determined not to let the result slip away. […]
A red card for the home side midway through the first half gave England a much simpler task here. Thomas Tuchel’s side pressed high and deployed a renewed 3-1-6 structure in possession. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane eventually bagged the crucial goals. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. England took part in an entertaining […]
As Rodri raised aloft the World Cup trophy in the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Spain showed their desire to stay at the mountaintop. A historic unbeaten run extended further with an emphatic victory in front of their fans to assert themselves in their bid for the Nations League title. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. […]
Italy finally found their rhythm. With fluid rotations, sharp combinations and constant movement between the lines, the Azzurri overwhelmed Turkey from the opening whistle, producing their most convincing performance of the campaign as short passing and positional interchanges drove a commanding victory. Tactical analysis and match report by Mustafa Hassan. Roberto Mancini’s Italy lined up in a […]