Portugal edged out Norway in their UEFA Nations League Round 2 game. An early first half goal from Joao Felix was cancelled out by Erling Haaland in the second half. However, a quick reply from Portugal via Goncalo Ramos after a mistake from Nyland, put the Portuguese ahead as they held out for a 2-1 […]
Two old rivals would meet at the start of new eras. Mark Van Bommel’s Belgium would play host to Zinédine Zidane’s France. Like in their playing careers, where they briefly met during their respective times at Barcelona and Real Madrid, there was a clear clash of styles on display: the speed and directness of Belgium […]
The Netherlands earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Serbia in their UEFA Nations League fixture at a hostile Stadium Rajko Mitić in Belgrade. Xavi Hernández’s side established initial dominance before finding themselves pegged back early in the second half. However, a clinically converted first-half penalty followed by a sharp second-half finish from striker Mexx Meerdink […]
Thomas Tuchel’s side went behind early on but were able to turn the scoreline around thanks to a high pressing approach. In the second half though, Spain showed their quality on the ball, to break down England’s defense, as well as pouncing on England’s errors against the Spanish high press. Tactical analysis and match report […]
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 […]