Sweden Czech Republic 1-0 World Cup Qualifying

Sweden – Czech Republic: Sweden Win Late In Game Of Attrition (1-0)

Sweden showed some interesting aspects in their compact 4-4-2 shape in the first half but were unable to break through against Czech Republic. The away side were somewhat awkward in their 3-4-2-1 system but managed to make things difficult enough for Sweden. After a poor second half which drifted by without much happening, Sweden finally unlocked the Czech defense in extra time with some neat combination play which allowed Robin Quaison to net the winner. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Sweden were missing Zlatan Ibrahimović for this crucial World Cup Qualifying match in front of a home crowd. They were still able to call on good attacking talent to start this game though, as Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak started up front in their 4-4-2 shape. The midfield featured Emil Forsberg and Viktor Claesson in the wide positions either side of Albin Ekdal and Kristoffer Olsen. Meanwhile their back four consisted of Marcus Danielson, Joakim Nilsson, Victor Lindelöf and Martin Olsson.

Czech Republic were also missing a key attacker in Patrik Schick who demonstrated at least year’s EUROs how important he is for the Czechs going forward. They instead had to call on Jan Kuchta up front in their 3-4-2-1 shape, supported by the duo of Adam Hložek and Antonín Barák. Lukáš Masopust and Jakub Jankto were deployed as wing-backs, while Tomáš Souček and Michal Sadílek were the central midfielders. The back three then consisted of David Zima, Jakub Brabec, and Tomáš Holeš, as the Czechs were without . . .

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Josh Manley (21) is a student and aspiring coach. Heavily interested in tactics and strategy in football. Watching teams from all top European leagues, but especially Manchester United and Barcelona. [ View all posts ]

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