Portugal reached the World Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, yet the scoreline did little to hide the structural issues that have followed Roberto Martínez’s side throughout the tournament. Croatia controlled long stretches after halftime and were only denied by a combination of Portuguese efficiency, late tactical corrections, and the narrowest of […]
Ghana and Croatia advanced to the next round of the World Cup in a game in which both teams struggled against each other’s zonal blocks. Both national teams lacked the attacking firepower and tools to test each other from open play. Nevertheless, set pieces decided the outcome of the clash. Tactical analysis and match report […]
After a first half in which England were decent, but not overly impressive, Thomas Tuchel’s adjustments helped spur a strong second half, where their defensive intensity and their usual 4-3-3 attacking system helped earn them a win over Croatia in their World Cup opener. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. We decided to make […]
The Italians advance to the knockouts, but not in style. Italy crushed an unproductive Croatia in the last seconds, but behind the elation, the cracks are staring back. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make all of our EURO 2024 articles free to read. If you want to support […]
An identity should not slow success but only act as a platform from which further achievement can arise. Spain showed that the tools exist to enable this development. Though their standard style put a pinch on the Croatians for only a section of this showing, demise did not follow. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
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 […]
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 […]
Croatia achieved a memorable victory over Morocco and secured the bronze medal in the process. The repeat of the goalless Group F draw was a tense affair, with both teams having their moments, but Croatia once again held their nerves courtesy of some stringent defending in the second half. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Croatia’s midfield is their biggest strength, and they had their fair share of possession here while struggling to threaten in forward areas. Argentina were happy to let this happen, knowing that they were sharper in attack. Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez were the stars of this match, sharing three goals between them as Argentina eased […]
Breaking into the samba dance had built the perfect tournament momentum for Brazil, but how momentum can be killed by the Croatians. Tite adjusted but had no solution against a midfield that rhymes and restricts so comfortably. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. On knockout soil, the war of attrition can become […]