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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]