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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
The two most successful nations of this decade in international football met to fight for the right to call themselves world champions. But only one outfit ever looked like taking the game to their opposition, and the toil from their dominant display was rewarded by a much-maligned figure. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel […]
Though this World Cup concludes with its top teams in contention for the crown, football frequently has a way of deviating from the script. On a day destined for French celebration, a well-drilled opposing outfit orchestrated a disappointing denouement for the head coach. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. We decided to make […]
The final ride for Belgium’s golden generation has been ridden. Spain marches on into the semi-finals. A late winner was required, but the story of the game was the effectiveness of the Spanish buildup, which dominated in the middle third but could not consistently find the formula in the final actions. Tactical analysis and match report […]
The last meeting of these Iberian nations marked the only major blot on the record of Spain’s head coach in his three-year tenure. La Roja might not have stoked the fires of their fans with a pulsating performance on this occasion, but they managed to avenge that blow on the biggest international stage with a […]
Spain have signaled that their tournament might only go as far as their 18-year-old sensation can take the team, and their next opponents were ready to put that theory to the test. But the reigning European champions claimed a commanding triumph even without a virtuoso display from their top forward as other tools took apart […]
Uruguay charged one of the world’s most impactful coaches with the task of taking the nation back to greater heights on the international circuit, but their plans have imploded. Another big blunder gave one of the World Cup’s top teams the advantage in a crucial clash, and an explosive ending to the encounter befittingly brought […]
On a day of draws, one stalemate stood out above all others. One of the favourites for the World Cup title were expected to ease to three points despite several personnel problems, and they produced a dominant display on paper. But by full time, they had evoked memories of painful performances from the past, while […]