Luis Enrique proudly paraded his tournament record in the prelude to the World Cup. He might want to think twice about such action now, tripping at the same hurdle as Spain did in 2018. In a contest where one outfit was willing and able to suffer in a low block, and the other was neither […]
On the back foot, a goal behind, and suffering in a low block, Japan had given up their spot in the knockout stages. But their manager’s masterful, befitting the tradition of his nation, pulled through in the second half to produce one of the most dramatic nights to grace the World Cup. Tactical analysis and […]
If adversity is the measure of character, the Germans had to live up to their reputation in this contest. They did. In a high-caliber clash, the suffering at the hands of the Spanish broke but did not kill their spirit. And with some help from the bench, they secured a desirable outcome. Tactical analysis and […]
Trials and tribulations continue to torment the Germans at tournaments. The spanner in the works of an opening matchday defeat at a third major competition in a row has placed the country at risk of an abrupt exit at the group stage phase. This preview explores how history has repeated itself and why so many […]
Spain’s style is one of the most discernible in international football. If you let them carry out their standard patterns, they can wear you down. But Costa Rica resigned themselves to defeat from the off, allowing La Roja to show off why they will be eyeing up another lengthy cup run. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Last four of EURO 2020, finalists at the 2021 Nations League, another Nations League semifinal beckons in the summer of next year. Luis Enrique has revitalized Spain as a beacon of stability. Yet, in the making of that consistency are flaws that have capped their ceiling too. This preview sharpens the lens on one big […]
Giving up the high ground to their neighbors before the kickoff, Spain knew the imperative laid with them to force the issue. Still struggling to make the most of their dominance of the ball and the territory throughout the match, their growing enterprise paved the way to a dramatic finale. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Few can rival Spain’s strength at retaining the ball, but this clash demonstrates why this trait alone has not assured success. Control counts for little if one lacks efficiency in the boxes. These fragilities made an untimely return, complicating the hosts’ route to the Nations League final. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. […]
This Nations League fixture gave both countries a prospect of turning around the fortunes of their campaign. The Swiss gambled on a familiar chink in the Spanish armor to hold onto their stake in this duel, but their improvement after the break could not make up for a fatal deficit. Tactical analysis and match report […]
How do you crack a disciplined, determined 4-4-2 block? In the ultimate form of attack versus defense, Sweden forced Spain to grapple with this task once more. What followed was a low scoring but intriguing affair between two of the most organized outfits on the national circuit, setting the stage for a divisive figure to […]