The two favorites in Group B of the Euro 2024 qualifiers faced off in a key match past the midway stage of their campaign. The Netherlands had to win to be sure of holding on to second place in the group, but France had other ideas as they took the chance to seal their spot […]
Ireland needed to win against the Netherlands to be in with a hope of qualifying for the Euros next summer. They came out with an aggressive press that unsettled the Dutch side, but were too slow to adapt to Ronald Koeman’s changes in the second half. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland. In […]
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 […]
Defeated World Cup finalists France were back in action were in action for the first time since that fateful night in Lusail, as they kicked off their Euro 2024 qualification campaign. They faced the Netherlands, for whom Ronald Koeman was back in the dugout for a second stint. It did not prove to be a […]
Though Sergio Agüero grabbed his first goal for Barcelona in the dying moments of the match, it would not prove to be enough to get Barcelona the win, as goals from David Alaba and Lucas Vázquez and a staunch Real Madrid defense earned Carlo Ancelotti’s side the three points in El Clásico. Tactical analysis and […]
Though Valencia took the lead early through a Jose Gayá wonder-strike, it was Barcelona’s Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay who stole the show as the two each grabbed a goal as Barcelona completed the comeback over José Bordalás’ side. Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie Tuley. Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona came into the match against […]
Whilst Barcelona may have dominated possession throughout the match, they struggled to create meaningful chances or even test Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Their offense was one-dimensional, making it very easy for Diego Simeone’s men to shut them down in the final third and then capitalize through counterattacks. Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie […]
At times in the first half, it looked like Bayern were intentionally keeping the game slow as they waited for Barcelona to react. Instead, they found an opponent uninterested in attacking and ineffective in defending, as Ronald Koeman’s side crumbled in view of the manager’s misguided conservatism. Tactical analysis and match report by Manasvin Andra. […]
A confident first step on the path to life after Lionel Messi gave Barcelona hope of quickly finding their feet in his absence. But Athletic Club refused to bow to the Catalans without a fight. Stifling the away team with their 4-4-2 diamond high pressing scheme, they emerged the better of the two outfits in […]
How do you replace a talisman at such short notice? This question has stumped many, but Ronald Koeman took one small step to surmounting the loss of the greatest of them all. As the collective took on the work of the individual, Barcelona put on a display to suggest there can be life after Lionel […]