The clash of two methodical setups on a mild afternoon in Copenhagen gave the impression that Spain’s match with Croatia would be a terse affair. But, the contest could not have gone any more differently. In a matchup of needless excitement, blunders from the back and suspect game management gave way to one of the […]
Monopolization of the ball, field territory, but missed chances aplenty. For a moment, it looked as if Spain would repeat the mistakes from their two first games. This time, they took their chances better, just when they needed it the most. Stealing a march on their visitors thanks to a twist of fate, Spain cantered […]
After a goalless draw with Sweden, Spain hoped to find the last piece to the jigsaw puzzle against Poland. But the guests had several tricks to call on, and Spain’s finishing worries persisted. Both teams ended up battling to a result that only heightens the stakes of the final round of group games. Tactical analysis […]
Spain’s matchup with Sweden pitted two sides on either end of the tactical specturm. Spain notoriously thrives on the ball, while Sweden is renownedly resolute without it. In a ninety minute drill of attack versus defense, only one team looked likely to score for the most part. But in the end neither outfit could muster […]
On and off the pitch, Luis Enrique has tried to mold a systematic outfit in his tenure as Spain manager. Retaining the core of the style of years past, but still able to stand out from the crowd of his predecessors. This preview explores how this development has taken place and where the identity he […]
Two sides amid transformative phases locked horns here. Germany had no buildup answers to the Spanish man-marking press thus their attacking threat vanished as soon as their direct play was stifled. In contrast, Spain got behind the German midfield line constantly with Álvaro Morata being vital between the lines. A hattrick from the dynamic Ferran […]
With the teams lining up in systems which saw them matched up man for man when pressing, much of the first half revolved around who could get the upper hand against the man-marking of the opponent. Spain grew into the game well in this respect but were punished by Germany for not capitalising as Timo […]
Once Sweden settled into a comfortable shape, Spain struggled to break the hosts down. Predictability in attack, coupled with lingering issues in defensive transition, plagued Spain throughout the evening, as the visitors were lucky to escape with a point against a resolute Swedish side. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. Heading into Tuesday […]
After being played off the pitch in the first half, Norway found more success after the break, using a man-oriented high press. Since Spain were ineffective in front of the goal the whole match, Norway were close to stealing some undeserved points, something Spain have only themselves to blame for. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Zlatko Dalić’s flat 4-5-1-0 shape perfectly managed to frustrate Spain’s 4-3-3 formation. The match changed when the visitors transitioned into a back-three, as Luis Enrique’s tweaks helped Spain to create numerous big chances. They might well have taken all three points, if it weren’t for a dramatic late winner by Croatia. Tactical analysis and match […]