Algeria couldn’t cope with the physicality of the Argentine midfield while trying to break down their mid-block. On the other end of the pitch, Argentina used the spaces between the lines and in transition phases to punish their opponent. Messi’s masterclass in the final third was the cutting edge in this game alongside Argentina’s fierce […]

Eight minutes in, Spain looked well on their way to slide into the last four of EURO 2020. But dominance of the ball and territory alone does not win games. A familiar lack of penetration around the Swiss box and the fierceness of their opponents kept the door ajar for two hours of action, another […]

An unpredictable EURO 2020 needed a truly unpredictable moment to make its mark. It arrived last night, and the football world stood stunned. The variance of international tournaments makes upsets very likely, but few predicted that it would be France who fell victim to fate. And few would have predicted it should come in such […]

Italy made it back-to-back impressive showings as they handily dealt with Switzerland. The Italians were not fazed by the Swiss pressure, regularly cutting through. Their numbers in the attacking third were tough to deal with, both centrally and on the flanks, while clinical play, led by a Locatelli brace, ensured they cruised to victory. Tactical […]

Vladimir Petković’s Switzerland were full of tactical intrigue in this surprisingly energetic first semi-final of the UEFA Nations League. Switzerland’s plan in midfield enabled them to intricately pick holes in Portugal’s shape, which resulted in them generating countless great attacking moments. Most of them fizzled out into nothing, however, giving Ronaldo the chance to take […]

Switzerland dominated the majority of the game, grabbing a three goal lead in the process. They looked very solid in a conservative style of play which allowed them to bypass Denmark’s pressure. But things took a turn in the final stages of the game. Denmark pushed forward in hope of a consolation, and Switzerland started […]

Roberto Martínez used the half-time break to make adjustments that not only addressed Switzerland’s attacking threat, but gave Belgium the upper hand going forward. Commanding Thomas Meunier to push further forward and instructing Romelu Lukaku to play wider put Switzerland’s attacking plans into disarray. The UEFA Nations League has thrown up a number of exciting […]