Here are all the articles I wrote during the 2014 World Cup
- Louis van Gaal has been hailed for his brave decision to switch goalkeepers for the penalty shoo-out that resulted in the Dutch advancing to the Word Cup semi final. As calculated as the Dutch are, they still need to to be efficient and perform against Argentina. As of today, Costa Rica has been the Netherlands' greatest challenge as the Central American side are well organized and look to exploit the opposition's weaknesses.Costa Rica's approach.Coach Jorge Luis Pinto is a student of the game. After earning a top spot in a difficult group with Uruguay, Italy and England, it was clear that it would take more than talent to break through an organized and efficient Costa Rica side. Pinto's pragmatic approach along with its counter-attacking power has turned Costa Rican into one of the best of the World. The main question was whether they could deal with the Dutch's attacking power as well as their ability to exploit their weaknesses.Costa Rica's back 5 were outstanding in denying any space. Robben's ability to speed through the opposition was diminished in most cases, but he often had to pass and move off the ball and Costa Rica was deep and forcing play through the middle. Costa Rica's wing backs dealt with wide play by pressing from the front, the middle and sometimes from behind. This worked very well as the deep runs by Blind and Kuyt were not as dangerous as they were during the Mexico game. While the Dutch did look to attack the opposition, they did so without losing balance. Costa Rica looked to play on the break by exploiting spaces left by Blind and Kuyt. Unfortunately, it wasn't so effective.Netherlands are forced to be proactive.Due to Costa Rica's approach to the game, the Dutch had no choice but to attack. (or at least hold on to the ball more than usual). They did so patiently and intelligently. De Jong's absence resulted in Depay playing wide on the left; Sneijder moved to a deep-lying play maker role in what looked like a 5-2-3. Sneijder often moved into deeper roles unmarked but had difficulties in creating clear goal scoring opportunitites. Even if any of the three Dutch attackers received the ball in the attacking third, they lacked efficiency and danger. The Dutch did look to counter but were often denied any space to exploit.Louis van Gaal.When necessary, van Gaal did switch to a 4-3-3 as a means of creating more attacking power. Against Costa Rica, this change looked more like a 4-1-1-4, with Sneijder pushing higher up behind the Dutch attackers. While the Dutch did find more space in the attacking third, they often found themselves unbalanced which resulted in Costa Rica nearly scoring towards the end of the match. Shortly before the end of the second half of extra time, van Gaal subtituted starting goalkeeper Cillessen for Krul, who saved two penalties.Argentina.Lionel Messi will prove to be a unique challenge for the Dutch. Argentina depend too much on Messi and that can be a problem. In the quarterfinals against Belgium, Argentina did look more dynamic and moved the ball more efficiently. Yet, they lacked the finishing touch. The Dutch have been tested against possession based teams and direct teams. So far, they have dealt with it. The fact of the matter is that Argentina depend too much on Messi and if the ball is not delivered to him, he find it difficult to threaten the opposition. While in Barcelona, Messi has often found it difficult to perform when the opposition denies him of the ball. Even if he dropped deeper to pick up balls, he would be too far away from goal. It seems like the obvious tactic. Lous van Gaal is a prove tactician and he will not leave anything to chance.
- Can the Netherlands' tactical flexibility lead the Dutch to World Cup glory?
Netherlands' round of 16 match against Mexico was one of the most strategic encounters of the competition. Prior to the World Cup, Louis van Gaal was heavily criticized for the sudden change of tactics. Van Gaal himself, admitted that those changes were due to their first game against Spain as well as the loss of Strootman due to injury. Their 5-2-1-2 has proved to be successful due to the fact that it is the "antidote" to possession-based teams. Mexico has become the first team to fully expose the Netherlands and van Gaal must take care of the finer details if they are to reach the World Cup Final.
Netherlands are exposed.
The more the Netherlands play, the more the opposition will know about them. From the first minute, Mexico coach Herrera instructed dos Santos and Peralta to stay on the last line against the Netherlands' three center backs. This created a 3v2 situation which resulted in an interesting battle. Layun and Aguilar also looked to get into high and wide positions to drag Kuyt and Verhaegh as deep as possible. So, when Mexico had the ball, they looked to position at least four players against the Netherlands' back five. Lous Van Gaal has done very well in the way his team is organized with and without the ball. The Dutch have a specific way of the defending and Mexico prepared very well to exploit the Dutch. By allowing dos Santos or Peralta to leave the last line for the sole purpose of dragging any of Netherlands' central defenders away, any other Mexican attackers had the opportunity to take advantage of the spaces left behind by the opposition.This tactic worked very well and resulted in Mexico's brilliant finish by dos Santos.
Louis van Gaal returns to a 4-3-3.
The difference between a win or a loss can come down to the finer details. Even though Mexico did well in exposing the Netherlands' backline, they could have, possibly, done better in managing the game. These changes don't necessarily mean to attack more. In fact, in most cases, it has to do with the ability of the coach to read the game and make changes in order to prevent the opposition from hurting his team. This is exactly what Mexico coach Herrera failed to do. First, the Dutch changed to a 4-3-3 formation. As a result, Robben and Depay played high and wide; forcing Mexico's Layun and Aguilar into deep positions. It is important to remember that Kuyt and Martin's Indi were urgent in making runs from deep, creating 2v1 situations on the flanks. if the Netherland's late penalty kick was not called, it would have been interesting to see what changes Mexico would have made to deal with this situation on the wings. Robben was the most dangerous player. Depay did provide opportunities on the left, but he often cut inside to play short to the middle. Robben did the same with greater speed and determination.
Mexico coach Herrera decided to bring in another central midfielder. In theory, this move made sense if you asked Layun and Aguilar to force the play to the middle. Yet, Robben found it a lot easier to cut inside to combine with Sneijder and Huntelaar.
Can Netherlands reach the World Cup final?
Mexico have been the first side in the tournament to fully expose the Netherlands. Even if the opposition have the ball for the majority of the game, the Netherlands are comfortable and fully prepared to defend and deal with any kind of pressure. It is important for the Dutch to ensure that their center backs aren't exposed. Should their three central defenders stop tracking the oppositions attackers movement off the ball? Should the Dutch press higher up to disrupt the opposition's build up? Time will tell. The ability of the Dutch to change according to what the situation demands of them will be key.
Costa Rica are their greatest Challenge.
Costa Rica will be a different match for the Dutch. The Central Americans are lead by a genuine tactician who has built a specific structure that has resulted in his team playing in the quarter finals for the first time in their history. Are Costa Rica as flexible as the Dutch? It is hard to say. Yet, they have the organization and preparation to deal with different tactical scenarios. It is possible that the Netherlands will be forced to be proactive and be the attacking team. Or, it could be the other way round. It is clear that both teams will look the expose each other's weaknesses.0Add a comment
- Louis van Gaal was criticized for changing Holland's formation prior to the start of the World Cup. Many people questioned whether the Dutch could perform against elite players like Xavi, Iniesta and Silva. Can Holland defend this way against Spain? In 2010, Inter Milan deployed a similar approach to the game against Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League. Jose Mourinho's side were pragmatic and exploited the spaces left by Barcelona by drawing the Spanish side onto them and counter-attacking with speed and precision. Inter Milan won 3-1. One year ago, Barcelona were outclassed by Bayern Munich using the same idea and formation. (4-2-3-1) The difference was the fact that Bayern Munich closed down Barcelona higher up the field and denied passing lanes everyone on the field. Last year, during the Confederations Cup final in Brazil, Spain were outworked and denied the space to play everywere on the pitch. which resulted in a 3-0 victory for the home side.
Over time, football has evolved into the creation of balanced sides that can attack, possess the ball and defend by pressing high and zonally in the middle third of the pitch. This kind of balance is vital for World Cup success. Spain, just like Barcelona, and tiki-taka, have been victims of their own success. The lack of changes, variations have resulted in the ability of oppositions to counteract the passing game that once ruled football world wide.
MatchupsSpain were expected to create a numerical advantage in midfield by allowing Iniesta and Silva to cut inside. Holland's 5-2-1-2 was the perfect formation to deal with Spain's midfield. In addition, Blind and Janmaat were ready to close down Silva and Iniesta, respectively, or Jordi Alba and Azpiliqueta's runs from deep.
Xavi and Alone drifted away from Holland's holding midfielders to create space for them selves. However, they were often tracked by De Jong and De Guzman. If Xavi did get the ball, he could not execute a clear pass as the most dangerous passing lanes were blocked.
Diego Costa was gives Spain a different look as Pique and Xavi often tried to connect with him using diagonal long balls. If the short pass was not possible, the long ball was also an option.
Spain's goal.
Diego Costa's penalty was a consequence of Martins Indi leaving the defensive line to prevent Xavi from turning, yet Silva is able to find Xavi, who splits Holland's backline for Costa to run to goal. Spain took the lead thanks to Alonso's great penalty finish. David Silva had the opportunity to make it 2-0 a few minutes later, but he was unable to finish. A 2-0 lead by Spain could have changed the game, but Holland was more than likely charge forward in the second half to exploit Spain's lack of work ethic without the ball.
Van Gaal instructs Blind and Janmaat to get high and wide on their weak side.
It was important for Holland to continue to block passing lanes from Spain's back line to the midfield. The effectiveness of this strategy would more than likely prevent any dangerous scoring opportunities for Spain. When the ball was played from Janmaat to De Vru, Holland looked to complete a switch which allowed Blind to get as high and wide as possible. (the same rotation was attempted from left to right) If the ball was played from the middle, Both, Blind and Janmaat, pushed forward to force Spain's defensive line to stretch. Unfortunately for Spain, their midfield does not have the work ethic necessary to drop in the flow of play.
We can conclude that Cassillas gifted Holland a few goals. However, Holland managed the game brilliantly. Blind was exceptional with his crosses. De Guzman and De Jong worked well to protect their three center backs. Van Persie and Robben were lethal. Sneijder was intelligent and allowed the players around him to excel. It was an excellent performance by the Dutch side. Will Louis van Gaal’s switch from a 4-3-3 to a 5-2-1-2 pay off for Holland? As of today, yes. Holland's system is balanced and effective. Let's not forget that it is only the second day of the World Cup and Holland must perform again. In theory, they should do well against possession based teams as well as attack minded sides. Can Holland execute against a side that is balanced and effective with the ball? It will be interesting to see.
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- Mourinho does not seem to change the way his team plays. Not long ago, he said his team "needed to go back to the basics." What is happening now? What is the hold up?
Changing personnel is not always the answer. I think that sometimes the coach needs to give up his preferred style of play and play the way he need to in order to NOT LOSE.
How hard is that, right?
easier said than done.0Add a comment
- We should appreciate the defensive efforts made by any team at the elite level. It takes a great deal of preparation, focus and intelligence. People often talk about how defensive a team played and that the are "anti-football." I believe that teams at the elite level deserve more respect and appreciation for their work because it isn't easy to know a lot about the opposition and be "perfect" in order to not lose or to win a game.0
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- Louis van Gaal has breached his contract by switching Holland's preferred 4-3-3 formation to a 5-2-1-2. This change can be very positive as it brings the best possible balance to a side with experience and youth. Hollands' analysis can be read here on thinkfootball.co.uk.0
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- MAY31
United States Men's National Team: First look at how Jürgen Klinsmann is lining up for the World Cup
It is true that against a team like Azerbaijan will not challenge the United States as any team who will compete in the World Cup. Yet, there are many important components that can be looked at based on how the team performs prior to Brazil. First, under Jürgen Klinsmann, the U.S have become a more balanced team. They are not a possession based team nor a defensive team. They have a bit of both and the ability of the players to switch between them, their discipline, execution of set plays as well their work ethic will be important for their success.
Starting Lineups/FormationUnder Klinsmann, the U.S has used different formations. Against Azerbaijan, they lined up with a 4-1-3-2/4-2-2-2. However, it is important to understand that their shape depends on the roles each of the players have; especially in the midfield. Their narrow shape meant that they were giving away too much space on the wings. Yet, the U.S were happy with that as long as they were winning the ball on their strong side.
Azerbaijan struggled to exploit the spaces left by the United States. They lacked the technical ability to get out of pressure. This could be a concern for the United States as they have not been exploited using this formation. Azerbaijan were happy to play slightly deeper and the U.S enjoyed more possession. Unfortunately, they lacked the scoring touch in front of goal.
Proactive vs Reactive approaches.
The United States enjoyed most of the possession against Azerbaijan. Yet, there were episodes (most during the second half) were Azerbaijan pressed higher up and forced the U.S to make mistakes. This should be concerning to Klinsmann as Germany, Portugal and Ghana are not likely to be reactive against the U.S. So, when possessing the ball, it is important for each player to avoid technical mistakes. Michael Bradley did very well with his movement off the ball by dropping beside Jones to play-make and it can be key in the ability for the U.S to create scoring opportunities.
Defensively, a narrow formation can be very concerning. The approach seems appropriate but the positioning of the players can backfire. European teams currently prefer formations were they look to take advantage of wide spaces and that should be considered further. However, Klinsmann has created a very balanced team that will create problems for the opposition.
Goals.
The home side failed to score in open play. Clint Dempsey was surely missed due to a late injury but he will be available for selection during the World Cup. Many argue that the exclusion of Landon Donovan will be costly. Mikkel Diskerud and Aron Jóhannsson, both second half substitutes, scored from dead ball situations. The U.S can be dangerous in these situations and they will look to take advantage of them.
Jürgen Klinsmann has been heavily criticized for the exclusion of Landon Donovan. However, it is important to understand that a coach has ideas and he has selected players that have the characteristics to execute his ideas.0Add a comment
- Chelsea vs Atletico; Mourinho vs Simeone. Wednesday’s match will be different from the one that ended in a draw eight days ago. Chelsea will attack while Atletico will try to expose Chelsea. The home side will not just attack, there will be a plan A, B, C and possibly D. Atletico are more than capable of being pragmatic. Both sides will play intelligently and will not leave anything to chance.Possible lineups.Simeone will more than likely line up with the same side that played at home in the first leg.The only exception will be Tiago for Gabi, who is suspended and Turan coming in for Garcia.Chelsea will be without Frank Lampard who is suspended. Matic and Salah are cup tied. Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o trained with the squad today and have been declared fit to play. Oscar seems like the possible choice to play behind Eto’o while William will line up on the right with Hazard returning on the left. Ramires will play alongside David Luiz in a possible double pivot.Chelsea approach.Mourinho has been known to prepare for matches in great detail. The first thing Chelsea need to avoid is an away goal. If this happens it will be very difficult for Chelsea as Atletico are capable of playing deeper and nullifying space for the opposition. Chelsea are likely to play in phases. First, they will take the initiative and try to influence the game as early as possible. This means that the home side will push forward intelligently. David Luiz will more than likely sit and protect John Terry and Gary Cahill, while Ramires will provide support from behind. William will provide support on the right flank as he has been doing all year. His work rate has been crucial for the home side. Hazard will provide the flair that Chelsea lack on the offensive third, assuming he is fit enough to play.Atletico Madrid.The main question is whether Chelsea will press high from the beginning. It is likely as part of their approach to the game. Eight days ago, Atletico enjoyed quiet a lot of possession. Often times moving four players on the last line where they kept Chelsea’s back line occupied. Atletico lacked mobility without the ball and often served best header balls to Diego Costa or runners coming from behind. John Terry and Gary Cahill are very good at controlling their depth and they often won those headers. This is something that will need to be adjusted if Simeone’s side are to be more effective in attack.Atletico can and will at some point of the game play deep and control the spaces around the field. On the break, Diego Costa leads the line and will be important for him to find the ball. If Atletico Madrid cannot counter attack, they can possibly overload the Chelsea defense as they did in the first leg.Solid at the back and clinical in front of goal.This match might not be as entertaining as others; it just might. Nevertheless, it will be a clash of two of the most methodical managers in the game. Mourinho as well as Simeone will do what they feel is necessary to get a result. Bacause after all, the results are what matter.0
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- Prior to the match, Mourinho hinted about a full rotation due to Chelsea's Champions League game on Wednesday. Despite his rotations, Chelsea were still a strong side. On the other hand, a home win would put Liverpool one step closer to their first Premier League title since 1990.Starting lineups.Brendon Rogers played his usual first eleven.This is the first reason why Mourinho was able to plan and execute his game plan to a full extent. Liverpool have become predictable. However, it is still not easy to get a result against them.Chelsea started with Schwarzer on goal. Ivanovic returned to his natural position at center back next to Kalas, who had his premier league debut. Azpillicueta and Cole started as outside backs.There were three important qualities presented in Chelsea's midfield. First, Chelsea's incredible work ethic, their organization and their tactical awareness.In this sense, Lampard, Mikel and Matic were the appropriate midfield players to play against Liverpool. Schurrle and Salah were very influential providing energy and movement off the ball. Bemba Ba started on top.Midfield Battle.Even though Liverpool had a numerical advantage in the center of midfield, the defensive rotations from Schurrle and Salah allowed for Chelsea to be comfortable with this disadvantage. Defensively, Schrurrle and Salah would either tuck in closer to the middle or track Flanagan or Johnson's forward runs, creating a 2v1 advantage on the wings. If Azpillicueta pressed from the front of Flanagan, then Salah would press from behind or the middle. If Salah's press came from behind, then Mikel would come from the middle. Azpillicueta from the front, Matic would then recognize his role of providing balance. Lampard became the outlet for the break.This created an interesting and predictable pattern that Mourinho expected. If Liverpool cannot penetrate through the middle, then they will play wide. Once the ball was played wide; so, Chelsea prepared for it.There were two consequences. First, Liverpool possessed the ball more while drawing Chelsea closer to their own goal. (Which is what Chelsea wanted)Second, there was a gap between Liverpool's center backs and their midfield. If Chelsea won the ball, they had the option to break by using Demba Ba as an outlet. If this was not possible, the space between Liverpool's center backs and midfield was exploited by Chelsea who attempted to play and build up from midfield.Gerard Mistake.Due to Chelsea's deep play without the ball, Liverpool also continued to rotate the ball to Sacko and Skrtel, where Steven Gerard dropped in between to create space for himself and allow for more movement from his midfield. Unfortunately for him, he did not receive the ball well on the half- turn, which resulted in Chelsea's first goal.Late in the second half, when Liverpool pushed even higher up for the equalizer was a consequence of Chelsea's approach to the game. Liverpool gave them exactly what they were looking for from the beginning. Chelsea didn’t press the ball, yet they covered spaces. Usually, the opposition will misplace a pass. William and Torres took advantage of this to score Chelsea’s second goal of the game. The game was over.Mourinho enjoys the big matches. Today was an example of how good he prepares for it. He has used this approach in many occasions. (Inter's 3-1 win against Barcelona in 2010; or Real Madrid's win against Barcelona in La Copa del Rey Final in 2011)It's all about results.Regardless of who wins the Premier League title this season, Mourinho will be content if Chelsea don't win it. As he has already layed out the foundations for next season. Chelsea can still win the League, but Liverpool or Manchester City are the likely winners.Chelsea are lucky to have Mourinho. While Chelsea's style of play might not be appealing to the eye, it is in fact very effective. Effectiveness can give you titles. During his post-match interview, he said "The team played brilliantly. Every player was magnificent. No mistakes in zonal play, which is more difficult than man as a target." Mourinho doesn't always talk in details about tactics. Yet today, he hinted us with a hint of his ideas and how he wins important matches.0
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- Spain and Italy will face tomorrow in what will be a tight clash between two European powerhouses. Both nations have dealt with issues off the field, with Italy the most affected with another match-fixing scandal.A positive result in the opening game is crucial for both sides.
Casare Prandelli will have options in every line. However, choosing his first eleven will be vital. While Italy are known for being a very good defensive unit, they are expected not only to do so, but to attack in an aggressive manner, with Balotelli leading the offensive line supported by Nocerino and Marchisio on each flank. Pirlo will act as Italy's trequartista in front of Thiago Motta and Danielle De Rossi, who both will provide protection and creativity from deep.
Italy will be looking more of a 4-2-3-1 when attacking. Defensively, Nocerino is expected to play narrow on the left and will change Italy's shape into more of a diamond midfield.
At the back, Italy will be looking for a consistent partnership in the center, with Chiellini and Bonucci being the best options. Abate was impressive with AC Milan at right back, while Balzaretti shows promise on the left.
Possible starting line ups.
Spain have shown the world how beautiful game can be. However, their predictability will be their worst enemy as they have struggled penetrating the opposition. Against China, Spain moved the ball horizontally too much, dominating possession, but lacked a more directness to score.
Against Spain, the opposition tends to take a very defensive approach and look to counter exploiting spaces left by Spain's back line. Italy will look to do this and take advantage of Balotelli's talent.
Spain will be without Puyol, and Pique hasn't been consistent at club level. Its likely that Albiol will partner Sergio Ramos at center back. Arbeloa is not favored by many, but he can show that he deserves a starting position by providing security at right back. Jordi Alba will push forward at left back; he can be a surprise for the Spanish side.
Spain's main concern is in midfield. Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, and Xavi form the best midfield trio in the world. However, they tend to play the ball side to side more often. This is because whoever plays on the flanks tend to come inside too much. Iniesta and David Silva are the logical options since they have performed excellently for Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. For the sake of possession, Del Bosque has placed them in opposite sides of the field. The more they come inside, the more Spain will hold on to the ball. This is okay, if all you want to do is dominate possession. But, in order to score goals, you need wide players to push forward, to be more direct.
Fernando Torres will provide strength and mobility for Spain. It will be key for him to combine well with Iniesta and Silva who will be fed by Xavi.
Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets will also be key as they are hard working defensively and they have the quality to be deep lying playmakers; with Busquets playing short and feeding Xavi upon recovering the ball and Xabi Alonso with a more direct approach.
Spain will be looking to defend their title and they are the favorites. This is also a perfect opportunity for Italy to show the world that they are a force to be reckoned with once again.0Add a comment
- After the first four fixtures, there has been many surprises. The teams that are expected to get results are failing to do so. Today we saw Holland struggle in front of goal against Denmark while Russia picked up a win against Czech Republic with counter-attacking football.For the next few weeks, I will outline the factors that might prevent big teams from becoming European Champions.0
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