Category: World Football

Quick Take: The DNA of Danish Dominance – Tactical Analysis

by Jeremy Barnes, posted in Formations, Match Analysis, World Football

The knockout stage of an international tournament always serves as an emphatic reminder of what we all would claim to know: even the best laid plans can prove insufficient over the course of 90 minutes of football. And while the team who keeps their shape is often assumed to be in the ascendancy, adaptation undoubtedly preempts success; that is to say, some of the greatest examples of tactical prowess in sport are evidenced when the first blink leads to the last laugh. For instance, during their Euro 2020 round of 16 clash versus Wales, Denmark employed at least THREE different formations, modifications which ultimately tipped the result in their favor. Here, we take a closer look at the incentive and effect behind each change.

Portugal’s Journey at Euro 2020

by Ero Samson, posted in World Football

The defending champions Portugal came into Euro 2020 on a high. Boasting one of the best attacking lineups of any European nation at the tournament, they were among the favourites to clinch Europe's most prestigious national trophy, despite being in group F, a group which comprised of current World Champions France as well as Europe's most successful footballing nation, Germany. It was eventually dubbed the group of death and that promise definitely didn't disappoint.

North Macedonia – UEFA Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Amelia-Toni Adejobi, posted in World Football

North Macedonia entered their first ever major tournament as clear underdogs. Before this, the only player of North Macedonian origin who had played in the European Championships was Blagoje Vidinic, a goalkeeper for the Former Yugoslavia in 1960. Unfortunately for North Macedonia, they failed to progress past the group stage, and floundered to the bottom of Group C. Despite that, they never looked as though they did not belong. Here is our tactical analysis of how they performed at the European Championships.

Futbol Masterminds – Group of Death Becomes Group of Life!

by TMS Staff, posted in Podcast, World Football

After the conclusion of Groups D, E, and F, the Futbol Masterminds get together to discuss all the events from the week that was at the Euros including those two massive 2-2 draws in the Group of Death! Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

Belgium – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

Having been placed in a group with Denmark, Russia and Finland, Belgium were certainly expected to top Group B. Roberto Martinez's side did not disappoint in the group stages, winning all three of their matches and conceding just 1 goal. Here is our tactical analysis of Belgium at Euro 2020 so far.

Sweden – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in World Football

Nobody gave Sweden a chance at this summer's Euros prior to the tournament beginning, and even now after topping their group they will likely continue to be underestimated. But the Swedes have been more than defensively solid enough to demonstrate that they could have what it takes to challenge even Europe's elite at this tournament. Here is our tactical analysis of Sweden at Euro 2020.

Futbol Masterminds – Italy, Netherlands and Belgium finish top

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, World Football

After the conclusion of Groups A, B, and C, Rhys and Russell go through the alphabet to discuss all the events from the week that was at the Euros. Russell has some bold predictions as always - this time switching allegiances as to who he thinks is ready to win the tournament, and breaking down why Spain and England have been so poor. Rhys meanwhile breaks down the tactics of why Italy and Netherlands have been so successful so far, and what Belgium needs to figure out moving forward.

Italy: What we’ve learned so far as the Azzurri top Group A

by Adam Palermo, posted in World Football

After another sound win against 10-man Wales, Italy have secured top spot in Group A and will face Group C runners-up Austria in the Round of 16. Now that the group stage is over for the Italians, let’s take a look at what we’ve learned about this side so far.