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!

Train of Thought – How rewarding one-touch goals can improve players’ dribbling

by Travis Norsen, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Masterclasses

The mental side of the beautiful game is at least as important as the physical side, but is often neglected by coaches in training sessions. In this series, Travis Norsen, author of Play With Your Brain, will discuss small tweaks to standard training exercises and the large positive effects they can have on players’ decision-making and soccer intelligence. This week, Travis explores how rewarding one-touch goals can improve players' dribbling.

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.

Portugal vs. France – Euro 2020 – Match Preview

by Ero Samson, posted in Masterclasses

The stage is set, and the Puskas Arena will be the venue for another round of rivalry between the defending champions of the European Championships Portugal and the current world champions France. The French will be hoping to cause the Portuguese a heartbreak of the same gravitas which they themselves suffered from the finals defeat in 2016, making this all the more an intriguing encounter.