Germany 2-1 Holland: German flexibility outwits the static Dutch midfield
zonalmarking.netThis was the perfect demonstration of how a flexible midfield duo can outwit the opposition. Germany were brave, and risked being caught on the break by leaving Sneijder free between the lines, but the alternate forward runs from Schweinsteiger and Khedira confused van Bommel, while de Jong was distracted by Ozil’s usual selfless off-the-ball movement to the flanks. In more general terms, this was all about cohesion. Germany did everything together – they pressed as a unit, defended as a unit, and broke through with integrated movement and clever passing.
Estimated reading time: 5 min
Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona: Real press early on, but tactical switch gives Barca the upper hand
zonalmarking.netMourinho has often been criticized for not being brave enough against Barcelona – but here he went with an attack-minded side featuring his usual front four, and also looked to press from the front early on. The pressing broadly worked, the use of Ozil broadly didn’t.
Estimated reading time: 7 min
Christoph Arlick recommended this story.
Spain 1-0 Croatia: Navas snatches late winner
zonalmarking.netElsewhere, Spain were simply too horizontal – always looking for the sideways ball, never getting around the Croatian defensive unit, with Arbeloa too slow and Alba being tracked.
Estimated reading time: 5 min
heiko recommended this story.
The relationship between possession and shots
zonalmarking.netIn general, more possession will mean more shots – but it’s not always the case.
Estimated reading time: 3 min
Christoph Arlick recommended this story.