The Half-Spaces
This article will delve into an oft-neglected area in tactics theory: the half-spaces.
Barcelona – Athletic Bilbao 2:0
Athletic Club looked to get a result away at the Camp Nou and Barcelona sought to continue its run as the only team in La Liga to have a 100% record. Barcelona celebrated the 300th National Day of Catalonia (September 11th) and wore the Senyera kit to commemorate the event.
In-depth analysis: Alfredo Di Stéfano
He is regarded as one of the first “total” football players, considered the grand master of his playing style and the prototype of a leader; playful, tactical, psychological. His name is Alfredo Di Stéfano – and he influenced generations of footballers.
Everton – Chelsea 3:6
Two of the higher level teams in the English Premier League met on Saturday for an exciting clash. There was a lot of anticipation coming into the match, how would Martinez’s possession-oriented Everton play against Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea squad?
Villareal – Barcelona 0:1
Barcelona wins against Villareal in the last minutes. The World’s flattest diamond nearly forced Barcelona on the wings and out of the game, but Lionel Messi’s run and the stability of Barcelona’s circulation provided the fundament for the win.
Italy – Costa Rica 0:1
Back threes and fives remain unbeatable at this World Cup. Back fours are dead. And oh shit, Costa Rica is good!
FC Augsburg – Borussia Dortmund 2:3
Borussia Dortmund picked up the first points of their Bundesliga campaign with a 3-2 win away to FC Augsburg. Jürgen Klopp’s side clearly dominated the first half and could have ensured victory with a little more ease, but conceded two goals in the last ten minutes of the match.
Manchester City – Liverpool 3:1
On match day 2 the top 2 teams of last year’s Premier League met in the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool had a slight lead at the end of last season and an infamous 2:0 loss to Chelsea & a 3:3 tie with Crystal Palace allowed Manchester City to steal the League title from underneath Liverpool’s noses.
How Van Gaal will rebuild Manchester United
Italy was the natural home of the back three in the last ten years. But it is enjoying a resurrection in international football at present and could be introduced to many clubs in domestic football leagues. Louis van Gaal led the Netherlands to a World Cup semi-final with a 3-4-1-2
Man Coverage / Man-to-Man-Marking
The two most prominent methods of coverage used in soccer today are man and zone. In this article we’ll explain the different types and characteristics of man coverage as well as their advantages and disadvantages.