An intriguing feature of #EURO2020 is how teams adapt their pressing strategy depending on the game state.
Teams rarely stay as a low block or press like mad men all game.
Here is a look at #ITA defensive actions heat map in different stages of their QF v Belgium.
[THREAD]
In the first 15 minutes, the Italians keep it tight with the focus on keeping KDB quiet - the opposition dangerman.
There is a slight attempt now to win the ball higher up the pitch but most of the action takes place in their penalty area - suggests a lowish block and inviting pressure.
KDB is fading in influence and most of the play seems to be coming through the flank involving Doku. Most of Italy’s defensive work is taking place down this flank.
Winning the ball closer to centre circle - suggests Italy are coming out to play.
All play runs the same way.
Italy are now winning the ball in the opposition area and targeting likes of Meunièr in possession. The aggressive press of Italians is now on show and they don’t want the Belgians getting confident after Lukaku goal before HT.
Belgium are pushing for an equaliser but Italy are also giving it as good as they get. Doku still Belgium danger man and most of the attacks Italy are stopping comes down this flank. Italy still trying to win ball high up pitch down Belgium’s right where possible.
Last 15, it is all Belgium now and the Italians go into Catenaccio mode and literally close the gate and put up a low block trying to see out then result.
Minimal winning of the ball in the opposition half.
A big thank you for our colleague @footyanalytica pulling together this data vis - hope to get more out for the run in to the final and in the upcoming season.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
🔴Southgate releases the shackles in extra time, learns from 2018 (Foden, Grealish and Sterling to the right)
🔴Saka did not hold width - England too lopsided
🔴Kane in Spurs mode
England made a blistering start, once again combining down the left. The mids went wide in order to progress the play and Shaw's wonderful one touch flicks and passes kept finding Sterling.
It soon got clocked on to and Denmark shifted across, flooding that area with bodies.
Saka was poor outside of the assist.
He was too narrow and did not run at Maehle and Vestgaard enough out wide. With Walker not overlapping, England's attack down that side was non existent.
Considering Italy's weakness is down the left - this needs sorting.
As expected England sat back in the opening exchanges - feeling their way into the new shape and frustrating the Germans early doors (notorious for their fast starts and putting teams away).
Now out of the opening period, England begin to take control of the game. At this stage they had 66% possession and were winning the ball in midfield areas as well as at times inside the German half.
🔴If can't defend - do not just sit back and expect numbers to work in your favour
🔴England press reset button at half time and go for the jugular
🔴Gareth's faith in Kane - Justified!
Shevchenko turned what is a lightweight but proactive Ukrainian side into a low block 5-3-2 side. These players lacked the natural instincts and familiarity with the set up to make it work.
England had men who go inside and outside - Spain take notice of how to beat low block.
After the first goal, Walker did not get forward enough which did enable Ukraine to frustrate us in the first half as it allowed their defence to stay more compact.
Shame they failed to do this with the first goal..
- Denmark's off the ball movement crucial in the final third
- Czech Republic lack central passing options in the middle to final third
- How Denmark exploits Czech Republic's poor press
- Verratti useless until Mancini's tactical change
- Belgium's pressing structure starts off strong but falls short
- Belgium thrived in transitions but nowhere else
Belgium would press in a sort of 3-4-1-2/3-5-2. This was done so that Italy could not play through the middle.
The emphasis was on shielding Jorginho or Verratti while having the front three still able to press the Italian "back three"
We've seen the Italian build up structure all tournament. The issue with Belgium's press is that KdB cannot be expected to shield Verratti & Jorginho, while tasked with pressing Bonucci.
KdB was overworked when pressing, leading to a failed press.