Tag Archives for " Euro 2012 "

0 Euro 2012 Germany v Italy – Balotelli’s goals make up for his misses against England

By Stevie Grieve, Author of Modern Soccer Tactics and Winning Soccer Tactics.

In the second semi-final, both teams know that the winner will play against Spain in the final, who defeated Portugal on penalties. Germany and Spain were early favourites for the tournament and both semi-final ties, but with Italy playing very offensively in every game so far; even in the match against Spain in the group stage where they played an attacking 3-5-2 formation, Germany shouldn’t expect an easy game defensively, especially against the dual enigma’s that are Cassano and Balotelli, with Di Natale in reserve for Italy.

Italy’s 1st goal – Balotelli loses his marker easily to score the opening goal

As Chiellini passes to Cassano, he is chased by Hummels who is marking him. The nearest

0 Should We All Try to Play Like Spain?

At the end of every major World Cup or European Championship those involved with youth development look at the results, what conclusions can be drawn and how they relate to the youth level of the game. In the case of Euro 2012, many coaches and commentators are asking, "How can we get our players to play like Spain does?"

A loud and consistent voice advocating move toward a more player-centered, creative game has been Soccer America's Paul Gardner. He has often bemoaned the direct, 'kick-ball' game and asked coaches to set aside their selfish desire to

1 What Tactical Formation Did Spain Use to Win Euro 2012?

By Wayne Harrison

SPAIN PLAYING THE 4-2-3-1 AT THE EURO’S

The starting position phase formation is approximately a 4-2-3-1; the attacking phase is 4-2-1-3 or 3-3-1-3; and the defending phase is a 4-4-1-1, so we have