By Philip Joe Cauchi Watching México play against Germany was like watching a manual on defending in every sense. It reminded me of the classic Italian national teams which were in the past the masters in the art of defending. México gave us more than a lecture in offensive defending. That is, defending with the
Continue readingHOW THE MATCH WAS WON by Keith Scarlett FIFA 2014 World Cup, Brazil Sunday, 26 June, 2014 Germany 1 v 0 USA It was on the last day of the group phase when one of the most exciting groups; Group G, was drawing to an exciting close. Each of the four teams in the group were
Continue readingHOW THE MATCH WAS WON by Keith Scarlett FIFA 2014 World Cup, Brazil Sunday, 13 July, 2014 Germany 1 v 0 France The biggest match in world football had the attention of almost everybody on the planet and the two best sides in the tournament faced each other on in a clash of titans. The
Continue readingHOW THE MATCH WAS WON by Keith Scarlett FIFA 2014 World Cup, Brazil Tuesday, 8 July, 2014 Germany 7 v 1 France In what will go down as one of the most incredible matches in World Cup history, this ridiculous score line was an entirely fair reflection of Germany’s dominance. While Brazilians still talk about
Continue readingBy Stevie Grieve
In the last analysis I made which was on Algeria’s solid defensive system, I looked at how they made Germany predictable, and how they almost defended in a 6-3-1 formation, playing on the counter attack behind Germany’s high line.
In this, I will look at the slight tactical alteration Jogi Loew made in regards to the runs that Germany looked for, and how it won them the game in Extra Time.
Highlighted areas and runs to exploit the spaces
When Germany had the ball in deep or wide positions, there were 2 main areas that were available on both sides (due to the symmetrical nature of the Algeria defensive block shape) which were;
Continue readingHOW THE MATCH WAS WON by Keith Scarlett FIFA 2014 World Cup, Brazil Friday, 4 July, 2014 Germany 1 v 0 France This Quarterfinal match was highly anticipated going in. It was a clash between two former World-Cup Champions. It was a battle between two world powers; two football gargantuans … heavyweights that should be given
Continue readingHOW THE MATCH WAS WON by Keith Scarlett FIFA 2014 World Cup, Brazil Monday, 30 June, 2014 Germany 2 v 1 Algeria This second-round elimination match was another game of an underdog impressing and showing better form than the favourites, but still being sent home late after being punished for not taking their chances. Algeria entered
Continue readingHOW THE MATCH WAS WON by Keith Scarlett FIFA 2014 World Cup, Brazil Monday, 16 June, 2014 Germany 4 v 0 Portugal Controlling? Definitely! PLUS Quick. ...as fire. PLUS Decisive. …as rain. PLUS Dominant. Equals Germany. Undisciplined. Definitely! PLUS Slow. …as smoke. PLUS Sloppy. ...as slush. PLUS Subordinate. Equals Portugal. This World-Cup opener for both
Continue readingBy 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
Continue readingToday is an article by guest blogger, Terry Michler. Terry is the nation's winningest high school coach with over 800 wins at CBC High School in St. Louis. Terry is also the author of these books, Dutch Total Football, Coaching Soccer Champions, Full Season Training Program - Elite Team and is the subject of our
Continue readingToday I have some random World Cup thoughts. 1. How come Germany manages to over exceed expectations at the World Cup. I can't remember the last time they had a "bad" World Cup. Of course, they don't win it every year, but they seem to always do well or better than expected. This WC is
Continue readingEngland's highly paid players played well and put in a good performance beating Germany 2-0. In the quarter final, England got revenge for Maradonna's Hand of God goal in 86' World Cup by beating Argentina on a penalty kick from a phantom handball by Messi in his own box...Oh wait, that was the dream, reality
Continue readingWhew! Some background. I was born and lived in England for the first 30 years of my life. Watched all the World Cups over the years. Used to stay up late or get up early when young and when I started work, I used to take vacation time or suddenly become sick for a couple
Continue readingI'm getting World Cup fever. Not sure why, England always seem to find a way to disappoint. Here are some personal memories of the World Cups I have enjoyed. I was born in 1962, so I have no memories of England's win in 1966 and 1970 was the first World Cup I remember. 1970 -
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