Between The Posts

Mexico's opening win was built on security, tilted circulation towards the left, and relied on Julián Quiñones and Brian Gutiérrez to unlock progression when opportunities appeared. And South-Africa's self-inflicted damage of course.

🆓 Tactical match report on England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 - 🇳🇴 Norway for @BetweenThePosts 🔗 betweentheposts.net/norway-england…

Buildup down the left side from Spain 🇪🇸 vs Belgium 🇧🇪. Rodri passed back to Ruiz, Cucurella made his run into the left halfspace. Olmo evaded bodies as Raskin dropped in the defensive line and Vanaken remained high. @Joelazzo with the tactical report: betweentheposts.net/spain-belgium-…

France 🇫🇷 probing Morocco’s 🇲🇦 low-block. Bouaddi supports Hakimi, which leaves Olise open. Doué is prevented from progressing; France recycle. El Khannouss closes down Upamecano. His movement leaves Olise free. ✍🏻 @NickHartland_ with the full report: betweentheposts.net/france-morocco…

Extensive report on some of Spain’s excellent rotations from last night.

Spain - Belgium tactical breakdown is up. I discuss: - Belgium's struggles in 442 pressing. - Olmo: textbook example of how to play between the lines. - Why Ruiz over Pedri? - Spain's buildup strength (switches, line breaks), but no final 1/3 consistency. betweentheposts.net/spain-belgium-…

My latest for @BetweenThePosts on France's 2-0 win over Morocco. - A siege-like feeling as Morocco tried to shut up shop. - The glittering attack caught the eye, but it's France's defensive work that's winning games. - France aces biggest test so far. betweentheposts.net/france-morocco…

Can it be a Houdini-style comeback and a deserved result at the same time?

Argentina in the World Cup knockouts is nothing short of box office.

When they have possession in the deep build-up phase/middle third, Switzerland have opportunities to attack beyond Columbia's backline. The 4-4-2 block transitions into a man-man press with the right center-back (Sanchez) having to leave the defensive line to jump on Jashari. There are two ways to exploit this trigger depending on whether Switzerland go direct or indirect. Direct: As Sanchez jumps, Embolo is looking to curve his run to attack the space. If Embolo can create separation and receive, he'd be in a 1v1 against the keeper. Indirect: Play the short pass to Jashari, who can either turn to play Embolo or use a third-man combination to go through with a deep runner. With Columbia doing better to keep possession rather than losing it carelessly, Switzerland have had fewer opportunities of such nature. Nevertheless, when they manage to keep it, Switzerland should be looking to exploit this.

A super impressive record is intact from Spain (0 conceded in the WC so far), yet their passing play has yet to reach the heights of Euro 2024. Against Portugal, the diagonal from Pedri was available, but attacks stumbled upon entering the final third. medium.com/p/spain-still-…

A World Cup classic where both teams scored their big chances.

@BetweenThePosts Read my full analysis on @BetweenThePosts Free to read ✍🏼 ⚽ #COLGHA | #WorldCup betweentheposts.net/colombia-ghana…

My latest for @BetweenThePosts as France came out top in the Battle of Philadelphia and reached the quarter-finals. Paraguay's block worked well to nullify a France attack that had been purring... although it was not a blueprint for future teams. betweentheposts.net/paraguay-franc…

Wrote about the Portugal-Croatia game for @BetweenThePosts Some very interesting tactical points discussed, from Portugal's man-to-man OOP approach, to Croatia's second half adjustments that helped them control the game 👇 betweentheposts.net/portugal-croat…

📰 Tactical match report on England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 - 🇨🇩 DR Congo for @BetweenThePosts 🔗 betweentheposts.net/england-dr-con…

Belated Belgium - Senegal tactical breakdown now up, I discuss: - Belgium's struggles in the 442/424 medium block. - Senegal tensions through wide rotations, 3v2 at base, Sarr occupying both CBs. - Comeback through weak Senegal defending on transition. betweentheposts.net/belgium-senega…

Analysis of Ivory Coast–Norway for @BetweenThePosts. Midfield overloads in IC’s 4-4-2 press. Haaland drops, freeing the 8s in the halfspaces. IC wingers split between 8s and FBs. Nusa–Wolfe rotations. Berg unlocking variety. Diallo nearly a hero. betweentheposts.net/ivory-coast-no…

Senegal, Morocco and Ivory Coast - the chances of an African World Cup winner have never been higher than in 2026.

DR Congo are playing so so well. 🇨🇩 The broader tactical scheme, the little things in terms of rotations, counter pressure moments... all done so well. Add a few heroic goalkeeping moments, last ditch tackles, and goal line clearances, and you got the complete package.

Judging by the response to our annotated passmap, you'd probably enjoy the full tactical breakdown too. Why did Morocco end up playing "Dutch", while the Netherlands became the reactive side? Read @LamdarhriAchraf's full analysis here: betweentheposts.net/netherlands-mo…

A bad tactical decision can cost you a bit. Sticking with it for 120 minutes can end your World Cup.