markstats 🍁

Individual match pages are live on markstats.club For every match across all 5 top leagues you can now see: a cumulative xG timeline and head-to-head metrics (xG, xT, field tilt, buildup completion, high turnovers & more). Still completely free

The same people who praised Dan Burn’s headers against Mexico a few days ago are now calling Tuchel a coward

A team goes into a positive game state and the manager makes defensive adjustments. If it works, he’s a genius. If it doesn’t, he’s a coward. That’s how football discourse works, isn’t it?

Glad Argentina ditched their “overload the middle” nonsense and went back to good old good crosses

France’s attack feels more dangerous than Spain’s. You could put that down to superior attacking talent, and you’d probably be right. But France also create transitional moments more often. France’s threat in transition against Spain’s rest defence is what I’m curious about today

Before Embolo’s second yellow, Argentina’s build-up pass completion was just 83.9%. Before this match, they had averaged 92% at the tournament

A popular Twitter theory says Merino is so successful because he offers Spain more runs in behind than Oyarzabal. FIFA data doesn’t support it - Merino’s movement profile is closer to Olmo’s, while Oyarzabal makes the second-most runs in behind for Spain

David Raya wouldn’t have conceded this goal. He would have intercepted it

Morocco’s possession against France was among the most cautious displays of the World Cup. Like Scotland against Brazil and Germany against Ecuador, they barely reached the final third or offered runs in behind. This was possession not to attack, but to defend

Fascinating how much overanalysis can come from a 30-second video of Haaland scoring the most classic centre-forward goal

One of the most enjoyable hate-watching experiences since Emily in Paris

Mexico’s attacking output was only marginally better against 10 than it had been 11v11

In the first half, Mexico completed 4 of their 8 open-play crosses. In the second half, they completed 5 of 30

Thomas Tuchel knows what’s coming and unleashes Big Dan Burn

Anthony Gordon read the room perfectly. He knew exactly what he was doing. Brilliant bit of play

If I were Didier Deschamps, I would consider unleashing some cross-spamming

Set pieces, positive game states and fast breaks are your best friends in the playoffs

First half touches in opposition box. Canada: 13. Morocco: 1. That Canada mid block has been close to perfect. Haven’t let Morocco into their third at all. But have to capitalize on the chances.

Canada have defended pretty well in the opening period of the game. They've maintained a 4-4-2 passive mid-block while being aggressive with the press when Morocco attempt to go around or through. That being said, I think Morocco have also been underwhelming on the ball. Morocco have mainly attempted to go over the Canada block, but these straightforward passes have been telegraphed, which the defenders have regularly read and anticipated. Meanwhile, when Morocco have tried to go around the block, the distances between the players are too much. Further, there's a lack of side connections through wide triangles since Morocco's midfielders are often central. This is technically fine but if you've got short distances in the middle, then Morocco should try to play through the same area. However, they haven't done that. Overall, I'd suggest two solutions depending on which route they prefer, as it provides its own pros and cons: 1. Around the block: Generate side connections by having Ounahi pull to the left more often while Aynaoui/Bouaddi supports on the right. This will create opportunities for wide combinations. 2. Through the block: Utilise the current system but have more emphasis to play through the block with the central defenders and deeper midfielder punching balls through the center. If I had to pick, I'd go for option 1 since it is more risk averse. Considering how Morocco have played so far, it seems like they want to not take too many risks on the ball. So, I feel like it would make sense.

Rinse and repeat 🍁