Pragmatism and Set Plays Could be Decisive Factor in World Cup Success

 Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak (right) heads home from a free-kick in their defeat against Senegal. Photograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images
Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak (right) heads home from a free-kick in their defeat against Senegal. Photograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images
TT

Pragmatism and Set Plays Could be Decisive Factor in World Cup Success

 Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak (right) heads home from a free-kick in their defeat against Senegal. Photograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images
Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak (right) heads home from a free-kick in their defeat against Senegal. Photograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images

Have you noticed that England are all the rage in Russia and I’m not talking about their clothes, their social media trending or the positive vibes which continue to come out of Gareth Southgate’s camp? No, England’s victory over Tunisia in their opening match was significant of the tactical fashion statement that has taken over this World Cup in the group stages.

Both Harry Kane’s goals were the result of set-piece plays and if you look at the defining moments in many games they have mainly come from dead-ball situations. Kane’s last-gasp winning goal, Cristiano Ronaldo’s outstanding free-kick against Spain and Luis Suárez’s crucial winning effort for Uruguay v Saudi Arabia have been swayed by the way teams set up defensively and offensively in these situations.

In fact, of the 38 goals scored in the opening round of matches 21 of them (53%) were scored from set-play situations, a huge increase on the overall figure at the last World Cup (25%). You could argue it is a smaller sample of games to compare, but the fact that VAR has been incorporated for the first time has completely affected the way teams are defending corners and wide free-kicks, as is the fact that more penalties are being awarded for shirt pulling and overly aggressive defending from these situations (except in England’s case against Tunisia).

Psychologically you can see that defenders are more aware of this and I see that this is leading to more and more chances coming from set plays, making the importance of organisation in these areas more crucial than ever. In England’s case, it was encouraging to see that the setups of their attacking set plays were clearly choreographed and designed to maximise the opportunities to score against Tunisia’s zonal defence.

Instead of inswinging corners and wide free‑kicks towards Tunisia’s zone, the cross was either outswinging or driven, resulting in two goals, more chances and a handful of instances where Tunisia players should have been penalised in their desperate, physical defending of these situations. It will be interesting to see how they continue to use set-play routines in the games to come.

The contrasting tactical styles of play from different nations is fantastic to watch and learn from at this World Cup, as is the fact that nearly every game has been competitive and too close to call. As the tournament proceeds into the later rounds, I’m sure there will be more excitement and tension.

Overall, the opening matches have not disappointed in terms of entertainment, passion and drama. Whether it’s been the grit and determination of Switzerland, Iceland and Iran against more talented opponents, the explosive counterattacking play of Mexico, the fundamental, beautiful, collaborative play of Spain, or the reliance of Portugal on the individual genius of Cristiano Ronaldo, all the teams have brought their own concept and idea of how football should be played and performed. It shows there is no right or wrong way to play this wonderful sport and that if every player believes in his own team’s philosophy and stays true to the collective plan, their chances of success are greatly increased.

I have been fascinated and impressed by the performances of the so-called lesser football nations who in terms of tactical organisation, fitness and a pride in wearing their national colours are standing up to the bigger sides, refusing to believe that football history and the superstars they are performing against mean they have no chance of gaining a positive result.

So far, the standard of every side, even Panama in the first half against Belgium, has meant that it has not been easy for teams to open up the lower-ranked nations in open play, due to the diligent organisation of the team unit and the improved athleticism of these players to not just sit back in a low block and soak up pressure but also to cover long distances at speed to pose a threat on the counterattack when they win the ball back in their own half.

As a result I’m seeing a tactical trend that will make all the difference to who will lift the trophy in a tournament that is seemingly wide open. Will it be the possession-based football and expansive play of Germany, Croatia, Spain or Brazil? Will it be the youth, energy and physical dynamism of England, Belgium, Mexico or Senegal? Or the reliance on defensive shape and tactical organisation based around the match‑winners in Portugal’s and Uruguay’s teams?

Given what we have seen with set plays it could come down more to the pragmatic, coachable and controllable than to each team’s style in open play, something that is so important at every level and is often the difference between a whole country rejoicing and celebrating their team’s success for years to come or crying into their beer and waiting another four years for the chance to be crowned world champions.

Still, history has taught us that the performances of the top players can make a difference and we have certainly yet to see the best of Leo Messi, Neymar and Antoine Griezmann, unlike the imperious play of Ronaldo. It’s too early to call what or who will be the most influential factor in deciding Russia 2018, but the effect of the dead ball thus far suggests that the teams going into the knockout stages will be those who are on trend.

The Guardian Sport



Salah Says He Is ‘More Out than in’ at Liverpool as He Enters Final Months of Contract

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah reacts during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on November 24, 2024. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah reacts during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on November 24, 2024. (AFP)
TT

Salah Says He Is ‘More Out than in’ at Liverpool as He Enters Final Months of Contract

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah reacts during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on November 24, 2024. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah reacts during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on November 24, 2024. (AFP)

Mohamed Salah has raised doubts about his Liverpool future, saying he is yet to be offered an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

Salah spoke out after scoring two goals in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday and suggested he is more likely to leave than stay with the Premier League leader.

"Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club," he told reporters. "I’m probably more out than in. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands."

Salah's goals saw Liverpool extend its lead at the top of the standings to eight points. The Egypt international is 32 and has been at the club since 2017.

He has scored 12 goals in 18 appearances this season.

Salah gave a rare interview to English print media before boarding the team bus after the Southampton game and expressed his frustration about the lack of progress with his contract.

"I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I’m disappointed but we will see," he said.

"I’m very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic. I’m just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I’m just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club. We will see what happens next."

Salah is Liverpool's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 167 goals. In all competitions he has scored 223 goals in 367 appearances.

He has won a full set of trophies with the Merseyside club including the league title and the Champions League.