It didn’t really seem like France had a definitive out of possession plan to cope with Spain’s midfield.
This is within the first minute & Tchouaméni is pointing for Kante to pick up Rodri.
With Mbappe high, this left Dembele, Tchouaméni & Rabiot as a midfield three.
This is within the first minute & Tchouaméni is pointing for Kante to pick up Rodri.
With Mbappe high, this left Dembele, Tchouaméni & Rabiot as a midfield three.
What often happened was Kante played around Rodri & Tchouameni screened the back 4, leaving lots of space down the insides of Rabiot & Dembele.
France’s Midfield shape was almost that of a stretched out diamond. Not ideal with Olmo, Williams, Yamal & Ruiz operating in this area.
France’s Midfield shape was almost that of a stretched out diamond. Not ideal with Olmo, Williams, Yamal & Ruiz operating in this area.
Kante often ended up chasing shadows with Muani late to help out on Rodri & Mbappe staying higher up the pitch.
Spain easily got down the sides of them early on.
Asking Dembele to be an 8 - out of possession - was a big ask.
All this is being done to accommodate Mbappe..
Spain easily got down the sides of them early on.
Asking Dembele to be an 8 - out of possession - was a big ask.
All this is being done to accommodate Mbappe..
This is just prior to the Ruiz header.
Kante around Rodri & Dembele on Cucurella
Who picks up Ruiz (playing the pass)? Tchoumeni has stepped out from screening but Rabiot also thought it was his responsibility to help out
Big gaps down the sides & for Yamal to cut in & cross
Kante around Rodri & Dembele on Cucurella
Who picks up Ruiz (playing the pass)? Tchoumeni has stepped out from screening but Rabiot also thought it was his responsibility to help out
Big gaps down the sides & for Yamal to cut in & cross
Yamal’s goal is obviously individual brilliance but this is the build up.
Rabiot is already outnumbered and has an eye on Navas (pic 1)
Kante is part of the front 3 (pic 2) which means Dembele is really an 8. But wide. So Tchouameni is that side & Rabiot is too wide on Left.
Rabiot is already outnumbered and has an eye on Navas (pic 1)
Kante is part of the front 3 (pic 2) which means Dembele is really an 8. But wide. So Tchouameni is that side & Rabiot is too wide on Left.
Olmo receives (pic 1) and the ball ends up with Yamal (pic 2).
His drop of the shoulder worries the French defenders as they know Mbappe won’t track the run of Navas.
If a player is given this much attacking license they need to deliver..or a more defensive minded RW.
His drop of the shoulder worries the French defenders as they know Mbappe won’t track the run of Navas.
If a player is given this much attacking license they need to deliver..or a more defensive minded RW.
Even just before Olmo’s goal there is the same problem.
Kante is around Rodri so not helping the midfield and Rabiot has been dragged inside, leaving lots of space to exploit around Hernandez.
Very strange defensive set up from France which ultimately cost them the match.
Kante is around Rodri so not helping the midfield and Rabiot has been dragged inside, leaving lots of space to exploit around Hernandez.
Very strange defensive set up from France which ultimately cost them the match.
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