Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Turkey vs. Netherlands (European Qualifiers September 6, 2015)

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Turkey vs. Netherlands (European Qualifiers September 6, 2016)


It could be said that Turkey's 3 goals against Netherlands were pure luck and merely a result of the opponent's below average performance. However, capitalizing on the opposition's mistakes are a part of the game and Turkey took advantage of this efficiently. It was clear from this match that Turkey placed more emphasis on defensive stability and using counter-attacks to quickly move the ball in unorganized areas. The way that Turkey maintained their shape and limited runs behind their defense contributed to the team not conceding a goal.


Turkey use the touchline to defend against Netherlands since the angles are narrow.  By playing to the touchline, Turkey can press with 2v1. Ozan Tufan and Hakan Çalhanoğlu double up against Jaïro Riedewald in order to dispossess the player.


Turkey's back line sitting deeper while Netherlands try to make runs behind. This blocks off threatening runs being made into the box, while securing against crosses. Clearances also allow Turkey to quickly mount counter-attacks when a player is near the edge of the box.


Turkey crowd their defense in front of goal to prevent Memphis' quick dribbling into the danger zone. Two Turkish players are situated to deal with a run behing made inside and provide cover.


An instance when Turkey's shape is narrow vertically while transitioning into defense since fullbacks and wingers tuck in allowing Dutch players to be stationed in wide areas. This space is conceded so Turkey could organize their defensive shape and control depth.


Turkey utilizing 4-1-4-1 with Selçuk İnan in the holding role. His positioning is not only important to connect the attack to the defense, but also cover the back line since the opposition will stretch the team.


Here Selçuk slides back from his position in order to mark his man. Turkey momentarily have a 5-man defensive line.


Selçuk provides cover for Şener who is defending against an incoming Dutch player from the right flank along with Hakan Çalhanoğlu offering support. This allows Turkey to pair up and defend using the touchline.


With Netherlands using horizontal passing while in possession, Turkey are given time to organize their defensive shape which in this case is a 4-4-2 formation. There are two banks of 4 with players close together, so they could easily close the distance. Netherlands can't gain any space unless they utilize diagonal or vertical passes.


Written by: Goral Patel


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