PlayBeautiful

Austria vs. Turkey (International Friendly March 29, 2016)


With EURO 2016 looming closer, international friendlies against the top sides are a precursor to the excitement we hope to witness on the big stage. A team I will be supporting throughout the upcoming competition is Turkey. The Crescent-Stars had a rocky qualifying campaign, but their desire to fight until the end is a testament to their potential. Here I will highlight the key features of Turkey's friendly match vs. Austria. What stood out to me the most was how Turkey created a game plan to counteract Austria's intensity. Although Austria started off strong giving Turkey defensive issues, the latter used their attacking talent to turn the result in their favor.

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.

Galatasaray vs. Inter (Preseason Friendly Match August 2, 2015)


I take a closer look at how Galatasaray were able to retain possession and control the game against Inter. In the second half, specifically the last 20 minutes of the match, Galatasaray's performance was much stronger. I wanted to focus on Galatasaray's positioning and support, which not only allowed them to move the ball forward, but also play a more dynamic style of football.


Galatasaray fullback Tarik Çamdal draws in Inter players on the right-hand side. This allows Galatasaray to spread out and position themselves in a clear line of pass without losing possession.


Using numerical superiority over Inter, Tarik, Emre, José, and Jem give each other support and options for passing. Galatasaray are able to retain possession and quickly move the ball through this shape.


Once space opens up for José Rodríguez to supply a pass, Umut Bulut moving closer to Rodriguez allows the ball to be played quicker without losing possession at this crucial stage of the build-up.


Utilizing José Rodríguez's sharp passing, Galatasaray can exploit the area out wide while Inter organize their defense and Galatasaray anticipate a cross into the box.


Galatasaray vary the space in between the lines. They use Tarik Çamdal to facilitate the attack from the right flank as well as link up with Emre Çolak who is an outlet to play the ball centrally. Their ability to read each other's movement and thus adjust positioning is an important aspect.


The shape that Galatasaray have organized means they could take advantage of support angles.


Once again Galatasaray using triangulation for angled passes and support in link-up play as they move the ball forward.


Written by: Goral Patel

Lineups:

GS: Muslera, Sabri, Semih, Hakan, Telles, Melo, Selçuk, Hamit, Sneijder, Yasin, Burak

BJK: Günay, Serdar, Atınç, Sivok, Opare, Kerim, Necip, Tolgay, Atiba, Sosa, Ba


The competition in the Super Lig is truly unmatched this season. To further intensify the competitive nature, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş faced off in the penultimate game of the season. Galatasaray didn’t let the pressure get to them as they stepped up to the plate, the 4th star within their reach. The maturity of their performance was reflected in the game plan.

One major part of Galatasaray’s strategy was the organization of their defense. Beşiktaş would play the ball out wide and then cross it in order to take advantage of the space behind the defense. Beşiktaş wanted to play as close as possible to Galatasaray’s defense while pushing them into the box. As a result, Galatasaray were forced to drop back and stay compact. Since Demba Ba is very clever slipping past defenders, the centerbacks (Semih-Hakan) stayed close together to prevent him from running into space. Beşiktaş would initially use diagonal balls in the center of the pitch to bypass Galatasaray’s midfield and then create width to quickly move the ball. An extra layer of defense was added by Melo and Selçuk sitting in front of it. This prevented Ba and Sosa from easily roaming into space in front of goal, but also create room for Sneijder to operate on transitions. Another feature of Galatasaray’s defensive organization was that it offered flexibility. For example, Galatasaray used a 3-man back line to initiate the first phase of the attack [Exhibit 1].

With Telles supporting the attack, Beşiktaş took the opportunity to exploit Galatasaray’s left side. However, this did not pose a huge problem since the 3-man backline was able to stretch across the pitch covering dangerous areas. Also, Sneijder or Yasin would help the fullbacks retrieve the ball on the touchlines.

This leads to the execution of Galatasaray’s attack. The Lions utilized the flanks to create room for the attack to advance forward. Galatasaray’s first goal, courtesy of Yasin, demonstrated a combination of quick reaction time and composure. Breaking down the build-up to Yasin’s goal, Melo was seen assessing his options. Beşiktaş players were keeping an eye on Melo, so Yasin was left open. Melo saw Yasin was unmarked and Selçuk edged back to create space for Melo’s pass. Yasin recognized where Melo will play the ball, so he ran into a clear line of pass [Exhibit 2].


The long, diagonal ball from Melo was received by Yasin and a Beşiktaş defender was pulled out of position trying to close down Yasin. The tackle wasn’t enough to dispossess Yasin as he reacted quickly to play the ball forward. By slightly applying his body weight to the right, Yasin escaped a second tackle. The initial shot was saved by Günay, but Yasin read where the ball was going and swiftly finished the follow-up shot [Exhibit 3].

Since February 16 Yasin Öztekin has been involved in 8 league goals this season (4 goals, 4 assists); the most from any Galatasaray player. Besides scoring goals, Yasin shows that as a valuable player he is able to do more than that. For instance, by tracking Telles’ movement on the ball, Yasin once again exploited the space left open and anticipated a cross into the opposition box [Exhibit 4].

The turnaround Galatasaray has done this season was evident in this match and appreciated by the fans. The grueling preparations done by Hamza Hamzaoğlu and his technical staff have paid off as the exciting race for the 2014/15 Spor Toto Süper Lig comes to an end.


Written by: Goral Patel

Lineups: 

Freiburg: Bürki, Günter, Kempf, Krmas, Riether, Klaus, Darida, Schuster, Schmid, Frantz, Mehmedi

Hannover 96: Zieler, Sakai, Marcelo, Sané, Albornoz, Schmiedebach, Hirsch, Briand, Stindl, Kiyotake, Joselu


Midfield Synergy
Hannover’s proactive approach implemented from the midfield kickstarted their attack. Schmiedebach pushed out to the far right side of the pitch with the support of Lars Stindl and Jimmy Briand. Briand had a positive display contributing in the final third, which was facilitated by linking up with Stindl. He would thread the ball down the line and get involved in creating chances. It shows how Briand has gotten used to the pace of the Bundesliga.

Use of Efficiency
It took a little longer for Freiburg to settle in. Around 20 minutes in, Freiburg started to look more lively. Initially, Freiburg were nervous because Hannover wanted to retain possession and use quick passing to their advantage. However, the likes of Günter, Darida, and Schmid fueled Freiburg into efficiently converting their chances. Things were looking brighter for the home side during the hour mark. They played more confidently and had much closer attempts. On the other hand, Hannover became more predictable in the second half despite being the better side in the first half.

High-Flying Hannover
H96 pushed through being two goals down. The introduction of Leo Bittencourt was a game-changer. It put The Reds on course to grab a point as late drama unfolded. A clever pass from Captain Stindl in the box was finished off by Bittencourt in the 83rd minute and a poor clearance from Roman Burki welcomed a Joselu equalizer in the 93rd minute.

“What a game today! We fought to the last minute and got our reward!” - Lars Stindl

Lineups:

PSG: Sirigu, van der Wiel, Marquinhos, David Luiz, Maxwell, Pastore, Rabiot, Matuidi, Cavani, Ibrahimović, Lavezzi

Subs Used: Lucas Moura (68'), Chantôme (75'), Digne (86')

Ajax: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Van der Hoorn, Denswil, Boilesen, Klaassen, Serero, Andersen, Schöne, Milik, Kishna

Subs Used: Viergever (10'), Zimling (69')


Analysis:

Ajax were keen to put numbers forward and committed to pressing in PSG’s half. For a majority of the match, they were comfortable with possession and played an attack-minded set up. Ajax’s strengths were in controlling the game, yet remaining patient and composed. However, playing a high line was a weakness. This put them at a greater risk of being caught out of position.

PSG played long balls overhead Ajax players to escape Ajax’s pressing and simultaneously exploited their high line. Also, they used Ajax’s loss of possession to their advantage because it wasn’t easy disturbing Ajax’s rhythm through the midfield. PSG are very strong at linking up and showcasing their finishing ability. Both goals by Ibra and Cavani were an indication of this. For the first goal, Ibra chipped the ball to Lavezzi who checked Cavani’s run, which resulted in a goal. For PSG’s second goal, a giveaway to Lucas, simple pass to Pastore, and a cross in the box to Ibra gave PSG the lead.

Pastore’s contribution to Ibra’s goal showed how crucial he was going forward and creating chances. His distribution of passes to both Ibra and Lavezzi helped in situations where Ajax lost the ball. Another important player was Rabiot. His awareness on and off the ball brought balance to the game. He had the most ball recoveries (14), completed all of his tackles (4), made 4 interceptions, while maintaining 92% pass accuracy. Plus, he would drop deep in between David Luiz and Marquinhos to help build the play.

The understanding between PSG’s central defensive pairing didn’t garner the same attention as the attack, but they were just as involved in the win. David Luiz and Marquinhos brought the best out of each other. This complementary partnership produced a solid performance in defense. When PSG would distribute the ball from the back, there was the risk that Ajax would use this opportunity to apply pressure. However, they were able to respond to the danger by quickly shutting down Ajax. Between the two of them, David Luiz and Marquinhos had 9 interceptions, 2 blocks, and 7 clearances.

Although the score wasn’t in Ajax’s favor, they continue winning hearts with their playing style, talent, and sheer determination. One player who embodies all these attributes is Ricardo Kishna. He’s only 19 years old, but came out fearless on the pitch. He caused problems for PSG on the left and gave Ajax more options out wide. One instance was his super cross to Klaassen in the box who ended up leveling the score with his diving header. Indeed, Kishna has a bright future ahead of him.


*MOTM: Edinson Cavani