Well done Belgium. Superb first half.
I was worried the other night for them after the Japan game because of Martinez’s 3 centre backs and 2 wingbacks preference but so far tonight he has got it spot on. In possession it is a 3412 with Lukaku and Hazard more as wide forwards and De Bruyne as a 10. Out of possession the shape starts as a 433 at high press and then becomes a 4312 at low press.
Meunier drops back to right back and the three centre backs move across to the left to form a back 4. Chadli moves central from left wing back to left centre midfielder to create a narrow 3 with Fellaini and Witsel. In front of them starts as Lukaku, De Bruyne and Hazard as a 3 in the high press with De Bruyne then dropping off into the number 10 when Brazil move past the first stage of the high block (the front 3).
The idea has really paid off so far with the space in the centre of the pitch being restricted by the narrow diamond in front of a compact back 4. Brazil simply haven’t had the space to play through the centre of the pitch. Tite might have to take off one of the centre midfielders (Paulinho) and bring on Douglas Costa. Play Willian and Costa very wide to stretch Belgium with Neymar playing off of Jesus in the space. Get 2 vs 1 in wide areas and expose Meunier and Vertonghen.
Bravo Martinez and bravo the players for implementing the plan perfectly.
I was worried the other night for them after the Japan game because of Martinez’s 3 centre backs and 2 wingbacks preference but so far tonight he has got it spot on. In possession it is a 3412 with Lukaku and Hazard more as wide forwards and De Bruyne as a 10. Out of possession the shape starts as a 433 at high press and then becomes a 4312 at low press.
Meunier drops back to right back and the three centre backs move across to the left to form a back 4. Chadli moves central from left wing back to left centre midfielder to create a narrow 3 with Fellaini and Witsel. In front of them starts as Lukaku, De Bruyne and Hazard as a 3 in the high press with De Bruyne then dropping off into the number 10 when Brazil move past the first stage of the high block (the front 3).
The idea has really paid off so far with the space in the centre of the pitch being restricted by the narrow diamond in front of a compact back 4. Brazil simply haven’t had the space to play through the centre of the pitch. Tite might have to take off one of the centre midfielders (Paulinho) and bring on Douglas Costa. Play Willian and Costa very wide to stretch Belgium with Neymar playing off of Jesus in the space. Get 2 vs 1 in wide areas and expose Meunier and Vertonghen.
Bravo Martinez and bravo the players for implementing the plan perfectly.