World Cup 2018

SVERIGE v KROATIEN
July 7, 2018

@JStews3
KROATIEN NATIONAL TEAM PREVIOUS GAMES
Zlatko Dalic (2017-PRESENT)

2018 World Cup Qualifier

9 17
4 18
17
Kramaric Mandzukic

4 17 Perisic Rebic
Pjaca
Mandzukic Perisic

4 Right
18 7
Rakitic
10
10 8 Modric
4 4

Perisic Rebic Modric

19 Kovacic

Right 9 Right
22
Badelji
13 3
11
Brozovic 2
Kramaric Jedvaj Vrsalko
6
Pivaric Strinic
15 5 21
Right Carleta-Car Corluka Vida Lovren

7 10 12 4
23 4

1
Kalinic
1
Subasic
Rakitic Modric
3 Right Right
2 VS. ICELAND (4321) VS. DENMARK (4141)
WON 2-1 4-3-3 (A) / 4-4-2 & 4-5-1 (D) WON 2-1PK 4-3-3 (A) / 4-2-3-1 (D)
Strinic Vrsalko
Left
21 6 Right SCORED: SCORED:
53’ - #18 Badelj (2nd 6, Trailing Run) 4’ - #17 Mandzukic (Cross)
Vida Lovren 90’ - #4 Perisic (Quick Attack)
Right Right
23 CONCEEDED: CONCEEDED:
Subasic 76’ - #10 Sigurdsson (Penalty) 1’ - #4 Jorgensen (Throw-in)
Right

LINE UP vs. RUSSIA

4-2-1-3 ATTACK 4-4-2 DEFEND

@JStews3
 KROATIEN SQUAD LIST
Siffra Spelare Klubb Placera Fodelsedatum Mins Spelade Caps/ Goals
1 Dominik Livakovic Dinamo Zagreb-CRO GK 09-01-1995 0 3/0

2 Sime Vrsaljko Atletico Madrid-SPA DEF 10-1-1992 277 43/0

3 Ivan Strinic Sampdoria-ITA DEF 17-07-1987 254 49/0

4 Ivan Perisic Inter Milan-ITA FWD 02-02-1989 325 75/22

5 Vedran Corluka Lokomotiv-RUS DEF 05-02-1986 115 103/4

6 Dejan Lovren Liverpool-ENG DEF 05-07-1989 308 50/2

7 Ivan Rakitic Barcelona-SPA MID 10-03-1988 308 101/15

8 Mateo Kovacic Real Madrid-SPA MID 06-05-1994 134 48/1

9 Andrej Kramaric 1899 Hoffenheim-GER FWD/MID 19-07-1991 271 42/12

10 Luka Modric Real Madrid-SPA MID 09-09-1985 365 118/14

11 Marcelo Brozovic Inter Milan-ITA MID 16-11-1992 177 42/6

12 Lovre Kalinic Gent-BEL GK 03-04-1990 90 14/0

13 Tin Jedvaj Bayer Leverkusen-GER DEF 28-11-1995 90 17/2

14 Filip Bradaric Hajuk Spilit-CRO MID 11-01-1992 25 6/0

15 Duje Caleta-Car Marseille-FRA DEF 17-09-1996 90 2/0

16 Nikola Kalinic SENT HOME

17 Mario Manzukic Juventus-ITA FWD 21-05-1986 296 89/33

18 Ante Rebic Eintracht Frankfurt-GER FWD 21-09-1993 255 26/2

19 Milan Badelj Fiorentina-ITA MID 25-02-1989 90 41/2

20 Marko Pjaca Juventus-ITA FWD 06-05-1995 73 23/1

21 Domagoj Vida Besiktas-TUR DEF 29-04-1989 300 69/4

22 Josip Pivaric Dynamo Kiev-UKR DEF 30-01-1989 146 23/0

23 Danijel Subasic Monaco-FRA GK 27-10-1984 300 44/0

@JStews3
 KEY PLAYERS
#10 - Luka Modric - Right Footed
AVP Creator - Collects deep and dribbles to engage players
Goal Scorer/Creator - Dangerous in build up and around 18 yard box.
• Looks to arrive late finish at top of the box
• Rotates frequently with #7 Rakitic - Key partnership
#10 Modric • Roles out to receive in MFD Low and compress opponents by dribbling vertically
• Varies start position in platforms - shows ball side or overloads weak side
Center Midfielder

#18 - Ante Rebic - Right Footed

AVP Receiver - Receives wide or in half space
Creative Player - Escapes & evades pressure effectively in 1v1 situations
• Inverted winger who wants to cut inside and shoot from the Left Wing
• Uses body effectively to shield the ball away from pressure
• Will attack 1v1 at every opportunity
#18 Rebic
• Will create overloads in wide areas with FB
Winger • Creates set piece opportunities in dangerous locations

#17 - Mario Mandzukic - Right Footed

AVP Receiver - Finisher and target player
Goal Scorer - Aerial threat on crosses and set pieces.
• Effective at winning free kicks
• Minimal involvement until final ball
• Excellent movement timing and timing of jumping
# 17 Mandzukic • Able to hold up play and include others
Centre Forward • Big Game Mentality - Always provides in big moments

@JStews3
 #17
Club:
Juventus
Age: 32

Kroatien #4
Club: Inter
Milan
Right Mandzukic #18
Club: Eintracht
Frankfurt

Predicted
Age: 29 Age: 25
#9
Right Perisic Club: Right Rebic
Ho enheim
Age: 27

Starting 11 #7
Right Kramaric

#10
Club: Club: Real
Barcelona Madrid
Age: 30 Age: 33
Right Rakitic Right Modric

#3 #2
Club: AC Club: Inter
Milan Milan
Age: 31 Age: 26
Left Strinic Right Vrsalko

#21 #6
Club: Club:
Besiktas Liverpool
Age: 29 Age: 29
Right Vida Right Lovren

#23
Club:
Monaco
Age: 34
@JStews3 Right Subasic
ff
4 MOMENT OVERVIEW
SVERIGE v KROATIEN
July 7, 2018

@JStews3
 KROATIEN - AO THEIR 1/2
• STRUCTURE: Back 3, GK Direct
• SKILLSET: Proactive Passing (Short + Long) and
Purposeful Movement
• MINDSET: “Overload the backline through switch of
play”
• TENDENCIES:
• CM makes back 3 - Attract opponents to press or
slide to one side, opening weak side overload(FB
Low or FB High with MF Low)
• FB High - W’s narrow - FB’s occupy a high starting
position - GK Direct
• MF Low - FB High - Constant switch of play
• CM on ADVP - Occupies CB’s and #4
AO THEIR 1/2
• CB starting position on corners of 18 to allow CM to create
back 3 and create platforms.
• FB take up a high starting position and partner with the W
(FB High - W Inside) - GK Direct to FB for flick on.
• MF Low on switch - Allows CM to dribble vertically and attract
pressure to release FB.
AO THEM
OUR 1/2
• Patience - #7 and #10 will dictate play and play short passes to
attract opponent to one side, only to switch and attack quickly on
weak side. Typically set up on left to switch to the right. FB’s have
high starting position and play in line with W.
• In the attacking half Croatia attacks through crosses from the
right. #17 or #9 stay central and attack crosses with #4 and #18
ending up in the box or at the top of the box.
• #17 is a threat aerially and lives on weak side CB back shoulder or
in between CBs.
• #10 will dribble vertically on the switch and engage defenders.
Often creates 3v2 and 2v1 wide with FB and W
FB Joins - W Narrow

KROATIEN - AO OUR 1/2 17

4 9 18 2
• STRUCTURE: 1-2-1-2-5 - Attacking FB’s 3
on both sides - 2 CM Free - Narrow Wingers
• SKILLSET: Crossing & Finishing - 1v1 Attacking, Patience, 17
Switch the attack 9 10
4 18
• MINDSET: “We will shift our opponent to one side of the 7
field through short passing, to try to exploit space and 21 6
overloads on the weak side.” 3 2
• TENDENCIES:
• 9/10 - Central - Off the Front on ADVP 10
• 1 CM (#7) will sit between CBs - try to attract
pressure 21 7 6
• Both FB get forward and act as wingers to produce
crosses through overloads (2v1/3v2)
• 3-4 players consistently in the box for crosses 23
• Short passes on one side to attract defenders -
Immediately switch to CM Low or FB High
 KROATIEN DEFENDING ORGANIZATION

• SKILLSET: Front footed defending
• MINDSET: “We will press you aggressively to regain the
ball in your half or make you play direct”
TENDENCIES:
• #17 - Engages CBs early and forces to one side
• W’s - Forces the opposition FB outside
• MFD 3 - 2 Screens - Cut of entry passes to CF and back
pass aerial direct pass - Create box with CBs - 1 presses
HM
• CB’s - Strong in the air
• FB’s - Stay tight to the W and press aggressively
when defending on the sideline - Do not press once W
has been taken out
• #17 - Presses immediately once the ball is played to CB. #17 will shift
• Set up in 4-4-2 defensively and press aggressively in wide areas - 2
into front 2 with #9 in the 4-4-2 in their own half- Bends run to direct
the CB towards the sides and FB or direct ball
banks of four that are vertically aligned.
• #7/#10 - Screens stay central and form box with CBs
• #18/#4 - Locks the FB down the side (ball side) - On the opposite side,
• #9 lock onto one side- #9 will often stay close to the OPP #4
they provide balance for 2 screens and finds wide position in the 4-4-2
• #17 - Stays on the shoulders of the CBs and is an outlet in transition
for their own half if press is broken
• #9 - Keeps curtains tight to deny #4 comfortable possession
• Press any lose balls with 2 or more players
• #10/#7 - Screen entry passes into CF and back press aerial direct
passes
• #2/#3 - While pressing (ball side) stay tight to winger and arrive quickly
to hunt down the sides. Once press is broken, they protect space
behind.
• #6/#21 - Maintain a high line while pressing. Win majority of aerial
duels from direct passes
#9- Presses and
forces a pass

17 #17 will press

back passes
• STRUCTURE: 4-2-1-3 or 4-4-2 to CB
• SKILLSET: Back Pressing, Screening, Aggressive 1v1
9 18 #4/#18 -
Defending 4 Sniper role #3/#2
in 433 - but aggressively
• MINDSET: “We will force you to play wide and press you CM Screen
fall into
and back press wide
when you are at the sideline or facing backwards” press 7 10 4-4-2 in own
half 17
• TENDENCIES:
• #17 - Ready to hunt any back passes to the CB 3 9
• W’s - Zonal and patient - Will not give up central space after
21 6 2 #7/#10
4 provide
occupying it. Press wide against FB. CB’s - Strong Aerially, 18 screen for CF
passes
• MFD 3 - Zonal until close enough to press - Double screen but can be dragged out

that will press when set and create box with CBs. Often have
of position 7 10
W or #9 back press at the same time 3
• FB’s - Very aggressive to press out wide and disconnect 23 21 6 2
from CB Screen will CBs defend
track the crosses well.
• CB’s - Dominate 1v1 aerial duels, but do not track late runs MFD Channel Aerially
well or stay connected to FB when FB looks to aggressively Run
23 dominant
press wide.

@JStews3
 KROATIEN DEFENDING ORGANIZATION

@JStews3
 KROATIEN TRANSITION - AT/DT

KROATIEN-ATTACKING TRANSITION AT DT
THEM
• Croatia Swarm in our half - They always have 2 players
• STRUCTURE: Find #7 and #10 and look to dribble or retain minimum chasing immediately once they have lost the ball to
possession in transition. win it back in our half - At times, 1 Screen (#10) or 1 FB will
• #4 - Long Option into Corners - Dynamic and quick players on
• SKILLSET: Secure and Consolidate possession THEIR 1/2
both wings that will run in behind and receive behind. Direct
step in to close down an exit pass from the opponent
• MINDSET: “We will build up and be patient unless direct • When Attacking Our Half, they keep home #6, #21, #7
option in transition with good numerical support.
opportunities to goal are there” (CB’s, and 1 Screen) for DT - Ball side CB defends with front
• Find #7 and #10 - Patient buildup in Croatia’s AT to allow for #2
TENDENCIES: foot mindset and weak side CB covers space n behind on the
and 3 to get high and wide. Could be because of total minutes
• When defending their half, in a 4-4-2 upon regain the back foot
played and match management.
play supporting player alongside or behind • Once the “Hunt” is broken, the back line will drop to
• #10 will dribble vertically or play supporting players
prevent any passes in behind - Both CBs are willing to cover
• #10 - Looks to collect and dictate pace (dribble or alongside - Penetrates on the dribble, controls tempo for
the space left by FB’s with one of the screens providing
retain) positional setup by playing alongside.
support for them.
• #2/3 - get wide and high and take up position for AO
• #4/18 - Pin FBs inside through movement to open up
channel for #2/3
Closest 2 players
Swarm

KROATIEN-DEFENSIVE TRANSITION 4 17 18
3 9 2
• STRUCTURE: Collapse onto ball and press from multiple
#4 - In Behind
angles
• SKILLSET: Front footed Proactive Defending with Swarm
10
7
• MINDSET: “We will immediately chase and close you #7/10 Control patient
build up in AT
down once the ball is lost - You will not have time to settle
17 21 6
on the ball”
TENDENCIES:
9 Counter Counter space left by Counter
• Always keep home their 2 CB’s, 1 Screen behind 4 18 RB and LB. Pull CBs out
the ball for DT (Sometimes in MFD Low Space) of position and have
supporting runners.
• Ball side CB defends on front foot 10
• Weak side CB defends on back foot 7
• Closest 2-3 players Hunt - As soon as possession is 3 23
lost the closest players hunt. “6 Seconds”
21 6 2
• Back pressure - Applied from closest player to the
ball
23

@JStews3
 KROATIEN TRANSITION - AT/DT

@JStews3
 SVERIGE DEFENSIVE ORGANIZATION

THEM 1/2
DO OUR
SVERIGE - DO THEIR 1/2 DO THEIR 1/2
• Defending crosses - Frame the goal (CB-CB-FB) - #4
• STRUCTURE: 1-4-4-2 (Dimond midfield) Goal kicks
must pick up late runs and win 2nd phase.
• SKILLSET: Proactive defending through high pressure on
• When Croatia go into Back 3 Platform, be prepared
goal kicks to force the long ball and win the arial battle. • #8/4 - Pressure #7 & #10 first touch from CB passes - if
for switch to weak side. Travel together, stay
• MINDSET: “We will not allow time on the ball in order to good team shape. Opportunity for turnover.
together, arrive together. Detach winger to press FB
disrupt your attacking rhythm” • Recognize Back 3 or MFD Low Platform and prevent
wide - #10 Pressure to eliminate the switch to weak
• KEYS TO SUCCESS: switch. Opportunity for turnover.
side
• Strikers set to CB'S (goal-kicks) • #4 - Screen entry passes to #17 and back press second
• Defending the box - Kill the space in the box +
• #8 - presses high to support strikers phase balls from direct play.
absorb opposition runs - Fill the frame of the goal + PK
• #4 drops into holding mid as protection for the • Back 4 - Win Aerial Duels and monitor weak side
Spot - 2nd Phase + Transition
back 4 and long ball overload
• #7 & #11 go wide to take away longer ball out to
FB's
Defend crosses - Frame Always 2v2 or 3v3 when
• Tight Team the goal and #4 tracking the ball is wide & deep
late runs and winning in our half
2nd phase
4 17 18
SVERIGE - DO OUR 1/2 Reaction from
9
fullback to step 2
• STRUCTURE: 1-4-4-1-1 Low block tight to outlet FB
3
• SKILLSET: Tight team and patience in own half, good
10
team spacing looking to press in zone 2/3 to regain
possession. Win Aerial Duels and 1st and 2nd phase. 7
17 18 6
• MINDSET: “Un-Penetrative, Resilient, and Intelligent 4 9 21
Zonal Pressure to deny AVP’s, react off cues to press and
10
#9 - Split CB &
get support around the ball. Screen - Ready
Counter to back press Counter
• KEYS TO SUCCESS: 7 #7 + outlet in
• Back 4 - Step slide + cover (Direct) - Stop 3
2 transition

progression
• #5-#6-#4 - Deal with Handovers + Absorbing 23
Runs 21 6
• Always 1 more than them Tight Team
Left winger anticipate
and intercept square
• Surprise - #10 Back pressing to challenge and win passes from #21 to #6
possession and turnovers 23

@JStews3
 SVERIGE DEFENSIVE ORGANIZATION

@JStews3
 SVERIGE ATTACKING ORGANIZATION

AO OUR 1/2 THEM 1/2

SVERIGE - AO OUR 1/2
• STRUCTURE: 4-4-2 Direct
• SKILLSET: Aerial duals 1st and 2nd phase support, isolate left back.
• MINDSET: “We will win the direct ball and have numbers around
the second phase”
KEYS TO SUCCESS:
• Look forward early through our #9/10
• Front 5 to support around the ball for 2nd phase
• Keeper to pick side, Players all form onto that side and get
bodies around the ball, win the first and 2nd phase.
• Deep CB’s when our Keeper is in possession looking to
opposite Side CB + FB, Manipulate their RCM drag and
draw (Create 2v1)
• Overload and isolate the LB - movement in behind and in
front
AO THEIR
• Keeper decision making Direct or Build out in FB Low • Win set pieces - this is an opportunity to get our aerial
(Back Triangle - Short or Direct build up) threats forward in the oppositions half (Croatia drop
THEIR 1/2
• #4 - Drag their #10 across to the ball side while the 1st
deep)
build up pass is made from Keeper to CB • 2nd Balls are opportunities to regain and achieve final
• Squeeze space after direct play to win 2nd Phase and acts
have numbers around the ball. #8/10 must support
• #4 - Be available for the switch - Switch of play
underneath and win the 2nd phase ahead of Croatia’s
which triggers our FB to link play on the opposite
#7/10.
side
• #7/11 - Width in FB Low Platform or in behind on GK
Direct
Keeper -
Read the of
RCM Height

SVERIGE - AO THEIR 1/2 17

• STRUCTURE: Front 5 and support from FB do not over 9
commit #4 to support behind the ball 4 18 Front 5 attack
• SKILLSET: One-two touch play, Overlaps/Underlaps, Crossing with FB joining
Opposite Side -
& Finishing, Running & Dribbling 10 Manipulate the
in - always 1

• MINDSET: “Sophisticated movement to open up key spaces 7 RCM - Create

more than them
2v1
that will threaten their back in front & in behind” 3 17
21 2
KEYS TO SUCCESS: 6
Win the long ball - front 5 Support and bodies in the 2nd phase 8/7 - Ready for
• Isolate their FB’s in Wide Areas - draw #7/10 away
#9/10 Outlet for
long direct ball
Once the ball is
switched to the 4 9 18 cut backs - Win
opposite side, 2nd Balls around
from the centre and lock the box. front 5 support
the box
we need width,
• Early crosses - Opportunity for early crosses or cut support & 10
backs 23 penetration 7 2
always 3
• Exploit the half space back - through well timed and #9 + 10 - Near
intelligent runs (Manipulate screens) Opportunities - early and Far Post
crosses 21 6 runs
• Quick tempo - 1 & 2 touch passes
23

@JStews3
 SVERIGE ATTACKING ORGANIZATION

@JStews3
 SVERIGE TRANSITION - AT/DT

SVERIGE - ATTACKING TRANSITION AT THEM

DT
• STRUCTURE: 1-4-4-1-1 #9/10 & #7/11 in Transition half space to • Once the ball is lost, our Back Line + Keeper need to read the cues
expose space wide areas • Escape the Hunt - Immediate/early Support around the for Direct counters in behind our back line (side on body shape)
• SKILLSET: Running & Dribbling, Proactive Passes, Breaking the line, ball as we win - 1 or 2 pass max - direct forward balls - US
• In their half, we can “Hunt” with our Front 5 for first 3 passes &
support play disrupt their attacking rhythm
Crossing & Finishing
• If unsuccessful in regaining possession, drop to half into tight
• MINDSET: “We will counter and hurt you in wide areas” “In our half, • Back 5 - early support to secure and escape the hunt. team shape with #7/11 tucked in and #8/4 screening entry
we will always have immediate support to our long direct passes up • Hit the wide area's and space left by FB's in passes
the field" transition - Left back is poor and can be exploited in • Weakside FB - nothing at back post - See ball & player
KEYS TO SUCCESS: behind • CB’s - Aware of #17 as Mandzukic is main threat aerially
• Direct -Reaction and tempo - Quick decisions, support and
movement once gaining possession.
• #9 - Be available as an early forward outlet once we have won
the ball back
• #7/11/10 support striker quickly - join the counter with
intelligent movement - in-behind and off the front.
Back 5 be available for
the reset and to secure
possession
SVERIGE - DEFENSIVE TRANSITION
Back 4 get narrow do not
• STRUCTURE: 1-4-4-1-1 (Narrow back 4 + screen) allow space to play
17 through delay and allow
• SKILLSET: Stepping In Front of Opponents to Intercept, DEF 4 18 4 screen outlets in front
of back 4
for recovery runs - prepare
Body shape to drop and win aerial duels. Pressing on cues, 3 9 MFD - immediate to deal with crosses from
support to escape the wide areas
passes max drop and regain shape and recovery 3 hunt and play forward
• MINDSET: “Always have one more than them, kill their 7 10
outlets in behind and off the front” 17
KEYS TO SUCCESS: Transition Transition
• Narrow back 4 - when front 5 need to recover 6 2 18
21 9
• Kill the space in behind + Screen deal with the link 4
Transition 7/11 - When we win the
player off the front #6 ball, Inside or Outside
• Drop and delay - front 5 run!! support quickly 7 10
9 to be available either
• Front 5 ball side recovery or hunt - 3 pass max hunt in behind the defence
and then recover. or showing to link the
play to supporting
3 21 6 2
• #10 - Back Pressing, runners Front 5 - “Hunt” Mentality -
• #7/11/8 Recovery Runs, and Tracking Runs to First 3 passes -
ensure nobody gets past you 23 23

@JStews3
 SVERIGE ATTACKING TRANSITION

@JStews3
 SVERIGE’S MOMENT

@JStews3
 SVERIGE KEYS TO SUCCESS

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

•Defensive Patience and Resilience •Front 3 Pace + Power

1 • Maintain spacing when sliding defensively

• Tight Team - 2 blocks of 4 with #10 back-pressing #7/10 1 • Rakitic and Modric create platforms + Long Diagonals to weak side
• FBs High - WFWD are narrow to compress and lock our back 4

•Pressing in Zone 2/3 •Defensive Transitions

2 • Back-pressing to surprise opponent
• Body cues of opponent and pressing to win possession back 2 • 2-3 players press ball carrier and next pass to recover ball
• Front and back press any outlet pass into CF

•Attacking Transition - Counter in wide areas •Attacking the box

3 • W or CF immediately counter the space behind high FB’s
• Opportunity for early crosses behind + cut back crosses 3 • 3/4 players regularly running into the box to finish crosses
• Overloads in wide areas for crossing opportunities

@JStews3
SET PIECES
SVERIGE v KROATIEN
July 7, 2018

@JStews3
 KROATIEN - ATTACKING CORNER

CROATIA - Attacking Corner #1 vs Russia

10
Set up:
• #10 Delivery from both sides
• In Swing - Sweden Right
9 • Out Swing - Sweden Left
Stutter step and check 4 21
back 6 18 • 6 Players Attacking the Box - all have alternate movement to create separation
17
Back post and Front • #6 - Spins to the far post
post runs with 2 players • #18 - Penalty Spot
attacking each post
7 • #9 - Drags out to go short and then arrives back to near post for 2nd
Phase and rebounds
3
2
• #21 - Near Post
• #4 - ends up back post for flick on and rebound
2nd Phase to lock • #17 - hovers around penalty spot
• 1 Player Locking the Box for 2nd Balls - #7

CROATIA ATTACKING CORNER #1 CROATIA Tendencies:

• Separation Movement - All have counter movement to create separation
• Pick to set up free man - #18 looks to set pick and have #21, #6, or #17 free
• 2 players looking for knockdown or rebound - frame the goal with #9 and #4
looking to pounce on knockdowns and rebounds

Scout Analysis:
• Win first ball - Counter from clearance into spaces left by FBs
• Key Match ups - Player to Player Marking (Tight and Ready to step across
opponents to win the ball back)
• Follow secondary movement - Stay tight (man-marking) with all Croatia
players and match first and secondary movement
• Match aggression level - Croatia are very aggressive in the air and that must
be matched. Tight marking, no space.

Structure vs Russia

@JStews3
 KROATIEN - ATTACKING CORNER

10
CROATIA - Attacking Corner #2 vs Russia

Set up:
18 9 • #10 delivery for in swinging corner
• In Swing - Sweden Right Side
21 4 17
Delivery to recently
6 • Out Swing - Sweden Left Side
vacated space Double movement back
post with pick set
• 6 Players Attacking the Box
• #18 - Creates space at the front post and turns to look for the rebound
• #4 - Enters space created by 18 and attacks front post
7 • #9 - Opens space for #4 and #21 to attack front post delivery
3 • #21 - Attack near post space created by #18
2 Players locking • #17 - Free back post through pick from #6
• #6 - Sets pick for #17 and spins off to arrive back post
2 • 2 Player Locking the Box for 2nd Balls (ie - #7 and 3)

CROATIA ATTACKING CORNER #2 CROATIA Tendencies:

• Short Corner - Play the Short frequently - Overlap from player on the ball +
Dribble at opponents to create 2v2 Scenario
• Short Corners ended up as a shot on goal or a Cross to the far post
• Far Post is loaded up with 2 players - #6 who spins to back post & #10 who is
already positioned in that space

Scout Analysis:
• We must have 2 defending around the ball to pressure the Short Corner -
Canadian Players defending the Box must read cues on when to step outside of
the 18 yard box (Ready for the recycled cross or transition)
• Key Match ups - Player to Player Marking (Tight and Ready to step across
opponents to win the ball back)
• Dealing with the #6 Spin Run - Our best marker needs to track this run to
prevent the free player at the far post
• Transition - Stepping out and hunting for the 2nd & 3rd Phase

Structure vs Russia

@JStews3
 KROATIEN - DEFENDING CORNER

CROATIA - Defending Corner #1 vs Russia

23
10
2 4 Set up:
17 3 Players free to track/ • 2 out to defend short option
win the ball
6
• 5 Man-marking players
3 18 • #6 - marks opponent CB
21 9
• #21 - marks opponent CB
7
• #18 - marks 3rd threat
2 Players to win 2nd
Phase
• #3 - man-marking
Man-marking/zonal
hybrid • #2 - man-marking
• 4 players left free to attack ball
• Win 2nd Phase
• Launch counter attack
• 2 players tracking any ball played into 6 yard box and 2nd 6.

CROATIA DEFENDING CORNER #1 CROATIA Tendencies:

• Aggressive - #21, #6, and #17 are aggressive in aerial duels
• Often can be beat ball side as their physicality leads to them being pulled
out of position
• Lazy from some - #18 does not arrive ball side to win aerial duels. Exploitable.

Scout Analysis:
• We must win the 2nd and 3rd Phase - 2 players locking at the top of the 18
yard box to not allow transition and for us to live in their half.
• Key Match ups - Player to Player Marking (Tight and Ready to step across
opponents to win the ball back)
• Back post matchups - Our best attacker needs to end up at the back post with
a favourable matchup through a pick or losing opponent
• Transition - Stepping out and hunting for the 2nd & 3rd Phase. Can be locked
in and we can live in their half.
• Short Corner - Pull 2 defenders out and look to dribble or create shot
Structure vs Russia

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 KROATIEN - DEFENDING WIDE FREE KICK

CROATIA - Defending Wide Free Kick vs Russia

23
Absorb runners and 2 Deep Lying Zonal Set up:
players attack the ball Marking
2 6 21 3 • 1 on the ball - #10
18 17 7
• 4 Players Along 6 Yard box
• #2, 6, 21, 3 all zonal marking
9 4
10 • Absorb and find runners into the area
• #18, 17, 7 all zonal marking
2 Players aggressively
press in 2nd Phase • track runners onto the backline
• #9 and 4 win second phase and look to press anything played square or
short
• Players are free to track the ball and win aerial duels

CROATIA Tendencies:
CROATIA DEFENDING WIDE FREE KICK • Win 1st ball - Press the second phase to push backwards and force negative
pass
• Aggressive - #21, #6, and #17 are aggressive in aerial duels
• #9 and 4 closed body shape and lazy - Do not want to defend corners and
show lazy tendencies in tracking runs and reacting to passes.

Scout Analysis:
• Backpost runs - driven ball into backlist for flick on or head across goal for
rebounds
• Push Croatia deeper into their goal - runners bring tracking players with them
to open space behind them
• Late runner for shooting opportunity
• Transition - Win the second and 3rd phase and lock to live in their half

Structure vs Russia

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SCHEDULE
SVERIGE v KROATIEN
July 7, 2018

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 SVERIGE SCHEDULE

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SESSION PLANS
SVERIGE v KROATIEN
July 7, 2018

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 SVERIGE SESSION PLAN M-2

BLOCK 1 BLOCK 3

BLOCK 2 BLOCK 4

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