Articles
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The Renaissance of Football’s Forgotten Boy Genius: André Villas-Boas
The day is January 30 1994. Sir Bobby Robson had just arrived at the Estadio das Antas (Porto’s 3rd & longest occupied stadium) to take charge of FC Porto. It was the year the life of a 16 year old Portuguese teenager – Luís Andre Villas-Boas – would change forever. Alongside him in the FC…
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Delightful Shocks – 1978 World Cup First Group Stage
It took just nine minutes for the deadlock to be broken in Austria’s opening World Cup fixture against Spain in Buenos Aires. Centre back Bruno Pezzey’s anticipation helped quickly snuff out a pass that was intended for Spain’s full back Antonio De La Cruz. Pezzey then sprayed the ball to Walter Schachner near the touchline…
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Tactical Analysis: Chelsea vs. Ajax
The UEFA Champions League has given us some memorable nights in recent memory but few group stage matches have had anywhere near the madness, thrill and all-round quality that was on show when Frank Lampard’s high-flying Chelsea took on Erik Ten Hag’s league leading Ajax at Stamford Bridge. A game that began as usual at…
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Tactical Profiles – Inter’s Onslaught Under Conte
Inter Milan are – as everyone knows them – the team regularly touted to usurp the inevitable Italian champions Juventus, and ultimately suffer at the behest of their own incompetence. Everything post-Mourinho has led to the same question asked over and over and over; why can’t Inter do it? Why do they keep failing? Well,…
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Five U-21 players that can make the step up from the Championship to the Premier League
The Championship is a goldmine for young talent and the league keeps on churning out fantastic youngsters at an exceptional rate. The likes of Che Adams, Ezri Konsa, Lloyd Kelly and Daniel James made the step up to the Premier League in the summer and many more will follow suit in the coming transfer windows.…
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Tactical Analysis: MLS Semifinals
MLS Conference finals brought the fans two games who surprised everyone, with both favorite teams being knocked out of the competition and missing the 2019 MLS Cup final. A lot of credit has to be given to the Seattle Sounders, a team that is in great form, very organized defensively and with excellent attacking players;…
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Road To Argentina – Austria’s 1978 Odyssey
Austrian football has a rich history that goes back decades – from the Wunderteam of the 1930s to finishing third at the 1954 World Cup. Yet the 1978 World Cup in Argentina is fondly etched into the hearts of Austrian fans – a last hurrah where they made their mark on the world stage. Their…
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What Colour Catcher’s partnership with Man City means for WSL
This summer’s Women’s World Cup tournament has had a lasting impact throughout the world of women’s football. From more coverage for domestic competitions to sell-out stadiums bringing in greater exposure, the platform for women’s football has grown from strength to strength. But one aspect that is yet to be given the same luxury is…
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Tactical Profiles – a Stampede in Gladbach
Welcome to a new special series on Breaking the Lines! This tactical insight, attempting to profile the most interesting and creative tactical thinkers in football is a new initiative that will feature on the site every couple of weeks. First up: Marco Rose. Having innovated his own aggressive style of Germany’s new-age style, Marco…
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Tactical Analysis: Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Ole Solskjaer’s Manchester United ended Liverpool’s winning streak at 17, denying the Reds a record equalling 18th victory in a fascinating tactical battle. Perhaps recognising that this team was nowhere close to going toe to toe with the reigning Champions League winners, the Norwegian set up his team in an ultra-defensive manner, and for the…
