World Championship --Jules Rimet Cup 1966 Final ... - FIFA.com

MEXICO
The Mexican team played to a 1-4-4-2 system in the first match against
France, i . e . with only two players in the forward attacking positions.
In attacking, therefore, there was a good deal of slow interpassing in
mid-field, whilst other forwards moved up to more advanced positions of
play. Only eleven shots were made, insufficient to justify victory . In
the second match against England, Mexico played completely on defence,
using at times a 1-9-1 formation . Though England attacked throughout
the game, the defensive barrier held the scoring to two goals . The last
match against Uruguay showed a new Mexico playing 1-4-2-4, building
up good attacks and making many chances to score . With four forwards
in attack, players interchanged positions intelligently and with effect .
The defenders in this game were quick to intercept and to start up counter
attacks . All three matches were vitally different from a tactical point of
view.
SWITZERLAND
Playing 1-4-2-4, the Swiss team looked technically as good as the West
German side in their first match, but they lacked the strength and speed
and gradually began to look slow in comparison, both in running to
cover in defence and in interpassing exchanges . In the second game
against Spain, Switzerland tried hard, but this was a negative game with
defences on top and though Switzerland were better at push and run
play, they could not withstand the pressure when winning 1-0 . Argentina,
in the last match, seemed to be content in holding Switzerland to a draw,
but after scoring they could rely on a six to eight man defensive barrier
to hold the Swiss team, now desperate to achieve some success . The
crowd in this match gave its encouragement to Switzerland . Decisions on
balance went against Argentina but they took this well. To their credit,
Switzerland in all their matches never stopped trying, but it was apparent
that the teams fielded had not sufficient skill or driving power to overcome
any of the strong opponents .
SPAIN
Looking back, the first match against Argentina was undoubtedly vital
for Spain . Playing 1-4-2-4, they were as cautious as Argentina in the
opening stages, but as soon as Argentina scored, Spain attacked with six
to seven men to equalise . The game was then well balanced until Argentina
scored a second goal . The individual play of some Spanish players
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