2014fwc_tsg_report_15082014_neutral

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Technical and tactical analysis
Netherlands, Argentina), as instead of just
keeping the ball, creative progression up
the field towards the opponent’s goal was
essential to be successful at the tournament.
Flexibility
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil saw a great
deal of flexibility in the interpretation of the
teams’ playing systems. The better teams tried
to win in style and had no fear of losing their
shape for a brief moment if this increased
their chance of success. They showed great
flexibility without losing the focus on their
initial organisation.
The same team shape can also be used with
different players, and teams often started in
a certain line-up before changing completely
with the introduction of new players while still
applying the same system.
Interpretation of the system is also important.
For instance, when defenders go forward,
they need to be covered by midfielders or
wingers who take up their positions.
Mental aspects
Scoring the first goal was not always an
advantage, especially at the beginning of the
competition because in five of the first ten
group matches, the team that opened the
scoring ultimately lost. This trend was reversed
in the latter stages of the World Cup.
However, teams rarely gave up hope of
finding a way back into the game. Most
matches were very close and in the balance
until the final whistle of the game, which
underlines:
- the teams’ mental strength and
determination
- the players’ outstanding physical fitness
- the coaches’ good decisions to substitute
players and/or change tactics
On the other hand, teams that scored the first
goal were at times too confident and too sure
of themselves, or maybe wanted to save their
energy for the next game.
Set pieces
Set pieces were crucial in deciding the
outcome of games, with various matches
decided or shaped by a free kick or corner
kick, especially in the round of 16, quarterfinals
and semi-finals (examples: Germany v.
France (1-0), Brazil v. Chile (first goal), France v.
Switzerland (first goal), Germany v. Brazil (first
goal), etc.). Hosts Brazil even scored three of
their four goals in the second stage from set
pieces.