2014fwc_tsg_report_15082014_neutral

Trends 63
a transition. This approach was successful
25 times in the group matches (out of a total
of 136 goals during that stage). Teams from
South America (especially Chile and Colombia)
and Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria) employed
fast-paced counter-attacking play particularly
often.
Flexible interpretation of playing systems
Flexibility in the interpretation of a playing
system was another key factor that set
successful teams apart. Players had to
assume different positions depending on the
game situation. The shape of a team with
a certain line-up could change completely
with the introduction of new players while
still applying the same system of play. To do
so successfully, the new or substitute players
had to be able to integrate immediately into
the tactical shape of the team, which was
frequently the case at this tournament (see
also the number of goals scored by substitute
players). Successful teams tended to have a
number of excellent substitutes on the bench
that the coach could call on depending on the
situation in the game.
Taking risks
Teams were willing to take risks to win
matches. Their attempts and desire to score
were more important than focusing on
defensive safety.
It was also observed that the best teams
were not afraid of losing their shape for brief
moments. Such teams were rewarded more
than those who tried to keep their shape at all
times. Since most, if not all teams adopted this
“risk-taking” attitude, the result was attacking
and entertaining football throughout the
whole competition.
The importance of full-backs and holding
midfielders
As observed at the FIFA Confederations Cup,
full-backs had an important role to play. They
practically acted as wingers and provided
fundamental support in the attacking area
while the genuine wingers moved into more
central positions to support the attacking
pressure in this area.