Breaking Down the Beautiful Game: A Foray into Football Tactics

My interest in football has always gone beyond just watching the game; I’ve been fascinated by the numbers, strategies, and tactics that shape each match. Over time, that curiosity led me into the world of football analytics and tactical analysis - a space where every decision on the pitch can be dissected, understood, and sometimes even predicted. I started reading, researching, and writing about the tactical side of football, diving into how formations, individual player roles, and match strategies play out.

There’s a huge, growing demand for content that combines analytics with an approachable look at tactics. It’s what I hope to contribute more of which is to take complex analyses and turn them into something anyone can enjoy, admire, and learn from.

At the end of the day, football is about more than just goals and wins; it’s a chess match of movement, anticipation, and skill. Diving into the analytical side has given me a fresh perspective on the game, and I’m excited to keep sharing that passion with others who want to see beyond the surface of each match.

Here's an article I wrote for Total Football Analysis:

Olympic Final Tactical Review– USA’s Attacking Trifecta Strikes for Gold While Brazil Is Still Searching for That Finishing Touch 

Brazil’s Attacking Phase – Lackluster Final Touch: 

Brazil’s lack of a clinical finish cost them the lead in the first half and proved to be a weakness throughout. This was compounded with the absence of a reliable aerial threat in the box. Two clear one-on-one chances at goal in the opening minutes and 30 crosses into the box throughout the match beg the question of what could have been. Brazil was sorely missing a strong number 9 presence in the penalty box to head home one of the dozen zipping crosses into the box. Brazil’s success in finding space down the flanks and delivering quality balls into the box was ultimately nullified by the US defense’s superior aerial dueling abilities. 

Brazil playing out of the wide areas and utilizing the width of the field to stretch the opposition backline as evidenced by the positioning of their wingers and fullbacks. 

Left winger Ludmila’s technical ability and pace made her a one-woman wrecking ball on the left. The first half saw her dribbling into striking territory multiple times with her consistently beating her defender one-on-one. Her cutting runs into the box were dangerous as she drew in defenders and kept them guessing on whether she would cross to options in the box or go for goal herself. 

She managed to score off one of these driving runs but the goal was ruled out due to an offside call. Gabi Portilho did the same on the right side but once again Brazil’s lack of a reliable target in the box cost them valuable chances to get themselves on the scoresheet in the first half. 

Brazil’s Defensive Phase - High Line Left Chasing Shadows: 

Brazil’s high line offside trap caught the US offside 5 times in the game and was especially frustrating for the US forwards Rodman and Smith who like to make runs in behind the defense. 

Brazil employed a high press with great intensity looking to compress the space on the pitch and recreate the success they had against Spain in the semifinal. They looked to pressure their opposition into making mistakes in their own half and then pounce onto loose or inaccurate passes to drive up the pitch and into crossing or goal scoring territory. However, second half defensive errors and uncharacteristically faulty positioning awareness conceded the lone gold medal clinching goal to the US. Brazil’s tendency to hold a high line moved the defensive line up the pitch quickly after a goal kick but a sloppy turnover in midfield with no one closing down the marauding Korbin Albert resultedl in her given the time and space to spot the offensive overload on the left flank and make a precise weighted pass that cuts through the Brazilian defense. Caught on the back foot with two US attackers behind the line, unmarked, and Mallory Swanson with the awareness and speed to make an onside run onto the ball saw Brazil concede from a neatly slotted shot into the back of the net from within the goal box. 

USA’s Attack - Versatile and Speedy 

The US struggled in the first half to take control of the tempo and connect their midfield to the attacking trio. However, that changed in the second half as the US played with better transitional shape with a higher press and direct attacking through the middle where fast-thinking players played quick vertical passes up. The US were consistently releasing Smith down the left and Rodman down the right to take shots at goal. The pace and 1 on 1 ability of the US front three cannot be understated and that is best evidenced by their final third productivity in shots taken, offensive duels won, crosses into the box, and touches in the box. 

USA’s Defense – Solid Defenses Win Tournaments: 

USA’s backline was defending as a unit, and that helped them fend off Brazil’s attacking threat again and again. Each member of the defense won most of their aerial battles and defensive duels. More effective in the second half than in the first, the reliability was there from the defense when the USWNT needed it. Consistent double coverage on their flanks from the fullbacks and wingers after taking the lead helped USA recover possession and reduce the wide area threats while forcing Brazil to play infield. 

Conclusion: 

The most famous gold medal matchup in women’s Olympic football delivered once again. Adding to a storied history between the two sides that sees the US bag their 5th Olympic gold medal and Marta’s Brazil once more the perennial bridesmaids. The game saw arguably the two best teams throughout the tournament go head-to-head. Brazil leaves Paris 2024 as silver medalist having showcased their signature flair and winning brand of high-pressing play throughout despite coming up short, while the USA, resplendent in gold, emerged the victors with a new era on the rise.