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PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil ― The World Cup in Brazil has been the most unpredictable yet interesting event so far, with one of the reasons being the large number of goals scored per game.
Neymar's goal in the Brazil-Cameroon match marked the 100th, with eight more goals scored that day, bringing the goal total to 108 through 36 games. That represents an average of about three goals per game, which is the highest ever.
But ironically, going into the World Cut teams appeared to put a major emphasis on new strategies to strengthen defense, prompting opponents to apply various tactics and formations.
The 4-2-3-1 formation was long favored by a lot of teams with its most successful application by Spain at the previous World Cup.
The formation can be characterized as a high-line pressure, and the striker's main duty is not to score by himself, but to support the so-called "false seven" -- wingers breaking through the central area -- and other creative attacking midfielders behind him. His job also includes distracting defenders and pressing the opponent from a high line.
Having full-backs take part in the flank offense, the formation is oriented to attacking and pressing the opponents from the side.
Those who effectively run this formation are able to create chances to score, while the unsuccessful application of such strong pressure leaves defending teams vulnerable to counter-attacks as the high defensive line leaves much space behind the backline.
Brazil and France have showcased the brilliant application of the tactic during the World Cup.
But there have been many attempts to break the tactic, leading to adapt different formations such as the 3-5-2 or 4-1-4-1.
In the 3-5-2, the three defenders in the backline thoroughly isolate the opponents' striker. Among them, the sweeper, whose traditional role was to sweep up the ball behind the two center backs, advances to the midfield and hinders opponents' build-up from the beginning.
Adding full-backs and the defensive midfielder, up to six players barricade the penalty area. This leaves almost no space to opponents to build flank plays.
In this formation, the two forwards are located widely at the ground and counterattack, using their speed. Also, when turning to defense, the two forwards are given a more versatile role of winning the ball higher up the pitch. If they fail, they retreat to their side and help intercepting.
Netherlands and Chile would be good examples, which beat defending champion Spain, which merely tried to stick to its trademark "ball-possession" football.
Of course, giant-killer Costa Rica would be the team that made the best use of the new formation when defeating Uruguay and England.
Algeria was able to dominate the first 70 minutes in the opener against Belgium due to the same formation.
However, the new tactic puts a lot of physical burden on defenders and requires continuous concentration. Since the core of this formation is letting opponents possess the ball and attempting lethal counters, players are required to be disciplined by strict rules during the entire game.
In short, Brazil and France have been a good example of high-line pressure, while Costa Rica and the Netherlands have introduced a new type of counter-attack. So, it will be interesting to see which tactics will be the most effective leading to the best outcome.
Han June is a football journalist writing for local sports news outlet Footballist and Internet portal Naver and works as a commentator for broadcaster tvN. He will write for The Korea Times during the Brazil World Cup. His original text was translated from Korean.
