Croatia First XI (3-1-4-2) - World Cup Qualifying - ShareMyTactics.com
Submitted on
This is the shape of the team in possession, a blend of a 3-2-3-2 and a 3-1-4-2. Really, though, it's just the 4-2-3-1 with an extreme forward shift on the right side. Eduardo and Mandžukić will switch across the front line. Mandžukić will perform his customary tireless off-the-ball work, while Eduardo will drop back occasionally to pick up the ball from the midfield, pushing a midfielder (here, Kovačić and/or Rakitić) into an attacking run. Rakitić, Kovačić, and Modrić are given free roles to interchange through the center. Fluidity is key, here, to exploit the creativity of each, to create lots of passing options, and to give space for one of Kovačić's trademark explosive dribbles. Srna has a very offensive role, running at the opposing left back -- with Eduardo's support -- to gain numerical superiority on the right. Srna's primary responsibility is to cut or cross the ball to Mandžukić or a llegada from the midfield, pull the ball back to quickly switch sides, or draw a foul with a penetrating run. Badelj is under strict instructions to protect the exposed right flank as Srna gets forward. He offers the short pass option on the right and center, acting as a pivot in possession and a classic DM when out of possession. Whichever midfielder is occupying the left pivot (in this diagram, Modrić) is tasked with increased defensive duties, since too much space on the left leaves Vida susceptible to direct attack. The back line (Čorluka, Lovren, and Vida) become a functional back three, shifting rightward to cover the gap left by Srna. Vida has a risky role. He is asked to step up into any counter-attacks instead of dropping back and giving chase. Lovren and Badelj are to hang back and shift left in the event of an attack on that side, driving attacks to the corner. In the event of an attack down the right flank, Badelj is to drop back and Čorluka and Srna are to apply pressure to the ball. Lovren and Vida are to cover any center and far post runs.
