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Tighe’s 2014 World Cup Tactics Board: Analysing Fabio Capello’s Russia
Published: February 20, 2014
Next up is Russia, a team which qualified first from Group F with 22 points, seven wins, one draw and two losses. Their consistent grip on the top spot forced Portugal into a dicey play-off with Sweden for a place in the finals.
Qualifying
Russia sealed qualification on the final day with a 1-1 draw with lowly Azerbaijan, but don't let that fool you: They were in pole position throughout the process.
They won their first four games in a row without conceding a single goal, including a tone-setting victory over Portugal in Moscow thanks to an Alexander Kerzhakov goal.
The Seleccao regained that ground not long after with a win in Lisbon but they couldn't match Russia's consistent winning habit and ended up a point shy.
Fabio Capello tried a number of players throughout qualifying but seems to have a very static first XI in mind already.
Formation and Style
Capello has crafted a solid system and careful playing style that utilises just one striker, a packed midfield and quick, direct counterattacks.
Russia are good on the ball—they showed that at Euro 2012 under Dick Advocaat in a free-flowing 4-3-3 formation—and while that's a product of individual skill, the familiarity factor in the squad is a big plus.
With only five goals conceded during qualifying (albeit against mostly lesser teams), Capello has stayed true to his Italian roots and crafted a clever defence and appropriate midfield shield ahead of them.
The line, led by CSKA Moscow stalwart Sergei Ignashevich, drops and pushes up very fluidly, picking up lose balls easily and dropping to create angles for periods of possession.
Working in their favour is a supremely ener...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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