The 4-4-2 football system is one of the oldest in football. This arrangement is often used by coaches. While it is most commonly associated with English football, many teams around the world have played in a 4-4-2 formation at some point in their history.

Be that as it may, the golden age of the 4-4-2 football system has indeed passed. Playing a 4-4-2 today, especially if you're a "big" club with grandiose ambitions, is often seen as something of a sure defeat, or at least a sign that the club isn't confident in its players' ability to execute more advanced game plan while in possession of the ball.

The four-back, four-half and two-forward setup is easy to understand and implement, so a well-organized team can still find real success in it, but it lacks the complexity and more refined passing lines/angles that more modern, forward-thinking systems have.

Let us consider in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of the 4-4-2 scheme.

4-4-2 layout

In a 4-4-2 football formation, four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards play on the field. An example is the Leicester City team - the Champion of England according to the results of the 2015/2016 season - under the control of head coach Claudio Ranieri:

Schmeichel

Albrighton

Drinkwater

Strengths of the 4-4-2 formation

The main advantage is simplicity. Having two distinct strikers means that the midfield and defense should not delay their attempts to get the ball to the forward positions. Unlike formations in which only one striker plays, 4-4-2 allows the main forwards to move forward on their own without waiting for support from the linebackers. For this reason, the best strikers to ever play in a 4-4-2 formation are those who can adapt and are able to face a wide range of situations with minimal midfield support.

Having two full-backs as well as two full-backs allows you to create width. This can result in the enemy stretching his defensive line to counter any threat on the flanks. Often, this can lead to strong gaps in the center of the defense, which can be exploited by two forwards.

Due to their clear structure and ease of implementation, many teams, regardless of their "primary" formation, will line up in something akin to 4-4-2 when under pressure and defending deep in their half of the field.

Disadvantages of the 4-4-2 scheme

Predictability and rigidity are usually the main problems with the 4-4-2, as well as the enormous pressure on central midfielders to constantly attack and defend. The formation itself has been around for so long that a huge number of ways to overcome it have been developed - the task was especially simple if the flankers in 4-4-2 lacked discipline when it came to their defensive duties. In addition, this formation allows the opposition players to find space between the lines, especially between defense and midfield. It requires a high level of discipline and endurance of the players in order to reduce the space between defense and midfield at the right moment.

Having only two players in central midfield can make it difficult to control the ball in matches against teams playing with three central midfielders. In this case, one of the two forwards has to move back to midfield to try to eliminate the advantage in the number of players in the center of the field.

Many teams will play with a defensively minded central midfielder to prevent this from happening, as the challenge is first and foremost to eliminate any danger posed by an outnumbered opponent in midfield. Thus, one player will be pulled away from the center, which in turn may force the team to play a predictable wide game.

Teams playing 4-4-2

Atletico Madrid, Leicester City, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Milan (1987-1991).

What tactic is effective against?

While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific formation against which the 4-4-2 is particularly effective, there is a special case when this system should be used - the opposing team is very aggressive offensively. The even distribution of players across the field generally allows some players to be open when possession is regained, opening up the potential for an instant counter-attack.

The correct selection of the tactical scheme of the team is one of key factors, which greatly affects her game, the interaction of players on the field, and undoubtedly the final result of the match. Consider constellations popular football clubs.

Popular tactical schemes in modern football.

In modern football, most teams prefer to keep a balance between defense and attack, and accordingly initially prefer more defensive formations. The most standard is 4-4-2 (4 defenders, 4 midfielders, 2 forwards). The most attacking version of the game for teams playing according to the scheme 4-3-3 . It is also worth highlighting the scheme here 4-5-1, in which 5 midfielders can provide saturation of the central zone and perfectly complement both the defense and take an active part in the attack.

There are also tactical schemes with a deaf defense, for example 5-4-1 , in the people it is also called the “bus”. A tactic in which almost the entire team plays in their own half of the field, playing by the score and trying to keep the result that suits it. Outsiders often choose teams in the game with a favorite.

There are also schemes such as: 4-3-1-2; 5-3-2; 3-4-3; 3-5-2; 4-5-1; 4-2-3-1 And 4-1-3-2 . IN Lately more and more different kinds of schemes began to appear, which are not so widespread and are used only in some clubs.

Game schemes of popular football clubs

Tactical scheme of Barcelona

Barcelona's tactical game scheme under Luis Enrique looks aggressive. Barça always focuses on fast, agile and attacking football, every player on the field is able to support the attack. The three main strikers Suarez, Neymar, Messi (in this diagram, instead of him in the figure, Munier - approx. footbolno) are able to create many scoring and dangerous chances, due to their individual qualities, skill, and good mutual understanding. Barça's defense also looks complete with a good line of defenders as well as a reliable goalkeeper. The game scheme of Barcelona is 4-3-3.

Tactical scheme of Real Madrid

Real Madrid plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation. At the forefront of the attack is usually put forward a powerful scorer - such as Benzema or Ronaldo. The attack is supported by a trio of attacking players who are able to make an accurate pass or shoot from afar. There are 2 playmakers in the center of the field who provide a quick transition from defense to attack and are able to help the defense on counterattacks. The defense is powerful, playing well on the second floor, on the flanks the players are able to connect to the attack at any moment.

Tactical scheme of Bayern Munich

Germans under Guardiola play in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with one distinct striker, which is Lewandowski, who has been a great striker lately. He is supported on the flanks by Koeman and Costa, in the center by Muller and Alcantara. In the support zone of Xabi Alonso. Reliable defense with running flanks and a high center, and on the gate is the well-known Neuer, who likes to play on the way out.)

Tactical scheme of Juventus

Juventus under Allengri plays traditional 4-4-2 pattern, in which it is worth highlighting the attack line with two pronounced forwards. technical flank players, as well as defense led by Buffon. Here perhaps without comments.

Well, these are tactical schemes prefer some of the best football clubs at the moment.

In attack and defense, the player uses the so-called tactical means, which are of a collective and individual nature.

Attack tactics.

Passing the ball (pass) as a collective means of attack can be carried out different ways. Passing the ball is the basis of the combination game.

Transfers are different:

• by appointment: at the feet “on the move”, on the blow, undershot, shooting, “on the fight”, on the return (“wall”);
• by distance: short - up to 10 m; medium - up to 25 m, long - up to 50 m;
• in direction: longitudinal, transverse, diagonal (forward or backward);
• along the path described by the ball: bottom, top, flip;
• by time: timely, premature, belated.

Double pass - the direct transfer of the ball from one attacker to another, the purpose of which is to circle the opponent's defense. Combination game is very variable. The purpose of combination play is to provide the dribbler with the most advantageous position to shoot at the opponent's goal.

Maneuvering.

Maneuvering includes running and changing positions. Maneuvering is also subordinated to the goals of collective defense. During the attack, each player has to break away from the guarding opponent in order to take possession of the ball. It is especially important when maneuvering to choose a position from which it will be most convenient to receive a pass. Maneuvering is the basis of successful player interaction.

Dribbling.

Dribbling is an individual means of attack. If the situation does not allow the ball to be passed to a partner, then the player in possession of the ball applies dribbling. The purpose of dribbling is to create a favorable situation for a shot on goal. Dribbling includes good dribbling, high feint speed and sufficient courage to act independently. First of all, dribbling is used by forwards.

group tactics.

Group tactics are various combinations of attack and defense. It involves a certain coordinated action between 2-3 team players. For an attack, passing the ball, going to free place, crossing, barriers, and for protection, a safety net or switching.

Shot on goal.

The goal of every attack, regardless of the form in which it is carried out, is to shoot at the goal. The success of a shot on goal depends on the technique of the shot, the player's ability to concentrate, his determination, the location of the kicker and the timing of the ball.

Feints.

Feints should mislead the opponent and contribute to his tactical mistakes. In most cases, feints are performed with the ball during receiving the ball, passing the ball, dribbling and shooting at goal. The player must be able to evaluate the expediency of using a feint in any situation. The abuse of feints hinders the game.

Guardianship.

Marking is the basis of the game of defenders. Good marking largely fetters the action of the opponent. There is a difference between individual guarding and guarding a certain section of the field. During individual marking, the defender is so close to the opponent that he is able to interfere with him while receiving the ball.

To use this type of guardianship, an athlete must have high running and speed qualities. The use of individual custody near their goal is of particular importance. Marking certain areas of the field is that the opponent is attacked only if he takes possession of the ball in a certain area of ​​​​the field.

In this case, the skill of the defender is crucial. Often this type of protection is used by dexterous and experienced football players. During the game, both types of protection should complement each other. In most cases, individual care comes to the fore.

It is rational to use guardianship of certain sections of the field in the case when the opponent has a numerical advantage in attack. Each defender must be able to assess the situation and apply marking in such a way as to be more likely to predict the opponent's action. The combination of two types of guardianship is called combined guardianship.

Interference game.

First of all, this includes the selection of the ball. It is most advisable to intercept the ball before the opponent takes possession of it. Tackling the ball is often accompanied by a power play. If the opponent has mastered the ball, then the selection of the ball and the power play become more difficult. A good defender uses restructuring in this case, that is, he imposes his play on the opponent, but near the goal, this is only applied if the defender is in control of the situation.

Game systems.

The basis of the game system is the layout of the players on the field during the match. The game system creates the necessary prerequisites for the actions of defense, attack and for the entire course of the game. Each system is mobile and cannot be viewed as a strict scheme.

W system.

In the W system, teams play as follows: 3 defenders, 2 midfielders and 5 forwards. The fact that 4 players are concentrated in the middle of the field (2 midfielders and 2 welterweights) is striking. The task of 3 defenders is single combat with 3 attackers of the opponent (1 central forward and 2 wingers), in which they prefer individual marking. Attackers are trying to free themselves from custody by changing position. The W system is practically not used at present.

System 1-3-3-4.

According to this system, the team plays 3 defenders, 3 midfielders and 4 forwards. The task of the forwards is primarily to organize an attack, which relies on the help of midfielders. In the appropriate game situation, 1-2 midfielders move forward to help the attackers, and the remaining 4 defenders are able to hold back the onslaught of a suddenly counterattacking opponent until the defense is fully formed.

System 1-4-2-4.

This system is based on the game of 4 defenders and 2 midfielders who help 4 attackers in attack. In the event of an attack by the opponent, both midfielders assist the actions of the 4 defenders. Thus, 6 people are involved in both attack and defense. But for the precise execution of this task, good technique and speed of movement are required.

The Brazilian team demonstrated the game according to this scheme perfectly at the 1958 and 1962 World Cups. There are varieties of this system, the main purpose of which is to protect their own gates. In this case, the central defender plays the role of a free defender - a "cleaner". The actions of the attackers are enhanced by the sudden involvement of the defender in their actions.

System 1-4-3-3.

According to this system, the team plays 4 defenders, 3 midfielders and 3 forwards. The game of the reinforced line of defense is supported by 3 midfielders. During the attack, midfielders and extreme defenders are connected to the attackers in order to create a numerical superiority in favor of their attackers.

System 1-1-3-4-2.

When playing according to this system, players of the middle line get a large numerical advantage. This variant of the game with two attackers makes it possible to use counter-tactics and cover the flanks.

Tactical formations in football

Tactical formation in football(or tactical scheme) - a certain arrangement of football players and their behavior during the game in order to fulfill the tasks set by the coach. Thanks to the starting position of a certain player, you can determine his main tasks in the match. The numbers mean (respectively): the number of defenders, the number of midfielders, the number of attackers. For example: 4-5-1 - four defenders, five midfielders, one forward.

History of the development of tactical schemes

Austrian system

It was developed in the 30s. The basis coincided with the classical "pyramidal". In defense, they paid the most attention to the inner zone in front of their own goal and densely forced it with players. This system was designed for the attack - in addition to five attackers, one or two midfielders went on the attack to create a numerical advantage. Thus, it was possible to keep the gates of the enemy under siege for a long time. In free play, this positioning is almost perfect. But due to the imperfection of the system, during the rapid transition from attack to defense, the defenders had serious problems. The Austrians finally abandoned this arrangement only after the 1954 World Cup.

Swiss lock system

The Swiss coaches, realizing the weakness of national football, tried to place the defenders as reliably as possible. The main idea of ​​the "lock" system is the rear guard. He stood behind the line of four defensive players and attacked anyone who broke through the first line of defense. The Swiss system is not balanced because it relies only on defense. It was hard for the team to play for the result with such an arrangement. At the same time, it was an important step towards improving the game in defense - the Swiss showed the ability to combine both personal marking and zone defense.

Three-back formation - 3-2-5 ("W-M", or "double-ve")

In 1925, FIFA changed the offside rule: now a player was not offside if at the time of the transfer (to him) there were at least two players in front of him (that is, in most cases, a goalkeeper and one field player ). Prior to this, the rule provided for three players. The defenders easily interrupted the opponent's attacks - even if the goalkeeper and the defender were standing near the gate itself, the other defender ran almost into the center of the field and the entire territory between them was an offside zone. Since 1925, the forwards have been given more freedom of action across the entire width of the field. One pass to the forward could lead him to a dangerous position both on the right and on the left. Two defenders could no longer control the entire width of the field. It was necessary to pull back an additional player. After much experimentation, the basic principles of playing with three defenders were formulated by Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman. Through effective innovation, Arsenal have won the league five times and the FA Cup twice in eight years. In connection with the peculiar location of the players, the scheme began to be called " double-ve" or " double-ve em».

Tasks of the players in the 3-2-5 system:

• 3 defenders. The right defender covers the left winger of the opponent, the left - the right winger. The middle plays against the center forward.
• 2 midfielders play against two welterweight attackers ("insiders"). Most of the time they help the defense.
• The first line of attack is two insiders. They play between midfielders and three forwards on the edge. Tasks: to bring one of the three forwards in front to a good position, and during the defense to step back, preventing the opponents from playing the ball in the middle of the field.
• Closest to the gates of the enemy - two extreme and middle attackers. The tasks of the extreme players: to go flank at speed and give a pass to the middle one, who plays in the penalty area. They had practically no defensive functions.

4-2-4 formation ("Brazilian")

Brazilian system

From the mid-1950s, three-back play patterns began to gradually change. First of all - in the line of attack. The middle attacker increasingly stepped back and acted as the organizer of the attacks.

On November 25, 1953, the Hungarian team arrived in London for a friendly match against England. Journalists and commentators were surprised by the game of the guests' nominal centre-forward Nandor Hidegkuti, who constantly pulled back, forcing his guardian Harry Johnston to follow him to the middle of the field. The English defender was not ready for such situations, did not know what to do, and left behind big hole in the center of defense. This was used by the other four Hungarian attackers. Hungary defeated the British 6:3. For the first time in the history of English football, the hosts lost to a national team from the continent. The Hungarians were one of the pioneers of the 4-2-4 formation.

The world finally accepted the novelty after the 1958 World Cup, in which Brazil used this arrangement, which became the champion.

Four players on the defensive - a reliable guarantee that the opponent's counterattack can be stopped by worthy forces. Thus, the space near their goal became more densely filled with players, and this facilitated the selection of the ball. In this system, the midfielders' capabilities increased - now they could also concentrate on attacking actions (whereas in the 3-2-5 scheme the midfielders relentlessly covered the opponent's insiders). When the team defended, all four attackers returned deep to the middle of the field. Thus, they created room for themselves to maneuver and avoid getting offside.

4-3-3 formation ("total football")

It is easy to see that the players, located according to this scheme, cover the entire field. With the development of the attack, six people participate in the attacking actions, and the defenders remain on the safety net. Given that the entire attacking group is in and around the penalty area, the defense moves towards the center line so as not to create gaps between the midfield and the defense. This automatically entails a choice in favor of pressing on the opponent's half of the field and compacting the team formation in the ball zone. This means that defenders need to be able to deal with counterattacks that start with a long pass to the attackers, and midfielders need to quickly cover the player in possession of the ball in order to minimize such counterattacks.

Origin and history

This game scheme has its origins, like many schemes from 4-2-4. The success of the Brazilian national team in the world championships made it popular all over the world. However, widespread use has shown not only its strengths, namely the attack, but also weaknesses - primarily defensive. Therefore, it was decided to “sacrifice” one striker and transfer him to midfield. This is how the 4-3-3 scheme was born.

The golden age of this game scheme is the 70s of the last century. It was then that it was ubiquitous. It was this scheme that Ajax adhered to, winning the Champions Cup finals three times. It was this scheme that was the main one for the Dutch national team, which gave the world “total football”.

Gradually, she lost the championship to the 4-4-2 formation, which has a greater emphasis on defense and allows you to build a balanced team even in the absence of high-quality players. But to this day it is used (mainly by clubs in the Netherlands and the national team of this country), although now the roles of the players in this scheme are somewhat different from those in the "classic" 4-3-3. Looking at it now, everyone knows that Spanish Barcelona, ​​the best team in the world in 2009, set a world record (winning six cups at once in a season) thanks to this scheme. The meaning of the scheme is complete, or total control of the ball for the entire match. Therefore, it is clear that high-class players are needed to apply this scheme.

Protection

The defense in this scheme consists of four players: two central defenders and two wingers. However, it is worth noting that they act a little differently than in the usual “four in a line” scheme. When a team attacks, one of the two central defenders moves forward. Thus, he allows the central midfielder to actively go forward and is a player to whom you can give back the ball in the case when there are no options ahead. In fact, this player performs the functions of a defensive midfielder. Defensively, this player usually "meets" the forward in possession of the ball, while the second centre-back guards the second forward, but acts more like a sweeper, positioning himself deeper. At the same time, full-backs often move to the center line to help the attacking halfs.

Midfield

Three midfielders are located side by side and in defense they must cover the entire width of the field. Naturally, such a task is very difficult, and they must move a lot. Offensively, they must control the ball and supply the forwards with passes. Due to the fact that there are only three midfielders, all these tasks are quite difficult. Midfield players must be technical, able to pass, open up for the ball and interact with teammates. In defense, they must be able to play well positionally.

A special role in this scheme is assigned to the central midfielder. In fact, this player alone controls the most important area in the center of the field. A huge burden falls on him. It must be a very strong player, versatile, capable of both defending and attacking, hardy and efficient.

Attack

The presence of extreme forwards is the main attacking force of this scheme. In general, the position on the flank is not in vain considered one of the most convenient for developing an attack - from here you can make a canopy, you can pass from the bottom, you can move to the center and attack the goal. When the ball is on one of the flanks, the winger from the opposite flank often moves to the center. Extreme forwards, therefore, must be able to serve the ball from the flank, be able to beat an opponent, pass and hit.

The center forward is the main striking force. He receives passes from flank forwards and midfielders and attacks the net. In principle, this is a penalty player, the so-called implementer. However, we must not forget, for example, that Johan Cruyff, being a nominal striker, often shifted both along the front of the attack and in depth. Subsequently, Johan Cruyff became the coach of the Catalan club Barcelona.

The task of forwards in defense is pressing: they should not be turned off from the game after losing the ball, otherwise it will turn into the most dangerous counterattacks - after all, the midfield is located on the same line with the ball or even ahead of it. Pressing forwards allows the midfield to step back and organize the defence.

Football is a semi-contact game. Therefore, in the #1 sport, unlike basketball or American football, tactical combinations are not as important. However, strategic thinking and the ability to correctly place players on the field are necessary and required element soccer. In more than a century and a half of the development of football, the tactics of this game have made a giant leap. From the original "hit-and-run" and "bulk" to the sophisticated "total football" and the rather complex "tiki-taka".

"Beat-Run"

Since the first football rules of 1863 forbade the forward pass, the teams of those years were very limited in their choice of tactics and strategy. They tried to deliver the ball to the goal by dribbling, and the back passes were practically not used. The top coaching thought was the invention of the dribbler's safety net: in the event of the loss of the ball by one football player, the teammates who followed on the heels of the partner tried to continue the attack.

Scheme "1-2-7"

Under such conditions, the athletes actually had to act within the framework of two basic tactical schemes: “hit and run” and “we will push him with seven forces”. The game was more like a fuss, and therefore already three years later, in 1866, the most important change was made to clause No. 6 of the rules, which allowed football to eventually turn into sport No. 1. Now it was allowed to pass forward, but on condition that at least three opponent players (goalkeeper and two defenders) separate the addressee from the opponent's goal. This first formulation of offside allowed football strategists to soar to previously unattainable heights of positional play.

"British Pyramid"

Nevertheless, in the late 60s of the XIX century, most teams professed very primitive football with the tactical scheme "1-9". This meant that 9 players were looking for their luck in the attack, and the only defender was responsible for the defense of the goal and the center of the field, whose task was to pass the ball into someone else's penalty area, in extreme cases, just take it out.

It was only in the 1870s that the England team switched to a less "barbaric" 1-2-7 formation, sending two midfielders to the center of the field. However, in a series of matches against principal rivals - the Scots, who used an even more "progressive" formation "2-2-6", the representatives of Foggy Albion were defeated.

The British were hurt to the quick, so in a short time were forced to make a new revolutionary breakthrough in football strategy. By brainstorming, they invented the 2-3-5 formula, which, due to its geometric harmony, is called the "pyramid". It must be admitted that this scheme proved its viability in practice, and therefore became the trendsetter of football fashion until the 40s of the twentieth century. The meaning of this formation is that three midfielders not only support the attack, but also retreat to the defense in time, equalizing the number of defenders with the number of attackers - 5 to 5.

Scheme "2-3-5"

It is very symbolic that the Uruguayan team won the first ever World Cup in 1930, which adhered to the “pyramidal” scheme of the game.

An interesting variation of the “pyramid” was its form “methodo”, which was invented in the 30s by the Italian coach Vittorio Pozzo. He pulled two forwards into midfield, effectively converting the formation to a 2-3-2-3. A powerful screen of five midfielders strengthened the possibilities of both defense and attack. Using this tactical option, the Italian team under the leadership of Pozzo won the World Cup twice in a row - in 1934 and 1938.

However, the most curious is the fact that the "method" has not lost its relevance to this day. Pep Guardiola's Barcelona (and now his Manchester City), which won the Champions League twice in 2009 and 2011, often played according to this scheme.

"Brazilian system" vs. "Italian deadbolt"

In strategic terms, football after World War II differed little from football in the late 1930s. At the 1950 World Cup, the Uruguayans again excelled, habitually playing "methodo". Only by the end of the 50s did the Brazilians, led by the legendary Pele, manage to pick up the keys to this scheme. To do this, the Latin Americans used the super-attacking 4-2-4 system, in which the extreme defenders played a special role. When attacked, they sharply moved forward, transforming the scheme into a "2-4-4".

4-2-4 scheme

A surprise for the rivals of the Brazilians was the double ram center of the attackers, who swept away any defense. All this, coupled with the individual skill of the players, predetermined the victories of the Pele team at the 1958 and 1962 World Championships. However, in 1962, the Brazilians switched to a more conservative 4-3-3 formula. Still, the big drawback of "4-2-4" was the sparseness in the middle of the field: full-backs and forwards did not always have time to come to the aid of only two nominal midfielders.

The Brazilians tried to resist the attacking game in different ways. The Italians in the 50s developed an extremely interesting defensive football scheme "catenaccio" - literally "door bolt". Its essence was in super-dense pressing in their own half of the field. Three defenders took care of three forwards personally; The classic "catenaccio" scheme is "1-3-3-3".

Scheme "1-3-3-3"

However, at the 1966 World Cup, for the first time in history, the England team celebrated the victory, which adhered to the 4-4-2 formula - probably the most popular football scheme to this day. The meaning of this construction is the maximum saturation of the center of the field with players as a springboard for both their attacks and the destruction of others. In addition, the British actually for the first time introduced the concept of "breakwater" - a defensive midfielder, whose main task is defensive actions, and not support for attackers. At the same time, the game scheme changes to “4-1-3-2”.

Ephemeral triumph of "total football"

The 1970s became the golden age of a new universal game scheme, which is commonly called "total football". The quintessence of this system is the interchangeability of players, and its basis is fundamental physical training. "Total Football" can be called an ideal scheme in which each player is ready to act as a defender, as well as a midfielder and even a striker. At the same time, the tactical formation does not change, only the players themselves move.

In order to put "total football" into practice, all ten field players in the team must be perfectly prepared individually, physically and tactically. Such players, for example, had the Netherlands national team in the 70s of the last century. Then the team of the "flying Dutchman" Johan Cruyff twice reached the finals of the world championships.

4-3-3 scheme

However, the vulnerability of such a system is obvious: ten players are physically unable to maintain perfect shape throughout the season, even taking into account the rotation of the main team. Therefore, in our time, "total football" is used only in individual, the most important matches.

"Tiki-taka" to "football bus"

Currently, football clubs and teams use almost all known schemes and constructions of past years, with the exception of the most archaic ones. However, this does not mean that football has ceased to develop in terms of tactics and strategy.

For example, the Spanish national team from 2008 to 2014 used the new tiki-taka positional system, which is a combination of a short pass and continuous movement aimed at maintaining control of the ball. The purpose of this scheme is to deprive the opponent of the ball, to force him to waste energy in attempts to tackle, while gradually increasing pressure on the goal. Thanks to this system (the Spaniards most often used the “4-2-3-1” scheme for their “tiki-taka”), the “red fury” twice became the European champion at that time and once the world champion.

Scheme "4-2-3-1"

However, "tiki-taka" was soon found an antidote. The antagonist of the "Spaniard" was a purely defensive football "bus", one of the apologists of which is the famous Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

The “double-decker bus”, which the team, as it were, “parks” at their gates, is played according to the formula “4-4-2” (for Jose, it often turns into “6-2-2” during the game). The main goal of the four midfielders and four midfielders is to defend the goal from blows from the penalty area. This is achieved due to the tight guardianship of the attackers of the enemy and the number of players inside and next to their own penalty area. In fact, this tactic allows the opponent to apply only long-range shots on goal or use a rough bulk.

4-4-2 scheme

Mourinho's clubs have won the Champions League twice with their unspectacular but reasonably effective bus. However, the Portuguese "bus" was also soon refuted, because each new era brings new (or rethought old) tactical and strategic schemes to football. Therefore, the evolution of tactics in football will never exhaust itself.