10 Things We Learned From World Cup 2018
4. A New Way To Play?
The tactics used at World Cups often have an influence on how the subsequent domestic seasons play out. Back in 2010 for example, Spain's dominant displays were based on keeping the ball as much as possible, and many clubs around Europe attempted to emulate that style in the weeks and months that followed.
So what kind of tactics might club managers be tempted to try out after this World Cup? Well the 2018 tournament showed a huge focus on set pieces. A whopping 43% of all goals were scored from dead ball situations, with England being the primary proponents of this particular tactic.
75% of the Three Lions' goals came from corners, penalties, and free kicks, and the team quickly became known for using the 'love train' system at corners, in which players would line up together before suddenly separating as the ball came in to confuse opposition defenders.
Other sports, like American football for example, rely heavily on the use of unique, ever-evolving tactics from set play situations, and it's about time football caught up. There are plenty of ways for coaches and players to approach corners and free kicks, and it wouldn't be surprising to see various clubs testing out the 'love train' and other new systems in the weeks and months to come.