Italy vs Russia

Italy have a very clearly defined and aggressive 442 defensive structure that uses immediate forward pressure to pin the opponent back, but also maintains a very high defensive line should they beat the first line of pressure. These moments allow Italy to create attacks closer to the opposition goal should they force a turn over, […]

Romania vs France

Romania started the match in an asymmetrical 433 shape, which was predicated around the positioning of Hagi’s free role. Munteanu defensive role was to man mark Karembeu, however he also served as an effective wide left player, overlapping the central movements of Hagi to provide width. Lacatus did well to manage the inside/outside right balance […]

Holland vs Scotland

Holland’s system of play was a 343 diamond system, which utilized short build up play to move the ball into the inside channels of the midfield, and then penetrative passes were played into the striker or wingers depending on where the opposition back line moved to. Bogarde & Reiziger were tasked with building play, specifically […]

Denmark vs Portugal

Denmark would set up in a tight defensive structure, designed to flood the central areas of the field and attack through moments of transition. A style that had served them so well at Euro 92. On this occasion however they would have Michael Laudrup in attack alongside brother Brian, both of whom were pivotal in […]

Germany vs Czech Republic

Berti Vogts side is built within the now famous German 3-5-2 system that had brought them so much success for the better part of two decades. Germany’s attacking set up was to cover the width of the pitch and supply different types of movement to break down the opposition lines of pressure. On the right […]

Spain vs Bulgaria

Spain’s primary attacking strategy was to build up through the thirds, however they could also rely on direct balls into the final third utilizing Caminero & Pizzi through target play. The left wing brought an inverted movement from Luis Enrique to move into the central channels, which allowed Sergi to overlap into the flank. Belsue […]

England vs Switzerland

England used a 442 set up, which at times would look asymmetrical with one side narrowing on the wings and the other stretching high and wide. England began the match favoring the left wing, using McManaman in a traditional wide role, being supported behind by Pearce and inside by Gascoigne. Ince would serve as the […]

EURO 96 Qualifying – Top 5 Goal Scorers

As part of our Euro 96 analysis we turn our attention to the qualification campaign that lead up to the tournament. Today we examine some of the top strikers of the era, focusing specifically on the top 5 scorers from qualifying. Number 5: Gianfranco Zola, Italy, 7 Goals At the time of the tournament Zola […]

Euro 96 Squad Analysis

On May the 22nd 1996 the Champions League Final between Ajax and Juventus, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, would bring an end to the European Club football calendar for the 95/96 season. This allowed all 16 managers of the participating nations the opportunity to assess their available players, take part in pre-tournament training camps […]