World Cup 2022

JURGEN KLINSMANN has backed Harry Kane to fire England to World Cup glory and end his trophy drought – just like he did.The Germany legend, 58, helped fire his country to glory back in 1990.
Jurgen Klinsmann won the 1990 World Cup with Germany – his first major trophyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He believes Harry Kane can end his trophy drought in QatarCredit: Getty
But despite his glittering career, before that he had only won the Italian Super Cup.
Klinsmann would later go on to enjoy two memorable spells in the Premier League with Tottenham.
And it is still a club close to his heart – and he especially likes his old team’s talisman Kane.
The striker is bang in form for Spurs after failing to secure a move away to Manchester City last year and is closing in on becoming the all-time top scorer for both club and country.
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However, the 29-year-old is still searching for his first piece of silverware as a player.
Klinsmann believes that could happen this summer if the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner is on top form in Qatar.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “Harry is admirable. He is a complete No 9 and in the top five in the world.
“But we have suffered a bit for him because he is the kind of player for whom you wish trophies, you know.
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“He gets closer and closer to do so with Spurs. Spurs have the capability of winning things now. They have the infrastructure and a beautiful stadium.
“But obviously he has that hunger for winning trophies and maybe it’s the moment now that it will happen for him in Qatar.”
He added: “I was actually in a similar situation when I played for Spurs.
“I left after a year because I got a call from Franz Beckenbauer at Bayern Munich and couldn’t say no because I knew I would immediately win things, which I did.
“When Harry gets those calls from other clubs he maybe gets nervous because they give him a higher probability to win trophies. But he is in a good spot, still, and hopefully it happens this season.
“I won my first big trophy when I won the World Cup so it can happen.
“I keep my fingers crossed for Harry from that point of view. Maybe this can be it for him.” More

CAMEROON face a strong group. Their opponents in Group G will be Serbia, Brazil, and Switzerland. Serbia seems to be the most likely team to reach the Round of 16, together with Brazil.The Africans will have to fight against the Europeans to reach the Round of 16, as Brazil is definitely expected to finish 1st in the Group. Let’s learn more about the international team of Cameroon!

Predicted Starting XI
Since taking the job mid-calendar year, manager Song has deployed many different formations with Cameroon.
Given the side’s strength in depth in the midfield department, the manager has been able to chop and change the shape depending on the opponent.
Primarily, Cameroon shift between conventional back four systems, such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 4-1-4-1, as well as the 4-2-3-1, although this has been the structure least used by the Cameroonians.
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How Cameroon could line up in Qatar
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Given that Cameroon will potentially be forced to drop off and defend for large parts of their games, Song will likely line his players out in a 4-4-2.
Attacking phase
Over the course of 2022 so far, Cameroon have boasted 56% of ball possession per game, on average. 
During the AFCON last year, the side held the third-highest possession average in the competition at 58%, losing only to Morocco and Algeria who had higher numbers.
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However, Cameroon’s numbers are greatly inflated due to Song’s team playing a lot worse opposition than what the Indomitable Lions should expect in Group G of the World Cup. 
For instance, in Cameroon’s recent friendly against South Korea, the African giants had merely 38% of the ball and lost 2-0.
Song is quite relaxed about his players having possession of the ball. It would be far from correct for any pundit to call Cameroon a possession-oriented team. 

This is because on the ball, particularly during the build-up phase, the manager is keen to play direct football.
Cameroon do like to position themselves to play out from the back, with the goalkeeper often trying to build up from the defensive field directly to the attacking zone.
Cameroon position themselves to play out of the back – as centre-backs split to accommodate the keeper’s high position
When the Cameroonians do so, the centre-backs split wide to accommodate the higher positioning of the goalkeeper while the fullbacks move up the pitch on the flanks.
The centre-back plays a long ball to the frontmen while Cameroon’s midfield support the attack
Once the ball is played long towards the frontmen, the objective for Cameroon is to win the second ball.
In the image below, the left centre-back has hit the ball directly to the centre-forward who has managed to drag the entire Algeria backline into a deeper position.
Cameroon look for direct passes into Choupo-Moting and Aboubakar
Players like Choupo-Moting and Vincent Aboubakar are excellent aerially and with their hold-up play, making direct passes an efficient option for Cameroon.
The same principle applies when Cameroon are set up in a structured positional attack around the halfway line and are attempting to break down an opponent’s defensive zone.
Again, here, we see both Cameroon’s central midfielder and centre-forward making a run in behind the Burundi backline.
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The central midfielder and forward make a run behind the defence’s line
In attack, there is nothing overly innovative or astonishing about Cameroon.
However, they do have proven, European quality among their ranks in attacking positions across the forward line and the advanced midfielders.
One of the key elements of Cameroon’s play is that it is very direct and very physical.
Defensive Phase
Cameroon are one of the highest pressing sides in Africa, certainly out of the teams from the continent that have qualified for the upcoming Qatar World Cup.
Out of possession, Song is a highly progressive coach.
The gaffer wants his side to press high up the pitch, stifling the opponent’s build-up play and attempting to win the ball in very dangerous areas where they can transition from defence to attack in an instant and try to create opportunities.
Each player is tasked with tightly marking one of the nearest passing options for the opposition.
The nearest passing options are marked by Cameroon players
Here, the players have all been assigned a man to mark when Burundi are attempting to pass out from deep. 
When pressing in a high block, Cameroon are actually really effective and cause a lot of trouble for their opponents which can be seen from the following data visual.
Since AFCON in 2021, Toko Ekambi, who has been used as a winger as well as a centre-forward.
However, Song has a tendency to only order his players to press against lesser opponents as these are games where Cameroon have the best opportunity to win their individual duels against each man.
In matches against teams of greater quality, such as Algeria or Morocco, Cameroon have primarily dropped off to defend in a compact defensive block, limiting the space behind the backline.
Defensively against stronger opposition, Cameroon drop off to defend in a compact block
As can be seen from this image, Cameroon’s 4-1-4-1 defensive block is narrow between the lines.
If an opponent plays the ball inside the lines, the players must gang up to either win back possession or force a pass back outside before recouping the same shape.
Two Cameroon stars quickly close down the ball carrier
Here, the Algerian midfielder has received and turned on the ball. In an attempt to negate the ball carrier carrying the ball further, the two nearest players quickly close him down.
Transitions
Transitions are not overly important to the overall tactical set-up of Cameroon. 
Defensively, there is more of a game plan or at least an idea of how to act in this phase. Unlike most teams these days, Cameroon don’t counterpress.
Counterpressing is a collective effort from numerous nearby players in a structured manager to close down the ball carrier, cutting off a counterattack at its source. Song’s men are merely looking to delay their opponent’s breakaway. 
This can be through fouling or by genuinely making an excellent tackle.
Song’s Cameroon look to delay their opponent’s breakaway with a foul or tackle
In this example against Burundi, the Cameroon player tracking back shuttled the carrier out wide, closing off the possibility of the attacker playing back inside. 
When attacking, the manager allows his players to be freer with their movement, emphasising plenty of ball-carrying, dribbling past opponents and running in behind.
Running with the ball and getting in behind is encouraged
Having players such as Zambo-Anguissa who is an excellent ball carrier as well as Jean Onana while Aboubakar and Toko Ekambi move beyond the opponent’s backline is instrumental to Cameroon being dangerous during attacking transitions.
Defenders
Nouhou Tolo on the left and Collins Fai on the right will be important in providing width for Cameroon. Jean-Charles Castelletto and Nicolas Nkoulou, this will be the duo in the middle of the back four, could form a decent partnership for the African nation. 
Furthermore, André Onana will be vital at initiating Cameroon’s attacks.
Midfielders
Samuel Gouet has been Song’s preferred option as the ‘6’ for Cameroon over the past calendar year.
The midfielder will be instructed to make passes into the space between the lines to the forward line and advanced midfielders while also protecting the backline during transitions.
It is further forward in the middle where Cameroon possess the most quality. Jean Onana and Zambo-Anguissa are two incredibly exciting midfielders. 
Attackers
In attack, Cameroon are stacked with experience, power, pace, strength, intelligence and goalscoring ability with players such as Vincent Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting and Toko Ekambi who have played at the highest level in Europe.
However, the depth from the bench will be equally important. Bryan Mbeumo and Georges-Kévin Nkoudou are interesting options too.
Key player
Cameroon have several excellent players within the squad, especially those who are applying their trade at some of Europe’s biggest clubs including André Onana at Internazionale and Choupo-Moting at Bayern Munich, and so it was extremely difficult to pinpoint which player would be absolutely key for the Rigoberto Song in Qatar.
However, Franck Zambo-Anguissa is definitely a strong name of this team.
Having failed to adapt to life in the Premier League with Fulham, the midfield general moved on loan to Villarreal and later Napoli before permanently joining the latter last summer.
Now, he is a star performer for Luciano Spalletti’s Serie A table-toppers.
Tournament Prediction
Cameroon faces a strong group alongside Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland and are certainly the underdogs from the quartet.
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Realistically, Cameroon should finish bottom of the foursome but a win and a draw against Serbia and Switzerland could be enough to see Song’s side advance.
As they’ll face Switzerland, the third force of this group, in the first game, a victory could be very important to boost morale and perhaps allow them a chance to finish 2nd behind Brazil and reach the Round of 16.
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BRAZIL boast the most impressive history of a team in the World Cup.The Brazilians are the only team with five titles, and the only international side that never failed to qualify for the tournament.

Even when they’re not living their best days, they must be considered one of the favourite teams to lift the trophy. 
The team of Tite certainly has a lot of potential.
Neymar was the key player of a generation, but Vinicius Jr. is simply the man who scored the only goal of the last Champions League final.
Neymar is always surrounded by controversies, especially in his homeland.
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After the rising star of Brazil helped Real Madrid on their quest to win their 14th Champions League title, some renowned journalists in Brazil considered that the big name of Brazil in the 2022 World Cup is Vinicius Jr and not Neymar.
The manager of Brazil, however, doesn’t have to make a choice and will most likely use both players are regulars.
But the boys from Brazil will have to overcome some challenges to lift their sixth World Cup trophy.
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Predicted Starting XI
If we consider the last months of the Brazilian team, then this would be the expected starting XI, featuring big names like Thiago Silva, Alisson, Casemiro, the rising stars Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, and Neymar. 
However, the last friendlies against Tunisia and Ghana showed that Tite has different variations in his mind.
Tite prefers a 4-3-3 formation with Neymar in the middle but he has put him in midfield
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The test with Neymar as a midfielder was proof that he’s scratching his head to define a regular team.
This question is easy to understand, but hard to solve: where to use Neymar and Vini Jr? Both players are best used as left-wingers. 
Neymar, however, has shown versatility since his early days playing for Santos in Brazil prior to his transfer to Barcelona.
Back when he was very young, he had already proven that he could help his teammates with lots of assists, and also score many goals.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the last weeks was the good form of Alex Telles.
The Manchester United loanee is living good days in Spain playing for Sevilla.
There’s a chance he could become the regular left-back when the Brazilians face Serbia in their first game of the group stage.
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Attacking Phase
When the Brazilians attack, the midfielders and attackers tend to rotate a lot and try to confuse the opposing defenders.
Neymar and Vini Jr. are players that leave their positions when they are left winger and often run across the box – scoring goals from the usual areas where strikers, right-wingers and attacking midfielders usually appear.
Brazil stars swap position in a fluid system that brings its own problems
This is, in fact, Brazil’s greatest strength and weakness.
Sometimes the change of positions in the attacking phase creates space to shoot and creates confusion.
But sometimes, in big games like the last Copa America final, against the defence of a stronger team, this kind of style doesn’t work as well as you’d think.
Better teams are less prone to be pulled out of position and this means there isn’t space to create the scoring chance.
Moreover, it depends a lot on the good form of players like Neymar to work perfectly.
Brazil has great squad depth, but they rely a lot on their biggest star.
And as their biggest rivals Argentina have shown us over the years, relying on your No 10 all the time does not make a World Cup-winning team.
Brazil like to use the full width of the pitch
Brazil uses a lot of the space between the defenders and the midfielders, as well as the wings, and lower tier teams have a hard time trying to adjust their man marking.
Teams find it hard to cope with Brazil’s wide stars
Defensive Phase
Brazil has been playing in a very dominant way in the last few years.
They focus on having the ball possession in the attacking third, and their defensive moments usually don’t last long, as they work fast after recovering the ball, organizing quick counterattacks that rely on the speed of their world-class wingers.
They have great defenders like Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Casemiro to help them recover the ball quickly meaning they can get back into dangerous positions quickly.
Below, as Argentina, begin their build-up on the left-hand side, Brazil shift their entire high block over.
Brazil go for a man-for-man defensive press
The press is initially led by two players, and as the ball is played to either side, one player will pressure the centre-back while the other tucks in on the opposition’s defensive midfielder.
With their block moved over, they adopt a man-to-man press and aim to keep the opposition from progressing into the midfield third.
The Brazilians are in line with modern football techniques and they work hard to recover the ball when the opponent has it in their defensive third. Yes, it’s another high press.
Brazil players surround the man on the ball
When Brazil doesn’t have the ball, a 4-4-2 formation is often used.
After recovering the ball, the team focuses on using the spaces between the lines.
Brazil often adopt a 4-4-2 formation in defence
Transitions
The transitions between defence and attack are a strong point of this team, especially between the midfield and the attackers.
The midfield block and the attackers fuse into a strong block of players that confuses the opposition.
Brazilians close down quickly to try to win the ball back
They converge on the man on the ball
The great quality of the players makes it easy for the player with the ball to find someone to pass the ball to quickly and effectively.
Brazil attack with great speed when they have the opportunity to counterattack.
The fast action after the recovery of the ball is a big asset of this team, and being able to give it to Vini Jr or Rodrygo or Neymar etc does help really.
Brazil attack with great speed once they have the ball back
Attackers
Brazil always has great attackers and this team is no exception. Richarlison, Vini Jr, Raphinha and Neymar are in top form. This area is certainly the strongest one in Tite’s squad.
Midfielders
Casemiro is a very important player in this team as he is experienced and won lots of trophies with Real Madrid before joining Manchester United.
Paquetá may not be as famous, but he has been called often by Tite and is an important part of his system. 
If Tite decides to use Raphinha, Vini Jr, and Richarlison as regulars, we may even see Neymar as a midfielder during the World Cup – as has been experimented with recently.
Defenders
The regular defenders are an important part of this team. Thiago Silva and Marquinhos form a solid part of their defensive system.
Alex Telles is also performing well and may become a regular during the tournament.
Éder Militão is also a useful player as he has been used as a right-back too in the last friendlies, which gives them some versatility.
Key player
Neymar is a powerhouse of assists and goals and everyone knows that.
He is displaying such a commitment during the PSG games prior to the World Cup – as he tries to show Tite and the Brazilian press that he’s serious about this World Cup.

Neymar is always surrounded by controversies, especially in France, but his numbers prior to the tournament are great.
It’s true that Ligue 1 isn’t as competitive as La Liga, his former domestic league, but it’s only fair to say that he’s doing all he can to arrive in Qatar in top form.
If he can allow himself to share the limelight with some of Brazil’s other attacking stars, things could come together nicely.
Tournament Prediction
The Brazilians certainly are one of the favourites to win the World Cup, together with France and England.
Brazil is expected to qualify for the Round of 16, as always, although their group has teams of intermediate quality like Serbia and Switzerland, which means they’ll be properly challenged before they face the knockout stage.
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This challenge could be good for the South Americans, to prepare for tougher games on their quest to lift their sixth World Cup.
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IN the upcoming World Cup, Morocco have been placed in group F with Belgium, Croatia and Canada.Morocco are ranked 22nd in the world, while Belgium are 2nd and Croatia are 12th, making Morocco third-favourite to get out of the group.

Canada sit in 41st, and have been mentioned as dark horses for the tournament – a little optimistically.
Predicted Starting XI
Since the appointment of the new manager, we only have two friendlies to go from for the predicted starting XI.
In the past two games, Morocco have lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with a style based on creating chances through combination plays and attempts to keep possession of the ball in a patient system.
In goal, Yassine Bounou is one of the first names on the team sheet.
The 31-year-old has been a regular for Sevilla and his strong shot-stopping abilities have the potential to help Morocco advance through a few extra rounds.
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Arguably Morocco’s strongest area is their back line.
Achraf Hakimi is one of the best full-backs in the world, with his immense speed, ability to attack the box and ability to cross the ball into dangerous areas.
Hakimi is an important element of the team, and his combinations with Hakim Ziyech will likely be a key difference between failure and success in Qatar.
At left-back, Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich will provide an excellent technical base from which Morocco can build play.
Originally a right back, Mazraoui has the technical ability and ability to play with either foot which allows him to be comfortable on the left-hand side.
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He is vital to how Morocco how have been trying to progress the ball through the thirds, as well as providing a threat in the opposition box as well.
At centre-back, we can expect a pairing of Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd.
Romain Saiss has been playing all season, but he recently picked up an injury, which makes it unclear if he will be available for selection or not.
His aerial presence would be missed if he were to be unavailable, but Morocco do have a young defender in Achraf Dari available for selection who was trusted by the coach in the September friendlies.
In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat sits at the base, with an important role in the build-up phase.
Amrabat has been key as he drops deeper to collect the ball from the defence and helps progress it up the pitch.
Amrabat’s ability to stay patient, and always offer a passing option are key ways in how Morocco will attempt to keep possession of the ball when they win it.
Ahead of the pivot, Azzedine Ounahi and Amine Harit are the No8’s for Morocco. Ounahi was pivotal in the qualification phase for the World Cup.
Both he and Harit are creative midfielders, with excellent dribbling qualities that make the pair tricky to press, and difficult to tackle in the final third.
In the front line, Hakim Ziyech makes his return to the squad after coming out of international retirement.
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Ziyech has seen his game time become limited in the past few seasons, after becoming merely a rotation option for Chelsea. 
On the left wing, Sofiane Boufal is expected to retain his place in the starting XI. Youssef En-Nesyri leads the attack for Morocco.
The Sevilla striker has struggled for first-team minutes this season but has scored 14 goals for Morocco in 48 appearances.
The target man will thrive off crosses coming into the box from the likes of Ziyech, or perhaps cutbacks from Hakimi.   
Attacking phase
Morocco rank very highly amongst nations in the World Cup in their attacking metrics — though it must be noted that the standard of competition they’ve faced over the last calendar year differs from the quality they’ll come up against in Qatar. 
When Morocco gain possession of the ball, they look to build play out from the back rather than going long.
The image below shows a great example of how Mazraoui can evade pressure by passing the ball around to get out of a tight situation. 
Morocco’s Mazraoui is skilled at getting out of tight situations
When Morocco face a mid-block, Hakim Ziyech usually drifts into central midfield, from where he can make the most of his brilliant passing range and ball manipulation. 
The image below shows Ziyech in that central space, where he turns on the ball, looks up and plays a diagonal ball to the left-hand side for Mazraoui. 
When Ziyech is central, he looks for the diagonal ball to the left flank to Mazraoui
In the final third, Morocco try to set up in a 2-3-5 formation and make use of wide triangle combinations with the wide central midfielder, wide player and player operating in the half space. 
In this attack pictured below, Ziyech has drifted into the wide space, which has caused the Chilean left-back to follow him, thus leaving a huge gap between the left-back and left-sided centre-back. 
Clever Ziyech drags the left back out of position and creates a huge gap
Morocco have shown several different ways in which they can sustain possession and create threatening situations in the final third.
It will be no surprise to see Morocco have large spells of possession at the World Cup.
Defending phase
Morocco have a very strong backline, which will give confidence to the rest of the squad. 
Morocca high-press aggressively
From dead balls, such as goal kicks and throw-ins, Morocco look to press their opponents aggressively. 
The problem with this system, and arguably the biggest one, is the massive gap between the midfield and backline.
The Morocco defenders are worried about the space behind the defence so naturally drop off while the midfield holds their position to prevent the opponents from getting possession closer to goal.
As a result, opposition players can drift in the spaces between the lines, and the lack of pressure from behind means that they can easily turn with the ball and drive towards goal.
What ends up happening is that Morocco’s midfield is nearly non-existent, and opponents can easily give the ball to the front line and leave the defence unprotected.
Off the ball Morocco’s lack of structure could lead to losses
Morocco’s lack of structure off the ball is largely worrying and will be the biggest reason for any potential failures and losses. 
Transitions
In offensive transitions, Morocco are very difficult to defend against due to the number of skilful ball carriers they have running in the open space. 
The image below shows an example of Boufal excellent dribbling skill. 
With a number of skilful ball carriers running into space, Morocco offer a threat in offensive transition
When Morocco lose possession of the ball, they are inconsistent with their actions off the ball.
Inconsistency with their actions of the ball happens when Morocco lose possession
Defenders
While the depth in defence isn’t the largest, there are plenty of possible players who may look to work their way into a starting spot if their performances improve in the last few weeks before the World Cup.
Jawad El Yamiq has recently regained his spot in the starting line-up for Real Valladolid, who have gone on a slight winning streak in La Liga.
The central defender provides adequate cover should some of the starters not recover from their injuries in time. 
Midfielders
Adel Taarabt was used in deeper areas in the most recent parts of his career.
But, he missed out on selection in Qatar.
Imran Louza is another player who can slot into the midfield role. However, there are doubts about the fact he has been injured for the entirety of the season and is only coming back to training now. 
Ilias Chair and Selim Amallah both can feature in the attacking midfield roles, as both have the vision to produce defence-cutting passes and the technical ability to dribble in tight spaces.
Morocco have the adequate depth to make changes if necessary, or to add extra creativity when chasing games.
Attackers
Munir El Haddadi has struggled for minutes at his current club Getafe, and while he has shown promising signs in the earlier stage of his career, he has struggled to get consistency in his performance and not been up to the required level.
He can provide a threat off the bench after playing for Morocco 11 times in the last 18 months with 2 goals for the nation. 
Abde Ezzalzouli is a promising young player who is currently on loan from Barcelona. He was given his debut in September, and after a few good performances whilst out on loan, he may be given a chance to try to spark a change after coming off the bench.
Key player
Hakim Ziyech hasn’t featured for a long time for Chelsea and is a player that seems to be slightly forgotten about.
His inconsistent performances for his club have shown that he may not be at the world-class level.
However, Ziyech is capable of producing magic moments and when in form, he can carry his country to big results. 
The Moroccan magician doesn’t have the greatest pass accuracy, due to his ambitious passing in the final third.
While the accuracy isn’t high, these passes are difficult to pull off, usually against a settled defence which gives huge rewards should it be successful.
Tournament predictions
Morocco faces a hard group, and it seems like they are set to fight for the 2nd place of the Group, but we’ll most likely see Belgium and Croatia qualifying to the Round of 16.
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If they manage to reach the eight-finals, things won’t be any easier as they’ll likely face Spain or Germany.
Life won’t be easy for Morocco in Qatar!
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THE 2018 World Cup runners-up, Croatia, will be looking for a repeat this year as they aim to claw their way out of Group F and onto the podium once more.It’s difficult to keep expectations in check considering their success in Russia, followed up with the convincing Nations League campaign and World Cup qualifiers.

This is a fresh team; a team that’s been blessed with a healthy mixture of experience and youth.
But also a team that’s still very much a dark horse in the tournament despite their silver medal status from 2018.
Predicted starting XI
As for the starting lineup itself, this is where it gets tricky for both us to predict and Dalić to choose.
The goalkeeper position is arguably one of the weakest links of this otherwise impressive squad.
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Both Dominik Livakovic and Ivica Ivusic potential starters but certainly not their strongest weapon. 
When it comes to the backline, the youth tandem of Gvardiol and Sutalo seems the way to go given Croatia’s possession-based style of play.
Both defenders are strong on the ball and will aid the team’s build-up phase greatly.
When it comes to the full-backs, Borna Sosa is expected to be a regular with Borna Barisic as an alternative on the bench. Josip Juranovic should be the regular and Josip Stanisic start on the bench.
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How Croatia could line up
The midfield is Croatia’s bread and butter.
We don’t need to spend too long on the incredible trident of Brozovic, Modric and Kovacic but one potential worry for Dalic heading into the tournament is his pivot’s fitness.
Brozovic’s injury puts the whole system in jeopardy and while he may still recover in time for the event, it remains to be seen how Dalic decides to tackle his absence, should it come to that. 
There are a couple of options available with Kristijan Jakic probably being the likeliest to fill Inter star’s boots.
However, the defensive midfielder position is definitely among Croatia’s weak links as the quality plummets with Brozović out of the picture. 
Finally, we have the forward line. Croatia’s firepower is impressive but the lack of a clear No9 in the squad is a reason for concern.
Andrej Kramaric is the roaming, false 9 type of striker while someone like Ante Budimir offers a more traditional blueprint for the position. 
A similar thing can be said for the right-wing position as all of Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic and Lovro Majer have their unique traits but also change the system with their inclusions.
The only constant is, therefore, Perisic on the left. The veteran is among Croatia’s most important players and will surely continue to have a prominent role in Qatar as well.
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Attacking phase
Croatia are a formidable force in possession of the ball.
Dalić has already confirmed Croatia are likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, depending on the personnel available and chosen. 
Croatia are likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation
Take this sequence as a great example of exactly that. In this example, we see them overload the middle of the pitch. 
During a game Croatia will overload the midfield
It’s not uncommon for Modrić to drop deep and then deploy either a line-breaking pass into space or simply a lofted ball over the top, both of which complement the runners Croatia have in their arsenal. The example here is a perfect demonstration of such a scenario. 
Dalić may not be a master tactician but he needn’t be when he’s got such incredible talent at his disposal.
The following example shows us that perfectly.
Croatia base their attacks from out wide
Most of Croatia’s attacking sequences do end up in a delivery from out wide. In attack, Croatia are a force to be reckoned with.
Defensive phase
Despite stats revealing their high success in final-third recoveries, Croatia are not a high-pressing side. 
Dalić’s troops will sit back in a deep and compact block, often assuming a 4-5-1/4-1-4-1 or a 4-4-2 shape, depending on whether they’re more aggressive or conservative.
Croatia sit deep in a compact block
This shape aims to optimise their coverage off the ball while also congesting the danger zones on the pitch. 
If Croatia decide to push up and disrupt the build-up without aggressively pressing, they will usually instruct one of the midfielders to position himself next to the striker, creating a make-shift 4-4-2 structure.
We can actually see a very similar scenario in the following example.
When Croatia high-press they move to a makeshift 4-4-2
This man-marking approach does come with its pros and cons, of course. When executed well, it yields great results in terms of ball recovery, as we’ll soon see.
However, it’s also highly risky.
Very rarely do they actually go all the way to the final third or even the opposition’s box but as already explained, when they do, they’re often very effective.
Transitions
Just like in almost any phase of the game, midfielders are key to Croatia’s transition tactics. Both Modrić and Kovačić are excellent carriers of the ball.
Midfield is key to Croatia’s transitions – with Modric and Kovacic being excelling ball carriers
It’s not uncommon to see Croatia start their transitions by winning the ball in the middle third of the pitch, where they are undeniably most aggressive.
Moving onto defensive transition tactics, it all comes from coordinated action in the middle third.
Within seconds of losing the ball, Croatia aggressively hunt possession back
Croatia will often hunt for the ball relentlessly in the first couple of seconds of losing possession.
Attackers
Even though they aren’t lacking firepower, there are question marks that can be raised for both their striker and right-wing positions.
As things currently stand, we don’t know who Dalic is going to pick as his starting no.9 once the World Cup rolls in.
In our predicted XI section, we decided to go with Kramaric but to call him a striker may be a bit of a stretch. 
Midfielders
The best of Croatia’s squad undoubtedly lies in their midfield line. This is where their individual quality can break any game and tip the tides in their favour.
If everyone was fit and firing, there would be no doubt about the starting trident of Brozovic, Modric and Kovacic.
However, they’re not all fit. At least not as of yet. Having sustained an unlucky injury just before the World Cup, Brozovic is still on the mend.
Defenders
Between Livakovic and Ivusic, the choice may not be crystal clear and this has been an ongoing debate in Croatian media for a long time now. 
When it comes to the centre-backs, going with Gvardiol and Sutalo makes the most sense given Croatia’s system and style of play. 
About the full-backs, Sosa and Juranovic could both get a nod ahead of their respective counterparts simply due to their more offensive nature. 
Key player
Was there ever any doubt? Even at the ‘tender’ age of 37, Modric is still Croatia’s best and most influential player. The captain will be looking to bow out of the national team with a bang and what better way to do it than to have one last go at the big trophy?
Modric the player needs little to no introduction. He’s an all-action midfielder who glides across the pitch as if he was 17, not 37.
His attacking, progression and retaining capacity are off the charts and we can see he regularly tops almost all the on-the-ball metrics as well.
There aren’t many other players at this World Cup who can go toe-to-toe with the Croatian maestro as he’s basically the best at what he does. And he does it all. Well, almost.
The Real Madrid superstar might not be the best and most active defender in the tournament but that doesn’t mean he’s a liability out of possession.
Despite being 37, Modric still has an impressive engine and it’s his experience and footballing IQ that makes him a competent defender too, more so than his physical attributes.
How far Croatia can and will go largely depends on the form of this little man. And judging by his season so far, both for club and country, Modric is as good as he ever was.
Tournament prediction
The 2018 silver medalists are back for more in Qatar. It’s very difficult to predict how far they will go because they could just as easily reach the final again as they are to somehow implode halfway through the tournament.
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Given their potential opponents and the quality of group-stage opposition, reaching the quarter-finals and going beyond that is possible and desirable for Vatreni.
However, if Brozovic recovers in time, Modric retains his top form and Dalic’s troops get lady luck on their side again, the quarters are the very minimum they should achieve.
For even more detailed analysis of all 32 teams in the FIFA World Cup 2022, download your copy of the November Total Football Analysis magazine here More

CANADAS rise has been meteoric.With stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, there was a perception that Canada was a fringe competitor to claim a top-four spot and make their way to Qatar.

What transpired exceeded everyone’s expectations, well, at least everyone outside of the Canadian national team program.
Exceeding all expectations, Canada topped the CONCACAF table, finishing ahead of the favourites USA and Mexico.
If there’s one theme to pull from their qualifying campaign, it’s the power of the collective.
Predicted starting XI
For those who followed Canada’s journey to the World Cup, some of the standout features of the squad were tactical versatility and an extraordinary youth movement.
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At the World Cup, Canada will likely feature either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2.
Against stronger opponents, they tended to play in a 4-4-2, then went with a 4-2-3-1 when they expected to have more joy and possession.
Given the quality of their group, which features Belgium, Morocco and Croatia, a 4-4-2 may very well be the go-to system.
In that starting XI, Milan Borjan of Red Star Belgrade will start in goal.
Vitória and Kamal Miller are the likeliest centrebacks, flanked by Richie Laryea on the right and Adekugbe on the left.
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In midfield, Porto’s Stephen Eustáquio and Toronto FC’s Mark-Anthony Kaye will likely see the majority of time at the pivot positions with the 39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson rotating in.
His recovery from injury will largely dictate his playing time in this tournament. If fit, he’ll certainly see the pitch as he is the emotional leader of the team.
Tajon Buchanan, the Club Bruges winger who featured twice against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, will likely start on the right while Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies leads the attack from the left.
Though the Bundesliga star plays left-back for Bayern, he will feature as Canada’s left midfielder.
Junior Hoilett will play the No10 role with Jonathan David of Lille as the striker.
Toronto’s Jonathan Osorio, the 30-year-old with 55 caps for his country, has made the squad – but his fitness will be in doubt.
If he does play, look for him to play in that central attacking midfielder role, which would then free Hoilett to see minutes on the wing as well.
Attacking phase
Looking at our first tactical image, which comes from their match against Uruguay, we see the asymmetry of Canada’s 4-2-3-1.
Canada play in a 4-2-3-1 formation
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The possessions tend to be very direct, looking to break lines early. 
In possession, this is when Canada’s most dangerous.
If their midfielders can run onto a ball between the lines, their pace in the wings and David’s movement centrally will cause problems. 
Midfielders of Canada try to run between lines, while David’s pace on the right is a threat
Once Canada gets into the box, they do arrive with a lot of numbers. Should the initial possession not lead to a shot, look for the Canucks to cut the ball back to one of their two outside-backs.
As that happens, the forward and attacking mids are very good at offering a clear target in the box.
In their match against Qatar, their runners overloaded at the far post and created a 3v2 against the host nation. The result of this sequence was a Larin goal.
Midfield and attack get into good positions in the box
Davies and David are well-known across the globe.
While this is a Canadian squad that will lean heavily on the collective, expect John Herdman to design the team’s tactics to bring out the best qualities of their two young stars.
Defensive phase
This is where Canada excels. This is a hard-working, tactically disciplined and fiercely competitive team with complete buy-in from the squad when the team is out of possession.
If Canada can make it out of a difficult group, their quality out of possession will likely be the reason for their success.
Even though Canada is a counterattacking team, they break the mould with their aggressive high press. 
Looking at the first tactical image, Canada does well to pressure the centrebacks and funnel play deeper, often into the wings.
Canada contain the opposition in their own half by pressuring the centre backs
The sequence against Mexico plays directly to a high recovery by Canada and a Larin goal.
That goal was the direct result of Canada’s effective high press.
Once in the wings, Canada will again attempt to seal the opposition.
Looking at the final image of the section, which is again from the Mexico match, Canada has seven players in that shaded area.
Seven Canadian players attempt to suffocate the opposition in wide areas
Transitions
Canada’s attacking output will largely come down to the effectiveness of their counterattacking.
Even if Canada loses the ball in this scenario, they are well placed to counterpress, recover numbers behind the ball, and eliminate the opponent’s direct moves to goal.
Canada like to get numbers behind the ball and recover their defensive shape
The most important aspect of Canada’s defensive transitions is getting numbers behind the ball, and recovering into their solid defensive shape.
During attacking transitions, look for Canada to prioritise the wings. The pace of Davies on the left will be a threat to any opponent.
In attacking transitions, Canada will look to the wings
Even when Canada counterattacks centrally, their narrow defensive shape positions the wingers to run behind the backline through the central channel.
That’s what we have in the final image in this section.
Their narrow defensive shape when Canada counters can see their wingers running through the middle
Canada’s play in transition was exceptional in qualifying.
Should it carry over into the World Cup, you’ll find the squad is difficult to break down and a threat in attacking transitions. 
Attackers
It’s high up the pitch that we find many of Canada’s top young talents.
Buchanan and Larin are expected to be regulars, and of course, Davies. Hoilett will feature as well, and we may see the likes of Cavallini and Millar throughout the tournament.
They may not have the household names that Belgium enjoys, but this is a very talented group of players with the right blend of emerging young stars and veteran leadership.
Larin, who should recover his fitness in time for the World Cup, also gives Canada some tactical versatility.
Midfielders
Midfield is certainly the thinnest part of Canada’s team. That said, the midfielders listed in the World Cup squad are specifically on the team to play as defensive midfielders.
Regardless of the system, Canada will likely deploy a double pivot.
Should Canada play with a four-midfielder system, Davies and Buchanan are the incumbents in the wings.
Hoilett is another example of a player listed as a forward who will play as an attacking midfielder. Laryea can play right midfield as well.
Defenders
Along the backline, Canada will feature several players who are either in or nearing their prime years.
Then there is Steven Vitória, the 6’5″ Chaves centre-back who leads the line at the young age of 35. He’s the veteran leader of this group.
The son of Portuguese immigrants from the Azores Islands and a member of Portugal’s youth national teams, Vitória started representing his native Canada in 2016.
Hutchinson can also play along the backline, but it’s widely expected that Miller will start beside Vitória.
Key player
There’s no questioning Canada’s star man.
Alfonso Davies, the Bayern Munich superstar who was born to Liberian parents in a Canadian refugee camp, immigrated to Canada with his family in 2005.
His leap from Vancouver to Bayern Munich was unprecedented in the league’s history.
Entering the World Cup fresh off his 22nd birthday, Davies is the uncontested star on the team.
Though he will play higher up the pitch as an attacking left midfielder, the same position he played at Vancouver, Davies is as well-rounded a player as you’ll find at the World Cup.
His role with Bayern Munich transfers exceptionally well to Canada’s defensive commitment and counterpressing responsibilities. 
Tournament prediction
Odds makers list Belgium and Croatia as the heavy favourites to make it through the group stage but don’t sleep on this Canadian team. They’re built for tournament play.
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Canada doesn’t arrive in Qatar with the same pressure that Belgium and Croatia do and that could be good for them. 
But it’s fair to expect them to finish third at this group unless Croatia and Belgium really underperform, after all, we’re talking about the last runners up and the last 3rd place of the Russia World Cup in 2018.
For even more detailed analysis of all 32 teams in the FIFA World Cup 2022, download your copy of the November Total Football Analysis magazine here More