The return of the 4-4-2 formation, false nines, and set-pieces – the World Cup has already thrown up both familiar and new tactical ideas, with twelve games in and common patterns emerging. The beauty of the tournament, according to BBC Sport's football tactics correspondent, is the variety of unique styles and players competing on the biggest stage, sometimes posing unusual challenges that require on-the-fly solutions.
One of the most striking trends so far is the re-emergence of the 4-4-2 formation, which typified Premier League football of the early 2000s. In that era, spaces between players were bigger, with fewer low blocks and less drilled high presses, leading to more time and space for attackers to express themselves. At this World Cup, teams – perhaps due to conditions and lack of coaching time – have reverted to using a 4-4-2 that looks similar, partly explaining why games feel more open.
“The return of the 4-4-2 formation is defining the World Cup so far, with teams like Ecuador, Brazil, and Scotland using it.”
Many teams are opting for such a shape out of possession, including Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Brazil, Haiti, Scotland and Japan, at times. In their 4-4-2, teams are picking moments to step up and press but for large parts of the game choosing instead to defend in a mid-block – rather than defending deep or pressing high consistently. If international sides opt to simply sit in and defend deep, they are ultimately conceding a level of control on the game, especially against bigger nations, allowing them long spells of attacking possession around your box, essentially giving them the sort of game they would want to play.
Pressing intensely all game becomes less effective given the gruelling heat and humidity, but in moments it has provided fruitful for teams such as Mexico, Morocco and Germany, who have all scored soon after forcing an opposition turnover. This then leaves teams defending in the middle of the pitch in a 4-4-2 shape. The formation provides cover in a wide and balanced manner but it does leave spaces between the lines that teams have managed to exploit well.
In a 4-4-2 shape, the defending side are well placed to stop forward and sideways movements because of their two flat lines of four. As a result, attackers have found opportunities in the gaps between midfield and defence, a vulnerability that opposing coaches are increasingly targeting. With the World Cup still in its early stages, the tactical arms race is only just beginning.