John Walker Football Analytics

Croatia: Coaches Corrections

Another example of the Hydration Break being as much about coaching as it is about hydration.

Before the Break:
> Kane Dropping into CM
> Vuskovic Not Following
> Modric Unsure

After the Break:
> Kane Drops into CM
> Vuskovic Follows at Speed
> Wins the Ball & Croatia Almost Score

It has stopped Harry Kane linking up in open-play but England at "Set-Plays are Special"

DR Congo: Pre & Post Hydration Break

There has been an evident change from DR Congo since the Hydration-Break, after Portugal and deserve to be level.

Portugal kept possession for 2min 47sec's and completed 64 passes directly before the hydration break whilst in complete control:
> No Press
> Dropping into a 5-4-1 Block

After the Hydration Break:
> Pressing High on Defenders/GK
> Numbers in Portugal's Half
> Regain and Retain the Ball

Would love if Fifa or Stat's companies could provide the data of a match in the "Quarters" it's clearly being played...

Over 50% Defending in 4-4-2, why?!

Whether teams have been set-up in a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, most of those formations have chosen to defend in a 4-4-2.

Presumably it is because it is the easiest press against other back-4's
> 2 Forwards v 2 CB's
> 2 Wingers v 2 FB's
> Block Central Distances for Rotations

The issue for some is going to come when they face a good Back-3 later in the tournament to see what that adjustment shows like.

It has been a very notable trend & are we about to see a real rise of "Old School 442"?

Cape Verde: Calm, Composed & Confident

I am so impressed with what I am seeing in the opening 30mins but especially the bravery from GK Vozinha:
> Confident to Build Short - 15/17 (88%)
> Composed to Provoke Pressure
> Clip Over Press with Quality - 3/5 (60%)

A better touch from the chest & Livramento could have been played in-behind and he will not be caught if they get it right.

Spain need to be wary of that High-Line & Pressure...

A very impressive opening 30mins from Cape Verde

Ecuador: Excellent Movement

The rotations and movement from this side are exceptional, it's like watching a club side & clearly well coached.

Enner Valencia almost scored on the end of this chance but the build-up to it is exceptional:
> Hincapie (LB) Inverted as a "High 8"
> Vite Often Moves out to LB
> LCB Plays LW
> Hincapie Underlaps into Crossing Position

This left-side rotation is also limiting Yan Diomande as he's having to do far too much defensive work & needs to be switched to the Left-Wing.

USA Analysis: Rotations & Runs Behind

The USA have been exceptional in this 1st Half v Paraguay and clearly very well coached by Mauricio Pochetino.

Is it a 3-4-3 or a 4-2-3-1? It's Both.

3-4-3:
> Back-3 Build
> Dest & Robinson High
> Pulisic & McKennie Roll Inside

4-2-3-1:
> 1 WB Tucks In (Robinson)
> Dest Goes Higher as a RW
> McKennie Moves into CAM

The rotations have been excellent, the runs beyond have been brilliantly timed & the passing has been positive all the time.

Really impressed by the U.S

WC Most Assists Betting Pod

Who will set-up the most goals at the WC? Bruno, Messi, Wirtz?!

Check out a wild 150/1 EW Shot 👇

WC Golden Boot Podcast

Another fun little podcast for Pre-Tournament, nothing too serious but value at 20/1, 33/1 & then a couple of EW bets at 125/1 and 400/1

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WC Group Betting ACCA - 100/1

Here is a Pre-Tournament "fun" bet previously on my Patreon and hope it reaches you early enough.

10 picks chosen with a mix of "winners" and "qualifying" from the group at 100/1