Counter Culture: The World Cup So Far

Central and South American countries are taking the World Cup by storm. Chile, Colombia and Costa Rica have all reached the knockout phases, and did so with a game to spare, whilst Uruguay and Mexico overcame Italy and Croatia in their final games to qualify. A careful balance between caution and risk is paying off against European opposition, who have failed to cope with a new brand of counter-attacking football.

Formation: 5-2-3/4-5-1

Well designed formations, finely tuned to the strengths of the team, are the source of these convincing displays.

Where European managers might see negativity, Mexican coach Miguel Herrera, among others, sees opportunity. Deploying a five man defence, or a compact central midfield trio, encourages the opposition to push extra men forward, and guarantees that there will be space for the counter.

Done properly, these formations give the opposition a misguided sense of control. Opposition become accustomed to possession, playing in front of a rigid back line, but without any penetration. As a result, holding midfielders are more frequently joining attacks to break down such resistance.

This has a detrimental effect; with no space through the middle, these holding players find themselves forced down the channels. Crosses come into a congested box where, more often then not, play breaks down.

Once the ball is reclaimed, quick thinking goalkeepers, with excellent distribution, move quickly to exploit the positional frailties of the opposition.  Talented dribblers like Alexis Sanchez and James Rodriguez drop deep to instigate fast, direct breaks into the space left by the holding midfielders.

Brazil's Paulinho was caught out of position numerous times against Mexico, leaving Luis Gustavo exposed. Thiago Silva, a superb reader of the game, made a series of crucial interceptions to spare Brazil's blushes.

Chile also found pockets of space in between Spain's defence and midfield, targeting Xabi Alonso, who lacked the pace to track back when Spain surrendered possession. Likewise, Steven Gerrard was caught too high up the field against Uruguay, and England were duly punished.

Carrying the ball to the opposing box, or distributing it out wide to the overlapping wing backs, these nimble wingers pull the opposition defence out of position. Centre backs are tempted to step up and make a challenge, whilst the full backs are forced into retreat.

This allows on running forwards to drift into dangerous areas onside, and unchallenged. Brain Ruiz's headed goal against Italy demonstrated this, as did Suarez's against England.

It is no coincidence that the only European side to play a five man defence, Louis Van Gaal's Holland, have had remarkable success.

Tactics: play in spurts

Embodied best by Colombia, these teams play in spurts, allowing the opposition to dominate possession for large periods of a half.

When possession begins to get sloppy and stagnant, as seen with Italy and Spain, it is a sure sign that the opposition are succumbing to the oppressive conditions. This is the signal to move up a gear, sometimes only for five minutes, and is done so at blistering pace.

These spurts are calculated; they come near the end of the first half, or at the beginning of the second, when European sides struggle to maintain optimum levels of performance.

Suarez scored in the 39th minute against England, Chile notched their second against Spain in the 43rd, and Ruiz headed Costa Rica into the lead in the 44th against Italy.

Uruguay should have been out of sight against England after a ferocious start to the second half, whilst Colombia put themselves out of reach against Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan after the break.

When preparing for their game against Croatia, Mexico will have learnt much from Costa Rica's defeat of Italy. An exhausted Italian outfit had nothing to offer come the second half, 90 minutes in Manaus having evidently caught up with them.

Although winners in Manaus against Cameroon, Croatia looked equally jaded in their next game. Mexico waited patiently, striking against tired legs in a lethal 10 minute spurt when the game became stretched.

This is how England, with so many Liverpool players in their team, would have liked to play. The simple problem is this - not once were England ahead in any of their fixtures. Rather then sit and wait for the opposition to make a mistake, England were always being made to chase the game.

Emmanuel Petit: A Man of Many Talents

“I love England, one reason being the magnificent breasts of English girls. Women are ultimately all that matters in life. Everything that we do is for them. We seek riches, power and glory, all in order to please them”. Emmanuel Petit, 1998.

A fair haired Frenchman living in London in the late 90s – Emmanuel Petit’s first spell in English football sounds loosely like the plot of a romantic novel, and at times it was.

In his 2008 autobiography, the former Arsenal midfielder recalls an incident at the hotel in which he was staying, nearby the club’s training ground. Recounting a moment he shares with a ‘pretty girl’ who frequented the games room, Petit says in the most gentlemanly fashion available, “we had a relationship one day in the snooker room”.  

A man of class on and off the pitch, Petit was clearly not shy of making himself at home in the capital, a notion confirmed by his telling comment in 1998, in which he professed a particular fondness for English women. With his immaculately kept ponytail hairdo, reaching down to the shoulders on either side, and giving him an uncanny resemblance to Orlando Bloom’s Legolas from the Lord of the Rings, Petit must have had his share of female admirers. But his most captive audience were the hordes of grown men at Highbury, who fell in love with Petit’s versatile style of play, and still hold him dear to this day.

The love affair began in July 1997, as Arsenal’s recently appointed manager Arsene Wenger sought to rebuild an aging, and by now slightly predictable midfield. Whilst the Gunners had relied on more conventional attacking midfielders, such as David Platt and Paul Merson, under Bruce Rioch, Wenger was intent on creating a more dynamic formation. The signing of Netherlands winger Marc Overmars was central to Wenger’s plans, injecting the sort of pace rivals Manchester United had been profiting from through Ryan Giggs for the previous five years.

But in order to exploit the space which this new look Arsenal side would create, behind English defences who still favoured the high line at the turn of the century, Wenger required the type of player capable of picking the ball up in front of his defence, and swiftly launching attacks from deep. Having managed Petit at Monaco, Wenger knew what he was buying into, and was able to secure the midfielder for a modest £2.5 million.

Meanwhile, on the white side of North London, another Frenchman with impressive locks was preparing to flaunt his talents both on, and one suspects, off the pitch; Tottenham signed David Ginola that same summer, and for the exact same price.  But whilst it would take Ginola time to settle and fulfil his potential, winning the PFA Player of the Year award in 1999, Petit was quick to establish himself in Wenger’s system.

Wenger had Petit sit in a deeper midfield role then he had been accustomed to previously, so to allow Patrick Viera to break forward and join Arsenal’s lethal counter-attacks, led at speed by Overmars, and an emerging Frenchman by the name of Nicolas Anelka. A long ball specialist, this suited Petit, whose vision for a ball over the top of the defence worked perfectly in tangent with the dazzling movement in front of him.

When watching some of Arsenal’s finest goals in the early Wenger years, the build-up invariably begins with Petit, be it a neat, piercing ball through the middle, or a lofted one for the on running forward. Whilst his accurate set-pieces, whipped in at pace with a distinctive action not too dissimilar from that of a rugby kicker, found the heads of Tony Adams and Steve Bould more often than not.

An excellent first season did not go unnoticed, with Petit going on to win the Player of the Month accolade in April 1998, a fitting personal achievement which was soon accompanied by a maiden Premier League medal and F.A Cup success. Not a regular goal scorer, Petit had a knack for finding the net when it counted; in 1998 he scored the only goal of the game against Derby County, a brilliant long range drive, to secure a vital three points in the race for the Premier League title.

Calmness personified, Petit was never hurried. The conductor of the orchestra, he controlled the pace of the game, keeping hold of the ball when necessary, and knowing when best to play his trademark, defence splitting passes. His quick thinking made Arsenal one of the most formidable counter-attacking sides in Europe, epitomized by a fabulous league goal against Watford in 2000, in which a diagonal ball by Petit from well inside his own half is collected by Thierry Henry, who casually flicks the ball onwards with the back of his heel before slotting home.

Petit’s attacking and defensive abilities worked well in unison. One minute he could be charging into a 50/50 with Roy Keane, the next, he was able to look up and provide an exquisite assist. Petit, and indeed Viera, set the standard for what has come to be expected of central midfielders playing for Arsenal under Wenger, and Arsenal fans have subsequently come to expect more from their midfielders over the years; they have to be ball winners and playmakers.

Brazilians Gilberto Silva and Edu replaced Petit in the early 2000s with relative success, whilst more recently Cameroonian Alex Song took up the role Petit mastered, before jumping the gun and watching his talent go to waste on the Barcelona bench, much the same as Petit in 2000.

Song’s raking balls, gratefully received by the likes of Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott, and combative defensive presence, saw him develop into an all-rounder, who like Petit played simple but stylish football, the former of which Arsenal have increasingly forgotten to incorporate into their game. The likes of Jack Wilshire, adapt in possession, and at their best when creating from deeper positions, can also trace their midfield DNA back to the Frenchman. 

It is no surprise that Petit’s best years at international level coincided with his fine form at Arsenal. As the almost forgotten third scorer in the 1998 World Cup Final, coming after Zinedine Zidane’s two headed goals put France in control against Brazil, Petit ensured his place in French footballing folklore.

With a willing water-carrier in Didier Deschamps protecting the French defence, Petit was played in a slightly more advanced role in order to add power to the pacey Les Blues attack, and his presence paid dividends when he found himself slid through late on in the final by Viera. The enduring image of Petit galloping forward, ponytail bobbing up and down, to coolly place a shot past Claudio Taffarel’s grasp, cue euphoric celebrations from the French team, was the crowning glory of his most successful year as a player.

Settled, and at the peak of his game, Petit would have gone on to form a lasting partnership with Viera, had Spanish heavyweights Barcelona not come calling. Joining the Catalan side in the summer of 2000, Petit was deployed at centre back, where he had played for large parts at Monaco. In repositioning Petit, Barcelona chose not to utilise the excellent link up play between Petit and Overmars, also brought from Arsenal that summer, which had worked so effectively in England.

Petit struggled to make an impression; having found his best position in an Arsenal side who encouraged, and engaged the more creative side of his game, Petit perhaps found it difficult to revert to a more outright defensive role, in a league with a differing style of play. Having failed to hold down a regular spot in the Barcelona side, Petit ended his short stint in Spain, returning to England with Chelsea after just one season.

Still only 43-years-old, Petit was forced into an early retirement in 2004 after a series of knee injuries and subsequent complications.  It is unthinkable now that a player could represent Arsenal, and later Chelsea, and still be held in high regard, as the case of Ashley Cole has demonstrated. But Arsenal fans recognise Petit’s wider importance in helping to bring about a new tactical philosophy at Arsenal, and that without the dual midfield role he carried out, to both protect the defence and to create, Arsenal may have struggled to get over the line in 1998.

Rest assured, if the money ever does come hard to find, Petit can make a quick buck moonlighting as an elfin stunt double in the recent Hobbit franchise, reawakening the desire of English women in the process.

A link to a clip of Petit's finest Arsenal moments - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB_6z83rKb8

World Cup Shop Window

Want-away strikers, coveted midfielders, and those simply seeking more game time - the World Cup is a chance for players to showcase their talents to suit their own agenda, and for clubs to add to their summer transfer lists. Here is a group to group rundown of those who might be on the move.

Group A

Javier Hernandez: Little Pea was shockingly underused by David Moyes last season and appears unhappy with his substitute role. A number of Spanish clubs have been linked with the Mexican in the past, and as the vocal attacking point for his country, he will get the opportunity to remind them why he is one of the best finishers around.

Samuel Eto'o: Without a club for the first time in his career, Eto'o has reiterated his desire to continue playing at the top level. He may struggle to make an impact in what is a tough group for Cameroon, whose current squad lack creativity. Should he score well, it may convince a top European side to take a punt.

Paulinho: After a tough first season in English football there has been some talk of Paulinho moving on. A consistent performer for Brazil, and favourite of Phil Scolari's, a good tournament for Paulinho could attract European buyers, or even open up the possibility of a return to Corinthians.

Mario Mandzukic: Robert Lewandowski's arrival at Bayern Munich means Mandzukic will have to settle for being second choice should he decide to stay. Arsenal are said to be interested, and a good showing in Brazil would make a move even more likely.

Group B

Fernando Torres: Torres' career has reached a crossroads. Unable to find any long term form in a Chelsea shirt, he may feel that the time is right to return to Spain. Whatever his own feelings, they may not under consideration, with Chelsea apparently eager to rid themselves of the Spanish forward anyway. It remains to be seen whether or not he will get any serious game time, but if he can contribute goals, it will be a timely reminder that he can still deliver under pressure.

Gary Medel: Captain of Chile, it is highly unlikely that Medel will stick around at Cardiff. The club will be hoping he stands out, so to add to his value, before cashing in on him in July. Likely to head to Spain, where Valencia have been monitoring his situation.

Cesc Fabregas: If you believe what the papers are saying, Fabregas has already been offered to most major European clubs by Barcelona. Reports suggest he is almost certainty on the way out, but surprisingly there has been a lack of interest. del Bosque rates him highly and will give Fabregas the freedom to influence matches in Brazil, which should bring potential buyers to their senses.


Group C

Yaya Toure/Kolo Toure: Out of nowhere, it has started to look increasingly possible that Yaya Toure will leave Manchester City this summer. It is hard to think of any club who would not make space for him, and inspiring the Ivory Coast to the knockout stages and beyond could set up a bidding war between Europe's top clubs. Brother Kolo is surplus to requirements at Liverpool, and will need to show that he can still cut it against strong opposition if he is to secure a decent move.

Freddy Guarin: A host of English clubs are interest in the bustling Colombian midfielder, and a solid World Cup showing may convince one of them to splash out on the Inter man.

Konstantinos Mitroglou: Having played little part in Fulham's struggle against the drop, Mitroglou is not viewed as the man to roll up his sleeves in the Championship. Fulham will be desperate for him to do well with Greece and attract a European buyer, though they are unlikely to recoup the £12 million they paid for him in January.

Shinji Kagawa: Louis Van Gaal may yet fancy Kawaga, but there is just as much chance that he wont. If United do decide to sell, they will want a decent sum, and with Japan pinning their hopes on Kawaga and Keisuke Honda's intricate passing, the playmaker should impress. Will hope to convince Jurgen Klopp that he is good enough for a return to Dortmund.

Group D

James Milner: Rumours that Milner has grown tired of his subordinate role at City have spiked the interest of the Premier League's top clubs. There is no better time for Milner to rediscover the kind of form which made City so desperate for his signature in 2010.

Luke Shaw: It seems inevitable that Shaw will leave Southampton in the summer. Should Leighton Baines get injured, Shaw can prove himself against world class opposition.  Unless Manchester United move quickly before the tournament begins, they may find they have company for the full backs signature come the end of July.

Diego Godin: Atletico Madrid's squad is already in the process of being disbanded, as many critics anticipated, with Diego Costa to Chelsea nearing a done deal, and David Villa off to New York City. Godin's dominant performances have been key to the side's success this season, and helping Uruguay navigate their way through a tough group will only enhance his reputation. Both Manchester sides could do with a defender of Godin's quality, and could end up battling it out for him.

Group E

Loic Remy: A class act, Remy's form tailed off sharply at Newcastle after Christmas. Aiming to prove his credentials to a top four side in the Premier League, or even one of France's main players, Remy should get goals in a group France are expected to qualify from.

Xherdan Shaqiri: The talented Swiss winger has found it hard to usurp Bayern's dynamic duo of Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery. Too good to sit on the bench, he has plenty of suitors, and could help Switzerland exceed expectations, with his eye for spectacular goals and dangerous crossing.

Antonio Valencia: Ecuador's play revolves around the United winger, meaning he should see plenty of the ball. In one of the competition's less challenging groups, his ability to run at defenders is certain to catch the eye. In and out of United's side all season, Valencia may have to seek a fresh start if he wants to further his career.

Group F

Ezequiel Garay: South American defenders are in high demand and Garay is top of many European clubs' lists. Argentina will score plenty in their group, but there are question marks surrounding the defence. If Garay can steady a rocky back four and take Argentina far, Benfica will find it hard to keep hold of him.

Asmir Begovic: Stoke will already be expecting offers for Begovic this summer, after another fine season. The stopper could steal the headlines in a group where he will find himself tested by the world's top strikers. A great chance to increase his stock, whilst attracting the attention of clubs both in England and abroad.

Victor Moses: Moses' career at Chelsea appears over. With so much competition in front of him, and a less then impressive spell on loan at Liverpool, he is likely to be shown the exit door. Brilliant for Nigeria in the 2013 African Cup of Nations, he will be a constant threat off the wing. Expect a move to a mid-table Premier League club.

Jon Obi Mikel: A key player for Nigeria, Mikel has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea. Jose Mourinho will only sell him if the price is right, and with the Super Eagles playing Mikel in a more advanced role, he will get the chance to impress.

Group G

Germany's entire midfield: None of Germany's dazzling midfielders are pushing for moves, but they are certainly being coveted by other clubs. The chances are that at the very least, one of Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler, or Marco Reus will leave, and strong individual performances will put their respective clubs in a powerful bartering position.

Nani: If Valencia is kept on, Nani will probably be the player moved on. A return to Portugal may suit the winger best, but he needs to show more than just trickery. A willing attitude, and a few goals to boost in Brazil, will increase interest.

William Carvalho: It looks as though Europe's top clubs are waiting to see how Carvalho fairs in Brazil, before making an offer for the Sporting Lisbon powerhouse. High praise has been coming from all quarters in Portugal, and if he can contain Germany's tricky midfield in the opening game, interest and value will soar.

Group H

Romelu Lukaku: Mourinho has been coy about his intentions for Lukaku, and this has led to interest from a number of high profile clubs. As Belgian's only recognised striker, he is expected to get goals in Brazil. Enhancing his reputation is likely to take him out of Everton's reach, and it will require a big offer if Chelsea are even going to consider letting Lukaku leave.

Thomas Vermaelen: Arsene Wenger gave a strong hint after the F.A Cup final that the defender will have to move on if he wants serious game time. Having lost his way in recent seasons, a change is needed. Must show the the kind of form which caught the eye when he joined the Gunners.

Ki-Sung-Yueng: Loaned out by Swansea last season, Ki stood out in a lacklustre Sunderland side. A clever midfielder, with a determined work rate, South Korea will hope that he can bring his excellent form to Brazil, where he could secure a good deal.