Surprising results in the World Cup are increasingly attributed to clever planning and tactical execution by lower-ranked teams, rather than sheer luck. These underdogs are finding ways to pose significant threats to stronger opposition by focusing on ball possession and strategic play.
One notable tactic involves how teams restart play from goal kicks. Instead of simply playing long balls, teams like Cape Verde, Iraq, and South Africa have opted for shorter passes from the goalkeeper. This approach aims to draw the opposing team forward, creating space further up the pitch. By positioning players at greater distances from one another, these teams force opponents who press man-for-man to cover larger areas. This increased distance allows defenders to identify and exploit passing lanes to midfielders and attackers in open space.
South Africa's performance against South Korea exemplifies this strategy. Despite having less possession (31%), they managed more shots (14) than their opponent. Their ability to move the ball upfield deliberately, rather than resorting to long clearances, was central to their success. They effectively used short goal kicks to build their attack, drawing pressure and then finding players in space.
This contrasts with traditional expectations where underdogs might rely on defensive resilience or counter-attacks. The observed trend suggests a shift towards proactive and technically adept play, even from teams not typically favored to win. The success of these tactics highlights the evolving nature of modern football and the strategic adaptations being employed at the highest level of competition.