#FIFA Futsal World Cup

Unopposed build-up

FIFA, 28 Dec 2021

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At the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021™, the number of teams defending in a mid- or low-block was rare on the whole, whereas in the past many sides did so, allowing their opponents a comfortable build-up with no great pressure on the ball from a high block. At this tournament, the most common ploy was a high block and high press launched directly on the first pass out from the goalkeeper.

As a general conclusion, almost all the teams based their defence on great intensity and defensive aggression in a high block or a mid-block/mid-press – that is to say, an "opposed build-up", with the consequent need to take decisions more quickly and with greater risk than with the "unopposed build-up".

Having said that, the analysis will focus, in basic terms, on the "unopposed build-up", and follow a similar structure to that used for the "opposed build-up":

  • Different types of formation
  • Different types of intention: direct or elaborate
  • Maximum-risk build-up
  • The specific moves that are most common between two or three players when facing defences that do not press

Different types of formation

The vast majority of teams employed at least two formations.

The 3-1 formation was employed by many teams with the following objectives in their play

Playing 1v1 on the wing
Combination between two players to progress
Playing with a pivot

Brazil played with strong pivots employing a fluid 3-1 system, with the pivot shielding the ball and extraordinary mobility off the ball. Is it a risk? Not if you have the right players to do it.

Outstanding play by Brazil sees them create an opening against Panama

We observed that many teams also opted to play an attacking 4-0 system, which is the most complex one to carry out and which, moreover, demands a high technical level. 

Portugal successfully manage to create some space behind the defenders in those 20 metres.

Different types of approach: Direct or elaborate

As was the case when the build-up was opposed – and despite the limited pressure on the player with the ball – there seemed to be two main intentions:

Direct approach

Serbia play a very direct style against USA to create their opportunity

Elaborate approach

Morocco take a more patient and elaborate approach when attacking Venezuela

Maximum-risk build-up

One of the riskiest situations when building up is to place only one player in zone 2 and the rest in zone 4. Russia provided many examples of this in situations where they trailed in games and sought to open up defences that were sitting deep.

Commonly used moves between two or three players facing defences that do not press

The following techniques and tactics were employed by teams when facing an opposing team that did not press the build-up.

  • Diagonal
  • Parallel
  • Overload + step
  • One-two 
  • Cutting in front
  • Lifting + pivot
  • Clear for 1v1
Morocco use diagonal passes to unlock the Venezuela defence

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