Group Stage Review

With 36 games in nine days, the group stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ consists of a high volume of football. The Technical Study Group (TSG) sends its members to every match to observe each participant and track the tournament’s emerging trends. Now that this phase of the competition has run its course, the TSG’s experts reflect on each group’s key characteristics and begin piecing together the wider trends defining the tournament in Indonesia.

Julio González: In Group A we observed Ecuador, Morocco, Panama and Indonesia. The games in this group consisted of several similar characteristics. One of these was the emphasis teams placed on playing out from the back. Goalkeepers would often pass the ball to their central defenders, who were the main focal points of build-up play. Centre-backs primarily sought to connect with their defensive midfielders, central midfielders or Number 10s. If these options were not available, or if the centre-backs themselves came under pressure from the opposition’s frontline, they would resort to playing long balls to their outlets: wingers or strikers.  

The attacking plays teams deployed to progress the ball into the final third was another key feature of the group. Ecuador were the prime exponents of this, and their movements during build-up play were aggressive, intense and steered towards progressing the ball into the final third. Indonesia also tried to maintain possession of the ball, but when it came to defining the plays to move the ball into attacking areas of the pitch, they were less incisive.

Another characteristic was teams trying to create plays by winning the ball back in pre-determined areas of the pitch. For example, teams would allow their opposition to play to the right wing. At this point, teams would initiate their press, turnover possession, and then quickly switch play to an unmarked player positioned on the other side of the pitch. As this player entered the final third, they would usually be in a favourable 1v1 situation. If they beat the opposition defender, the player could either finish the attacking play by running towards goal or crossing to one of their strikers.     

A fourth characteristic of the group was how teams created pockets of space during build-up play to attack shortly afterwards. Often, when centre-backs had the ball during stages of deep build-up play they would watch the runs of their central midfielders and the vacated space they would create. For example, central midfielders making runs to the right side of the pitch would drag their opposition numbers across, leaving space on the left. The left-back could then attack this space and assume the role of an extra winger. The central defenders would pass to their left-back, who could then create dangerous plays by breaking into the final third, crossing into the box or passing in triangles with their attacking players.  

Pape Thiaw: Direct play is something we have seen a lot in this U-17 tournament. It is used most often by the central players and the goalkeeper, the players who are directly in front of the game. As for the teams in our group, some of them used it to play over opposition lines because they have wide players or other attacking players who are strong 1v1, and who have the speed and dribbling ability to take the game to the opposition at pace. The quick long ball, which is a direct tactic often used to start the counter-attack, has led to four goals here in Surakarta as well as a lot of other chances. You also see goalkeepers using it to neutralise opposition teams that press high. The teams we have seen use it most effectively have been Mali, Spain, Uzbekistan and Panama (from Group A).

Three of the four teams (Mali, Spain and Uzbekistan) pressed high to stop the opposition from retaining possession and making progress up the pitch. Gaining possession high up the pitch and quickly getting the ball behind the defence can produce a lot of chances, because the move starts close to the opposition goal. As a defensive strategy, it is physically demanding and requires great athleticism and endurance. It paid off for these three teams, and they did it with a lot of intensity. The key features of the way these teams pressed were boxing in the opposition, getting their position right, harrying their opponents, good cover, and communication.

During the group games, we have also seen a number of ways in which full-backs are contributing to their teams. That position requires a high level of physical fitness and technical ability to help your team get the ball out, and, even more importantly, the mental strength you need to keep making the effort over and over again. The specific contributions these players have made varied between teams, reflecting their different philosophies.

In attack, full-backs play a major role by doubling-up on their side of the pitch to outnumber the opposition, as well as by timing their runs correctly to pick up long balls and by delivering crosses, as we saw with Spain’s Héctor Fort (2) on the right and Panama’s Juan Hall (5) on the left. Some of them are key players for their teams’ build-up play, such as Uzbekistan’s Azizbek Tulkunbekov (5) who comes inside and acts like a second defensive midfielder – he has a very interesting role.

Gemma Grainger: Group C in the FIFA U-17 World Cup unfolded as a showcase of teams’ unwavering intent to exploit wide areas and strategically dismantle defensive lines. The spotlight was on the dynamic combinations between wingers, attacking midfielders, and full-backs, who have so far taken centre-stage. Wingers consistently displayed a penchant for 1v1s and showcased both determination and reliability in attacking their direct opponents. These situations often resulted in goal-scoring opportunities or collaborative attacking phases involving team-mates. This was particularly notable and eye-catching whilst observing the performances of England. Their final third attacking play possessed a clear identity with the aim of positioning multiple attacking players between the midfield and defensive lines of their opponents. With these additional numbers in attack, England were continuously able to form wide triangles and combinations between their attacking-midfielders, wingers and full-backs. A highlight for his outstanding performances throughout the group stage was England winger Joel Ndala (11), who showed impressive technical quality and intelligence in 1v1 situations, who currently has the most ball progressions (25), attempted take-ons (13) and final third receptions (140) in the competition.  

The group’s matches were complimented by swift attacking transitions, characterised by direct, long passes or players carrying the ball over substantial distances following regains of possession. Brazil often demonstrated the speed they possess in this area once they regain possession, often choosing to attack quickly and in many numbers towards their opponent’s goal. Estêvão (20) of Brazil demonstrated his close ball control and ability to progress the ball at speed, often finishing these moves as either the creator or executor of an attempt on goal for his team. Alternately, IR Iran adopted a clear strategy during attacking transitions to get the ball forward quickly via a long or direct pass into their attacking players. A strategy executed to perfection against Brazil during their historic opening match. Defensively, teams employed a varied approach, oscillating between high/mid press and low-blocks, adeptly defending and minimising spaces around the penalty area to maintain a competitive edge in this tightly contested group.

Pascal Zuberbühler: Group D demonstrated a clear variety of footballing styles and highlighted to me some of the aspects that make these competitions so great. We saw a variety of different ways teams are looking to build the play from the back line with a mixture of short passing and long balls into the front line, particularly when watching Japan and Senegal. We saw an overriding theme of excellent attacking play, with a high level of technical quality and execution. This was underlined with some high-scoring games in which we observed that teams were breaking lines more by playing over or around the opposition. In the final third, they were attempting to work the ball into the penalty area using the wider areas of the pitch to create scoring opportunities closer to the opposition’s goal.

A real standout for me was the attacking strength of Senegal, who used their speed and power to cause teams many problems defensively. Coinciding with this excellent attacking play, we have seen teams with some very talented individual players, particularly with Argentina who demonstrate great artistry on the ball, and it has been a joy to watch.

Defensively, we have observed some clear defensive organisation and teams looking to close of the centre of the pitch and forcing teams to play wide. Japan demonstrated this well in their game against Senegal, with their back line playing very close together with their two defensive midfielders and really limiting the central options available to Senegal. When Senegal did break down Japan’s defence, a solid performance from Japan’s goalkeeper helped his team to victory. As well as seeing organised teams, we have witnessed some very industrious and hard-working performances, particularly from Poland. As the group stages progressed, we saw a clear improvement in performances, and I am excited to see how this develops as the tournament goes on.

Gemma Grainger: Group E in the FIFA Under 17 World Cup showcased a high-tempo style of play, where all teams displayed a commendable commitment to building up from the back, despite facing relentless high pressing. In particular, it was the goalkeepers of France, USA and Korea Republic who were the key instigators and focal points for their teams during this phase of build-up. All showcased an attacking philosophy to build attacks by trying to find different solutions against their opponent’s high press. The group witnessed a diverse range of progression techniques, notably with central midfielder’s adept at receiving on the half-turn and effectively advancing the ball forward. A key player that caught the eye by demonstrating these important techniques was French midfielder Mathis Amougou (20). His ability to receive and distribute under pressure, whilst receiving the ball to feet with an open body shape, was impressive and allowed for more opportunities to progress the ball forward. 

The defensive aspects on show in this group stood out in particular, with centre-backs delivering robust performances to thwart runs from deep areas by opposing central midfielders and resilient wingers keen on engaging in 1v1s. Moreover, the tournament spotlight shone on the impactful contributions of wingers, whose desire and commitment in 1v1 situations made them standout players worth keeping a close eye on as the competition progresses. Many players across the group demonstrated a resilient attitude and commitment to 1v1 attacking, repeatedly aiming to carry the ball towards their opponent’s goal whilst isolating defenders. Appolinaire Bougma (11, BFA), Yang Minhyeok (11, KOR), David Vazquez (11, USA) and Nimfasha Berchimas (7, USA) were particularly impressive.

Pascal Zuberbühler: Group F in the FIFA Under 17 World Cup has provided us with some excellent matches and there has been a clear emphasis on positive attacking play and importance of the ability to hurt the opposition 1v1. We are now seeing teams adapt their defensive strategies to limit how far the opposition can progress in central areas, and in this group we could clearly see the value of having good players in wide areas and how they helped their teams beat their opponents.

Germany in particular have some very strong players out wide. They are direct, have pace and have a good variety in the ways they attack the opposition, either by heading towards the byline or by driving infield with the ball and troubling the opposition with attempts on goal. We have also seen Mexico apply some of these traits very effectively.

Complimenting the attacking play in the wide areas, there have been some strong performances by the centre forwards in this group, and teams have made a collective effort to get players into the penalty area to finish the moves from wide areas. There have been some excellent performances in the middle of the pitch from the Venezuelan midfielders and, despite not registering a point, New Zealand also put in some good performances and will have had a valuable learning experience.

Our final observation in this group is the fast-moving attacking transition play we have seen from all the teams. Germany deserve a special mention here: they look like a team fresh from their success at the European Championship and are showing good cohesion in this area. We have also noted a real positive mentality when teams regain possession of the ball; they look to play forward immediately with a direct route to goal in order to create opportunities from these crucial scenarios in matches.