It’s been usual, in the recent weeks, to see Al Ain teams coming to Dubai to get a win.

However, the Al Nasr U18’s didn’t gave them an easy task.

Specially on the 1st half – the score at half-time was 1-0 to the home team, Al Nasr!

This match was a great entertainment to see from the outside, naturally, with 5 goals in total and good talents to observe in 2 teams with different approaches, although they were very similar on the System and Tactical Formation (both teams on a GK+4+2+3+1).

Physically, there were no immense visible differences between the teams, at first sight, although in some duels it was possible to highlight those differences.

But wasn’t general.

Al Nasr presented a stronger squad, in comparison with the last match observed of the same age, with a mix of 2007 and 2008 YOB (Year of Birth) players.

To the formation chosen, similar to the last match, but with some different dynamics, some of them probably influenced by the last Game of Al Ain team in Dubai, a few weeks ago, mainly:
. Less to none influence and support of the side-backs on the attacking strategies;

. Many individual references defensively;

. Centre-backs always very aggressive defensively and close to the Striker, trying to avoid him to turn or be comfortable in providing supports;

. Midfielders, due to the lower physical capabilities, specially on the 2 holding Midfielders, tried to  get lower on the field and closer to the Defensive line, avoiding space between sectors (Defensive and Midfielder lines) – this strategy was successful during the 1st half, as they took the Al Ain’s Attacking Midfielder (28) completely out of the Game and were relatively close to the 2nd ball.

Therefore, the team approached the Game with a clear mindset of defending together as an unit and try to explore the counter-attacks with the 4 talents on the top of the field, and they had a lot of success on the 1st half.

They got a few counters, specially from the left side, with success and got confident to pursue that path.

However, on the second half, there was another history to be written.

The Al Ain team, also repeating the same formation as weeks before, struggled with the lack of space available and aggressiveness on the attacking players during the 1st half.

During the 1st half they struggled with their decision making, specially with the wingers but, on the other hand, they were able to understand their oppositions behaviors and adapt for the 2nd half, mainly on the dynamics of the attacking players, allowing more space for Attacking Midfielder (28). 

This factor allowed more dominance, as they moved the holding midfielders of Al Nasr Team also to the sides and more space in the center, therefore, more space means dominance. 

And that’s exactly the story of the 2nd half, almost a total dominance of Al Ain team, translated into 4 goals.
Al Ain team throughout the Game also presented some difficulties in the positioning of their defensive line, rarely pressing and moving at the same pace and rhythm.

Offensively, there was less involvement of the side-backs, similarly to Al Nasr, surely impacted by the performance of the Al Nasr on the counters on the 1st half and probably influenced by the right-footed left side back.

Again, I’m forced to reinforce the exponential growth of tactical awareness of both teams, ready to adapt to the different contexts the Game provides.

Well done to the Coaches and Club’s Methodologies!

Will keep an eye on a few players, as there’s a good room for improvements on both sides, but this match presented very interesting talents!

Do you know any players from this teams?
Or have you been observing UAE Football?
What’s your takes on the Football in the region?

Let’s discuss!