It was a surprise, taking in consideration that there were 10 points separating these teams before the Game started, but not so much if you’re there watching it.

Not that Dibba was tremendously superior to Al Wasl, but the contrary was not the case as well.

Therefore, as always, the one that scores eventually got the 3 points!

Al Wasl presented a different team from the last match observed.

Not a better team, definitely.

However, they presented the normal dynamics, changing the formation depending if attacking or defending, which is very, very interesting!

Not only the dynamics, but the fact that the team, regardless of the players on the field, is still applying the same Principles.

Well done!

However, just like it happens in all the teams worldwide, you need the artists to perform, and there were some gaps in performances in this Game.

For the home team, was a particularly difficult and uninspired match.

When in possession, they found it difficult to find the right space in between the defensive and midfielder lines, and to create danger situations mainly opting to go wide and make long crosses when the other team was well positioned and comfortable to face these situations.

Then, when losing the ball, they were slow to react to regain the ball possession, specially the players closest to the ball.

What happened was a mix of a few things, in my perspective:
. When attacking, the midfielders struggled with their first touch, which then didn’t allow them to explore the spaces available, when they existed.

. With the only option being going wide to the sides, and with less players able to succeed on 1v1 situations, the Game became monotonous for the defenders, with one or two exceptions.

. Without many goal situations created, the defenders and midfielders started to integrate the offensive play as well, leaving their holding positions protected, which created gaps to explore on the counter for Dibba’s team.

To the second half, the team tried a few different things, with a strategic change that allowed one of the wingers to swap with one midfielder, being able to connect the Game slightly better than on the first half.

Additionally, the left back started to be more integrated on the attack, also providing more depth to that corridor.

However, on the last third, the lack of inspiration remained unchanged.

And so did the goal chances.

However, it wasn’t all negatives from this match and I’ve enjoyed the profile and potential of a few players from Al Wasl and I’m looking forward to see their improvements over the next weeks!

For Dibba Al Hisn, this was the perfect match!

They were able to resist, specially on the 2nd half, to the offensive attempts of Al Wasl, and to take the Game to where they are more comfortable – defending compact, in a medium to low block, and exploring the spaces in behind the Al Wasl’s defensive line.

They presented a more experienced team, with a formation based on a Gk+4+4+2 in the great majority of the match, with the defensive and midfield lines close enough, not allowing too much space in the central corridor for the home team to explore.

Additionally, the team was able to create danger situations from the beginning of the match in simple offensive processes, which increased their confidence levels, at the same time, as it created anxiety on Al Wasl players.

Dibba Al Hisn also created an offensive dynamic that allowed one of the midfielders to join the defenders on the build-up stage, occasionally, allowing them a versatile approach, including one of the forward players to drop to the midfield and enjoy that space left.

That same player, when the line of 3 wasn’t created, enjoyed the space left between the defensive and midfield lines of Al Wasl’s team to receive the ball a few times, leaving the defensive line exposed to a 4v4 situation at times.

The attacking players all had a similar profile – fast and technically capable, which created a lot of problems to the Al Wasl’s defensive line that was, on one hand, strictly focused on the ball movement and, secondly, to slow to retain and regroup when the space behind their back was explored.

Good to see, and definitely a boost of confidence for the team to the remaining of the Season.

Although it wasn’t a match where there was a team that was significantly better and dominant over the other, it was one of those matches that you feel that whoever scores will eventually be able to take the 3 points’ home!

And, on a set pice situation, Dibba Al Hisn was able to close the Game and take the points with them.

Good efforts from both teams, with a lot of work ahead!

Have you seen these teams recently?
What’s your opinion on the future of these players?

Let’s discuss and bring the UAE Football to a higher level!