This Match was another representation of the growth and development of the Game not only in UAE but in the Region.

It was a great and competitive Match in Dubai, with different strategies from both teams, even if when observing the Formation it was somehow similar with both teams opting for a line of 4 Defenders, 2 holding Midfielders, 3 Attacking Midfielders and 1 Striker.

Although UAE made a slight adaptation during the 2nd half, in a more GK+4+1+4+1 due to the needs to have more players creating movements at Bahrain’s defensive line.

But we will go there later.

For now, besides this Formation adaptation being another pillar for Players (and Coaches) growth, creating a greater Tactical Awareness that is clearly developing in a significant manner in the country, the Strategic approaches were remarkably different.

Whereas UAE opted for a more dominant approach, preferentially building their Game from the 1st third and connected the players through short passes and funneling multiple players to the central corridor, Bahrain opted for a medium block with the defensive line up on the field.

This approach from the away team (Bahrain), was both risky and rewarding as they were able to mitigate the offensive actions of the local team, especially during the 1st half, and expose them to something somehow new, as there are not a lot of teams opting for this strategy against the best teams and players (where you will find these players selected for the National Teams).

What surprised me the most was that they were acknowledging the risk of this strategy, even in “Open Ball” moments – a concept that involves a deeper knowledge of the Game.

Again, very risky, but it paid off.

Bahrain was also very quick on their transition to attack, with the offensive Players being all technically capable and fast, although physically less powerful to hold the duels.

Additionally, they were very strong on their 2nd balls, especially when UAE Team started opting for longer passes and diagonals for the players closer to the Bahrain’s defensive line, representing an effective readiness to the Strategy selected for this Match where both holding midfielders performances were remarkable, even for those that got on the field during the 2nd half!

Well done!

Regarding UAE, there were good things, as the adaptation for tactical changes and movements needed when facing a Strategy as the one they faced, and things to improve, naturally. 

To start, without the match starting you can continue to observe a clearly change on the physiognomy of the players selected. 

The team was significantly more powerful than the opposition team.

Now, liking more or less of the direction of the modern Game there’s no doubts that physicality elements are crucial to be relevant in the Game nowadays.

Being fast, having a good impulsion, physically powerful, able to win duels is immensely important in today’s Game, especially when Tactic knowledge is getting closer and closer worldwide. 

Technical abilities still has the potential to be a differentiator, mainly due to cultural aspects, but it’s also true that there are more and more nations reaching a baseline that is very common worldwide.

Back to the Game, the team struggled to face this Strategy of having so much space behind the Defensive line by, first, moving the ball slowly from player to player when approaching a more associative Style of Play, at the beginning; then, when they understood the space available, they tried to rushed it forwards and, eventually, got caught in some offsides that could be avoided; and, lastly, by not providing the needed width when facing strategies as such, forcing the defensive line to spread along the maximum width of the field and, consequently, increasing the chances of having gaps between the defenders.

This was very clear during the 1st half and, accordingly, the Coaching Staff proposed a change in the approach for the 2nd half, with an inverted triangle with only 1 holding midfielder, trying to guarantee the connection between defenders and attackers, in a GK+4+1+4+1 formation. 

And, truth to be said, although they keep facing some issues on the 2nd balls, because there were almost 5 players instantly forcing diagonal movements to the space left behind the defensive line and no one left to recover the ball after the header, when deciding for a long pass, they were able to create a few clear chances to score.

Good idea, perhaps with less efficiency in some parts and, definitely, merged with an unfortunate day for the forward players, that could materialize the chances created.

But this is the beauty of the Game, it’s a constant Game of the cat and the mouse, trying to uncover each other gaps and explore them!

UAE had clear chances to score, but credits need to be given to Bahrain’s courageous approach that ended paying off in the end!

Great Game!
Great exposure for the players!

For more to come!

Have you been involved with Football in the region?
What’s your opinion on the improvements done so far?
Where are we going to be in 2031?

Let me know your thoughts!