EURO 2024 Systems of Play | Pt. II
LAZAR ŠOĆ UEFA A License Coach, Football Analyst
PART ONE of the article, published in the winter issue, explored historical trends in tactical systems at past European Championships, analyzing how formations evolved and influenced team strategies leading up to EURO 2024.
EURO 2024 showcased a variety of tactical systems, with the dominant formation being the 4-2-3-1, used by top teams like Spain, France, and England in different variations— wide, narrow, asymmetric, or strikerless. Less common formations included Slovenia’ s defensive 4-4-2 and Croatia’ s 4-3-2-1, which emphasized midfield strength. France’ s adaptation of 4-3-1-2 incorporated wingers for defensive coverage. Three-centerback systems were employed with different intentions, from Hungary’ s rigid 5-4-1 to Portugal’ s fluid 3-4-3. Teams adjusted tactics throughout the tournament, sometimes shifting formations mid-competition for strategic advantages.
NO TIME FOR COMPLEXITY … OR MAYBE THERE IS: MOST CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
One might have to look more closely to connect the dots( literally) and recognize Switzerland’ s formation. Their 3-4-2-1, with lots of roaming in attack, was both chaotic and mechanized at the same time, making it challenging to follow( diagram 9). Switzerland accompanied this highly coordinated model with possession-based play even against theoretically stronger teams.
It seems that with this brand of play, Switzerland questions the often-heard statement that in national teams, due to lack of time, it is impossible to prepare something highly tactically complex. Although tactical preparation is surely hindered by the shortened time frames that national team coaches have at their disposal, Switzerland and their coach, Murat Yakin, demonstrated that playing tactically advanced, modern football is not a privilege granted only to club coaches.
Diagram 9 – Switzerland’ s 3-4-2-1( against Italy)
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