cjfthistleRather than accepting the orthodoxy of 4-4-2, it is interesting to note how the two teams adapted their strategies to cope with each other's strengths.

While England started very offensively - intitially I was tempted to place Wright in the right midfield position - as the game settled down it became clear that they intended to play through the middle and find space with high balls from around the halfway line.

Brazil, on the other hand, seemed content in the first half to sit back and wait for England to tire. In this period, they were also happy to carry the ball to midfield then look long for Jairzinho or Pelé running in behind Cooper.

02.05.2011

nvrTeams of 70s were a lot more liberal about switching formations. The game was not as fast paced and as physical as today. Teams could afford any imperfections a formation might cause.

04.05.2011