Russia 4-1 Czech Republic: Russia’s Zenit-style counter-attacking exposes Czech weaknesses
The starting line-ups
Russia made a terrific start to their Euro 2012 campaign with a high quality counter-attacking performance.
Dick Advocaat named his expected side – a 4-3-3 system, with Vyacheslav Malafeev in goal.
Michel Bilek’s side featured one alteration from the expected XI – Michal Kadlec moved to the left, where he frequently played during qualification, which meant Roman Hubnik playing at centre-back, and no place for David Limbersky.
Russia were simply the better side throughout the game – more organised defensively, and showcasing much more penetration going forward.
Pressing
The game started at a good tempo, with an obvious 4-3-3 v 4-2-3-1 battle. Each midfielder had an opponent close to him and was generally closed down quickly and tracked across the pitch, while the full-back v winger battles were also enjoyable: in particular, Andrei Arshavin’s drifts inside meant Theodor Gebre-Selassie had a few opportunities to bomb down the right.
But it was the midfield battle that truly decided the balance of the game. Igor Denisov played a very disciplined holding role, and his constant pressure on Tomas Rosicky forced the Czech captain deeper and deeper, to the point where Milan Baros became very isolated upfront. Konstantin Zyryanov and Roman Shirokov worked as a duo against the Czech double pivot of Jaroslav Plasil and Petr Jiracek. Plasil generally stayed a little deeper to get time on the ball, while Jiracek made some good forward runs and closed down more energetically.
Hubschman
However, the key midfield was one who wasn’t playing, Thomas Hubschman. As explained in the Czech preview, “Hubschman…is the best true holding midfielder in the squad…and on paper should be sure starter. Yet when he was suspended for the away game against Lithuania and the play-offs against Montenegro, Bilek had to start with a double pivot of Petr Jiracek and Jaroslav Plasil. Suddenly, the side looked better – more fluid, more open, more energetic in the centre of midfield.”
It was widely expected that Jiracek and Plasil would begin the game in the centre of midfield, and that fluidity was important in giving the Czech Republic more variety in their attacking play. However, with the benefit of hindsight, it was the wrong decision to omit Hubschman. As Russia are so adept at counter-attacking, primarily thanks to the brilliant relationship of the Zenit trio in midfield, plus their natural understanding with Aleksandr Kerzahkov and his intelligent movement, the Czechs desperately needed a stationary defensive midfielder to break up the play when Russia won the ball and moved directly towards goal.
This was a particular problem because Russia had four players moving into the zone between the Czech defence and midfield – Kerzhakov, who dropped deep and created space for others, Andrei Arshavin and Alan Dzagoev, who both had excellent games drifting inside from the wings, plus Roman Shirokov, who scored a trademark goal with a break into the box.
Jiracek and Plasil were presumably selected as more energetic runners able to press high up the pitch, which is a partial explanation. But it was that closing which made the Czechs so vulnerable to quick, direct passing through the lines – those two often moved forward together and one pass cut them both out of the game, most obviously for Shirokov’s goal, when he was the one to initially receive a clever ball that bisected Jirasek and Plasil. The defence, which lacks pace, didn’t want to move too high up the pitch, and therefore Russia found room to work in.
There had been a danger that Russia were too narrow in their attacking play, because Arshavin and Dzagoev both came inside quickly into that space, and sometimes Russia lacked a player to stretch the game, with the full-backs more reserved than expected (possibly because they were scared of the pace the Czechs have in wide areas, although Zhirkov did increasingly get forward). This problem was solved for the first goal by a surprise overlapping run from Zyryanov, and thereafter Russia compensated for the lack of width by finding space between the lines and playing clever straight passes through the defence.
When the Czech Republic were trailing in the game, they tried to press even higher up the pitch to win the ball. Rosicky, for example, started to move forward close to Baros and closed down the centre-backs 2 v 2. But this then left Denisov free, and if Jiracek or Plasil moved onto him, it left Zyryanov or Shirokov free. Then there was the threat of Arshavin and Dzagoev sneaking in behind them. Russia simply found gaps between the Czech banks of players and their excellent one-touch passing meant they slipped through the lines quickly and efficiently. Against a counter-attacking side, the more you press, the more you’re vulnerable.
Second half
Line-ups at the start of second half
Bilek recognised his side’s weakness, and brought on Hubschman to sit in front of the defence. Rezek was removed, with Jiracek moving to the right. This stabilised the Czech side, giving them more protection in the zone ahead of their defence, while Jiracek (a midfielder) played a narrower role than Rezek (a winger/striker) had, coming inside and providing another simple passing option.
There was better balance about the Czechs after half-time, with a ball-playing wide man on one flank and a more direct player (Vaclav Pilar) on the other. Pilar’s run for his goal was very well-timed, though Aleksandr Anyukov went to sleep and played the offside trap awfully.
Ultimately, even with Hubschman on the pitch, the more the Czech Republic needed to attack, the more they pushed forward, the more Russia looked dangerous when the won the ball. Kerzhakov missed various good chances after getting the ball in the channels, although it must be emphasized that his all-round game and link-up play was very good, and a key factor in Russia’s slick play.
Russia became more clinical when Roman Pavlyuchenko replaced Kerzahkov. 4-1 didn’t flatter Advocaat’s side.
Conclusion
A key theme of the tournament is how many coaches have attempted to maintain good club connections throughout their side, and no coach is doing that more obviously than Advocaat. There was simply a wonderful cohesion about Russia tonight, especially in midfield, and it’s no coincidence that Kerzhakov, Arshavin, Zyryanov, Shirokov and Denisov all play together at club level. By recreating the style of football Zenit play, with the players Luciano Spalletti uses, Russia have a great advantage – although as it happens, the star player tonight was the one non-Zenit player in the attacking six, Dzagoev.
The Czech side seemed too open, almost naive, in their approach without the ball. Not only did this leave them open to direct breaks, it didn’t even suit their own approach – which was also expected to be about playing on the break. Had they soaked up pressure by defending deep, they might have been able to bring Russia up the pitch and then attacked the space in behind with the pace of their wide players. That’s eventually how they got their goal, but this approach might have been more consistently dangerous had they drawn Russia forward.
This Russian performance will leave many thinking “how far can they go?” agree that the one club approach worked well. Arshavin was immense 4 years ago and seems like this tournament will bring the best out of him. We won’t be able to tell much about Russia until the quarters given the rest of the group,opponents though:
I don’t know. With Russia being so counter-attacking they could be found out by defensive sides like Greece. If the Greeks take the lead, I’m not sure about how effective the Russian front three would cope. Arshavin, Dzagoev and Kerzhakov all come into a zone where the Greeks are very strong. I don’t think that they are inventive enough to break Greece down and they can’t really beat them at aerial duels. That’s going to be quite a test for the Russians and would tell us if Dzagoev is the genuine article.
That is what I was thinking initially, but after this win and the tie in the other game, facing a team like Greece will not be so problematic.
The knock out round will likely be Germany/Portugal/Netherlands and no need to worry about them playing like Greece.
Besides, Greece were not quite as disciplined and defensive as anticipated today.
poland is basically a counter-attacking side too and they wiped the floor with greece in the first half and should have scored much more.
I’m a little surprised that there’s no mention of how high up Kadlec was for (I believe) the first two goals. It almost looked like the Czechs were playing a back 3 at times! It didn’t look like he was making much of an effort to get back to defend either. For one of the goals, the play came up the left and the entire right side was open. He was 10-20 feet behind his man and sort of jogging as if thinking “he won’t get the ball”. Russia was far superior but if Kadlec had been more responsible it may have been 2-1 or maybe even 1-1.
That’s the main thing I noticed. He kept drifting inside too and leaving an absolutely baffling amount of space.
Agree with this. The Russians had a field day down that flank, which was left suicidally unguarded again and again.
Was going to mention it myself. I found it very strange.
I agree and I think it wouldn´t be so obvious with some other center back (Suchý) instead of Sivok, because he tries to close down everytime very high and when he looses (like at the third goal) then 2 defenders gets out of play…
I agree with the importance of Hübschman and I would also mention really small contribution from Baroš to Czech play, which is unfortunately very usual.
I was surprised at how open the Czech’s were as it was clear that Russia were going to be the stronger attacking team. Agree about the Kadlec comment above. I had this pegged for a tighter, lower scoring game. Wrong again.
Saying that the Czech’s started well and with a bit more discipline it could have stayed a more competitive game for longer.
Good start to the tournament!
Shades of Germany in 2010, unheralded going in, deadly on the counter, but not simply reliant on brute physicality to counter but rather clever movement and quick, short passes.
Although the false nine role is very difficult to get right, it is fair to say it worked today. Kerzakhov had an awful night in terms of his finishing, but his contribution to the team was still good. Although my commentators were clamouring for his replacement, I see no reason to ditch him for the next game.
It is worthy of note that the false nine tactic played here was in many ways dissimilar to that used by Barcelona or United. The false nine role used by these sides can be traced back to Totti at Roma. Beyond creating space for direct, goalscoaring wingers, the false nine role has replaced the traditional number ten in those sides, with the “hole” instead being occupied by a supremely talented striker (in the sense of the talented focal point, Rooney or Messi is a greater heir to the Trequartista mantel than most modern attacking midfielders) intermittently, for a flash. Essentially, the talented forward attracts loads of space in one of the most difficult areas to play in (with the advent of the tackler or even double pivot) for a brief moment, creating space all around him and quickly playing into it.
Russia’s approach here was much different, I think. It would be wrong to call Kerzakhov the most talented player in the team. He still plays very much like any other goalpoacher, number 9, whatever, with a burst of pace, a nose for space, and some aerial play (things not readily attributed to say, Totti, even if Totti does actually score many goals). It would be wrong to even say the plan was to “get the ball to Kerzakhov” in the same way Rooney, Messi, or Tevez would be deployed that way. Kerzakhov isn’t really a sublime passer or creative force, either. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the guy, but let’s be honest. Russia’s false nine system wasn’t so much about attracting errant attention and creating a dilemma with Messi dropping team and Villa bursting behind. Instead, Arshavin, Dzagoev, and Kerzakhov all occupied roughly the same zone. The three of them played infront of the defence, using quick passes and dribbles to escape from midfielders while playing a game of chicken with the defence. When one of the defence would step out or leave dangerous space to be exploited, one of the triumvirate (usually Dzagoev) or one of the mids behind them would attempt to break through. Failing that, a wingback would push forwards and Russia would do something one would not attribute to Barcelona; lumping in crosses and cutbacks (though not in a brainless, mechanical, fashion). Effectively, they would then revert to a more traditional offense (in the first half for example Kerzakhov fired an awkward shot over the bar from a Zirkhov cut back, right from around the penalty spot after the ball had been taken to the byline).
Russia’s attack was not predicated on bursting behind (in this sense they are different from Zenit who have pacier, more direct attackers available when desired, like Danny, Bystrov, and Fayzulin, all of whom are probably closer to the role of Mancini, Vucinic, Villa, etc.). There wasn’t a reliance on a literal axial moment where the striker was now a number ten with a winger rushing behind him diagonally. This rarely happened. Instead, it was like Russia (in attack) played a back three (Denisov + CBs), wingbacks and box to box mids rushing onwards, and then three number tens collectively evading, teasing, and perforating the backline.
If it continues to work, other teams might do well to copy it. It isn’t as reliant on the brilliance of one player (a common criticism of false nine systems), or wingers with unholy desires to play striker, too. After all, there are only so many players who are effective in either role. On the other hand, (at least on the continent) there isn’t much of a shortage of generic attacking midfielders and box to box mids in some capacity can be crafted. I imagine Manchester City being a terrible force with say Tevez, Silva, and Aguero (in this fantasy team I would adapt him to the Dzagoev role), with a monster like Yaya Toure playing like a golden version of Roman Shirokov. The counterattacking, short-passing, and collective vision of this Russia side also doesn’t really demand a clever regista (which are always in short supply) since attacks are concentrated, rapid, and generate force without the need for the decisive pass. In fact, I found most of Russia’s longer, higher, accurate passes, were pinged from the central defence when they were under little pressure.
In this attack, the fullbacks are fairly redundant since they either get sucked inside, or outran by wingbacks who have 30 yards of space to build up a head of steam in. The centerbacks are outnumbered by tricky attackers in front of them while their limited mobility is tested by a Shirokov rushing behind around the outside or through a channel. The defensive mids have trouble since they have to tackle players already in front of them and extremely short passes are difficult to intercept.
To counter it, something of an “advanced sweeper” like Hubschman or Denisov would probably be desired. Russia’s players also looked exhausted to me (not surprisingly). Not only did 4-1 not flatter the Russians, but were they to have greater energy reserves in the second half they probably would’ve created more clear chances. Whether this tactic works for the remainder of the tournament and whether Russia really will be great we don’t know yet. A big part of me hopes they will.
the russians played an intelligent game and the players were brilliant at moving into space created. their passing was incisive and the midfield took their time to start the attacks. it was a very good performance and showed russia was dynamic and played a very good game based on intelligent movement and ability..i don’t think many teams would have played at the same brilliance the russians did.
From what you have said about Kerzhakov’s attributes I think it would be false to label him the “false 9 tag”. The way I saw it was that he was simply a main striker who liked to drop off a bit and drift to create space, he wasn’t as involved in the build up as others, and Russia’s forward 3 was quite fluid so it was part of his remit to come off the centre-backs; but he wasnt really coming into the midfield areas to get involved in play, like we have seen from other false 9 figures. I know Russia are played a counter-attacking game (So he was less likely to get touches of the ball deeper) but I just think we can go insane with our categorization of players.
Excellent review!
I wondered what Czech were doing out there at times.
Zyrianov may have more in the tank than I had thought. Denisov will make a name for himself as he has really grown into the DM role since Tymo left to Bayern.
Kerzhakov is getting blasted, and he should have obviously done better finishing, but it is good to see his positive work recognized. No way he was going to score a goal tonight though, just was not going to happen.
i am just wondering how many people didnt include the russian in their claim for the title. they are an excellent disciplined side and they can go so far in this competition if they can maintain their flow. my secret favourite to win it this year
but Russia is likely to face a very strong opponent in quarterfinal.maybe that is the reason.
Russia found spaces on wings so easily.When they were carrying ball in centre of the pitch they had option to pass the ball towards both wings.Czechs were neither closing central areas nor wide areas.a terrible defensive performance.
Cech was very poor too.
Russia excellent.
The Czech tactic was bizzare to say the least, at times it seemed they fielded no left back, like other posters aknowledged already. Russia were truly impressive in terms of cohesion, movement, and style. They are a joy to watch and I personally hope they go as far as possible.
That said, Advocaat’s team looks a bit shaky in defense and vulnerable at set pieces. In truth, they remind me a bit of various Dutch sides over the years – brilliant going forward but knocked out by a good defensive side every time.
i couldnt watch the whole match because of the great tata sky but whatever i saw in the first half was like this . czecks reminded of the french team in the last world each and every player spent too much time on the ball trying to take on the whole defense or trying to make a killer pass or cross most importantly their pressing reversed on the them . even though the czecks were pressing in the midfield they played surprisingly deep for me . russians used the long ball towards the start and since kerzhakov’s movement cause them problems since he started running in channels the back four went narrow and arshavin and dgozev got a lot of space to run on defense . the defense too looked to be in a dilemma whether to hold of the line or drop deep and their organisation felt apart . the back four couldnt handle the front three of the russians .
the other aspect about the czecks they coming with equal zest on the russians but they could had slowed down the game because the russians were not not pressing but were intent on keeping their shape czecks could had slowed down the game then find the killer pass or move . jan koller was rightfully missed by the czecks he could have held up the play slowed the game and headed the crossed that came from wide areas . milan baros never really knew what to do the russians played a high line and since baros was isolated he could not thread had somebody played alongside him or just off him things would had been different . rosicky went too deep for me . the czecks will struggle to come out of the group while the russians will be the winners
notable players :- nobody .
this is nigerian scam email .
I think when Russia plays against a heavy pressing team they will get serious problems. The Czech let them have way to much space.
Watching the Russian (counter) attacks was a pure joy. It sometimes looked like a league-1 vs a league-5 kind of match, in the way the Czechs were running behind.
Unusual to see that kind of precision and perfect timing of runs and passes, except for Spain/Barcelona maybe…
Great win for Russia, but the Czech republic will be the easiest side their face here. Their approach was poor, they defensive line didn’t push up with their midfield creating huge gaps for the Russian players. Plasil also should have dropped deeper to try and intercept the passes. The Czech’s biggest strength was their midfield’s possession play, but they didn’t do this enough. They should have kept the ball for long periods and been more patient, waiting for Russia to open up a bit and then attack, this showed for their goal, when they kept the ball, got plasil on the ball who then played a great through ball for the winger moving inside. This hardly happened as they usually went more direct with balls straight to the wingers and expected them to do something special.
I think the Czechs will finish bottom of this group, they look weak defensively, dont’t play to their midfield’s strengths and look devoid of a threat with Baros up front – the worst player out of both games yesterday.
Russia were brilliant in their breaks, but might find it harder against the Polish and Greeks, they are not through yet!
Check out my blog if you get the chance http://economicinterest.wordpress.com/
I don’t think so. Czechs can beat both Poland and Greece. If they return to more cautious approach and make one or two changes in the starting lineup. Russia is by far the best team of the group.
I personally think that yes the Russians were very good at creating chances, but ultimately wasteful and that it was defensive indiscipline that cost the Czech’s:
- Jiracek was too willing to get forward, leaving Plasil to mark Shirokov when he pushed forward
- Gebre Selassie was too willing to get into the final third when the Czech’s attacked, allowing Arshavin to position himself high up the pitch and counter
- Kadlec’s positioning was awful at times and when the Czech defence shuffled over to deal with Arshavin he was often caught too high up and too narrow, allowing Dzagoev to drift out wide and then cut inside.
It’s no surprise that the first, second and third goals all came down the Russian right hand side from similar positional mistakes by Kadlec.
Check out http://tttfootball.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/russia-4-czech-republic-1-8th-june-2012/ for all my thoughts
Interesting point: While nearly all Russia’s players come from Zenit or CSKA, all 11 of the Czech Republic’s players play for different clubs. It’s easy to see why they were so disorganised compared to Russia.
On the other side, Jiráček, Rezek, and Pilař used to play for Viktoria Plzeň. It was more about their naive approach and Russian early lead…Czechs have problems scoring, but were tough team to score against during qual. I don’t know why they tried to play offensive football so much, they are no Barcelona:-) They need to stay compact and counter-attack through the wings. And some experienced players like Kadlec (awful to his standard), Sivok, Plašil (insvisibe except goal pass)…have to step up their game. But the defense has to be the foundation to build on. Luckily, Greece or Poland won’t be that precise and lethal as Russia and I think the fiasco of the two “DM’s” won’t happen again.
Very good performance by the Russians, good to watch attacking play as well.
Think the Czech’s helped them though, pretty open, left quite alot of spaces to be exploited, and as has been mentioned Russia might find it tougher against a more organised and disciplined side.
Arshavin was fantastic last night, where was that performance for Arsenal, I’m sure that’s the question many will be asking. No basic errors in his game, none of his sloppy, erratic passing, and he was dribbling very well and playing a very good killer ball as well. Also impressed by Dzagoev he looked a promising player. I thought Pilar was a good player, took his goal very well, and his all round game looked decent as well.
Excellent review as always. The speed with which you are managing to spit these out is amazing. Truly great work!
Thanks for some other great article. Where else
could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.
I am genuinely grateful to the owner of this site who has
shared this enormous article at here.
If you wish for to obtain a great deal from this paragraph then you have to apply these methods to your won website.