The game continues.
In the first half, except for the Swedish team's offensive advantage in the first 20 minutes, the rest of the time was in a tug-of-war with Ireland.
Although Sweden has advantages in technology and ball control, Ireland's midfield suppression was very good and caused a lot of trouble for Sweden.
This made it difficult for Sweden to launch an effective attack on Ireland's penalty area in the second half of the first half after slowing down the pace of the game.
On the other hand, Ireland, although they did not invest too many troops in the frontcourt, they fought very efficiently every time they counterattacked.
Moreover, since Sweden only has Lindelof in the backcourt, this also means that Ireland's two forwards and a midfielder, a total of three people, can also press Sweden in the frontcourt.
It is difficult to get the ball out of the backcourt, which affects the advancement of the midfield, which in turn affects the frequency of attacks in the frontcourt.
"Let Forsberg drop back to receive the ball from the back?" Arteta put forward his suggestion.
Now he observes the details of the game very carefully and can quickly come up with effective solutions. This is why Pan Yi is assured to let him take over as Chelsea head coach.
But Pan Yi still rejected Brother Tazi's idea: "This is a way, but in this case, our ability to press in the midfield and frontcourt will be further reduced."
In the development trend of football explained by Pan Yi, a very important point is control.
Why is the Swedish team's central defender's slow turning problem so easily caught and exploited by opponents?
In addition to the players' own ability characteristics, there are actually other reasons.
Because many times, the shortcomings of some players in a team can be made up for by other players!
When such a situation occurs, it means that the Swedish team did not press their opponents enough.
Now Pan Yi is just trying to get the Swedish players to gradually adapt to controlling the rhythm of the game in such an intense match, pursuing local and quick cooperation instead of asking the frontcourt to form a level of pressure on Ireland like Chelsea.
The loss of pressure on the opponent makes the Swedish midfielder unable to provide timely and effective protection to the backline, and the opponent can easily threaten the backline.
Looking at today's football, from clubs to national teams, how many of the top teams do not emphasize on-the-spot counterattacks and midfield and frontcourt pressure?
Pressure has become an indispensable and important element of today's football tactics, but Sweden has not done enough in this regard.
Second, Sweden’s control is insufficient.
Every defensive line will have problems, such as Barcelona, which was nearly invincible at the time. Their weaknesses were high balls and Pique's turn.
But once extreme oppression and control are achieved, this problem will be minimized. The opponent will find that the ball and space are controlled by the opponent and difficult to exploit.
Even if you want to hit a high ball, there is no room for your feet!
The Swedish team's midfield control is not strong to begin with. Needless to say, Ekdal and Karlström are good at holding their positions.
Forsberg has good skills, but he prefers passing threatening balls and long-range shooting skills. He is not good at control, or being the metronome of a team.
Therefore, the ball will often fall to Ireland's feet, and they will get more frequent opportunities to cross, allowing their double centers to hit headers.
Fortunately, the Swedish team's defense now has good air defense capabilities, which prevented the Irish from succeeding.
"So in the second half, I will consider letting Kulusevski go up and try to play in the midfield. His impact is still acceptable."
After explaining his thoughts to Arteta and Scaloni, Pan Yi finally said.
"Kulusevski is a good guy, but he still feels too young!" Scaloni was a little worried.
Arteta feels the same way.
But Pan Yi still said with a smile: "You are still young, as long as you can play to his level, you should use it. Have you forgotten Mbappe?"
In fact, in the warm-up match against Wales, Pan Yi tried to use Kulusevski in different positions.
In Pan Yi's previous life, the adult version of Kulusevski mainly played as a right winger and liked to use his smooth left foot to cut inside and hit the goal.
Sometimes he also plays as an attacking midfielder, which is the No. 10 position. This is also to use his excellent skills to deliver artillery shells to the forward, and he can also suddenly penetrate the vital points like a sharp knife.
In fact, when Kulusevski is currently in the Atlanta youth team, he also played the No. 8 position.
This is because he also has a stable ability to hold the ball, a proactive attitude towards cooperation and a broad vision of the game, coupled with his excellent passing and long-range shooting abilities, which allows him to pose a threat far away from the goal.
This is also normal for young players. After all, no player is fixed in a certain position since he was a child.
In other words, which child doesn't want to be a forward? Whether it was Van Dijk, Casemiro, or even Joe Hart, Neuer always played as a forward when he was a child.
Youth training coaches of all ages often allow players to be exposed to as many positions as possible, which also helps a young player improve his understanding of football.
You will start to slowly determine your position when you are about 13 or 4 years old, and this is not fixed. After all, some players may sometimes be discovered late because of a certain trait, and it will not be developed until an older age.
Of course, we are more familiar with the stars who changed their positions, even after they had entered the adult first team, and then they rejuvenated in their new positions, which also changed their destiny.
Sergio Ramos, from full-back to centre-back;
Gareth Bale, from full-back to winger;
Andrea Pirlo, from attacking midfielder to defensive midfielder;
Yu Dabao, from forward to defender... (This article is deleted)
They tore off their previous labels, in another position, they realized all their potential, and became famous in one fell swoop, or became more famous than before.
In short, Kulusevski is only 16 years old now, and he can completely shape tactics and positions suitable for him based on his characteristics, and let him perform to his own level.
More importantly, these characteristics of his now are quite suitable for the Swedish team, and can also improve the two problems mentioned above in Sweden.
First, Kulusevski is young and energetic. He can run on both sides after coming up, and he can also assist the frontcourt in pressing Ireland;
Secondly, Kulusevski's foot skills are also better than Karlström, which can increase the control of the midfielder.
It can be said that this is an approach that kills two birds with one stone.
The only hidden danger is that his playing may lead to a further decline in the defensive ability of the midfielder, which can be said to be a risky choice.
"How can there be gains without taking risks on the court?" Pan Yi chuckled. "That's it for us in the first half. Let the Irish relax their vigilance. In the second half, we will use this pink trick. Show them!"
——
"Your performance in the first half was very good, I'm very satisfied!"
In the locker room at halftime, Pan Yi did not express his dissatisfaction with the players.
After all, Pan Yi asked for an opening attack, but now Sweden did not score a goal in the first half, which obviously did not achieve the results expected by the head coach.
Therefore, every Swedish player is now under great psychological pressure.
Pan Yi knew that if he was reprimanded again, it would be counterproductive.
A mature head coach must know how to control his temper, know when to get angry and when to provide encouragement.
"But we seemed a little too sloppy in the final pass and scoring. We must pay attention to it in the second half!"
The players were all sweating profusely, but they all listened carefully.
This is the first official game that Pan Yi has directed them to.
There are many people in this team who dream of joining Chelsea and Pan Yi's team.
Although most people are still a little far away from a wealthy club like Chelsea, now they are still coached by Pan Yi, which can be regarded as getting what they wanted.
Therefore, none of them dared to be careless, for fear of leaving a bad impression on Pan Yi.
"You!" Pan Yi looked at Forsberg, "After the start of the second half, your area of activity must be larger. When you move forward, you must be able to interfere with the opponent's central defender; when you retreat, you must be able to protect McCarthy and others. Pull out a few lower backs, do you understand what I mean?"
Forsberg drank water and nodded heavily.
"In the second half, you replace Karlström." Pan Yi pointed to Kulusevski again, "You play as a central midfielder with Forsberg, and be careful to keep a distance from the defensive midfielder Ekdal."
The young Kulusevsky looked surprised and a little nervous at the same time.
He never thought that in such an important European Cup match today, he would get a chance to play so soon!
According to his idea, Pan Yi may have called him into the team just to train rookies. If he could play at the last moment of the game and experience the atmosphere of the competition, he would be very satisfied.
After all, Kulusevski is half a year younger than Isaac and has no professional league playing experience. His expectations for the national team are even much lower than Isaac.
"have you understood?"
Pan Yi asked again, and Kulusevsky quickly puffed up his chest and responded loudly: "I understand, boss!"
Pan Yi turned back and patted Karlstrom on the shoulder.
The coach didn't say anything, but Karlstrom understood that he was trying to comfort him.
Although there was indeed a little reluctance in his heart, Carlstrom still met Pan Yi's eyes and nodded firmly.
As a veteran, of course I know that the interests of the team come first.
After his hard work in the first half, he was indeed a little unable to do some running.
At this time, Shiyi taught Pan Yi to make adjustments, which were obviously targeted tactical changes. Could he still say no?
Of course, another factor is that behind Pan Yi, Ibrahimovic's tall figure is standing there, glaring at Karlstrom.
Carlstrom even saw that Ibrahimovic seemed to be holding a baseball bat in his hand...
"Ireland's defensive system is actually not rigorous. There are big gaps between the three defensive midfielders. We must be good at seizing their gaps and taking advantage of them."
Pan Yi continued his tactical explanation:
"So after the start of the second half, Kulusevski, Ekdal and Forsberg all have to enter the opponent's 30-meter area more, run more, find more gaps, and cooperate with the forward line to dismember the Irish team's defense. !”
"As long as the offensive players find gaps in the gaps, it will definitely cause the defensive side to be passive. They have to intercept, help defend, and fill in. These actions will disrupt their defensive rhythm."
"Moreover, this will also increase the tight defensive distance they have maintained with their teammates, and once the distance is opened, that is our opportunity."
"Ibrahimovic is still the core on the front line. If you have the opportunity, you can ask your captain to hit the goal. You know he has such ability."
"But if the Irish guard him tightly, then you two can do whatever you want, and don't rely too much on your captain!"
Pan Yi's last two words were said to Isaac and Guideti, and the two wingers also nodded heavily.
They made some low-level mistakes in the first half that led to missed opportunities, and of course they wanted to perform better in the second half.
"The offense in the second half will mainly be launched from the left, focusing on their right defense!"
Pan Yi began to emphasize his strong-side offensive tactics on the left.
Ireland's right back Brady, although his speed is pretty good, his defensive positioning and tackling ability are relatively average.
His career path in Manchester City's youth training was not smooth, and now he can only play for a team like Hull City.
So Pan Yi wants to seize the opponent's weakness and carry out key strikes!
"Olsson, you have to be more decisive in the second half and rush forward as soon as you get the ball."
"As for whether to leave it to Isaac to handle it after arriving in the frontcourt, or whether to cut inside and go to the bottom yourself, you make your own decision based on the situation on the court."
"But one thing is, don't hit the ball hard into the penalty area, because our Zlatan sometimes doesn't like to header the ball, and he may have retreated to get the ball."
Olson nodded in understanding.
"Issac, you have to keep responding to Olsson. Once he attracts pressure from the defensive players and pulls out the gap, you can hit the gap resolutely and Olsson will form support behind you. Be smart. , boy!”
Pan Yi looked at Isaac again.
It's not just Kulusevski who was replaced in the second half, but Isaac is actually the more important part of Pan Yi's offensive tactics now.
"The Irish team's counterattack was very sharp. In the second half, our midfielders and frontcourt players should pay more attention. After losing the ball, everyone fought back on the spot!"
"I want everyone to fight back on the spot as soon as possible. Even in the last minute of the game, don't be careless. Don't slack off before the whistle blows!"
"This is our first game in the European Cup. To be honest, if we had not won Ireland, we would not have been eliminated. But, did you come to the game just for a draw or even a loss? "
The players responded in unison:
"No, we are here to win!"
"Very good," Pan Yi clapped his hands, "Then let us go out now and let those green Irish people understand how powerful our Vikings are! Face the sea, boy!"
"Aye!"
——
“Let’s look at this Irish offense.”
"O'Shea passed the ball forward to McCarthy, and Sweden's Ekdal pressed forward immediately."
"McCarthy wanted to pass the ball, but made a mistake. Kulusevski intercepted the ball before Sean Long and made a very beautiful steal. Sweden counterattacked!"
"After Pan Yi replaced Kulusevski in the second half, the youngster performed very actively. Not only did he show his talent in dribbling and passing, he even helped the team a lot on the defensive end. !”
"Kulusevski dribbled the ball very quickly and soon entered the Irish half. The entire Irish defense was quickly returning to defense, but there seemed to be a loophole on the right. Brady just wanted to go up and assist. Failed to return to defense in time!"
"Kulusevski passed the ball here as expected! Swedish left back Olsson had already assisted. After taking the ball for a few steps, he handed it over to left winger Isaac who came to take over."
"Issac made a beautiful stop and continued to dribble the ball along the left, reaching the heart of Ireland, and handed it to Forsberg!"
"Forsberg passed the ball to the front of the penalty area, beautiful! After Ibrahimovic leaned on O'Shea, he stopped the ball, turned around, and shot directly from the front of the penalty area, and the ball went in!!!!"
Following the on-site commentator's exclamation, all Swedish fans stood up from their seats in surprise, and the Stade de France suddenly became a yellow sea of joy.
The live TV camera immediately switched to Pan Yi on the coaching bench, and he was seen jumping up from his seat excitedly, raising his arms high and shouting, venting his excitement after scoring.
After all, this is his first goal in his national team career!
Soon, Arteta, Scaloni and others also hugged Pan Yi excitedly, looking very excited.
done! Pan Yi's midfield tactical adjustment had an immediate effect!
Pan Liying!
"In the 55th minute, just 10 minutes into the second half, the Swedish team took the lead in breaking through the Irish team's goal, 1:0!"
"The Swedish team's coordination is very beautiful and their running awareness is very good."
"Especially the young players Isaac and Kulusevski, who were just called up to the team shortly before the start of the European Cup, played a very key role in this offense."
"Kulusevski is the initiator of the attack from steals, while Isaac develops the ball to Ireland's most threatening area. It can be said that Pan Yi's use of them is the biggest highlight of this offense. !”
"When the ball reached Forsberg's feet, everything became clear. The Leipzig midfielder, who was established by Pan Yi as the core organization of the team, accurately handed the ball to the feet of captain Ibrahimovic."
"How could Ibrahimovic miss such an opportunity? When he turned around after taking the ball, he was as calm and decisive as ever, and his kick was also very determined. This is exactly the Ibrahimovic we are familiar with!"
"When kings come, they go, Ibrahimovic!"
Pan Yi felt greatly relieved after the team scored.
After adjustments in the second half, left back Olsson stepped in more resolutely, and the interaction between him and Isaac and Kulusevski was more complete, which completely revitalized the wing.
Create opportunities for Forsberg and Ibrahimovic and then let them seize them. This goal is as simple as that.
And now, it’s about continuing like this.
"Don't be too obsessed with this goal, seize the opportunity and come again!"
"Don't be careless. Remember, we are only 1 goal ahead, and it is very unsafe!"
"While they haven't recovered yet, keep working hard and get another one in!"
After the celebration, Pan Yi shouted continuously from the sidelines, asking the players not to relax because of the goal and to continue to maintain pressure on the Irish team.
Don't shrink back in formation, continue to maintain pressure, and strive to score more goals to completely establish the advantage of the game!
Such reminders are indeed useful.
Less than 5 minutes after the Swedish team scored, Ekdal intercepted Ireland's ball in the midfield, counterattacked again, and once again scored into the heart of Ireland.
The Irish players obviously haven't fully recovered from the blow of conceding the ball just now. Facing Sweden's thunderous attack, the defense seemed a little flustered.
When Ibrahimovic passed Forsberg's pass back to Isaac who was running in from the wing, O'Shea actually pushed Isaac with a more obvious push in desperation.
Isaac's feet softened and he fell directly into the penalty area. The referee's whistle also sounded.
O'Shea immediately appealed to the referee, believing that Isaac had dived, but the referee still pointed his finger firmly at the penalty spot.
Penalty kick!
Ireland looked helpless, but Ibrahimovic had already held the ball in his arms and headed towards the penalty spot.
Facing Randolph, Ibrahimovic first made a powerful shot.
Randolph predicted and rushed to the right, but Ibrahimovic made a light shot...
Spoon penalty! Da Fengxian can also embroider!
With Ibrahimovic scoring twice, Sweden leads Ireland 2:0!
Shortly after the goal, Pan Yi began to deploy his troops.
He first replaced the goal hero Ibrahimovic with Marcus Berry, and also let Ibrahimovic accept the cheers and applause of the Swedish fans in the audience.
Ibrahimovic is definitely the big killer of this Swedish team, but he must be used sparingly!
This is especially true in competitions with a dense schedule like the European Cup.
Although Ibrahimovic felt a little annoyed because he didn't have the chance to score a hat-trick, he also understood Pan Yi's decision.
After all, he is no longer the young Ibrahimovic, and he knows his physical condition.
Even if he is a lion, he is still a middle-aged lion!
Later, Pan Yi used Sebastian Larsson, a former Arsenal youth training and current Sunderland player, to replace Forsberg.
Two big babies, hide them!
These two substitutions mean that the Swedish team begins to focus on defense.
Of course, Ireland, which was lagging behind, was unwilling to fail and replaced veteran forward Robbie Keane in the final stage, launching fierce attacks on Sweden's position one after another.
But Sweden was not anxious at all and patiently launched a defensive counterattack under Pan Yi's command.
Ireland's attack failed to work. Instead, the Swedish team seized the opportunity of the opponent's defense and launched several counterattacks, but unfortunately they failed to grasp it.
In the end, there was no change in the score.
Sweden defeated Ireland 2:0 and got a good start in this European Cup!
(End of chapter)
