The low defensive 4-4-1-1 block and 2 goals result in a deficit in the first half to the attacking, aggressive, multi-winger 2-1-4-3 formation in the second and victory via penalty kicks at the end.

Tuesday 27.09.2022

EURO QUALIFICATTION U21 Playoffs 2nd leg

DEN – CRO 2:1(2:0); (agg 3:3); (pen 4:5)

In the U21 Euro Qualification play-offs, Croatia under Igor Biščan made a striking comeback against Denmark after trailing by two goals in the first half. A shift in playing style and formation, significant position changes, and an aggressive approach in the second half rejuvenated the Croatian squad. Eventually, Croatia won on penalties, enabling them to advance in the competition. Biščan’s tactical adaptability and leadership played a crucial role in this victory.

1st HALF

After the first leg 2:1 victory, Igor Biščan chose to protect the one-goal lead with defending play style. With less risk and less aggression on the ball, waiting for Denmark in the defensive half in the double 4411 block. Comparing the first leg match, Biščan was required to do minimal personnel change due to Smolčić’s (LB) injury. So he put Franjić in the left full-back position (Franjić played it a lot in the last season in Dinamo Zagreb), and he chose Rijeka’s midfielder Hodža to play in the defensive midfield position alongside Gorica’s Pršir. Salzburg’s Sučić played more AMC/SS position, and Vidović played on the right wing. Choosing this style meant much-defending effort, trying to stop Denmark’s attacks, and attacking through counterattacks. But due to Denmark’s total ball domination, his wingers (Vidović and Šego) were defending oppositions fullbacks deep in the defending half. Sučić was helping midfielders cover space and passing lanes, so when the ball was going upfield via Beljo, he was alone between two Denmark center-backs, with others far in defending half of the field. So Beljo was unable to make a more significant impact on the match.

Denmark coach Jesper Sorensen chose identical personnel, formation, and style of play, as in the first leg match, but this time with less aggression from the opponent. That meant more effortless domination through possession football. Denmark planned to try to change playing sides with ball circulation and isolate wingers and fullbacks in 1v1, 2v2, or 2v1 situations on flanks, with overlaps, one-two plays, or 1v1 dribbling, and they were doing it a lot. This was especially obvious on Denmark’s left side, where Daramy and Kristiansen made a significant impact and bullied the Croatian defense. After penetrating wing positions, Denmark was trying to get free leg and deliver the ball in the 16yard box via crosses or low parallel or back passes, constantly attacked by 3 or 4 players inside the box. Even if the crosses weren’t met by Danish players inside the 16-yard box, Danish players shot second and bounced balls very well. It all ended in a Danish two-goal lead first half.

Croatia had its flashes, but it can be easily said that the first half was a one-sided game. If it weren’t for an excellent match from Croatia’s two center-backs (Vušković and Soldo), it could be a more significant result difference for the Danish at the end of the first half.

2nd HALF

In the second half, Bišćan changed a lot. Firstly system was in 4123, but the playing style also changed. Croatia started to have triangular geometry on the field and retained possession more. With an aggressive defensive approach, the possession dynamic was reversed. Hodža took the DMC position, and in front of him on half sides were Sučić and Pršir. In the 56th minute, Biščan sent fresh legs in, Biuk (Hajduk FW great 1v1 and 1v2) for Šego(FW/FC), and Fruk (Gorica’s AMC/FW) for Pršir(MC). And then, in the 76th minute, Biščan’s great idea took place on the field. Roko Šimić (Red Bull Salzburg’s FC, very aggressive, and good heading) went in for Franić (LB). Biščan positioned him in the RW position, and Marco Pašalić (BVB II left leged FW) for Vidović (FW), and surprisingly placed him in the RB position.

In 4123 LB was right-leged Čolina, on RB position was left-leged fast winger Pašalić, on RAM was winger Fruk, on RAM was AM Sučić, on LW was FC Šimić. All players had the right to roam except Soldo, Vušković, and Hodža. It took real insight and courage to do this. It resulted in a lot of aggression, an all-out attack in the last 15 minutes, a game totally out of Denmark’s hands, and finally, a goal that allowed extra time.

The goal was the product of Biščan’s insight. A long ball from a freekick deep in Croatia’s half was sent diagonally by Sučić; the ball bounced from Čolina (who would otherwise be on the right side) to Biuk, who penetrated the flank and crossed the ball on the second post, where Šimić, who would probably be central if Biščan didn’t put him RW, headed the ball back inside 5 meters on the first post where Matanović scored.

On extra time Bišćan did an inside rotation; he changed positions between Fruk and Pašalić, so he had a right leg on the right flank. And Pašalić took the LAM position and was the best player of extra time. He made a significant impact with quick progressions with the ball and a few very dangerous shots that required significant interventions from Denmark goalkeeper Hermansen, who was probably Denmark’s best player of the night.

Finally, Croatia won on penalties and will be part of the U21 EURO.

It was an exciting match, won by Croatia’s significant shift in playing style and mentality approach second half. The game was won by Croatian players with great character. But the most considerable credit goes to Bišćan, who made it all possible with his insight. He changed match momentum by the excellent reading of the game, playing system adaptation, personnel change, and putting players in atypical positions with aggressive style and geometry that suited them most.

It’s not easy to construct a possession game with result imperative and in-game player hierarchy, even when the whole country’s youth teams play the same football style assigned by the football federation. But when you get a heterogenic squad and have little time to organize playing style or give playing tasks that are complex and at the same time, you have results imperative against a very good or better team, in that case, coaching creativity and situational improvisation make a difference.

After all, good coaches do make a difference, especially when they can read the game well and find solutions that are compatible with the players’ profiles they have at their disposal. They can correct themselves and reinvent the game at halftime. Making such a significant tactical and psychological impact on the team and game is only possible by great strategists and leaders. Croatian young players have the privilege of working with such a great coach as Igor Biščan. This kind of coach leadership and victories shape a player’s character a lot, which is one of the few most important things in football.