EURO 2024 Tactics: Varying takes on wing-play

Euro 2024 has the makings of a fantastic tournament. The first round of matches saw great goals, valiant displays from underdogs, and interesting things from a tactical perspective. The Conventional Playmaker is happy to be covering the Euros for the third tournament running, and will be looking at those interesting tactical themes. And for Matchday One, it was the various accounts of wing-play which set the precedent for a number of results.

Lots of teams are attacking via the their players stationed out wide. Be that their full-backs pushing forward as the nominal wingers tuck inside, be that wing-backs providing a sides main way of bringing the ball forward, or even wingers hugging the touchline like days of old.

They could be doing so because of their sides game plan, or the state of the matches have meant teams are finding more space on the flanks against compact defensive shapes. Some teams have adopted a five-man attack, some teams have deployed inverted wingers, some same foot, and some crossing heavily – with inconsistent results.

Retro Analysis: Andrea Pirlo vs. Germany, 2006 World Cup

In the dying embers of extra-time, Italy scored two goals late, yet brilliant goals, and conquered over Germany in an instant classic World Cup semi-final win. A high tempo affair, Fabio Grosso and then almost straight afterwards Alessandro Del Piero sealed the Azzurri’s fate as they would go on to meet and eventually defeat France to lift their fourth World Cup. Andrea Pirlo was a key figure, winning Man of the Match awards in both games.