Watching Luis Enrique's Spain is really a great experience. They are so clear with their tactical intentions and so sharp at applying them. Here are a few notes of their in- and out-of-possession intentions against Portugal.
During deep build-up, they used wide full backs against Portugal’s narrow high press with 6 men.
They tried breaking the lines of pressure through 3rd man supports and progressed through wider corridors.
In progression zone, we could observe their 2-3-2-3 shape. Full backs started playing narrower as Busquets marker dropped deeper to close channels to final 3rd.
Spain trusted Moratta’s movement to progress the ball to final 3rd. He pinned the ball-sided center back to open channels for wingers and no.8s.
In finishing zone, we saw that Spain merged into a 2-3-5. Late runner’s trigger was the moment ball was sent to the box.
During high press, Gavi marked the pivot, Soler and Busquets marked no.8s. This closed the inner channels for Portugal. Ferran was cautious on Guerreiro’s forward runs. Portugal’s long balls were mostly recovered with +1 advantage at the back.
Eventually, they couldn't get whole 3 points, but the majority of the game went as they planned. They are certainly on the right track and coming to World Cup with confident steps while entertaining people watching their games.
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