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Today’s TFA Posts ⚽

Portugal Vs Spain [2-2 (5-3)] UEFA Nations League Final 2024/2025: Roberto Martínez Tactics – Tactical Analysis

Portugal lifted their fourth-ever trophy after beating Spain on penalties following an extra-time period that finished 2-2 in the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League Final, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

Portugal resisted Spain’s attacking threats, limiting their strengths and countering their attempts intelligently to bring the game to penalties.

Both teams were capable of adding the third goal, but at the same time, they were cautious enough to avoid conceding goals in delicate moments, which led to penalty shootouts.

Although Spain did their best to win during the 90 minutes, they could not do so mainly because of Roberto Martínez’s playing system in this match.

This system made things complicated for Spain, especially for their attacking key players, despite conceding two goals.

Portugal’s plan helped limit Spain’s very efficient and dangerous attacking ideas and their players’ individual threats.

One of the players impacted by Martínez’s defensive tactics was the new star Lamine Yamal, who had a hard time beating Nuno Mendes in duels.

In this tactical analysis article, we will explore how Roberto Martínez and his A Seleção side resisted La Furia Roja‘s experience and very dangerous possession-based attack and fixed what went wrong in the first half to take the game to penalties.

The analysis will also focus on the new Mendes-Rafael Leão duo and why Martínez needs to rely on this duo more often.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Preview: How Europe’s Giants Stack Up – Data Analysis

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a historic shift in the tournament’s structure, transforming it from a brief annual competition into a fully-fledged international tournament, modelled on the format of the traditional FIFA World Cup.

This expanded edition, set to be hosted for the first time in the United States, will feature 32 clubs from across the globe, including a select group of European powerhouses.

With increased fixtures, wider global attention, and a knockout-style format, the 2025 edition represents a logistical evolution and a significant test for squad depth and managerial strategy.

This tactical and data analysis focuses specifically on the European representatives—clubs that have secured qualification based on their performances in the UEFA Champions League over the past four seasons.

Among the standout names are Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain – sides boasting recent continental success and clearly defined tactical identities.

This report, which uses advanced statistical metrics, explores their strengths, weaknesses, squad profiles, and stylistic tendencies in the lead-up to the tournament.

However, major European names such as Barcelona, Liverpool, and Arsenal are absent.

Despite strong recent form, these clubs have missed out on qualification due to the competition’s restrictions, which allow a maximum of two teams per country.

This limitation has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, particularly as several in-form teams from Europe’s top leagues find themselves left out.

As the Club World Cup enters a new era, this UEFA team analysis seeks to offer a comprehensive and data-driven insight into how Europe’s qualified clubs compare in terms of individual quality, tactical cohesion, collective structure, and tournament readiness.

It also sheds light on the evolving nature of global club football and the growing role of strategic planning at the elite level.

TFA Archives 📆

Rayan Cherki Scout Report At Lyon 2019/2020: Talent Beyond His Years – Player Analysis

Official: Rayan Cherki joins Manchester City from Lyon for €36m plus €6m on a five-year deal until June 2030.

Dive back into our 2019/2020 scout report to see how his talent first caught the spotlight.

Nico Williams Scout Report At Athletic Bilbao 2024/2025: Does His Style Of Play Better Fit Barcelona Or Arsenal? – Player Analysis

Athletic Club are pushing to extend Nico Williams’ contract with a major pay-rise to fend off interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea.

Dive into his 2024/2025 scout report to learn more about the player!

Rasmus Højlund Scouting Report At Atalanta: Danish Prodigy Reminiscent Of Erling Haaland – Player Analysis

Bayer Leverkusen have joined several top clubs in the race for Rasmus Højlund, including AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, Napoli, Frankfurt, and RB Leipzig.

Dive into our 2023 Atalanta scout report to see what makes him such a sought-after talent.