Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Slovakia vs Wales

At Štadión Anton Malatinský in Trnava, Slovakia and Wales met in a heated European Championship qualifying match. The Welsh had won the last three meetings between the two sides, including a 1-0 victory back in March in the current qualifying round. The lone goal in that match came at the end of a quick, direct attack finished by Daniel James. This time around, however, both teams left with a point, though the tactical concepts and emphases were similar.

This tactical analysis will dissect the tactical approach of both Slovakia and Wales and how they adjusted throughout the match.

Lineups

The hosts lined up in a similar formation and with similar personnel as the previous meeting, the only exceptions being Norbert Gyömbér for Denis Vavro at right centre-back and Róbert Boženík for Ondrej Duda in the centre of the front attacking line. The midfield continued to be the primary progressor of the ball, with Juraj Kucka, Stanislav Lobotka, and veteran captain Marek Hamšík all heavily involved.

Wales opted for a more defensive, reinforced formation. Midfielders Joe Allen and Ethan Ampadu played in the deeper part of midfield, tucking in centrally in defence. Gareth Bale and Daniel James occupied either side of attacking midfielder Jonathan Williams, and with striker Kieffer Moore making only his second-ever start for Wales, it was relatively clear what the visitors’ intent was.