Bosnia and Herzegovina failed during the week to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020, losing in their play-off shootout against Northern Ireland. Dušan Bajevićs men played out a 1-1 draw on the night but were beaten 4-3 on penalties. They now need to bounce back to revive their hopes in the Nations League after failing to win the opening two rounds in the group. Bajevićs side began with a 1-1 draw against Italy but were beaten last time out by Poland. They needed a response in this game.
Netherlands began life after Ronald Koeman with a win against Poland in their Nations League Group A1 opener. However, they lost their second match against Italy and were beaten by Mexico in their first game under former Ajax manager Frank De Boer. The new manager has talent aplenty at his disposal, but Oranje had to prove a point to get back on track in the Nations League.
This tactical analysis will give an insight into both teams tactics. As will this analysis provides a deeper insight into the game between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Netherlands.
Lineups and formations
The home side deployed a 4-1-4-1 system to combat the Netherlands. It was a rather weakened side due to Bosnia going the full game, the extra time and penalties during their EURO 2020 qualifier. In total, Bajević made six changes from their defeat against Northern Ireland. The likes of Asmir Begović, Arsenal left-back Sead Kolašinac and Edin Džeko were drafted to the bench. This gave some players a good chance to impress the head coach.
De Boer was even more radical and made eight changes to his team from their defeat to Mexico. Jasper Cillessen started between the sticks, Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind got the start in the full-back positions. Only Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum retained his place in midfield as Frenkie de Jong and Maarten De Roon were recalled. Luuk de Jong led the line supported by Quincy Promes and Donyell Malen.
Totaalvoetbal
The term totaalvoetbal refers to the constant position exchanges between all the outfield players during a teams offensive phase. The Dutch were the founders of this concept. Decades after the introduction of it, the Dutch still embody this type of offensive football style. The game against Bosnia showed us this.
The example below shows the stru
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