EURO 2020: Why “integral” Robin Lod could have improved Finland’s attack – tactical analysis

Finland were never expected to make it to the knockout stages of Euro 2020, with it being their first ever international tournament finals. However, expectations were raised slightly after their opening round win against Denmark, even though that was in unfortunate circumstances, as it showed the threat that they pose in the final third when they have opportunities to score. Despite this, their performance in their next game, against Russia, was of a team still finding their feet, never really looking like scoring. One of the reasons for this was their use of midfielder Robin Lod, who prefers to play in advanced positions, but was restricted by Finland’s defensive tactics.

In this tactical analysis, we will look in greater detail at Lod’s game, with analysis of how he fits into his team’s attacking play, and then will look at how Finland could have played to his strengths more in the second half against Russia when they needed to score.

Movement

Before we analyse that game, we need to provide ourselves with an idea of Robin Lod’s strengths around the pitch, giving us some ideas to take forward in the scout report. The first aspect of his play to examine is his movement around the pitch.

Here, we see how Finland are trying to play out from the back against Belgium, with Lod turning and running forward as soon as his teammate has possession. Finland wanted to play a counter-attacking style of football in this game, knowing they needed to gain at least a draw to have any chance of progressing beyond the group stage. Lod is a player Finland rely on to get into dangerous spaces around the pitch, and his run here puts early pressure on the defenders, as well as giving his teammate a passing option higher up the pitch, allowing them to attack with more pace and intensity.

Lod’s turn the instant Finland get the ball gives Belgium a choice; they can either close the ball down or block Lod’s run. Therefore, this is one way that Lod’s quick movement helps his team and causes problems for opponents.