FIFA World Cup 2018: How Mexico Have Been Effective On Set-Piece Counter Attacks

A remarkably high amount of the goals scored during the World Cup so far have been scored from set-piece situations. Being extremely careful not to concede goals from corners and free-kicks by having most of the players defending the set piece would be a reasonable reaction. Not for Juan Carlos Osorio!

True to the motto “Attack is the best form of defence”, the head coach of Mexico chooses the opposite option by leaving three players up front. The main idea lying behind this uncommon tactic is to immediately counter-attack after winning the ball.

Even though there is some risk, Mexico seem to have planned their strategy down to the smallest detail. As a matter of fact, they have already been successful with it.

Ethnical Disparities Force Mexico To The “Special” Strategy

Taking a closer look a look at the Mexican squad, it is noticeable that Mexico’s players are not the tallest. With an average height of 1.79 metres (starting XI of their match against South Korea, data from whoscored.com), El Tri has one of the smallest teams at the World Cup. This is a disadvantage which must not be underestimated when it comes to set piece situations. Most of the teams choose to play a high ball in order to head a goal in an aerial duel.

On the one hand, leaving three attackers high up the pitch mostly forces the opponent to stay on the halfway line with four players to preserve a numerical superiority in the defence. Thereby the height difference decreases because the shortest players are not forced into aerial duels in their own penalty box.

On the other hand, pacy and agile players enable the Mexican side quick counter-attacking. As an example, Lozano has got the ability to outplay defenders in isolated 1v1-situations.

A Strategy Planned With Love For The Detail

Behind this well-organised strategy lie several considerations in order to find the perfect mixture of defending the set piece and being prepared for the own attack.

Two defenders act as zonal defenders. One on the first post to defend short crosses. The other one at the edge of the penalty box in a central position to gain second balls in dangerous areas.