UEFA EURO 2024: Revealing each of the final eight’s set play weaknesses – set-piece analysis

As we come down to the final stages of EURO 2024, games will potentially become even tighter, with teams seeking to avoid defeat instead of hunting for the win. Blocks may move deeper, become more compact, and be incredibly difficult to break down. This certainly wont be the case in every game, but in the games where this is the case, set-pieces will be the key to unlocking the most stubborn defences.

You can attempt to be as stubborn as you like, but when a well-executed set piece is performed, there is no stopping it due to the unlimited potential set plays can offer. This article will focus on each teams approach to defending set pieces and probe for the gaps in each setup

In this tactical analysis, we will look into the tactics behind the final eight teams at EURO 2024 and their approach to defending set plays, with an in-depth analysis of the weaknesses of each system. This set-piece analysis will examine how each setup could be exploited, and discuss the areas that the opposition should target.

Spain vs Germany

Spains fixture against Germany could arguably be a final as the two strongest sides of the Euros so far face each other in the opening quarter-final.

Due to Spains dominance, they have only had to defend seven corner kicks in the first four games, meaning no team has had the opportunity to test their defence from set plays consistently. However, it is clear to see some gaping holes in their setup, which have the potential to be exploited should an opponent identify these issues.

Spain use three zonal defenders spread across the width of the six-yard box, while one defender protects the near post. Four players are used to man-mark opponents inside the box. The issue with the positioning of the zonal defenders is the large spacing between each player. As the image below highlights, the near and far side zonal defenders are in line with both the near and far post, meaning that the central zonal defender is left alone to try to cover the entire width of the goal at the six-yard line. This means that should Germany increase the number of runs being made into the six-yard box, in the spaces in front and behind the central zonal defender, it is likely they will gain success. Runs into the black areas shown below will force the defender into committing to one of the two areas, which will open up the other area for a German player to attack freely.

The man-marking unit will attempt to prevent the runners from entering the six-yard box, but due to Spains unit consisting of less physical players like Athletic Bilbaos Nico Williams, it will be possible for opponents to power their way through toward the goal or provide Germany with the opportunity to use the mismatch against a potential bigger attacker, where the ball can be crossed deeper directly to a German player who will likely win the aerial duel.

Upon examination of their defensive system and the likelihood of Germany forcing Spain to defend more than any other opponent yet winning more corner kicks, we will likely see Germany create multiple chances from corner kicks against the Spanish spacious zonal system.

On the other hand, Germanys Ach