3 Vol. II

First analysis of the second season, I’m really exited

The game we are analysing today is the World Cup semi-final held in Novara a few weeks ago. Portugal and Spain clashed in this thrilling match, which ended 6-7 for Spain after penalties. If you have the time, it’s a game worth watching from start to finish.

As a reminder, follow these steps:

1. Take a look at the video.
2. Read and think about the analysis.
3. Match the analysis with the video. It starts at 5:20.

I strongly recommend watching the 3 replays, especially the third one from the ceiling, to appreciate Pau’s control.

Transition

Marc Grau (Spain Nº9) recovers the ball and starts the transition. He skates alongside the wall until he reaches position 3, where he stops with his back to the wall. Take note of the other Spanish players’ positions: Pau Bargallo (Spain Nº8) is in position 9, Ignacio Alabart (Spain Nº3) is skating towards position 7, and Cesar Carballeira (Spain Nº5) is also in play.

Asking for the Ball

When Marc slows down upon reaching position 3, we can see Pau signalling for the ball while moving out from position 9. Cesar, on the weak side, opens up space further by retreating with the ball on their own floor.

0

Pau skates towards his own floor, eventually settling in position 3 on his own floor getting a very advantageous position. His defender is on the mid-floor point, giving Pau plenty of space to manoeuvre. Pau begins skating alongside the wall, with Alabart providing a block.

7

As soon as Pau gets free from the block, he passes to Marc Grau, who is positioned at 7. Pau cuts in even faster than before, giving him the advantage in a very tight space. Marc returns the pass with a first touch, and Pau controls the ball perfectly, executing his move. There are two key defensive points: Gonçalo Alves (Portugal Nº77), defending Marc Grau, fails to notice Pau’s cut and focuses on stopping the pass instead of defending the space. Additionally, Girao, the goalkeeper, overcommits to the post each time the ball goes behind the cage, leaving Pau with an advantage as Girao reacts rather than anticipates.

• Main Character: While Marc Grau plays a key role, Pau Bargallo is the central figure in this play. His decisive actions are supported by his teammates, without whom his moves wouldn’t have been possible.
• Area 3: Marc’s initial stop at position 3 gives his teammates time to reposition, creating an opening for Pau to ask for the ball and set up the play.
• Area 0: Throughout the tournament, teams defended tightly, and moving the ball from position 0 to 3 is one of the key strategies for breaking through such defences.
• Changes: Pau’s cut would have been ineffective without the speed change that allowed him to capitalise on the moment.

Grab a stick & keep skating!!!