Double or nothing
Today’s analysis takes us to an OkLiga showdown. Yes, I know there have been some incredible games across the European leagues lately, but this match deserves the spotlight. The locals took home a narrow 5-4 victory.
Keep reading, Aussie—I’m looking at you.
How to Follow the Breakdown:
- Watch the video.
- Read the analysis.
- Match it with the play (start at 0:52).
My Not-So-Humble Analysis
Positioning
Gerard Miquel (#77) from Sant Just carries the ball along the wall. Here’s the setup:
- Sito Ricard (#8) holds the mid-lane.
- Xavi Crespo (#2) is on the weak side (opposite wing).
- Iñaki Cabezas (#70) positions himself on the same side as Crespo but slightly more advanced.
Looking for Spaces
As Miquel crosses the halfway line, he slows the tempo. Sito moves in to set a block for Miquel, allowing him to drive towards the inside. Miquel uses the block but doesn’t create enough space for a clean shot.
Instead of forcing it, Sito cuts into the middle, and Miquel makes a smart pass to Crespo on the weak side.
Stopping at 3
When Crespo receives the ball, he skates forward and stops at 3 (the three-metre mark). This pause is critical:
- Miquel moves outward to rebalance the play.
- Sito skates toward the weak side, opening up space.
- Cabezas, who started close to Crespo, shifts deeper to 9.