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Colombia – Ghana: Colombian Control As Ghana Fail To Muster Attacking Threat (1-0)
Colombia eventually emerged victors in their Round of 32 clash against Ghana in Kansas City, winning by a 1-0 margin to qualify for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A goal from Jhon Arias in the first half was enough to settle the game in the end although Colombia dominated proceedings, […] The post Colombia – Ghana: Colombian Control As Ghana Fail To Muster Attacking Threat (1-0) first appeared on Between The Posts.
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Tactical Intelligence
No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition
England emerged victorious in a thrilling game against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, and the Three Lions looked as good as they have under Thomas Tuchel despite having very little possession. The post No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Analytics
The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack?
What do Folarin Balogun and United States striker alternative Ricardo Pepi bring to the position vs Belgium amid FIFA's ongoing red card saga? The post The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Player Profiles
Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash?
Portugal vs Spain should be a fascinating match-up all over the pitch, but the midfield battle could be one for the ages. The post Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Intelligence
Tactical Intelligence
Latest from trusted sources in this category.
No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition
England emerged victorious in a thrilling game against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, and the Three Lions looked as good as they have under Thomas Tuchel despite having very little possession. The post No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash?
Portugal vs Spain should be a fascinating match-up all over the pitch, but the midfield battle could be one for the ages. The post Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Tony Popović was right
Did Popa get other things wrong? Yes, and he should be blamed for that. Was Popa wrong to bring Mat Ryan on for Patrick Beach? No.
The Band-Aid fell off again for Brazil
The press was a Band-Aid on a major shift in the way Brazil play and curate talent. Their players have assimilated more to European ways, which is why I think they keep getting knocked out by European teams.
Intelligence
Analytics
Latest from trusted sources in this category.
The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack?
What do Folarin Balogun and United States striker alternative Ricardo Pepi bring to the position vs Belgium amid FIFA's ongoing red card saga? The post The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
The freakish long-range shots that are changing the World Cup
Shots from outside the box have had a higher success rate this World Cup. Why is that? Here's what the numbers tell us.
USA v Belgium: World Cup 2026 last 16 – live
⚽️ Kick-off time: 5pm local/10am AEST/1am BST/8pm EDT ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail Beau Through four games, Belgium have retained 57% of possession with a 65% field tilt – a possession metric weighing only final-third touches – but haven’t found a way to maximize that advantage. While possession can be a noisy statistic, viewing it in stylistic terms can be informative. So far at this World Cup, Belgium have won the possession battle in all four of their games, with Senegal playing them closest in a 52-48 split. The United States have maintained a 58% share of the ball in their four games, neck-and-neck with Garcia’s Belgium. If Mauricio Pochettino’s side can keep the ball off Belgian feet more often than not, it could unsettle the Red Devils. Continue reading...
Are Norway now genuine contenders? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 25
Erling Haaland couldn't, could he? And what did England's dramatic victory do for their hopes of lifting the trophy
Intelligence
Player Profiles
Latest from trusted sources in this category.
The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack?
What do Folarin Balogun and United States striker alternative Ricardo Pepi bring to the position vs Belgium amid FIFA's ongoing red card saga? The post The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash?
Portugal vs Spain should be a fascinating match-up all over the pitch, but the midfield battle could be one for the ages. The post Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Ipswich Town emerge alongside Hull City in pursuit of Lazio defender
Hull City and Ipswich Town are now competing for Lazio left-back Luca Pellegrini. As we recently covered, Hull were reported to have held direct discussions over a potential move for the 27-year-old. But according to Italian reports from LazioNews.eu, Ipswich Town are interested as well, as Pellegrini’s future in Rome remains uncertain. The insider outlet […] The post Ipswich Town emerge alongside Hull City in pursuit of Lazio defender appeared first on Sport Witness.
Chelsea keeping tabs on Brazilian teenager – Player continues to justify Blues’ interest
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Felipe Morais, and the Cruzeiro teenager is continuing to justify why the Blues are moving so early. Chelsea’s interest in the 17-year-old first emerged during last year’s U17 World Cup. Later, we covererd that the Premier League side had even tested Cruzeiro’s resolve with a €10m (£8.6m) offer. The Brazilian […] The post Chelsea keeping tabs on Brazilian teenager – Player continues to justify Blues’ interest appeared first on Sport Witness.
Intelligence
Match Analysis
Latest from trusted sources in this category.
Merino strikes at the death for Spain to send Portugal and Ronaldo limping out
It ended with a goal from a tall, slightly ungainly figure driving through the centre-forward position – but perhaps not the one that the narrative demanded. In injury time, Mikel Merino ran on to Ferran Torres’s through-ball and, with an impressive calm after a scrappy game that had largely lacked it, rolled the winner past Diogo Costa. He celebrated, as he had at the Euros two years ago, with a run around the corner flag, echoing his father’s celebration after scoring for Osasuna in Stuttgart in 1991, whole at the other end, another centre-forward slumped. For Cristiano Ronaldo, this was the end. In truth, Ronaldo’s end has been coming for at least four years, since the last-16 tie at the Qatar World Cup when he was left out against Switzerland and his replacement Gonçalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win. It wouldn’t be fair to say he bowed out not with a bang but with a whimper, because in truth it wasn’t even that. This was the least effective of farewells. Continue reading...
No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition
England emerged victorious in a thrilling game against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, and the Three Lions looked as good as they have under Thomas Tuchel despite having very little possession. The post No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career ends in tears as Portugal suffer late defeat to Spain
Analysing the big talking points from the all-European last-16 clash in Dallas
How England used five mini games to beat Mexico
The tactical breakdown of how Thomas Tuchel's 10-man England pulled off a remarkable World Cup win in a hostile Mexico City.
Intelligence
Football Business
Latest from trusted sources in this category.
Folarin Balogun: UEFA says FIFA decision 'crossed a red line', warns 'integrity of the game is at stake'
UEFA said in a statement that the suspension of Balogun's one-match ban was an "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision".
Tottenham ready to let player go on ‘very favourable terms’ – Seems too good to be true
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s future at the Premier League side has been a regular topic in Italy over the past few months. Inter Milan showed interest and there were even claims of an agreement between the two parties. However, the track leading to the San Siro is no longer open. Juventus remain an option […] The post Tottenham ready to let player go on ‘very favourable terms’ – Seems too good to be true appeared first on Sport Witness.
Coventry City transfer picture clouds – Botafogo deny lowering asking price
Coventry City’s reported pursuit of Matheus Martins has taken another twist. This comes after Botafogo moved to deny fresh claims emerging from the Netherlands over the winger’s asking price. The Premier League newcomers were reported in Brazil this week to have submitted an offer for the 22-year-old. The player’s representatives are said to be assessing […] The post Coventry City transfer picture clouds – Botafogo deny lowering asking price appeared first on Sport Witness.
Nottingham Forest player’s future takes new turn – Olympiacos move follows managerial change
Nottingham Forest forward Jota Silva now looks set for another move away from the club, with fresh claims from Portugal suggesting he is on the verge of joining Olympiacos. Portuguese journalist Sebastião Sousa-Pinto reports the Greek side have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for a loan deal that includes an option to buy. According […] The post Nottingham Forest player’s future takes new turn – Olympiacos move follows managerial change appeared first on Sport Witness.
Intelligence
Transfers
Latest from trusted sources in this category.
Ipswich Town emerge alongside Hull City in pursuit of Lazio defender
Hull City and Ipswich Town are now competing for Lazio left-back Luca Pellegrini. As we recently covered, Hull were reported to have held direct discussions over a potential move for the 27-year-old. But according to Italian reports from LazioNews.eu, Ipswich Town are interested as well, as Pellegrini’s future in Rome remains uncertain. The insider outlet […] The post Ipswich Town emerge alongside Hull City in pursuit of Lazio defender appeared first on Sport Witness.
Tottenham ready to let player go on ‘very favourable terms’ – Seems too good to be true
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s future at the Premier League side has been a regular topic in Italy over the past few months. Inter Milan showed interest and there were even claims of an agreement between the two parties. However, the track leading to the San Siro is no longer open. Juventus remain an option […] The post Tottenham ready to let player go on ‘very favourable terms’ – Seems too good to be true appeared first on Sport Witness.
‘Manchester United are coming’ – Red Devils ready to offer ‘lot of money’ for big signing
Manchester United have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer, after Casemiro’s departure. The Premier League side’s need to improve this position has further increased following a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte. Manchester United made advances to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United but lost him to Tottenham Hotspur. The situation has forced the Red […] The post ‘Manchester United are coming’ – Red Devils ready to offer ‘lot of money’ for big signing appeared first on Sport Witness.
“That’s just football” – Player on why Le Bris decision meant Sunderland exit
Nazariy Rusyn has ended his three-year spell at Sunderland by completing a permanent move to Karpaty Lviv on July 1st. The Premier League side signed the forward from Zorya Luhansk in September 2023, when they were in the Championship. He lost prominence at Sunderland after Régis Le Bris’ arrival in 2024. To put it in […] The post “That’s just football” – Player on why Le Bris decision meant Sunderland exit appeared first on Sport Witness.
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A curated mix of tactical, analytics, and match intelligence.
No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition
England emerged victorious in a thrilling game against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, and the Three Lions looked as good as they have under Thomas Tuchel despite having very little possession. The post No Possession? No Problem: England Look at Their Best in Transition appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash?
Portugal vs Spain should be a fascinating match-up all over the pitch, but the midfield battle could be one for the ages. The post Portugal vs Spain: Will the Mouth-Watering Midfield Battle Decide This World Cup Last-16 Clash? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
Tony Popović was right
Did Popa get other things wrong? Yes, and he should be blamed for that. Was Popa wrong to bring Mat Ryan on for Patrick Beach? No.
The Band-Aid fell off again for Brazil
The press was a Band-Aid on a major shift in the way Brazil play and curate talent. Their players have assimilated more to European ways, which is why I think they keep getting knocked out by European teams.
The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack?
What do Folarin Balogun and United States striker alternative Ricardo Pepi bring to the position vs Belgium amid FIFA's ongoing red card saga? The post The Folarin Balogun Red Card Saga: What Are the Differences Between Balogun and Pepi in the US Attack? appeared first on Opta Analyst.
The freakish long-range shots that are changing the World Cup
Shots from outside the box have had a higher success rate this World Cup. Why is that? Here's what the numbers tell us.
USA v Belgium: World Cup 2026 last 16 – live
⚽️ Kick-off time: 5pm local/10am AEST/1am BST/8pm EDT ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail Beau Through four games, Belgium have retained 57% of possession with a 65% field tilt – a possession metric weighing only final-third touches – but haven’t found a way to maximize that advantage. While possession can be a noisy statistic, viewing it in stylistic terms can be informative. So far at this World Cup, Belgium have won the possession battle in all four of their games, with Senegal playing them closest in a 52-48 split. The United States have maintained a 58% share of the ball in their four games, neck-and-neck with Garcia’s Belgium. If Mauricio Pochettino’s side can keep the ball off Belgian feet more often than not, it could unsettle the Red Devils. Continue reading...
Are Norway now genuine contenders? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 25
Erling Haaland couldn't, could he? And what did England's dramatic victory do for their hopes of lifting the trophy
Ipswich Town emerge alongside Hull City in pursuit of Lazio defender
Hull City and Ipswich Town are now competing for Lazio left-back Luca Pellegrini. As we recently covered, Hull were reported to have held direct discussions over a potential move for the 27-year-old. But according to Italian reports from LazioNews.eu, Ipswich Town are interested as well, as Pellegrini’s future in Rome remains uncertain. The insider outlet […] The post Ipswich Town emerge alongside Hull City in pursuit of Lazio defender appeared first on Sport Witness.
Chelsea keeping tabs on Brazilian teenager – Player continues to justify Blues’ interest
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Felipe Morais, and the Cruzeiro teenager is continuing to justify why the Blues are moving so early. Chelsea’s interest in the 17-year-old first emerged during last year’s U17 World Cup. Later, we covererd that the Premier League side had even tested Cruzeiro’s resolve with a €10m (£8.6m) offer. The Brazilian […] The post Chelsea keeping tabs on Brazilian teenager – Player continues to justify Blues’ interest appeared first on Sport Witness.
Merino strikes at the death for Spain to send Portugal and Ronaldo limping out
It ended with a goal from a tall, slightly ungainly figure driving through the centre-forward position – but perhaps not the one that the narrative demanded. In injury time, Mikel Merino ran on to Ferran Torres’s through-ball and, with an impressive calm after a scrappy game that had largely lacked it, rolled the winner past Diogo Costa. He celebrated, as he had at the Euros two years ago, with a run around the corner flag, echoing his father’s celebration after scoring for Osasuna in Stuttgart in 1991, whole at the other end, another centre-forward slumped. For Cristiano Ronaldo, this was the end. In truth, Ronaldo’s end has been coming for at least four years, since the last-16 tie at the Qatar World Cup when he was left out against Switzerland and his replacement Gonçalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win. It wouldn’t be fair to say he bowed out not with a bang but with a whimper, because in truth it wasn’t even that. This was the least effective of farewells. Continue reading...
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career ends in tears as Portugal suffer late defeat to Spain
Analysing the big talking points from the all-European last-16 clash in Dallas
How England used five mini games to beat Mexico
The tactical breakdown of how Thomas Tuchel's 10-man England pulled off a remarkable World Cup win in a hostile Mexico City.