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    ANALYSIS: How Switzerland decongested Filipinas' defensive shape

    Switzerland's fluidity was key in breaking the Philippines' defense
    Jul 21, 2023
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    PHOTO: PWNFT
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    SWITZERLAND'S 2-0 victory over the Philippines in the first day of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup was definitely a tough loss for the latter given how they managed to hold their ground against the former's offensive arsenal.

    Things could've gotten our way the moment we landed the first goal, which would be later ruled as offside. Then came that controversial penalty call, which gave Switzerland the lead.

    It was definitely a baptism by fire for the Filipinas as they realized that the stage is more grandeur, yet despite the struggles they endured the Philippines did show a sparkle of hope, evident with how they played.

    An organized defensive unit

    During their match against South Korea in the AFC Women's Asia Cup campaign, the Philippines felt the blunt force of Korea's ball movement as they were left stunned by their ability to easily switch the ball to the opposite flank.

    Was it the same outcome against Switzerland in the World Cup group stages? The eyetest suggests that the Filipinas have improved as they were able to shutdown the opposition at the early stages of the match.

    During the Swiss' buildup phase, both Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou would deny Lia Wälti's space, which meant that the Swiss pivot was left isolated. This led to the likes of Ramona Bachmann or Geraldine Reuteler dropping deep to help her.

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    Since the central areas have been denied, Switzerland decided to progress the ball to the flanks and the results didn't yield the desired outcome. Even with Bachmann, moving around the pitch to support her teammates, the Philippines managed to shut down their ball progression.

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    Switzerland realized that a slow possession game isn't going to break down the Philippines' defensive shape, hence their decision to look for other alternatives.

    Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic's forward runs

    As the match went on, Switzerland slowly flipped the switch. At some points, striker Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic would make sudden forward runs.

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    This allowed Switzerland to slowly inch their way and move the ball to the penalty area, and while this has proven to be threatening, the Philippines managed to deny her attempts.

    Both Hali Long and Jessika Cowart have marshalled her well as she barely had opportunities to utilize her physical presence.

    Eventually she decided to try her luck on the wide areas, however this limited Switzerland's attacking options in the central areas, as the players that took over her spot in those areas lack the physical tools and the aerial presence inside the penalty area.

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    It likewise didn't help that the Philippines marked Ramona Bachmann really well to the point where she couldn't land a long distance pass to Crnogorcevic.

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    While the Philippines was able to slow her down, Switzerland realized one key loophole, that Crnogorcevic is being guarded by two defenders, leading to a lightbulb moment.

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    Coumba Sow an additional defensive magnet

    Standing at exactly 5'10 feet tall and with a build similar to an unstoppable freight train, Coumba Sow has the physical tools that could serve as a threat to the Filipinas.

    With Crnogorcevic being marked by two defenders, Switzerland decided to push Sow further forward. Her physical frame would then attract two Filipinas' defenders.

    This led to the Filipinas' defensive shape becoming narrower, opening up opportunities for Switzerland to attack using their fullbacks.

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    As the fullbacks started charging forward, Switzerland felt like they could finally penetrate Philippines' rigged defensive setup. There have been some triangle formations and 1-2 passes on the wide areas that suggest that the Swiss are gaining steam on the flanks.

    But Switzerland's tactical efficiency didn't just end there as there was one important adjustment that took place.

    Switching Sow and Reuteler

    Throughout the match both Sow and Reuteler would alternatively shift positions, a strategy which has a lot of benefits.

    Sow is renowned for her physical stature and she could test Filipinas' defenses on both sides of the pitch. As seen earlier, her presence could open up opportunities for Switzerland to attack on either side of the pitch.

    Reuteler on the other hand is more known for her speed, which she could use to capitalize on weary or exposed defenders on both sides.

    Switzerland's 2nd goal was testament to this, where Reuteler who initially was on the right side of the pitch, supporting the likes of Seraina Piubel and Eseosa Aigbogun, suddenly shifted to the left, where she made a blistering run past the opposition.

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    Ultimately, this highlighted Switzerland's fluidity in their system and we could expect more from them in their upcoming matches.

    Overall despite this loss, the Philippines did show some promise especially on the defensive end as this could've been worse given the flexible ball movement from the European side.

    While our defense has been commendable, concerns stem from our offense as both Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou looked isolated in their first World Cup match. The physicality of their foes mixed with their defensive setups on the open spaces forced our two attackers to struggle in this game.

    Will this improve as the matches progress? Let's just wait and see.

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