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Boris_Ignatievich t1_iyta449 wrote

Reply to comment by tuctrohs in Average goals scored per game played at the World Cups — there used to be more goals in the past; since 1962 no World Cup averaged at more than 3 goals per game [OC] by ikashnitsky

The early 60s was when the back 4 became prevalent as a tactic, rather than the wm or variations thereof, so my suspicion is that's driven the change, but I might be forgetting another factor

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Tiken139 t1_iytk51l wrote

Agreed, if you read the book “inverting the pyramid: history of soccer tactics” Brazil’s 4-2-4 in 58 WC inspired most to play 4 back, and Soviets started to play 4-4-2 as early as mid 60’s

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pluslinus t1_iyuzou0 wrote

Is it good? I’ve been thinking about gifting it my dad for christmas, he’s very into tactics

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Only1Goose t1_iyv2zs0 wrote

It’s good but it focuses more on pre 2000’s tactics. If you want to read more about modern tactics I recommend Zonal marking.

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Boris_Ignatievich t1_iyv7rnf wrote

It's very good - I've only read the first edition that stops around 2008 with Spallettis striker less Roma side, so can't comment on the newer editions and how they handle the rise of tiki taka etc, but the historic stuff is excellent

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