Ricardo André

Data Scientist 📈 • Football enthusiast • @HspaceAnalytics ⚽️📊 | Donations

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@JMSR1904 @CabineSport “Testar” na seleção, sendo um amigável acaba por ser um teste para todos. Jogando na esquerda terá que comer o banco do Nuno Mendes em jogos a sério. Se achas que faz sentido..

[O Tribunal do Dragão @TribunalDragao]

Um miúdo de 17 anos, há 2 meses num novo país, que corre 60 metros, mete de gatas um campeão do Mundo com um 'Ronaldo chop', em casa do maior rival, no maior clássico do futebol português. Um golaço de um miúdo que usava fraldas quando Otamendi assinou pelo FC Porto.

Só pela descrição já estava 'condenado' a ganhar.

[Nuno Ferreira @Nunosvision]

DR Congo: Tactical Analysis

Under Sébastien Desabre, who took charge in 2022, DR Congo have developed into one of Africa's most organised and competitive national teams. Their progress under the French manager culminated in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a major achievement for the nation.

Defensive Structure

Out of possession, DR Congo typically defend in a compact 5-3-2 shape.

The front two are tasked with screening the opposition centre-backs and defensive midfielder, while the midfield trio shifts aggressively towards the ball side. This approach allows the team to remain compact and protect central areas, but it also presents some vulnerabilities.

Quick switches of play can create 2v1 situations on the weak side, particularly against teams capable of circulating possession at a high tempo. Furthermore, the midfield's constant shifting can occasionally leave pockets of space between the lines, which technically gifted opponents can exploit through central overloads and combination play.

Another recurring weakness appears on the left side of the back three. The left centre-back is often drawn towards his direct opponent, leaving space behind him that can be attacked with well-timed runs.

Defensive Transition to Attack

DR Congo's attacking transitions are relatively simple but highly effective.

Upon recovering possession, the primary objective is to find Cédric Bakambu as quickly as possible. The striker either attacks the space behind the opposition defence or receives with his back to goal to link play.

Yoane Wissa plays a crucial role in this phase. Given significant freedom of movement, he regularly drops into pockets of space to receive, carry the ball forward and connect midfield with attack. Once progression is achieved, the wing-backs advance aggressively to provide width and deliver crosses into the penalty area.

Possession Phase

When a direct transition is not available, DR Congo are comfortable building through their back line, often adopting a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 structure.

The team seeks to attract pressure centrally before progressing the ball into wide areas. Wissa and the midfielder operating on the opposite side frequently perform complementary movements: when Wissa drops towards the ball, his teammate attacks the space behind the defensive line, and vice versa.

The overall objective remains consistent: draw opponents into central areas before exploiting the flanks.

Offensive Transition to Defence

Following a turnover, DR Congo immediately attempt to apply pressure to the ball carrier in order to prevent vertical progression.

If the initial press is unsuccessful, the team quickly retreats into a compact mid-to-low block. One of the defining characteristics of Desabre's side is their collective commitment to defensive recovery, with players consistently working to regain numerical superiority behind the ball.

Key Players

Cédric Bakambu

The focal point of DR Congo's attacking transitions.
Attacks space behind the defence.
Provides an outlet under pressure.
Capable of holding up possession and linking play.

Yoane Wissa

The creative engine of the team.
Operates with significant positional freedom.
Connects midfield and attack.
Drives progression through intelligent movement and ball carrying.

Chancel Mbemba

The leader of the defensive unit.
Organises the back line.
Dominant in defensive duels.
Comfortable carrying the ball into advanced areas.
A major threat in both attacking and defensive aerial situations.

Set Pieces

DR Congo predominantly defend set pieces using a man-oriented marking system.

Given the physical profile of the squad and their strength in aerial duels, they are comfortable matching opponents individually rather than relying heavily on zonal structures.

DR Congo are a team built on organisation, intensity and efficiency. How far do you think they can realistically go?

[Nuno Ferreira @Nunosvision]

Sweden Tactical Analysis

Sweden enter the 2026 World Cup under the management of Graham Potter, who was appointed relatively recently. As a result, tactical adjustments and structural variations should not be ruled out as the team continues to evolve under his leadership.

Defensive Structure

Out of possession, Sweden generally defend in either a 5-3-2 or 5-4-1 shape, with one of the forwards dropping deeper to support the midfield when required.

The team's defensive organisation is built around compactness. Sweden keep their lines close together, limiting space between the lines and forcing opponents towards the flanks. Once the ball is moved wide, they rely on their physicality and strong aerial presence to defend crosses and direct play into the box.

One potential weakness appears when opponents circulate possession quickly from side to side. While the wing-back on the far side can occasionally be isolated in 1v1 situations, the nearest centre-back is usually quick to provide support. However, this movement can create gaps between centre-backs, leaving space for late runs from midfield.

Defensive Transition to Attack

When possession is regained, Sweden are capable of transitioning quickly, particularly when facing high pressure.

If building from the back becomes difficult, they are comfortable playing directly into their forwards. Both Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak frequently drift into wide areas, where they can exploit favourable 1v1 or even 1v2 situations. Their ability to carry the ball and attack defenders in open space makes Sweden particularly dangerous during transition phases.

Possession Phase

In possession, Sweden often push their wing-backs high up the pitch, pinning the opposition full-backs and creating additional space in central areas.

The movement of the front two is key to the team's attacking structure.

Alexander Isak frequently drops between the opposition's midfield and defensive lines or drifts towards the left flank, often creating overloads in that area. His movement helps connect play and creates space for teammates to exploit.

Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres provides a different profile. He regularly occupies the opposition centre-backs, attacks depth with powerful runs - particularly in the channels between centre-back and full-back -and is equally comfortable moving wide to isolate defenders in direct duels.

The complementary movement of Isak and Gyökeres constantly forces defensive lines to adjust, creating opportunities for Sweden's midfielders to receive possession and progress play through central areas.

Offensive Transition to Defence

Following a turnover, Sweden initially attempt to press aggressively through a man-oriented approach.

However, if the opposition successfully bypasses the first line of pressure, Sweden generally retreat into a compact mid-block. While the team is well organised defensively, they can be vulnerable against opponents capable of switching play quickly, escaping pressure through combination play, or using long diagonal passes to exploit the far-side wing-back in isolated situations.

Key Players

Viktor Gyökeres

Currently Sweden's primary attacking reference point.
Powerful runner in behind.
Excellent ball carrier.
Constant threat in transition and penalty-box situations.

Alexander Isak

When fully fit, Isak provides a level of versatility that few players can match.
Drops between the lines.
Creates overloads in wide areas.
Combines creativity with goalscoring threat.
A key link between midfield and attack.

Isak Hien

While players such as Victor Lindelöf may be more familiar to casual observers, Hien is arguably Sweden's most complete defender.
Strong in individual duels.
Excellent covering defender.
Provides balance and security to the back five.

Are they being overlooked heading into the 2026 World Cup?

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@remymrts Só trocava Diogo Leite por Araújo

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@ArezesMarcos Continua por favor. Com a qualidade que tens, se mantiveres a consistência, as recompensas não tardarão a vir

[𝗄𝖺𝗄𝗁𝗈𝗓𝖺 @simphiweyinkoc_]

UNPOPULAR OPINION:
Introverts don’t hate socializing.
They hate pretending.

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@CabineSport Alguém que o avise que nem que ganhasse todos os jogos do campeonato após isso ainda estaria em segundo

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@atadeia @remymrts Continua o bom trabalho!

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@nogu3s @CabineSport Neste momento seria a primeira, mesmo com Samu

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@remymrts Não percebo o motivo de ter perdido protagonismo em detrimento do Varela nas últimas semanas

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@ch0rabebe Pena o nosso PL gostar pouco de jogar futebol, parece que está a fazer um favor aos adeptos, alguém que o avise onde está

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@france_fario para quando em campo o Melnichenko ou Vonic?

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

Porquê que está a jogar nos sub-19 sequer?

[B24 @B24PT]

Max Dowman destruiu a defesa portuguesa… WOW.

🎥: @Canal_11Oficial

[B24 @B24PT]

Max Dowman destruiu a defesa portuguesa… WOW.

🎥: @Canal_11Oficial

[yokoso @lucky49615]

@nku3he Lill bro football is always not about the assist or goals or flashy dribbling. He controls the game.

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

Fala-se pouco do Alberto Costa para a seleção.
Em jogos de grande exigência, se quisermos "trancar" o lado direito da defesa, seria o jogador mais competente.

[B24 @B24PT]

Os convocados de Portugal para os amigáveis de março.

[Ricardo André @ricardoandreom]

@deporvillage @MrFlag_1 VERGONHOSOOOO, ESPERO QUE VAO À FALENCIA COM ESTE SERVIÇO DANOSO