Sometimes, the key tactical feature of a game is subtle. It’s a decoy run made by a forward, a full-back playing higher than usual, or a winger drifting inside, which slowly builds pressure or creates chances that don’t quite result in goals.
And sometimes, it’s absolutely blatant: something entirely clear from watching the mere highlights, never mind the entire 90 minutes.
In Germany’s 4-2 victory over Portugal on Saturday, it was very much the latter. In fact, it’s difficult to recall another top-level game being decided so conclusively by such an obvious tactical ploy. Joachim Low kept his wing-backs high and wide, and Germany scored all four goals — and had another disallowed for a marginal offside — in very similar fashion.
Low’s decision to persevere with his
