In the 11th round of the 2022 Chinese League, a dramatic match attracted many fans' attention. Beijing North Sports University equalized in injury time, and Qingdao Youth Island shared a soccer feast. The two teams had an even record, with 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, and the game presented a comparable match, but the process was dramatic.
[Starting lineup revealed]
Both sides employed three center backs in the opening stages, yet their respective three center back systems showed very different tactical charms.
Below is a display of the starting rosters for both teams:
The three center back system has become a popular choice in today's football world, and the successful use of it by national teams such as England, Germany and France has polished it to perfection. At club level, Conte's
Tottenham Hotspur (city in Morocco)
With Tuchel coaching the
Chelsea
It's more of an outstanding representative of the three center back tactic.
With the development of soccer tactics, one of the center backs is positioned as a mobile player in the three center back system, which was once seen as a conservative "bus tactic". Whereas the traditional center back is responsible for aerial confrontation, the three center backs system is complemented by a mobile defender who is quick, accurate, and able to read the game well in order to complement the defense, adjust the tactics according to the opponent's attack, cut off passing routes, or defend the ribcage. The presence of this player allows the two center backs to move closer to the wing, freeing up the wing backs to get involved in more attacks and create a three-dimensional layer with the front players.
[Attacking and defending the three centerback system]
After exploring the core of the three center back system, let's look at its advantages. First, the three center back system brings solidity to the back line. With an extra defender, the three center backs are better able to take advantage of the numbers, reduce the probability of leakage, and deal with various types of strikers. Beijing North Sports University utilized this advantage in the first half, conceding only one goal to Qingdao Youth Island's onslaught. Even though they were not superior in height and speed, they managed to freeze the two opposing foreigners.
Qingdao Youth Island utilized the attacking advantage of three center backs. With possession in hand, the three center backs were able to get the ball out of the backfield more fluidly, and the two wing backs were able to make full use of the width of the field to diversify their attack by cutting back and passing. Li Guihao's goal in the 22nd minute was exactly that.
[tit-for-tat offense and defense]
With the same formation, the two teams chose different playing styles. Qingdao Youth Island chose to control the ball and press high up the pitch with its players having more individual ability. Although Beijing North Sports University (BNSU) also used the three center backs system, facing Qingdao Youth Island's high press, BNSU still had difficulty in getting the ball out in the first half. However, NTSU's response strategy was timely, and with no possession of the ball, they adopted a more adventurous defensive counter-attacking tactic, and quickly switched between offense and defense, presenting a wonderful duel for the fans.
[Dramatic personal heroes]
In front of a team that presses high, a defensive counterattacking team tends to launch a fatal strike when the opponent's stamina drops. And the ball control team always tries to find a breakthrough when facing the five-back defense team. Qingdao Youth Island broke the deadlock in the first half, but after taking the lead, they didn't turn to defense like England in the Euro final, and continued their high-pressure attack in the second half. However, as their fitness declined, they began to give up possession and turn to defense in the 60th minute, and Beijing BeiShiDa turned the corner.
Wei Chaolun of Beijing's North Physical Education University stepped up to the plate at a crucial moment, facing the opposing team's captain twice and successfully breaking through, getting two opposing players fouled and sent off with a red card. Captain Tian Yong, a key player in the three center back system, was successfully picked off. After Tian Yong was sent off, Wei Chaolun continued to pressure the opposing defenders and assisted his teammates in the goal after a successful break to help his team equalize the score.
Beijing North Sports University (BNSU) chose a similar strategy to Qingdao Youth Island after the equalizer, substituting a defender to hold on to the tie as they were running out of energy and time. But the drama was on again, as Beida's defenders came on as substitutes and the team fell behind again, and Mukam's shot from inside the penalty area helped Qingdao Youth Island to take the lead again. And hero Wei Chaolun was also replaced in this substitution.
Fans and players thought Qingdao Youth Island would come away with the victory, but both teams were overrun by their opponents as they struggled to hold on to the spoils of victory.
However, the match ended at half-time with another dramatic episode. In the final moments of injury time, BNTU's captain Huang Wei stepped up to the plate and scored a header! Once again, he helped his team equalize the score. If individual heroics needed any more drama, it would undoubtedly be the trusted captain finishing the final blow at the crucial moment.
In the end, the two teams with equal strength, similar points and similar formations ended in a 2:2 draw, providing fans with an exciting match.
