False nines? 4-4-2? The tactical trends defining World Cup so far

False nines? 4-4-2? The tactical trends defining World Cup so farImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The return of the 4-4-2, false nines, and set-pieces – the World Cup has already thrown up both familiar and new tactical ideas.ByUmir IrfanFootball tactics correspondentPublished2 minutes agoCommentsThe beauty of the World Cup is the variety of unique styles and players competing against each other on the biggest stage. Sometimes this poses unusual tactical challenges that require on-the-fly solutions. Alternatively, with the popularity and influence of the Premier League and Champions League, we also see nations borrow ideas from club football when the World Cup comes around every four years. Twelve games in and common patterns, trends and match-ups are already emerging. Here are five that have stood out so far.World Cup hydration breaks - who are the winners and losers?Published4 hours agoWirtz, Isak & Diomande shine at World Cup as Iraola plots Liverpool revivalPublished9 hours ago1. The return of 4-4-2Football tactics are continually being developed and analysed in an increasingly detailed manner so it is interesting, and fun, to see the 4-4-2 become so commonly used at this World Cup. Premier League football of the early 2000s was typified by the 4-4-2 formation. Spaces between players were bigger with fewer low blocks and less drilled high presses seen.This led to more time and space for attackers to express themselves.Teams, perhaps due to conditions and lack of coaching time, have reverted to using a 4-4-2 that looks similar, in part explaining why games feel more open.Many teams are opting for such a shape out of possession including Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Brazil, Haiti, Scotland and Japan, at times.In their 4-4-2, teams are picking moments in which to step up and press but for large parts of the game are choosing instead to defend in a mid-block – rather than defending deep or pressing high consistently.If international sides opt to simply...